I don't know if this works but I feel like this would be the best angst 30 and 20 Fem!oc and Ominis
Maybe intense and oc coming very close to turning to the dark side but still loving her pure Ominis idk. I think it would be good
"it hurts me, just how much i ache for you… i am sorry that you found out this way."
—
You’ve got your wand jammed right up against the jugular of one of the last remaining loyal Ashwinders hiding out in the Highlands when you hear a voice cry out, “Stop!”
How Ominis managed to track you down to this desolate, decrepit campsite you’ll never know, but nevertheless here he stands with his wand drawn at his side, his hooded cloak wrapped tightly around him.
“Ominis,” you call out without turning around. “Leave. You aren’t safe here.”
You know he can hear the angry red sparks emanating from the end of your wand, painfully stinging the Ashwinder’s bare skin.
Good, you think. You hope he feels every second of torture, because his death will be mercifully quick.
“Enough,” Ominis insists. He sounds weary, and broken. “You’ve done enough, don’t you understand? Killing another follower of Rookwood’s isn’t going to fix anything.”
It isn’t going to bring Professor Fig back, or Lodgok, or even Solomon, you think. You’ve known that as you continued to hunt down former Ashwinders who’ve gone into hiding, nevertheless hoping that making them pay for their crimes with their lives would bring you some sort of solace.
(It never has, but here you are anyway.)
“Give me one good reason why I should let this one go,” you grit out, jamming the wand harder against the man's neck. “Go on, Ominis. Why should I spare him?”
“Because I love you,” Ominis shouts. “And the woman I love would never dream of using her magic for something like this.”
…Love?
You didn’t even think you were even capable of being loved anymore – not after all the destruction you’d wrought, the lives you’ve taken. (The lives you’d let be taken as a result of your inaction, which you swore to never let happen ever again.)
“I am… sorry that you found out this way,” Ominis confesses, his voice trembling. “I never imagined it would be like this, but… I need you to know.”
“Why?” you demand. “Why now, Ominis?”
Instead of answering, Ominis simply asks, “Does it change anything for you to know that I’m perilously in love with you? It hurts me, just how much I ache for you.”
“Ominis,” you whisper. “Don’t.”
“You don’t have to do this,” he pleads. “Just… lower your wand, please. Spare him.”
You keep your wand trained on the man, even as your hand trembles.
“Don’t you see what this is doing to you?” Ominis calls out softly. “Dark Magic like this, it’s… it’s poison. I’ve seen what it’s done to you already, but you can still turn back, love. Please, just… turn back with me.”
You finally relent and pull back your wand, and the Ashwinder draws in a shaky, desperate breath before quickly Disapparating out of the camp. You collapse to the ground as angry tears start to stream down your face, and you let out an anguished wail.
“You’re alright,” Ominis says as he falls to his knees beside you and pulls you against his chest. “You’ll see, love, this is just the beginning.”
For the first time in many months, something that feels like hope takes root in your chest.
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more than anything (pt. 1)
ship: leander prewett x sebastian sallow
word count: 938
warnings: mild angst, anxiety, vaguely implied transphobia.
summary: leander is returning to hogwarts for 5th year after transitioning over the summer. he struggles with anxiety over his identity as his family sends him off for the year.
a/n: @kaidynsarell completely inspired this lil fic. you’re the best! (don’t know pic credit sorry, please let me know if it’s yours so i can credit!) part 2 should be semi-soon idk
Leander stood on the train platform, feeling a bit faint. As usual, it was busy- trunks were loaded, parents said goodbye, students boarded the train- but to him, it all felt alien.
Would anyone even recognise him?
He had the same face, maybe, but he’d changed so much that most days when he looked in the mirror he didn’t even recognise himself.
Maybe they would all hate him. That was a thought that had been plaguing him for the past few weeks. No one would accept him, he’d have to move schools, lose all his friends… he tried to stop that thought. Worrying would do nothing.
His own parents hung back a few steps, letting him decide what he wanted to do. Lily had come along to send him off for the year, too, which was slightly embarrassing- no one else needed their big sister there. Then again, no one else, to his knowledge, had made such a big change, either.
“Are you ready, sweetheart?” His mum had come up and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. “We can wait a few more minutes, if you like?”
