𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 ✔︎ ━ 𝖱𝖨𝖣𝖣𝖫𝖤

𝐒𝐈𝐗𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍: 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐀 𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐄

I clutched my wand tightly, making my way down the long, dark hallway. Droplets trickled down the walls, creating an echoed noise through the entire chamber.

It was quiet, eerie. I knew I could definitely be walking into a trap, but even then, I still had my life on the line, and if need be, it could be mine to take.

I walked into the large, cave, like opening, where Nicholas stood. There were candles places around a large parchment of paper. Thankfully he was the only one I could see, so I assumed I was safe from an attack.

"Anastasia, welcome." He smirked, tucking his wand into the pocket of his pants. I kept my wand out, still unsure if I was able to trust him or not. It would make sense for him to want Zachary dead, but they're closer than anyone I've ever known.

"Nicholas." I nodded, standing a few feet in front of him. I let my eyes wander for a few seconds, relieved to see that we were still alone.

"Let's get on with it." He said evenly, sitting in front of the circle of candles. I nodded and say across from him, keeping my wand directly next to my side.

He grabbed the parchment from the middle of the candles and handed it to me. "Read it over. This is the bonding will, so every word will be implemented once the ritual is over." He said.

I grabbed the paper and looked down at it. Black cursive was scribbled onto the page. I looked up at Nicholas, to see him eagerly watching me, like time was short.

With this ceremony of bonding, Anastasia Greendale will be bonded to Nicholas Riddle. They will be bonded in these terms; Anastasia will agree to be in his possession, if Zachary Riddle dies at their hands. She will still have the choice between Tom and Nicholas, but her name will be in Nicholas' possession, she will be bonded with these terms, nothing more and nothing less.

"These terms are agreeable." I said, placing it back in the middle of the circle. He nodded in agreement, then extended his hands toward me, over the candles.

I took his hands, lacing my hands on top of his. He began chanting words in a language that I didn't recognize. I watched closely as Nicholas bowed his head, chanting the words quietly.

"It's almost complete." He said between words. I nodded, allowing him to continue. Within a few seconds his sentences grew louder and quicker, like we were coming upon the ending.

His tone was almost reaching a yell, and the air suddenly grew cold. I had the urge to take my hands from his, but this bonding ceremony will help me to get a target off my back.

Suddenly a set of loud footsteps, running footsteps, tore through the chamber. Nicholas' hands broke from mine. We both reached for our wands and stood up, turning toward the noise.

It was Tom and Adam, running down the hall.

I pointed my wand at them, and Nicholas did the same. About thirty feet away the two of them stopped, wands pointed toward Nicholas.

"Stop this madness at once!" Tom shouted, his tone angered. My whole body tensed up, adrenaline coursing through my bloodstream. I was absolutely terrified in every way possible.

"Leave, Tom. I'm taking care of myself. I don't need you here." I shouted back, my wand still pointed at him. Though my hands trembled, I wouldn't be afraid to cast a spell on him.

"Anastasia, you're on a suicide mission. You've already jumped out of a window, therefore I will not let you bind yourself to Nicholas." He replied impatiently. I didn't know what to do, what to think. All I knew was Tom was still trying to keep me strictly to himself.