“Ah, well if it’s upsetting, I can stick to calling you Ornella.”
“It’s fine, but only if I can call you Morg in return.”
Her smile widened as she held out her hand for me to shake it, signifying some sort of deal. At first I was a little
apprehensive, staring at the outstretched hand like it was a snake waiting to strike. Deals were not as simple as they once
appeared.
“Don’t worry, this isn’t a life deal,” she joked.
Reaching out, I placed my hand in hers. Shaking her hand was our way of creating not only a silly bond over our names, but
possibly a newfound friendship. Releasing my hand, she brushed her hands through her hair, and snuggled back into her seat.
She brought her knees up to her chest and seemingly got more comfortable.
“You don’t have to keep me company,” I said, picking up the history book once more.
“It’s not that. April is with Nicholas helping prepare for the wedding and Vanessa has gone out hunting. Personally, I think
she’s meeting a man that she doesn’t want Nic to know about.”
She definitely reminded me of Talia. The younger ones were the ones you always had to watch, as they were always
watching you. They kept their ears to the ground and listened to any story or gossip they could find.
“I don’t really know your sisters well enough to comment. But, I am a poor substitute for them, I'm sure. Would you like to
take a walk in the gardens instead? It does seem rather pleasant out today.”
“That sounds wonderful, thank you. I can show you the summer house then! It was my mother’s favourite spot.”
Shooting up from her seat, she pulled me up from my own without wasting a breath. We left the library from the side door,
through my room, practically running the whole way towards the gardens. Laughter erupted from me as she made me keep up
with her pace.
I haven't run through halls with my own siblings like this in some years. We turned a corner and I watched her run straight
into Nicholas, who did not seem at all amused. His body went rigid as he saw Morgana and me. The shadows behind his eyes
danced even in the sunlight. His hand flexed then relaxed, the shadows swirling at the tips of his fingers.
“Morgana, what have I told you about running in the halls!” he bellowed and she shuddered in response. Fearful.
“It was my fault. Please do not be mad at her,” I said in a rush.
Stepping forward, I put myself in between them both. The rumble of a growl deep within Nicholas’s chest came out as he
looked at me then to his sister. His chest tightened in his white crisp shirt as he rolled up his sleeves, breathing slow and
deeply.
“Then I will tell you. No running within the halls, understood?”
He seemed a lot calmer when he spoke to me, but that hint of anger was still at the edge of his voice. I didn’t enjoy being