It was the warmth of his thumb against her knuckles, a gentle reassuring gesture that reminded her of her hand in his grasp. As soon as she noticed it though he was pushing himself up to sitting, giving her a moment to realize his chest was bare before her. She swallowed and looked up at his azure eyes. Her breath seemed to catch with how close their faces were. Then he looked down at the torn hems of her gown, her ankle that he had so recently done the same thing to. Concern crossed his face as he met her with a gaze that seemed stern and concerned at the same time.

"It is throbbing a bit, but I don't think it is any worse." Malou answered honestly, her tone soft in the small space between their faces. For that moment the storm seemed to have faded away leaving only her and Mr. Prewett. She knew she'd remember the concern on his face, remember this moment, for a long time to come. The kindness he had shown her....

It wasn't the right time to think about this. They needed to find shelter, against this storm she had no idea how long his shield spell would work. "Do you think you can make it to that doorway?" Malou nodded behind him. The door had blown into the hall beyond, hanging off the hinges, but half the room before it still had a roof and three walls, which was good news. If they could make it to that hallway then she didn't think the ballroom would be much further beyond that.