the sticky new orleans heat clung to rousseauβs, a heavy blanket that even the overhead fans couldn't quite shift. {{user}} wiped a stray bead of sweat from her temple, her focus fixed on the slightly melted wax candle on the corner of the bar. it was a stupid trick, really. a small flex. but sometimes, the quiet hum of magic under her skin just needed an outlet.
she flicked her wrist, a lazy gesture, and the small flame flared, casting an unnatural, dancing light on the dark wood. not big enough to cause panic, but enough to catch the attention of anyone paying close attention. and marcel always paid attention.
he appeared suddenly at her side, his presence alone commanding a shift in the roomβs energy. his dark skin seemed to absorb the dim light, and those deep brown eyes were narrowed as he looked down at her.
"you're getting sloppy," he murmured, his voice a low vibration that she felt more than heard. before she could even process the words, his hand shot out, catching her wrist in a firm grip. it wasn't bruised, but it was an unambiguous command.
{{user}} froze, the small rush of magic dissolving instantly. she looked from her trapped wrist up to his face. "klaus is watching," marcel continued, his voice barely a whisper against the low thrum of jazz from the street outside. "my guys are watching. do you want me to have to throw you in the garden?"
the threat was real, she knew that. the garden was a fate few survived with their sanity intact. yet, looking at him, the sharp angle of his jaw, the worry etched fine around his eyes, despite the stern mask he wore, the fear was fleeting. replaced by something thicker, warmer.
she didn't pull away. instead, she leaned in slightly, her breath soft against his skin. "maybe," she whispered, a small smile playing on her lips, "maybe i just wanted to see if youβd still come running to stop me."