Thorn and Ember

·. 𝒮𝓉𝑒𝓅𝓈 𝑜𝒻 𝒱𝓊𝓁𝓃𝑒𝓇𝒶𝒷𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓉𝓎·.

THE CORRIDORS OF Merlin Academy buzzed with the usual morning energy, students weaving through the hallways, their laughter and chatter blending into a symphony of youth. Yet, Maleficent moved through it all like a shadow, her mind elsewhere as she approached the entrance to the dance studio.

Her fainting spell from the night before still lingered at the edges of her thoughts, a constant reminder of how close she had come to showing weakness in front of Hades. The very idea made her stomach turn. The last thing she wanted was for him, of all people, to think she was anything less than invincible.

Pushing the door open, she found the studio already half-filled with students stretching and preparing for the class. Hades was, unsurprisingly, among them, lounging against the barre with his usual air of arrogance. His friend, Zeus and Poseidon, were nearby, locked in a playful argument over who could perform the most impressive spell without the professor noticing.

As soon as Hades saw her, her eyes lit up with that familiar teasing glint. "Well, if it isn't Sleeping Beauty herself," he called out, earning a few chuckles from his friends.

Maleficent rolled his eyes, her lips curving into a tight smile. "Keep laughing, Hades. I'm sure your dancing will be just as hilarious."

"Ouch," Hades said, feigning a look of mock hurt as he pushed away from the barre. "Here I was, just about to compliment you on your grace. But I suppose some things never change."

She could feel his eyes on her as she moved to her usual spot, his gaze lingering a moment too long for her liking. Ignoring the flutter of unease in her chest, Maleficent focused on her breathing, willing herself to stay calm and composed.

Eve and Cruella joined her shortly after, their expressions more concerned than usual. Eve gave her a pointed look. "Are you sure you're okay to dance today? You don't look like you've had must rest."

"I'm fine," Maleficent insisted, a little too quickly. "It was just a one-timing thing. I'll be fine."

Cruella raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "If you say so. But don't push yourself too hard. We wouldn't want you to faint again."

Maleficent's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, her gaze dropping to the floor. "I won't."

Before they could press further, Madam Leota, the strict and stern dance instructor, clapped her hands to get the class's attention. "Pairs, everyone. We'll be practicing the sequence from last week."

Maleficent felt a familiar dread settle in her stomach as the students paired up. Predictably, she found herself facing Hades once again, his smirk already firmly in place.

"Shall we?" he said, holding out his hand with a flourish.

With a sigh, Maleficent placed her hand in his, the contact sending a shiver down her spine. She quickly dismissed it, focusing on the routine they were about to perform. She wouldn't let him get to her, not today.

They moved into position, and as the music started, they began to glide across the floor. The dance was a waltz, simple yet elegant, but with each step, Maleficent could feel her energy waning. She had barely eaten anything that morning, her stomach too knotted with anxiety, and now it was beginning to take its toll.

"Try to keep up, Mal," Hades whispered as they spun, his voice low and teasing.

"I could say the same to you," she shot back, though her voice lacked its usual bite.

He raised an eyebrow, noticing the subtle change in her tone. "You sure you're alright? You're looking a little pale."

"I'm fine," she insisted, but even she could hear the strain in her voice.