[ mal’s cheeks dimple when she smiles. ] Why wouldn’t I be? [ she pats nico’s hand. ]

I’m sorry for worrying you. [ she continues wryly, ] Occupational risk of spells I’ve never practiced. It won’t happen again. And not just because I’m tapped out magic-wise right now.

[ it would have been more convincing were she not still exceedingly pale ( even for her ); if she could relax her hold on her wristlet, pressed to her lap; if she were not trying just a little too hard to maintain that everything is fine. ]