“Erm…” Leander cleared his throat, feeling a bit more embarrassed. “No, that’s okay..” He picked up his trunk. “I think I’m ready.”
“If you’re certain…” She moved her hand as if to pat his head, but seemed to think better of it, her hand pausing halfway.
Leander wasn’t certain at all. His stomach was in knots, and his knees shook slightly. He still felt a bit light-headed.
“We can wait a few more minutes, you know. There isn’t any rush,” Lily said quietly. Her eyebrows were knit together, her fingers drumming slightly on her thigh as she stood. She looked almost as anxious as Leander felt.
“But there *is* a rush,” Leander muttered. The train would be leaving soon- he couldn’t stand on the platform all day like a baby.
“There doesn’t have to be,” Mum said, worry seeping into her voice. “We can take all the time you need.”
“Don’t even have to take the train. We could just use the Floo network later this evening,” his father added.
Leander slammed his trunk down, growing annoyed. A few people glanced their way. “It’s fine! I’m fine!” He snapped. They hadn’t been this overbearing since his *actual* first day at Hogwarts. Although back then, Lily had still been attending, and she’d been able to look out for him. This time he would be all alone.
Alone and completely different.
Mum backed off, seeming hurt. His father, too, seemed upset. He knew he shouldn’t have been snappy- they were just trying to be supportive of him. That was more than a lot of people like him could say about their families. But it was almost too much. Maybe it was entitled of him to complain.
Lily motioned for their parents to step away for a moment, coming up to Leander herself.
“Hey, kiddo. What’s going on?”
He shrugged. “I guess I just… I just…” Leander stared at his feet. The platform was clearing out as more students boarded the train, probably making them stick out more. Was everyone staring at them? Judging him? Did any of his classmates even recognise him?
Leander didn’t quite know how to phrase what he was feeling, but thankfully he didn’t have to. Lily always seemed to know what he was thinking; it was part of what made her his favourite sibling, not that he’d admit that to the others. But they probably already knew that anyway.
“Look,” she started. “I understand this is scary-“
“You don’t understand, though,” he cut her off. “You’ll *never* understand, not really.” Maybe it was a rude thing to say, but it was true. Lily had always been so confident and sure of herself, all the time Leander had known her. She had no idea what it felt like to be trapped in wrong body, to hate herself every day for it. Maybe he was a little envious, even, that she’d always known exactly who she was.
“…you’re right. Maybe not *understand*, but I know that this is scary for you.” She looked into his eyes with a deep intensity that was almost uncomfortable. “You have already been so brave these past few months. I know you can do this. And I think you do, too. If anyone gives you any shit, you write to me as soon as you can, and I’ll sort it out. I promise.”
“I will.”
The train whistle blew, loud and shrill. Last call for students to get on board.
“You certain you’re ready for this? No shame in going tomorrow, you know.”
“It’s alright. I’m ready.” And he was. Leander turned and rushed to give his parents a hug. Maybe they could he overbearing, but he knew it was just because they loved him. It meant the world to him that his father had gone out of his way to get time off work, to see him off. “See you at Christmas,” he said as they all broke apart.
He grabbed his trunk, heaving it behind him as he got on the train.
“Good luck, kiddo!” Lily called after him. He waved, loaded his trunk, and went to find somewhere to sit.
There was an open compartment, completely empty. He sat down just as the train began moving, and waved goodbye to his family through the window as it left the station.
So long, London.
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Is This Seat Taken?
Ominis didn't usually mind History of Magic. Dull as it was, at least the class gave him a change to get some peaceful sleep for once. It was almost enough to make up for the stinging loneliness that came with the reminder that he was sitting alone, that nobody wanted to sit next to a Gaunt- nobody except Sebastian and once upon a time, Anne.
And maybe, in the light of a newly blossoming friendship, MC.
or, as usual, it's also on ao3!
It had been a small mercy that History of Magic classes didn’t start until after Halloween, something which all Hogwarts fifth-years would agree on.
Ominis had chosen the class under family expectations, and only tolerated it now due to the ease of the curriculum- and if he were being completely honest, the wealth of nap opportunities the lessons provided. Though, he could do without the demanding workload Binns assigned. One student could only take so many essays.
