He Couldn't Be That Bad? // Sebastian Sallow and You (spicy)

33. Greek Party Part 2 (firey smut)

Author's note: Sorry this chapter is so long. But also, not sorry this chapter is so long...

"Do you think the Gaunt's know about Karpe's animal trade? Half of these coats have her labels." I say, rifling through the closet. Each one I pass makes my stomach drop lower and lower in my gut.

"If they do, they clearly don't care." Sebastian held up a black reptilian cloak with a scowl. "This isn't thestral is it?"

With a grim nod I confirm, running my hand down the material wondering how someone with the terrible honor of being able to see them would wish to do them harm, let alone wear it. "Remind me why we can't just burn this house down?"

He gave me a sour grin. "I can't think of a good reason."

Thoughts rumble around my head like rocks, clanging around so loud and painful I actually wince. "We should see if they are just terrible people who buy these things, or terrible people who partake in animal trade." I say putting the cloak back on the rack. "Either way, I can't sit idly by and let it keep happening."

Sebastian puts his hand up to my cheek, gently cupping my face. I lean into his warm palm, letting my eyes fall closed.

He presses his forehead against mine. "So you want to snoop through the house?..."

Unable to stope the grin from creeping over my face. "I would."

Sebastian lets out a single chuckle through his nose. "And if they are involved, maybe we can sick the anti-poacher club on them. I hear one of their members can wield lightning."

I open my eyes, meeting his gaze. "And I heard one of their members has quite the proclivity for fire."

Pulling my face back enough so he can study me more carefully, a dark and mischievous look flashes in his eyes. "Looks like you don't need much help being corrupted."

It's then that I don't think Sebastian realizes just how far I'd been corrupted by him. The dark path I had let him lead me down. Plunging head first down the rabbit hole Fifth year for him. Starting off a plucky student eager to help, then being fully and utterly invested in his dark magic. I blink, shaking my head from the mind wandering.

Sebastian peeks through the closet door.

Crouching under him I see the room has quite a few people inside. "Where do you think we should start?" I whisper.

Sean is still at the piano and glances at the door. Making eye contact with Sebastian. I want to jump back and slam the door shut again. It's obvious why we've been in here so long and my cheeks flush.

To Sean's credit, he wrapped up the song he was playing and stood, calling out to those in the room. His Irish accent thick and booming. "Alright, it's been far too long since we've had a drop. Everyone let's fetch us a top off."

Excited murmurs circulate and people eagerly begin exiting towards the refreshments. Once the room is clear Sean gives us a thumbs up and leaves as well.

"Absolute legend that one." Sebastian opens the door to the closet and straightens his clothes.

We step out into the room and quickly follow the group, hoping to be seen but also blend in once we're in a public space again.

"I can't believe he saw us coming out." I drag a hand up my forehead as we follow at the tail end of the crowd that is now filing slowly into the solarium.

Sebastian scoffs at me. "He saw us go in." He grabs my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Sean's solid, no need to worry."

Sacharissa is standing before a large golden cauldron that is now at the center of the green room. Plants weave up the walls and hang onto the iron and glass ceiling. Their leaves and petals unphased by the turning of the season from the safety of the solarium.