THE KNIVES EDGE | M R ✔︎

SEVEN ⁂ WRATH

Hayden is introducing me to her friends today, since there's no classes.

My stomach has jumped into my chest with nerves and I've become the girl that asks their friend seven billion times if they look alright. She says yes every time.

My hands shake at their sides as we approach them, a group of four, down near the Black Lake. Not because of fear of disapproval, but because, of the long list of things my brothers have taught me, swimming isn't on it.

I walk alongside Hayden, my hands in my pockets to keep them from view. I recognize all of them, all big names in the wizarding world. Family names my family associates with.

Mona Monhagen, raven locks curled to perfection. Her pale brown eyes are framed by constellation-like freckles and natural lashes any woman would kill for. She has curves that give Marilyn Monroe a run for her money. Pearly white teeth that are nearly blinding as she smiles, round cheeks that tint pink as she laughs. Mona Monhagen is a natural beauty and the daughter of Dragul Monhagen, one of Voldemort's most loyal followers.

Gryphon Bloodvest sits to the right of Mona, leaning back on her palms. Gryphon's dark brown eyes are focused on Mona as she speaks, luscious faux-blonde hair falling down her back behind her. Her lips are plump and the color of a peach, parted to allow a melodious laugh to pass through. She's a small-chested woman but her hips curve to an ass that has many men and some women gawking in the halls. She's a millionaire. Her mother is the inventor of not one, but two, healing spells. Everyone in Hogwarts knows her name because she's one of the few witches that can perform wandless magic without lessons. The Dark Lord has been trying to get them on his side for years.

Annabella Greenwell, the future princess of Bulgaria, sits to the left of Mona, her natural blonde hair pulled into two Dutch braids atop her head, pale purple flowers intertwined inside. Her pale skin gives way to naturally pink cheeks, brown lines following the shape of her pale blue eyes as she watches Mona talk. Her curves are much like Mona's, even surpassing them in some places. Her lips are plump like Gryphon's, but tinted bubblegum pink.

And, finally, muggle-born, Kaeda Wyatt sits across from them. Her skin is tanned and her curly hair has faint blonde highlights, framing her soft face. Her dark brown eyes are kind, but she gives off a vibe that just tells you that she doesn't care about what you have to say. Her lips are lined with a dark brown color, blended with a soft pink gloss. Her hair is in two braids at the front, the rest falling behind her shoulders. Kaeda's reputation alone is there because of the way she lacks empathy for most and her willingness to fight with people who harass her friends.

They spot Hayden and make some space for the two of us, waving us over. Hayden sits first, patting the grass beside her.

"Guys, this is Novaline Wrath. Nova, this is Mona Monhagen, Gryphon Bloodvest, Annabella Greenwell, and Kaeda Wyatt." Hayden introduces us, her hand moving around the circle to point out each person.

I nod and offer a small wave out of politeness. If I didn't have to, I would've just stayed on the soft grass without saying anything.

"No way." Annabella says with a gasp, leaning in closer. "You weren't kidding?"

"I told you I wasn't." Hayden shrugs, mirroring Gryphon's stance from before.

"When Hayden said you two were friends, we didn't believe her." Annabella clarifies, shaking her head in disbelief. "A Wrath associating with a Potter. You can call me Anna, by the way. Or Bella. I really don't care."

"Yeah, um, Hayden was a bit clumsy in potions, but she helped me solve the problem." I nod, pushing a strand of hair out of my face.

"Since we're on the topic of nicknames, you can call me Gryph. Kaeda and Mona just go by their names." Gryphon adds, reaching out a hand for me to shake.