The chatter of the classroom greets Ominis as he crosses the threshold, full of usual pre-lesson complaints and friends trying to choose what table they want to claim for the rest of the school year. He pushes past it all, allowing it to become background noise.
That was another downside of History of Magic, sitting alone. It was one of the few classes he didn’t share with Sebastian, which left him sparse on people to sit with.
Solitude was hardly an unfamiliar shadow in Ominis’ footsteps, it had become something he’d grown used to quickly in his youth, trying to convince himself he preferred things this way. It was quiet, not isolating, he was just fine with the way things were.
The lie was easier to believe some times more than others.
Hearing the whispers of chatting classmates around him, knowing their giggles and scratches of quills on parchment were more from the exchanging of notes and games than focusing on Binn’s droning tone, wasn’t always easy to ignore- not against the pang of envy that he was particularly susceptible to in classes like this one. Times when reminders of his loneliness were forced to the forefront of his mind.
As classmates debate and disagree over which desk they want to claim for the rest of the school year, Ominis heads for the front of the room, settling for the desks to his immediate right. It made little difference to him where he sat, hardly as though he’d get any visual advantage, but given his unpopularity among his classmates Ominis had long since avoided more favourable tables when sitting on his own.
He goes through the motions of pulling out a quill and parchment, despite knowing they’ll go untouched for the next few hours as he drifts in and out of consciousness. Some rest was just about all he had to look forward to for the next few hours.
A familiar voice pulls him from his thoughts, someone who had stopped by his desk. His spine straightens.
“Ominis?” Soft and almost hesitant, in a way he wasn’t used to hearing from its normally assured owner, a rush of unexpected joy pulses through him as he recognises them, and his posture relaxes on reflex- MC, “Sorry, for bothering you I was just…is this seat taken?”
The unexpected line of question momentarily throws him off course, and a small laugh threatens to burst forth at their innocent inquiry.
With MC’s popularity, getting along with just about everyone in the school and the way they were excelling in all their classes, sometimes it was easy to forget this was their first year at Hogwarts. Then they asked something like that, and it was all too obvious.
“You’re not bothering me at all, MC,” He resists the urge to reach for his wand, catch a better understanding on how they were standing- or even, if there was anyone else in their company, “This seat’s free, why?”
A shuffle of shoes on stone, relief lacing their tone, “Oh good, I was hoping- I mean, if you’d not mind, if I could join you?”
A pulse of silence follows their question, Ominis finding himself momentarily lost for words, something that he found never happened, not to him.
Nobody ever wanted to sit next to Ominis Gaunt- a fact he’d become quickly familiar with in his first year. The only people who ever did sit with him were Sebastian and, once upon a time, Anne, sometimes even bickering over the seat in their early years. The occasional housemate might join him, if they were short on other choices.
But MC? MC, who Ominis knew had a wealth of friends in this class alone- many of which would be happy to offer MC a seat- and they wanted to sit with him?
Even despite their almost too-easy companionship recently, Ominis knew he’d made an awful first impression on them that first night by the Undercroft, snapping at them as he had, threatening their mentor- the fact they’d headed straight for him now, of all the choices they had, was almost too unrealistic to consider.
Too late, he realises MC has mistaken his silence for rejection, he can hear the rustle of fabric as they start to fidget, the disappointment underpinning their rushed retraction as they desperately try to redeem whatever moment MC seems to believe they’ve ruined, “I-if not I totally understand! I didn’t mean to impose, I can sit somewhere else-”
“No!” He hopes he doesn’t sound as awkwardly flustered as he feels, frantically interrupting MC’s rambles before they can make the mistake of thinking Ominis didn’t want them there, “I mean, I’d be happy for you to join me.” He emphasises his point by shuffling along the bench slightly, aware he’s been sitting closer to the middle of the table, an old habit.
“Oh, thank you!” His chest gives another pang at the relief in MC’s voice as they slide onto the seat next to him, their arms brushing slightly at the proximity. Neither of them move away, even as MC continues their chatter, and Ominis can’t quite believe their evident happiness is because of him, feeling a smile take over his expression as they talk, “It was a relief to see you here, if I’m honest, you didn’t mention you were taking History of Magic!”
The easy way they said it risks going straight to his head, he tries not to give that much attention. “Well, nor did you. History of Magic isn’t the most popular choice amongst our peers you know, I didn’t expect you to take it honestly.”
