𝐄𝐏𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 | g. w

64. there's something wrong with mia rune

(author's note: please notice the back and forth pov)

a few weeks earlier

Fred

From the moment my brother stepped through the door of Monroe's book shop, I sensed an unsettling shift in his demeanor. His indifference and distant gaze were clear indicators that something was terribly wrong. Try as I might, persuading him of the imminent danger Rune faced proved to be an uphill battle, especially given their strained relationship.

I'd had an odd feeling about whoever's name my brother came home cursing most days, and I grew increasingly concerned when I started noticing a pattern: his voice sounded strained, as if he were out of breath, and he'd swiftly enter our shared flat, slamming the door shut behind him before releasing a frustrated groan.

I tried talking with him, asking him about what was weighing so heavily on his mind that he could barely keep his head about him, but of course, I was only met with silent stares, yet another testament to the fact that he wouldn't communicate to me just what he'd witnessed.

Finally, against my better judgement (and probably my brother's wishes too), I decided to do some—if I may say so—impressive detective work on my own.

Since then, I've come to realise that my actions that day might not have been the most ethical way to go about it, but it got me some invaluable information about what Mia and this Dorian-person was up to. I would also come to understand, that said stalking behaviour, would prove to be a vital part in saving our girl's life.

Although not something we kept on any of our display shelves or for sale in any way, my brother and I made sure to keep a full stock of Polyjuice Potion in the back of our shop at all times, in case of any emergency.

I'd definitely call what happened an emergency, even if I wasn't quite a hundred percent sure at the time.

Now, convincing my not-as-handsome-looking other half to agree to spy in his ex-girlfriend (the ex-girlfriend he was still madly in love with, mind you) was a whole other ball game.

You could say he wasn't exactly beaming at the idea of what we were about to do.

"It's completely a breach of her privacy, Freddie! She might never forgive me as is, but if we do this, she might actually never want to share the same planet with me ever again!"

Bit dramatic at times, he is, my brother.

(...)

As I lurked in the shadows outside Monroe's bookshop, a sense of unease settled over me. The air was thick with tension, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something ominous lingered just beyond my reach. My brother's despondent demeanor only fueled my determination to uncover the truth, to ensure Rune's safety, no matter the cost.

I watched from a discreet distance as Mia and Dorian exchanged seemingly innocent banter, their laughter echoing through the dimly lit shop. Yet, beneath the facade of casual conversation, there was a subtle tension in the air, a silent exchange of glances that spoke volumes. Dorian's presence unnerved me, his movements too deliberate, his gaze too penetrating.

As Mia bid farewell to Dorian and he departed, I made the impulsive decision to follow him, to delve deeper into the mystery that shrouded Rune's newfound acquaintance. Keeping to the shadows, I trailed behind him, my heart pounding in my chest with each step.

When Dorian finally came to a halt outside a small potion supply shop, my curiosity peaked. I watched with narrowed eyes as he looked around as to make sure no one was following him, before he slipped inside, his movements betraying a sense of urgency that sent a shiver down my spine.