Page 17 of The Banshee and the Warlock

Warmth fills me that has nothing to do with the tea and everything to do with the compliment. "Thanks."

"So should it still be purple?"

I nod. "I took the potion that dyes it yesterday." And that was earlier than I was supposed to because I felt like my hair was already being washed out. I don't understand why it's wearing off so quickly compared to normal. And I'm fresh out of potion until Mum sends me more, and I doubt she's going to be happy with me going through them at the rate I am.

"Do you particularly like having purple hair?" he asks.

"I prefer it to this." I sigh, letting my hair drop out of my hand. "I know it's probably nothing compared to what other people went through, but kids used to be cruel about it, asking me if I was a crone in disguise, or why I'd gotten so old. It made me hate my hair. Now I'm saying it out loud, it sounds ridiculous."

"It sounds normal," he assures me. "I used to feel the same about my ears."

"I like your ears," I blurt out, meaning the words. "They're cute."

He lets out a small laugh. "I can safely say I've never heard that one before."

"Well, they are." I look down, trying to hide the blush rising on my cheeks. Thankfully, the dim light of the room should be helping with that, at least a small amount.

"I can wiggle them," he says.

"What?" I look up.

He meets my gaze and wiggles his ears back and forth.

A laugh escapes me. "Now they're extra cute."

"Then I'll make sure to wiggle them more often for you," he responds. "I like seeing you smile."

I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, feeling warm and fuzzy and all kinds of other things that I can't name.

"And your hair is really beautiful like this."

"Thank you." My response comes out quieter than I mean it to be.

A sound outside the classroom makes both of us jump.

"I think it might be time to get back to our flats." He gets to his feet and grabs the mugs, making his way over to the sink.

I nod. "Probably." As much as I'm enjoying myself, I know I need to sleep. And preferably not get into too much for being in this part of the academy so late. At least that will only happen if we get caught. Though there's still time for that.

I get up and smooth my shirt down, suddenly feeling a little exposed that it's all I've been wearing since he found me in the courtyard. I must have looked like some kind of ghost coming towards him. At least he doesn't seem upset about it.

I make my way over to where he's standing, only for Cethin to turn around at the same time, bringing us surprisingly close together.

Neither of us moves. My gaze meets his, and there's something entrancing about the way he's looking at me, as if we're caught in a moment that neither of us wants to end.

He clears his throat and pulls away. "We should get going."

"Your jacket..."

"Give it back to me tomorrow," he responds as he grabs his bag and heads to the door of the classroom. "It's cold, and it's still a while until you're back in your flat."

I nod.

"Do you know the way back?" he asks.

I laugh. "I do know my way around the academy."

"Good. I'll see you tomorrow." He disappears before I can say anything else.