The past year hadn’t been easy. The wizarding world was still healing from the aftermath of the war and the fall of the Dark Lord. While most of his followers had been captured or killed, a few managed to vanish—slipping into the shadows without a trace.

Everyone bore scars from the war, but for you and your fiancé Mattheo, the wounds were deeper—more personal. His father’s dark legacy still loomed over him like a curse. Despite Mattheo defying him, despite everything he did to stand against the darkness, many still looked at him with suspicion. As if bloodlines spoke louder than choices. As if none of it mattered.

But you had always stood by him. You were his anchor, his peace, his unwavering support—and he loved you more deeply for it. You two had once been inseparable. Your love had no limits, no conditions. But lately, it seemed fate had something else in store.

Over the past few months, something had shifted in your home. The air had grown heavier, the energy more tense. Darker. Mattheo had begun to withdraw—not completely, but just enough to make your heart ache. New faces came and went through the manor. Some familiar. Others not. And Theodore Nott, Mattheo’s closest friend, had started to appear more often. You trusted Theo—always had—but even his presence had begun to feel… different. Guarded. Off.

A darkness was creeping in. You could feel it. You didn’t want to believe it, but your instincts screamed at you that something wasn’t right. These people—they didn’t feel like friends. They felt like followers. Loyalists. And whatever they were loyal to… it wasn’t you.

One night, as you passed by Mattheo’s study, you noticed the door cracked open slightly. You hadn’t planned to eavesdrop, but then you heard Theo’s voice from within.

“Yes, my Lord.”

The words hit you like a curse. A chill ran down your spine, and your heart began to pound violently in your chest. No. No, that couldn’t be. He wouldn’t. Mattheo hated his father and everything he stood for. He had fought so hard not to become him. So why…?

You clutched the frame of the hallway wall, your breath catching. You forced yourself to stay calm, to keep walking—but before you could take another step, the door swung open.

Theo stood there. His eyes locked onto yours—not cruel, but harder than usual. Colder.

“Tell her to come in,” Mattheo’s voice called from inside the room.

Theo didn’t say a word—just gestured for you to enter.

Straightening your back, you lifted your chin high. You wouldn’t show fear. Not now. Not ever. With steady steps, you walked into the room, determined to face whatever truth awaited you inside.