“Might not need the contractors.” Lucian chuckled as a third was flung at him. Maggie grabbed his hand before her mother got any other ideas and dragged him into the kitchen.
???
By the end of the day, the panelling had been carefully removed, but Lucian was reluctant to tear the wall completely down. It was too close to night, and while they had hours before Margery walked, Lucian didn’t want to tempt fate. Instead, they all agreed to arrive early the next day and watch the barrier be brought down.
Lucian sat with Maggie outside on a bench as the sun fell. Maggie had bought food for tomorrow to be delivered first thing in the morning and then ordered fish and chips to be delivered to them tonight. While Lucian didn’t need to eat, Maggie discovered, he enjoyed different tastes. They’d laughed at the delivery boy, who refused to cross the boundaries of the inn, and Maggie collected their meal and gave him a generous tip.
Maggie now sat curled on the bench, snuggled between Lucian’s legs, and enjoying the feel of his body against hers. It was a beautiful night and one she didn’t want to end. Lucian’s fingers played with her hair as they relaxed in silence and watched the stars arrive.
“It is lovely here,” Maggie murmured.
“Yes, I remember seeing this same sky from Wollscombe, which means she must be around here somewhere,” Lucian said.
“I’d like to visit Wollscombe one day,” Maggie replied. Lucian smiled against her head, and Maggie felt it.
“Wollscombe would love you very much,” Lucian muttered. His arm clenched around her, and she snuggled deeper into his chest.
“Tell me stories of your childhood,” Maggie whispered as her eyes closed. Slowly, she drifted off to sleep at the sound of his voice.
Lucian
Lucian awoke with a jolt. Something was wrong. He’d dozed off with Maggie in his arms and damnation. She was still here. Lucian gently laid Maggie down and slid out from under her as he dashed inside the inn. His eyes grew round with horror as he saw he only had fifteen minutes until Margery walked. He grabbed Maggie’s bag and ran back outside.
“Maggie!” he roared, startling her awake. Maggie sat bolt upright and rubbed her eyelids.
“Oh no!” she exclaimed as she checked her watch.
“You have to leave, should Margery find you here…” Lucian cried, alarmed. Maggie was already on her feet and running around the side of the inn to her vehicle. Lucian joined her as he held her steady while she clicked the keys in her hand as she approached her car, but nothing happened. Maggie skidded to a halt and tried opening the doors again. Lucian didn’t understand what was happening.
“Strange!” she muttered, shoved her keys into the lock, and manually opened the door. Maggie’s heart sank as the lights did not come on. She leapt inside as Lucian paced back and forth and struggled to start the engine. It didn’t even tick over.
“No! No!” Maggie cried and thumped the dashboard. She tried several more times before exiting and facing Lucian.
“Why is it not starting?” Lucian demanded.
“The engine’s completely dead,” Maggie gasped out.
Lucian drew away and glanced at the window that held Margery’s room.
“The power that makes it move has gone?” Lucian asked.
“Yes!”
“Hurry, we’ve mere minutes,” Lucian said, dragging Maggie beside him. They entered the inn, and Lucian locked the door before pulling Maggie upstairs. He flung her into the bedroom she’d stayed in the night she saw Margery.
“Whatever happens, stay in here. Please do not leave,” Lucian demanded.
“Lucian…”
“Promise me, Maggie,” Lucian ordered.
Maggie reluctantly promised, and Lucian dragged her into his arms before sinking a kiss on her lips.
“I’ll be back, my dove,” Lucian whispered and then dissipated.
Maggie
Maggie stepped away from the doorway.