A Cruel Fate of Endless Devotion

Chapter twenty-one: Betrayal

As promised, Melody had been working with Sebatian to narrow down the location of the tomb that was mentioned in Salazar Slytherin's book. She didn't know what magic was infused in the journal, she assumed it was dark magic, but there was something about it that gave her a sinister feeling. What scared her even more was the damage it was doing to Sebastian. It was like the book was taking over his mind, corrupting his thoughts and turning him into an obsessed mental man over the cure for Anne. He barely left the undercroft, the only time he did was to grab food from the Great Hall and return back to their secret hideout and even then, he kept his book in hand. He'd even go as far to have it on him as he slept.

"Melody, take a look at this picture!" Sebastian urgently said.

"What did you-whoa!" she yelped as he pulled her up off the couch, dragging her over to his study desk.

"I know this coast. Ranrok and his loyalists have taken over a huge mine there!" he said. "Marunweem has suffered greatly for it, it's almost as bad as Feldcroft now..."

"We should head there now! Right now!" he added as he began to pack his things.

"I'm not sure. It might be best to wait" Melody said uneasily,

She hoped Sebastian wouldn't question her but of course he did. She knew that if he continued to probe, he would uncover the truth and it would only lead to more complications and potentially damage their relationship.

"I don't understand. Why don't you want to go? We need to get that relic!!"

Melody paused before answering. She knew that her response could have significant consequences. The topic at hand was sensitive, and any misstep in her choice of words could potentially escalate the situation further.

"After all this time, no matter how hard we try, we seem to be one step behind Ranrok. I may know someone who could help us get ahead, that's all"

Sebastian's eyes narrowed at her. "Who else have you been working with?" he demanded as he took a step closer, his body towering over hers. "I thought we were a team. I thought you trusted me and only me! Who else do you have on the side?"

"Stop it! It's not like that!" Melody insisted. "You're my friend, Sebastian. You are so much more to me than an acquaintance of Sirona's that's helping me gain an advantage against Ranrok. Our friendship goes way beyond that!"

His eyes softened for a moment before something clicked in his brain, the flame of aggression sparked back in his eyes. "An acquaintance of Sirona's?" he echoed. 

"You're working with that goblin she's friends with!?"

Melody winced at his harsh voice. She knew she messed up. She felt a mix of guilt and fear, knowing that her secret alliance with the goblin had been exposed.

"Please listen to me! It's not how you think! Lodgock wants no part in Ranrok's fight!" Melody pleaded.

"Have you forgotten that goblins cursed my sister to shut her up!? They're the reason Anne is dying!"

"Please! You're not listening to me! It's-"

"I should have known better than to trust you! To let you into my life! You're just like everyone else! You don't care about me! You don't care about Anne! It's clear you just want to be the hero!" he spat.

The harsh sound of her palm striking his cheek echoed throughout the undercroft. Melody stood in front of him, tears streaming down her face as her heart cracked into pieces.

"How could you say something so cruel?" she painfully whispered.

"I have been by your side since the start! I've never once not defended you! I've stayed when everyone else has walked away and you tell me I don't care?" she scoffed as she took a step away from him.

Gone was the mischievous sparkle in his eyes and the playful grin on his face. In its place was a chilling emptiness, devoid of any warmth or compassion. Melody couldn't help but wonder what had happened to the boy she fell in love with.

"I care about you more than I should, Sebastian! I should just walk away, but because my heart cares for you so damn much I can't!" she cried.

"Melody-"

Sebastian reached out for her, but she pulled her arm away, not wanting to be touched by him. The pain of his words lingered, causing her to distance herself from him.

"I need time" she said shakily as she walked past him, leaving the undercroft.