The Serpent & Hawke | Mattheo Riddle | Enemies to lovers

Part 8 - You have what I want

I leaned against the wall near the Griffin statue, my mind racing with visions of my father's impressed face.

Lyanna emerged from the stairs, her posture rigid with tension. As she tried to brush past me, I pushed off the wall.

"So, what was that all about, Hawke?"

She scowled. "What?"

I smiled, savouring the moment.

"Your special abilities."

"Fuck off, Riddle." She spat, quickening her pace.

I matched her stride. "Oh come on, I'm intrigued. Tell me."

"No."

"You survived a dragon attack. Disintegrated a troll with one spell. Sent McLaggen to the hospital wing. Nearly burned down the library."

I listed, watching her face carefully.

"And you wonder why people don't go near you? It's not exactly common, Hawke. The professors seem at their wits' end with you."

Lyanna stopped abruptly, turning to face me.

I stepped closer, lowering my voice.

"Tell you what. I'll tutor you, help you get the grades you need for next semester."

She laughed, but it was hollow. "And why would you do that? I doubt it's from the goodness of your heart."

I smiled, relishing the moment. "Think about it. I have perfect grades. I'll help with your assignments and coursework if—"

"I'm guessing this is the catch?" Lyanna cut me off, folding her arms.

"Teach me how to wield it." I said, my voice low and intense.

Lyanna scoffed and turned to leave.

I grabbed her arm, spinning her back.

Our faces were inches apart, and I could swear I felt a crackle of energy.

"I have what you want. And you have what I want. We can do this the easy way and trade, or I can make your life very difficult."

Her eyes searched mine, a mix of fear and defiance swirling in their depths.

I loosened my grip.

"Think about it. Because from what I heard...You don't have anywhere to go if you're expelled."

Lyanna's face softened, a flash of vulnerability crossing her features.

"I don't know how to wield anything." She admitted quietly. "It just...Happens. Even if I wanted to show you, which I don't, I wouldn't know how."

"Then go to your lessons with Fig and learn." I pressed.

"It's not going to happen overnight, Riddle!" Lyanna's voice rose. "This is something that's been suppressed for over eighteen years. The only thing I know about it is that it hurts people!"

She took a shaky breath. "Fuck, why am I even talking to you?"

She turned to leave again.

I followed, unable to resist pushing further. "Don't leave so soon, I thought this was a date?" I joked, my tone mocking.

"Leave me alone!"

"Oh come on, baby, don't be like this." I taunted. "I said I'd help you get into next semester."

"Well, for one, I don't trust you, and two, I don't like you. So no."

I blocked her path again. "I'm not saying make a decision now—"