It was true, which maybe was blindsided of him. MC had taken to spellcasting like a niffler to treasure, everyone knew that, but proficiency in practical magic didn’t necessarily mean they wouldn’t be interested in the theoretical, too.
Their mentor is the Professor of Magical Theory, afterall.
“It wasn’t really my choice, the school board chose my classes for me.”
Ominis supposed that was another explanation.
“That sounds unfair.”
MC shrugged, “Looking back maybe it was, but I didn’t exactly have the knowledge to make an informed decision on my classes at the time anyway.”
“Well, while the class is incredibly dull, it is useful for getting into some N.E.W.T classes, as long as you don’t mind all the essays Binns tends to assign.” He can’t help the look of distaste at the reminder that he had another year of that to endure. Late nights alone in some corner of the common room, trying to force out several inches worth of facts on Goblin Rebellions, always made more difficult when he needed his wand to search the textbooks. It nearly doubled the amount of time he had to spend on the assignments compared to his peers, not that any of the staff seemed to care.
Sebastian would always help, where he could, but History of Magic wasn’t even his subject- it never felt fair asking his friend to help, no matter Sebastian’s fondness for learning.
And now between Sebastian’s own studies, and his questionable preoccupation with finding a cure for Anne, Ominis doubts Sebastian would even have the time to offer his help.
MC nudged his shoulder gently, pulling him from his spiralling thoughts, “Well, I suppose I’m lucky to have a friend to study with, in that case.”
Warmth spreading from where they had brushed against him, Ominis tried not to feel too excited by their words, the silent offer- or was it a request? Sometimes, it was hard to tell with MC, but their sentiment was not lost on him. The suggestion of the pair of them studying together for History of Magic, working on the same essays that had been such a burden on Ominis for years now, but instead in the warmth of company and even teamwork, was almost enough to make up for the hand cramps Binns’ essay length would inevitably cause.
“I believe that might be my line.” MC didn’t know quite how truthful his statement really was.
“Careful Ominis, I’ll hold you to that.” He could think of no other reply but a small chuckle, as though their companionship was something he might ever want to avoid.
Please do, he couldn’t help but urge, hoping they meant it. Perhaps it was pathetic of him, the surge of glee he felt at something so measly as the possibility of working together on homework, but with years of pushing through the exhausting subject alone, guilt-riddled whenever he asked Sebastian to help him find something in the textbooks, nobody could really blame him.
“What did you mean when you said this class was dull, anyway?”
“So, I take it nobody’s warned you?” That was definitely unfair, everyone deserves an advance warning about Binns’ teachings. If only to make sure they remembered to bring a pillow to class, “He’s hopeless, rambles on for the entire lesson and hardly even recognises students, let alone calls on them- I’d not worry about that though, most people just use it for napping or messing around, as long as you’re not too loud he won’t notice. Or care. Nobody’s sure which it is.”
“That sounds like such a waste.”
“Oh, so you’ll be paying attention then?” He grins, already knowing the answer.
“I never said that.” Their tone is equally as cheeky, punctuating it with a small laugh, “What about you then- you’re telling me that the ever perfect Ominis Gaunt naps in class?” He felt a flush of warmth flash across his face at their teasing, the ever perfect Ominis Gaunt-
“You expect me to get a full night's sleep in the same dorm room as Sebastian? The boy snores.” Not a complete lie, Sebastian did snore on occasion, it just wasn’t the reason Ominis struggled to sleep sometimes- but the jibe is enough to earn him another laugh out of MC.
“Oh no, he doesn’t!”
“Oh, he does.” Ominis grins at their obvious glee in teasing their mutual friend, even if Sebastian wasn’t here to defend himself, “I’ve considered casting silencio several times now, but I wouldn’t want to get predictable.” Or face retaliation.
He likes it, this easy conversation between them, the light jibes and laughter.
Despite their rocky start together, after that horrific night in the Scriptorium, he and MC had become closer; MC warmly greeted him whenever they crossed paths in the corridors, happily struck up conversation with Sebastian and Ominis outside of classrooms, but until now they’d never had any chances to talk where it was just them, without the buffer of their mutual friend. Now, with MC choosing to sit beside him, their conversation coming just as easy as it did whenever Sebastian was there, MC’s earlier words stuck in his mind, a surge of appreciation in his chest-
A friend.
