Ominous future

Dark mark

( David Kushner - Daylight)

"So you are engaged?" Anne cried out in shock, her eyes bulging and her hands covering her wide open mouth.
"Yes" Elisse sighed and continued unpacking the suitcase.

"What's wrong Elisse?" Anne asked seeing her sadness.

Elisse, seeing the confusion on her friend's face, forced a smile. "Things change," she said evasively.

Anne studied her for a moment, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.

Elisse then told her about the drama at the Gaunt ball. How she thought until the last moment that her fate was sealed with Marvolo.
And finally about the unexpected turn of events when Ominis returned with his father from the office.
"Anne, something is wrong with Ominis" Elisse said worriedly.

Anne looked at her in concern and nodded. "I agree, he didn't look like his normal self," she said, her eyebrows furrowing.

Elisse felt a pang in her heart. She had noticed the change in Ominis too, the hollow look in his usually vibrant eyes, and the cold detachment in his demeanor.

"He's different. He barely talks to me. Not to mention when I ask him what happened" said Elisse frustrated.
"Anne, I don't know what to do" she started to cry.

Anne immediately moved to comfort her friend, pulling her into a tight embrace. "Shh, shh," she murmured soothingly. "It'll be alright."

She held her for a moment, letting Elisse cry into her shoulder. Then she pulled back gently and wiped the tears from her friend's face.

Elisse looked Anne in the eyes and said "I have to find out what happened and fix it at all costs."

********************************************

Sebastian looked worriedly at Ominis who was quieter than usual. "So, how was your Christmas break, mate?" he asked.

Ominis glanced over at Sebastian, a weary look on his face. "It was fine," he replied, offering a vague answer.

Sebastian was not the least bit convinced. He could see that something was deeply troubling his friend. But Ominis was not the type to talk about his feelings.

"Family trouble again, huh?" Sebastian tried.

Ominis sighed deeply. "You could say that."

Sebastian observed his friend closely, his eyes narrowed in concern. He knew Ominis well enough to sense that something more was troubling him. Something deeper and darker than the usual family conflicts.
"Ok, I won't confess to you here. If you want, come and chat with me." Sebastian gave up.

Ominis gave a slight nod, a hint of appreciation for Sebastian's understanding. "I'll meet you later," he agreed before they both went their separate ways.

Ominis was walking through the corridors mindlessly like a ghost when suddenly Anne rushed at him "Hey Ominis I have to congratulate you. Elisse already told me the news" Anne said excitedly.

Ominis paused mid-step, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. He had been so lost in thought that he hadn't even heard Anne approach.

"Thank you, Anne," he said, offering a small smile. His heart, however, was heavy. The last thing he wanted to do now was talk about his engagement to Elisse.

"How did you do it? Did you kneel before her?" Anne continued her interrogation.

At her words, Ominis realized that he had not given Elissa any engagement ring. It all happened so fast that he didn't even think about it. "No, I didn't," Ominis said, his voice soft and wistful.