Thorn and Ember

·. 𝒰𝓃𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒𝓁𝓎 𝒜𝓁𝓁𝒾𝑒𝓈 ·.

THE BELL RANG, echoing through the ancient halls of Merlin Academy. Students streamed out of classrooms, their conversations a mix of excited chatter and whispers of the latest gossip. Maleficent stalked through the throng, her face a mask of indifference, though inside she simmered with frustration. The day had barely started, and already it was proving to be a disaster.

She was still fuming from her earlier encounter with Merlin. Being paired with Hades from the challenge had been a blow to her pride, but what irritated her more was the smug look on his face when they'd been assigned together. The thought of working with him—someone she couldn't stand—was bad enough, but the idea of actually relying on him for anything? That was almost unbearable.

She was so lost in her thoughts that she nearly walked straight into the towering figure of the Evil Queen.

"Watch it!" the Queen snapped, but her annoyance quickly turned to concern when she saw Maleficent's expression. "What's wrong? You look like you're about to curse the entire school."

"I might," Maleficent muttered, her voice dark. She glanced around, making sure no one else was close enough to overhear before adding, "I've been paired with Hades for this ridiculous challenge."

The Evil Queen raised an eyebrow. "You? With Hades? That's. . . unexpected."

Cruella, who had been leaning against the wall nearby, sauntered over with a wicked grin. "Sounds like someone's in for a bit of fun. Can't say I envy you, darling. Hades isn't exactly what I'd call good company."

"Tell me about it," Maleficent sighed, rubbing her temples. "And to make matters worse, we have to figure out this challenge by the end of the week. Merlin wouldn't tell us what it is, just that we need to be prepared."

The Queen crossed her arms, her gaze thoughtful. "It sounds like he's testing you—not just your abilities, but your patience as well,"

"Patience isn't exactly Mal's strong suit," Cruella teased, but there was a note of sympathy in her voice.

Maleficent shot her a glare. "If I wanted your opinion, I'd ask for it."

Cruella held up her hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. No need to get snippy."

The Queen's expression softened slightly as she placed a hand on Maleficent's shoulder. "You'll figure it out. You always do. Just. . . try not to let him get under your skin too much. He's probably enjoying this as much as you're hating it."

Maleficent scoffed. "Oh, I'm sure he is. But I won't give him the satisfaction."

As they spoke, doors to the dance studio opened down the hall, and a few students began filing out. The trio turned to see Hades, Zeus and Poseidon emerging from the room. Hades' eyes locked onto Maleficent's, a small, knowing smirk tugging at his lips. Zeus and Poseidon tugging at his lips. Zeus and Poseidon were engaged in their usual banter, seemingly oblivious to the tension between their friend and the sorceress.

"Speak of the devil," Cruella murmured with a smirk, her eyes flicking between Hades and Maleficent.

Hades sauntered over, his hands tucked casually into the pockets of his pants. "Maleficent," he greeted her with a mockingly polite nod. "I trust you're ready to start planning for our little challenge?"

She crossed her arms, not bothering to hide her irritation. "I've had more pressing things to do."

"Really?" Hades tilted his head, his tone laced with amusement. "I would have thought you'd be eager to tackle this head-on. Or are you worried you might need help?"

The corner of Maleficent's mouth twitched in annoyance, but she refused to rise to the bait. "I have the urge to tackle you right not and I don't need help from you or anyone else. But since we're stuck together, I suggest we get this over with as quickly as possible."