Heirs of darkness

Army dreamers(5)

When Draco and Aurora returned to their quarters at Malfoy Manor, the oppressive silence told them everything they needed to know. The Dark Lord was not there, but his presence lingered like a shadow, cold and foreboding. As soon as they crossed the threshold, Narcissa and Lucius approached Draco, their expressions grave. Aurora didn't need to hear the words that passed between them to understand what was coming.

"I'll leave you to it," Aurora murmured, excusing herself as she turned down the hallway that led to her bedroom.

Once inside her room, she closed the door softly behind her, leaning against it as she took a deep breath. The weight of what was to come settled heavily on her shoulders. Sirius had promised he would be there, but now he was gone murdered by his own cousin in the very halls of the Ministry. It was clear to her now that she had no choice but to take the Mark. It was the only way to protect herself, to shield her true intentions from the Dark Lord's probing eyes.

She moved to the vanity and stared at her reflection, seeing a girl on the brink of becoming a woman, a witch about to walk the fine line between light and darkness. With steady hands, she began to plot her next move. The Mark would give her access to Voldemort's inner circle, but it would also bind her to him. She needed to tread carefully, for one wrong step could be her last.

As the hours passed, the sky outside her window darkened. Soon it would be time for dinner. Narcissa came to her room just as the last traces of sunlight vanished from the horizon.

"It's time," Narcissa said quietly, her voice betraying no emotion. "Dress accordingly."

Aurora nodded, her face a mask of calm, though her mind was whirling with thoughts and plans. She went to her wardrobe and pulled out a gown fit for the occasion a deep green dress with intricate gold embroidery, matching her eyes. The fabric was rich, heavy with the weight of tradition and expectation.

The dress she chose was elegant, regal even. The off-the-shoulder neckline revealed the delicate curve of her collarbone, adorned with a necklace of gold and emeralds that sparkled faintly in the dim light. The bodice was fitted, accentuating her slender waist before flowing into a full skirt that brushed the floor with every step. The sleeves were long, tapering into points at her wrists, where they were fastened with tiny gold clasps. The gown was the perfect balance of power and femininity, a statement that said she was a Black, a pureblood, and not to be underestimated.

Once she was ready, Aurora made her way to the dining room. The moment she stepped inside, all eyes turned to her. The room was filled with Death Eaters, their black robes and masks discarded in favor of formal attire for the occasion. She recognized many of themBellatrix, Snape, and Dolohov, among others but her gaze settled on one figure in particular. Theo, standing beside his father, looked at her with a mixture of curiosity and concern. His father, on the other hand, regarded her with cold calculation.

Aurora held her head high as she approached the long table, her confidence radiating from every step. She was a Black, and tonight she would remind them all of it. As she passed Theo and his father, she allowed a smirk to curve her lips.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you face to face, Mr. Nott," she said smoothly, her voice carrying just enough edge to convey her subtle challenge.

Mr. Nott raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by her audacity, but before he could respond, a voice from the head of the table drew everyone's attention.

"So we meet again, Aurora," Voldemort said, his voice cold and sharp like a blade.

Aurora turned to face him, her expression carefully neutral. She noticed Draco and Theo exchange a confused glance, but she kept her focus on the Dark Lord.

"Yes, my Lord," she replied, bowing her head slightly in deference, but not too much. She knew better than to show weakness in front of him.

Voldemort's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing further, merely gesturing for everyone to take their seats. The meeting began in earnest, with the Dark Lord discussing their various activities in the Muggle world the collapse of the Brockdale Bridge, the supposed hurricane in the West Country, and other incidents designed to spread fear and chaos.

As the meeting progressed, Aurora listened intently, filing away every piece of information that might prove useful later. She noticed the subtle shifts in power dynamics among the Death Eaters, the way they jockeyed for favor with the Dark Lord while keeping an eye on each other.

Then, finally, Voldemort said the words they had all been waiting for. "Now, the moment we've been waiting for," he hissed, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Step forward, Draco. Aurora. Theodore."

The three of them stood, moving to stand beside the Dark Lord. Aurora could feel the weight of every gaze in the room on her, but she didn't flinch. This was her moment.

Voldemort began with Draco, who visibly trembled as the Dark Lord raised his wand. The incantation was spoken, and the Dark Mark burned itself into Draco's forearm. He cried out in pain, his voice echoing off the stone walls of the manor, but he did not pull away.

Next was Theo. Aurora could hear his whimpers even before the wand touched his skin, and when it did, his cries were louder than Draco's. Aurora's heart clenched at the sound, but she kept her expression impassive. She couldn't afford to show any emotion.

Finally, it was her turn. Voldemort's red eyes locked onto hers as he raised his wand. Aurora met his gaze steadily, refusing to look away. The pain came quickly, sharp and searing, but she welcomed it, letting it fuel the fire within her. She smirked as the Mark appeared on her skin, the snake and skull twisting together in a grotesque dance. Unlike the others, she showed no sign of discomfort, no hint of weakness.

Voldemort watched her closely, his expression inscrutable. When it was over, he lowered his wand and gave a small nod of approval.

"Well done," he said, almost as if he were speaking to a favored student. "You may just survive this war, Aurora Black."

With that, he turned to address the room once more. "The task I have set for you is clear," he announced. "Kill Dumbledore. Whoever succeeds will be rewarded beyond their wildest dreams."

The room buzzed with anticipation, but Aurora kept her focus on Voldemort. She knew that the Dark Lord never made promises lightly, and whatever reward he had in mind would come at a price.

As the meeting came to a close, Aurora glanced at Draco and Theo. They both looked pale, their eyes wide with the realization of what they had just committed to. But Aurora felt nothing but cold determination. She had made her choice, and now she would see it through to the end, no matter the cost.

When they left the dining room, Theo caught her arm, his grip tight. "Aurora, what just happened? How did you—?"

"Not here," she interrupted him, her voice a whisper. "We'll talk later."

She pulled her arm free and continued down the hallway, her mind already working on her next move. She had taken the Mark, but that didn't mean she was truly one of them. The Dark Lord may have marked her as his own, but in the end, Aurora knew that the only one she could trust was herself.

As she reached her room, she closed the door behind her and let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. The Mark burned faintly on her arm, a constant reminder of the path she had chosen. She would play this game, but on her own terms. And when the time came, she would make sure that those who underestimated her would live to regret it or not live at all.