Across the room, Blaise and Enzo were locked in a play-fight. Blaise smirked as he dodged a punch, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. Enzo, never one to back down, tackled him onto the couch, both of them laughing as they wrestled for dominance.

You watched from the side, something heavy settling in your chest. I wanna be one of them.

But your gaze shifted as a hushed conversation caught your attention.

Near the professor’s desk, Theodore and Mattheo whispered. Theodore’s fingers twitched slightly as he slipped something into a goblet sitting atop the wooden surface—a subtle swirl of shimmering liquid that dissolved instantly. Mattheo suppressed a chuckle, leaning back against the desk like he owned the place.

Minutes later, the strolled in, completely unaware. He lifted the goblet to his lips, took a deep sip, and within seconds—his hair turned an absurd shade of neon green.

A choked laugh escaped Theodore. Mattheo smirked, nudging him. "Flawless execution."

Laughter filled the room, the kind that made your stomach twist. The kind you wanted to be part of.

I wanna be one of them.

And so, slowly, you worked your way in. Blaise started acknowledging you with nods of approval. Enzo clapped you on the back after a particularly witty remark. Theodore began including you in his schemes. Mattheo—well, Mattheo always had that knowing look, as if he had seen this coming. You were one of them now.

Or so you thought.

One night, in the depths of the dungeons, everything changed. The usual warmth was gone, replaced by something colder, heavier.

"You’ve proven yourself," Mattheo murmured. "But there’s one last thing."

Theodore took a step forward, rolling up his sleeve. And there it was.

The D4rk Mark.

Dark ink twisted across his skin, its presence undeniable. Blaise and Enzo followed, revealing their own marks—symbols of loyalty, of a path you weren’t sure you were ready for.

"Your turn," Enzo said, his usual playfulness absent.

You had wanted this. To be one of them.

But at what cost?