MC considered him a friend. Not just ‘Sebastian’s tagalong’, or someone they talked to because it was convenient, but a friend, their friend.
There were only two other people in his life who had ever thought of Ominis as a friend, and now it was three.
Ominis wished he’d not been so harsh to MC that night by the Undercroft, so uncharacteristically emotional in the heat of the moment. It had been an impulsive lashing out that haunted him even more after the Scriptorium, when MC had defended him against Sebastian of all people- he knew what that must have taken, given the two were practically wrapped around each other’s wands these days, and still MC had taken Ominis’ side when Sebastian had wanted him to cast Crucio. Merlin, MC had all but demanded Sebastian cast it on them, just so neither Sebastian or Ominis would have to bear the torture curse themselves.
It was an act, a friendship, he still struggled to feel deserving of.
Even now, surrounded by classmates perfectly suitable for MC to sit with, others who MC knew and greeted warmly, it had been Ominis they made a beeline for when they entered the classroom, Ominis whose company they chose over everybody else.
He wished he was able to convey just how much that really meant to him, without sounding like a complete moonmind, or risk scaring one of the few friends he has off by being too attached.
For now, he’s content just knowing they chose his company even if he doesn’t understand why, but elects not to dwell on it any further, happy just to enjoy the mindless conversation with MC- drawn to an end only by the sudden wave of silence that sweeps through the room, followed by the familiar drawling tone of Professor Binns.
As if on conditioned reflex, Ominis’ eyes begin to feel heavy.
The only thing that snaps him out of it is a quiet groan from MC, who’d already made the rookie error of making an attempt to pay attention, “Goblin Rebellion?”
He leans towards the left, closer to MC and murmurs to them conspiratorially, “A Binns specialty, they’re practically all he talks about.”
MC groans again, “I’ve had enough of Goblin Rebellions for an entire lifetime, thanks.”
It’s fortunate they seemed to be complaining more to themselves than him, because Ominis didn’t know how to respond to that, nor did he like the uncomfortable reminder of the sorts of dangerous activities that (rumouredly) occupied MC’s spare time.
Still, MC had never made such a direct reference to it before, or at least- never to Ominis. They remained frustratingly tight-lipped about where they slipped off to after class, and what they discussed with Professor Fig- regardless of the whispers that followed them around the castle. Despite his urge to ask, to find out exactly what dangers MC was facing, Ominis knew the value of secrets better than most, had respected the privacy MC was so vehement about maintaining.
It only made their small admission all the more meaningful. The confirmation that they were involved in the recent Goblin Loyalist action, and the fact they trusted Ominis with that information, however vague, knowing he wouldn’t push them.
Like they hadn’t pushed him when he brought up his family.
The pair fell into the same silence as the rest of the class after that, the dull tone of Professor Binns washing them into the arms of lethargy, the ghost none the wiser about the slipping attentions of his students.
Predictably, the sounds of whispered giggles and scratching quills echo from behind Ominis- a sound he knows by now is not the sign of a diligent student, but one proposing some game on parchment, or passing along a note.
The pang of loneliness he’s so used to following after the sound never arrives, instead all he feels is the familiar edgings of exhaustion pulling at his eyes, any thoughts drifting far away to the tune of Binns’ mindless droning lecture, the scratching of quills on parchment, and the occasional whisper of a student all creating a harmonic lullaby which he had no interest in denying.
Going to lift his left hand, ready to settle in for a couple of hours of dreamless sleep, he almost jolts violently as a pressure falls atop of the outstretched limb, heavy, but not crushingly so.
His brain catches up to him before Ominis reaches for his wand, filling in the gaps with soft hair tickling the exposed parts of his wrist, familiar breaths that now sound deeper and closer than before.
MC had fallen asleep.
MC had fallen asleep, right next to Ominis.
Well, basically on top of him, if the weight on his arm was anything to go by.
His initial alarm is quickly replaced by a surge of affection, and another of deep surprise. For as tired as he often was, Ominis had only fallen on top of someone four times in his life. Once on each of his best friends, and twice on his Aunt Noctua. It was just about the most vulnerable position to put yourself in, willing to let your guard down completely around that person and place faith that they won’t betray that in any way.
