Raven's Fate: A Snake's Love Story

A Letter

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It had been one week since my return to the Thornheart estate. I had not yet unpacked; it was yet another thing that would make the end of my time at Hogwarts final. I could not yet let go, even at the insistence of my footman. Besides, most of my belongings inside were uniforms and old textbooks from my last classes.

Today started off like any other day, but my plans were quickly derailed when my mother informed me that I would be engaging in elite society activities. Specifically, she had arranged for me to have tea with the daughter of a tradesman with business dealings overseas. It was clear to me that this was my father's doing, an attempt to bolster connections and establish shipping routes. However, I had no interest in marriage, let alone to a woman. I tried to push back on the subject, but my father was insistent that I participate, threatening me with homelessness if I refused.

Ironically, despite my family's involvement in the textiles trade, I had a natural talent for manipulating fabrics into outfits using simple transfiguration spells and charms. With my ancient magic, it was easy to bring my imagination to life without needing to know the technicalities of the craft. If I wanted to, I could have easily outcompeted my father in every market, but I refused to resort to such malice. It went against my principles to harm the livelihood of others. Fortunately, I knew that my time dealing with my father's machinations was limited as I waited for Ominis' letter to arrive.

Instead of risking my father's wrath, I decided to comply with his wishes and prepare for my date. I stood before the mirror, taking in my appearance. My copper hair was neatly brushed, per my mother's instructions, and my green eyes with a gentle cloud of freckles looked back at me. I scanned the rest of my body, pleased to note that I had toned some lean muscles in the past year, but my black scar remained a constant reminder of my past. The dried charcoal mark glowed with soft hints of red, and while it didn't cause me pain except when I used ancient magic, I couldn't bear to look at it for too long. With a sigh, I got dressed and ready for afternoon tea with my date.

As the carriage made its way to the tea house, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread building up inside me. My mind raced with thoughts of forced small talk, awkward silences, and the looming pressure to impress my date. The jolting of the carriage only added to my anxiety. When we finally arrived, I checked my pocket watch and realized I was a few minutes early. As I stepped out of the carriage, another one pulled up in front of me. The coach opened the door and a young lady stepped out, who looked much younger than her actual age. Despite my discomfort, I offered my arm and escorted her inside. To my surprise, my father had even gone to the trouble of making a reservation, a detail I shouldn't have been surprised about given his scrupulous efforts.

"Good afternoon, Miss Sinclair, I am Loren Thornheart. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance" I am pretty sure I sounded half dead by the tone of my voice alone.

"Good afternoon mister Thornheart, I am Adeline Sinclair. The pleasure is mine." Her voice was sweet and gentle like honey. Her composure was well poised, but her eyes indicated a degree of unease.

"I can't help but notice the floral adornments on your hat, is that the current trend?" I had hoped my distraction would provide some comfort to miss Sinclair.

"I- I- Yes, I um, I went to a fashion gallery in Paris." she was even more reticent than before. "I must admit and do forgive me. I do not intend to be rude; I have no interest in this arranged engagement."