𝘚𝘛𝘈𝘙𝘎𝘐𝘙𝘓, 𝙇𝙊𝙍𝙀𝙉𝙕𝙊 𝘽𝙀𝙍𝙆𝙎𝙃𝙄𝙍𝙀

all too well

you kept me like a secret,
but I kept you like an oath.

CLEODORA SINCLAIR

I had achieved the seemingly impossible – I had struck a deal with Voldemort's son, a feat that many would consider both daring and dangerous. I guess you could call me fearless, people should when they see me talking to Riddle.

The nature of this pact, however, was deceptively straightforward. I wasn't required to undertake any grand tasks or perform elaborate rituals. Instead, all that was demanded of me was to wear the necklace. Yet, I couldn't help but sense that beneath the surface, this agreement held greater significance for Lorenzo, and its implications seemed to stretch far beyond the mere act of adorning jewelry. I hope Berkshire is fucking pissed.

The long-awaited Friday had finally dawned, and the prospect of a weekend of freedom tantalized me. Just one more day of adhering to the schedule and responsibilities of school, and then the world would be my oyster until Monday.

At precisely 7:30 am, the clock's relentless ticking broke the morning silence. I could hear the faint rustling of Lucille, who had, unsurprisingly, already risen from her slumber. Onyx and I, on the other hand, still lingered in the comfort of our beds, grappling with the reluctance that often accompanied the transition from dreams to reality.

With a resigned sigh, I finally mustered the willpower to extricate myself from beneath my cozy covers. The promise of Friday and the impending weekend urged me forward.

The familiar routine of getting ready for the day commenced as I made my way to the bathroom. I brushed my teeth methodically, the rhythmic motion serving as a stark contrast to the earlier languidness of my morning. Splashing cold water on my face helped rouse me further, banishing any lingering drowsiness.

Finally, I stepped into my school uniform, an emblem of the day's impending responsibilities. As the fabric settled around me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building. What if there was more to this deal then wearing this necklace? What even is this necklace?

As I glanced up at the mirror, I contemplated the reflection that met my gaze. The early morning light cast a gentle glow, highlighting the faint shadows beneath my eyes. With practiced hands, I began the ritual of applying light makeup, a delicate dance of concealing imperfections and enhancing my features, all in the name of appearing more awake and vibrant.

Lucille's playful comment interrupted my thoughts, her mischievous wink catching my attention. "Who you trying for, Dora?" she teased, her tone light and teasing.

A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I continued to blend my concealer in.

"Myself," I replied, the words carrying a sense of self-assuredness. After all, in the grand theater of life, I was the audience I aimed to please most.

Lucille's voice dropped to a hushed tone as she broached the topic that had been lingering in the air since our heated confrontation with Lorenzo.

"Lorenzo told me what happened between you two yesterday..." she began softly, her words a delicate dance around the tension that had settled between us. "You really shouldn't have slapped him."

I met Lucille's concerned gaze with a determined one of my own. "Whatever he told you, it wasn't the full story. Trust me," I asserted, my voice carrying a hint of conviction. "He deserved it."

The words hung in the air for a moment, a testament to the unresolved tension that had simmered between Lorenzo and me. While I couldn't deny the impulsiveness of my actions, I remained resolute in my belief that there was more to the situation than met the eye.