Then here was MC, who hadn’t hesitated to use him as their makeshift pillow as they succumbed to the throes of sleep.
Him. Ominis Gaunt.
He almost can’t believe it, and wonders if he’s been dreaming up a positive History of Magic class this entire time, because at least that would be easier to believe.
For a moment, a stab of disappointment hits him as he realises MC probably only fell asleep on him by accident, not realising how close they were- but, he supposes MC could easily have leaned the other way, and they hadn’t. Just as easily as MC could have chosen any other table in the classroom to sit at, yet they’d chosen Ominis’- even though he’d chosen what was arguably the worst spot in the room.
If it had been difficult before, now it was nearly impossible to fight the smile that tugs at his lips- an expression that’s rare for him, especially these days, he notes with a pang of silly delight.
Just as quickly, his moment of warmth is ruined by a sharp spike of concern, as he notes the way MC hadn’t so much as stirred when Ominis almost pulled away from them in his earlier alarm. MC had fallen asleep faster than Ominis, which was no minor feat- he was at least self-aware enough to admit that much.
Their fatigue is too reminiscent of his own, something he wouldn’t wish on anyone.
How much sleep were they getting at night, Ominis couldn’t help but worry.
Rumours of their escapades outside of the castle had only grown in frequency over recent weeks, between that and their undeniably demanding schoolwork, where does MC find the time to rest. Merlin, do they even allow themselves to rest?
A trickle of insecurity bled through his concern…Was it even Ominis’ place to ask?
Conflict raged within him, the want to ensure MC was taking care of themself, that his friend was alright, versus the fear of overstepping and pushing MC away in the process. Their friendship was new, despite the turmoil it had already endured, and he wasn’t quite ready to test its boundaries.
The idea came to him immediately.
He could ask Sebastian. His friend had many fine qualities, but Sebastian had never been great with boundaries- not where worry for the people he cared about was concerned. It was an endearing enough trait, when it wasn’t pissing him off, or worse yet, exposing his secrets to other people.
Resolved to casually investigate the matter later, Ominis allowed his lingering concern to fade to the back of his mind. MC was resting now, and he knew better than anyone that naps in the History of Magic classroom were always peaceful and empty of dreams. They’d rest well here.
And so would he.
Exhaustion was becoming too hard to resist, and with Binns well and truly lost in droning details and stories, it wasn’t as though they’d be getting up any time soon. The slow blinks of his eyes were becoming longer and more frequent, and as his head drops sharply with a fractional loss of consciousness, Ominis finally gives in to the urging pull of sleep, bolstered by the comforting weighted presence at his arm. To his sleepy mind, it feels all too close to an invite.
Logically, he should rest his head on his right hand instead, since MC was resting on his left and he didn’t have the heart to move them. It wouldn’t be fair for him to disturb them like that, that was all.
(It had nothing to do with the fact the pressure on his arm felt so warm and comforting. Nothing to do with the easy way MC was touching him, that physical contact between them a presence he was so unused to but deeply appreciated. Privately, he couldn’t help but wonder if he’d sleep all the better for it)
He’s too tired to think so pragmatically, for once he just wanted to do what felt natural, without overthinking it- to give in to the natural lean of his body, even as it sways him to the left, resting atop of MC.
Head cushioned by the fabric of their hood, as he easily fits to the junction of their shoulder, suddenly greeted by a wave of them- the faint smell of their shampoo, smooth material of new robes that hadn’t yet endured the might of a Hogwarts school year, and the slow beat of their heart, just audible over the muffle of robes and the droning of their Professor.
It lulls him to rest, not even realising as his breathing and MC’s effortlessly become synchronised, as the sweet pull of sleep finally getting the better of Ominis, along with a comfort he hadn’t felt in some time.
History of Magic wouldn’t be so bad, if he had this to look forward to in the future.
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"You are so Beautiful"
A rendition of how I would see ch. 14 turning out to be if we ever got one. Evil Felix. Corruption and all. A short one because my brain cells can't stay focused or phrase paragraphs or sentences right. Just tried my best to interpret the song "You are so beautiful," by Tommee Profitt (ft. Brooke) [Dark Version].
