The air was thick with tension, the weight of unspoken truths pressing down on the room.

Mattheo leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Hey, Dad," he called casually, his voice breaking the silence. "Some girl outside is asking where you are."

Tom, standing near the bookshelf, slowly turned to face him. "Who?"

Mattheo's smirk widened. "She said she is our sister..." He glanced towards V0Idemort. "Is there something you want to tell us?"

At the mention of the word sister, V0Idemort, who had been silent until now, straightened.

"Don't you dare let her in," V0Idemort hissed. "She is dangerous."

A sharp knock echoed through the chamber.

You stepped forward, your voice calm but unwavering. "Dad… open the door. Mum, open the door. Please..."

Mattheo's expression shifted. "Mum?" he repeated, his amusement vanishing as confusion settled in. He looked at Tom, searching for an answer.

You inhaled deeply. "Can we not fight anymore, please? Boys… I can set you free."

Tom narrowed his eyes, suspicion creeping into his features. "Set us free?"

V0Idemort let out a low chuckle, though there was no amusement in it. "You have no idea what you're saying, child."

Your grip tightened on the door handle. "I’m going to count to three," you said, your voice carrying a quiet power.

A shadow passed under the door. The air in the room grew heavier.

"One..."

"Two..."

You took a breath.

"Three."

The latch clicked. The door creaked open.

And then—