Malachi's smile didn't reach his eyes.
"Excellent choice."
His attention shifted to Freya. "You may return to your classes."
She blinked, caught between confusion and outright rebellion. "Sir, I—"
"That wasn't a suggestion."
Freya's eyes slowly flicked to mine. I gave the tiniest shake of my head. You know better. Don't push him.
Her jaw set. "Yes sir." She turned on her heel, leaving our midst.
We all watched her go. Malachi's smirk returned, slow and satisfied. "Now… where shall we begin?"
"Anywhere, really."
He shifted his attention back to us, the weight of it landing squarely on my shoulders. "Shall we start with the headmaster first?"
My heart sank, no, it dove, like a weighted stone into the pit of my stomach. My mouth was dry, my throat suddenly two sizes smaller.
"Y-yes," my mum said, clasping her hands together with a brightness that felt just a bit forced. "Yes, we should. It would be nice to officially meet him."