Flashes of bright light burst from my chest to leave me bewildered, to guide me to focus immensely on the giddy feeling. With a shocking revelation once I open my curious eyes I am within a room. Not just any room.
A golden ballroom filled to the brim with ebony music sung by an orchestra wearing tear stained white and gold masks. White and red petals fall from the ceiling all around me in a flourish like the applause from the crowd circling me.
I realize the citizens of Porrima human and illephta surround me lying within a casket of crystal all dressed up prim and proper.
Why?
Another thing that hits me is that the "guest" wears glorious attire and masks/veils/hats to their own fitting. Swaying on their heels to the melchanly tune. Others slumped on each other, dragging their limbs to stand up. All sharing the common blank stare with a pale face. Unnerved I try to haul myself over but to no avail until the crowd begins to part.
For someone.
My breath hitches at the person before myself.
Felix dressed in all black with gold stitching the hem of his long coat. He holds out his hand with a lovesick expression possessing him. I take it willingly to my demise. On the marbled ground I embrace him with no intention of letting go.
"You are so beautiful," caressing my tear-stained cheeks, his touch like a burning star in the midnight sky. Murmuring whispers of affection and admiration go unheard as the ballroom music sweeps through the crowd into the frigid breeze.
Hence, I acknowledge he's walked us onto a balcony studded with flourished greenery turned a white palette. Likewise, I find I do not care a smidge. Instead I nuzzle into his chilly neck grasping at any sign of hope that he will choose to stay by my side. Thereupon the balcony is two souls clinging to what's left of each other.
He lifts my chin with his precious touch, green embers roaming over my trembling features. "By the Gods, I've missed you so." Tendrils of black magic sweep the ground around us in a heap bordering us together for eternity. "Dear love, you're really here," a croaky voice spills from his bloody lips like pins and needles. With a choked laugh I peck his cheek, "Love, I promised to never leave your side. Not even when the world is war"
A wicked grin plasters his face earning me cheeky laughter to leave me stunned at his canter. "No worries my darling in your absence things have altered." Confused, I lean back to stare at him, "That's so? Felix…w-where is everyone else?" Grasping my stiff hands he gently kisses each knuckle murmuring to follow him. Warm to the bone from his affection I abide hugging his waist.
We saunter down below the palace grounds to a gate guarded heavily. A flick of his wrist maneuvers the locks to unlatch with every click echoing up and down the corridors. He tilts his head squinting his eyes at the sunstone order. Stone-faced the guards oblige to his notion for their swiftful leave. "Go on my lovely barista," short and sweet words hang in the air between us sounding carefree. His tone sounds assured. His unruly expression exhibits a different tale to be told. The last lock snaps open to reveal his grand surprise to me. My nostrils flare at the brisk essence in the chamber with no light in sight.
Rubbing my palms together I try to maneuver in the dark clamoring for felix, "W-w-What is this r-Room?!" "A project of mine, sweetheart!!" In a second flat his palm ignites embers of flames to jump onto the torched walls. Illuminating our surroundings I blink harshly with a gasp escaping my lips.
No furniture. Not a speck of dust or cobwebs to blur our vision. Nor a beast in a iron cage. "F-felix!!!," I softly whimper, tears beading my eyes as I feel my throat close up.
Crystalized shards glowed in a circle hovering above the ground before us. Although, none were empty. Florian, Scylla, Anisa, Sage, Tulsi, Ayanna, Rime, Elowen, and Escell slumber within the levitating crystals with no thread of escape for them. A chuckle comes from behind me as Felix hugs me whispering in my ear. "We've waited for you. I waited. You promised to stay. So did they. It's truly as you said before my clever MC."
He kisses a trail down my quaking neck to my shoulder. Holding me at the waistband to tighten his grip, for me to stare back at his glowing psychotic ember eyes, in nothing but terror. "....What?," his touch is bittersweet in the revelation presented to me. "Magic is just another tool to carry on our legacy." Bile is all I taste at his vile words.
A thought hits me, "What about the Lord of Shadows?" I turn away from the atrocity fighting to push Felix off me. It only sets him off. He grips my wrists tugging me toward his crinkle of a smile. In a low hiss, he announces, "The title belongs to none other than me." He leans a breath away. "Can't you see….
You're everything I hope for…..
…..You're everything I need…..
You are so beautiful."
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