.Mattheos POV.
I'm trapped in my own head; darkness has become a constant companion, a shadow that lurks in every corner of my mind. Ever since Enzo's death, everything has shifted, tilted into an emptiness I can't escape. Draco barely speaks to me anymore; I can see it in his eyes, blame. It's okay, though; I blame myself too. And Tessa... every time I think of her, my heart shatters a little more. She's losing herself, hiding away in her room, isolating from everyone.
It's all my fault.
Tessa deserves so much better than this. I want to be better for her, but I can't seem to claw my way out of this twisted life I've created. I don't deserve the good things that come my way.
I never have.
"Hey there," a voice breaks through my spiral.
I turn to see Pansy, her presence a small comfort as she takes a seat next to me.
"Oh, you look rough. Another fight?" she asks, glancing at the bruises on my face and the busted lip, my knuckles covered with blood.
"Someone was talking shit. They got what they deserved," I mutter, the bitterness of my own words stinging like the pain in my body.
Pansy sighed, her concern evident.
"Are you sure? Or are you just saying that to use fighting as a coping mechanism?" Her tone is gentle, but it cuts deeper than any physical blow.
"I'm pretty sure someone talking shit about me and my dead friend deserves a visit to the hospital wing!" I snap, turning my gaze away. My anger is boiling over, but thankfully, Pansy is still here. If it weren't for her and Theo, I wouldn't even be sitting here right now.
"Shit, I'm sorry..." she mumbles, her voice thick with regret.
"You need to stop blaming yourself for his death," she insists softly.
"It's not your fault. There was no way to prevent it. And before you say you could've said no or gone against your father's orders, you know damn well that would've gotten you and Tessa killed." I know she's right, but the guilt clings to me like a shroud.
It's my fault for letting myself get close to my friends, for allowing myself to fall for Tessa.
When I started Hogwarts, I made a promise to myself: no friends, no connections—only isolation. I broke that promise, and now look where we are.
I was meant to be alone.
"Speaking of Tessa..." Pansy's voice wavers, trailing off as if she's not sure how to continue.
I look away, letting out a small sigh.
Tessa lost her best friend, her soulmate.
Even if I'm destined to be with her, Enzo was always her person. They were each other's safe haven, and now that's gone.
She lost a part of herself the day he died.
"I don't think she's coming back from this," I whisper, my voice barely audible. "And if she does, she'll never be the same." I glance at Pansy, and the hurt in her eyes mirrors my own. Tessa is Pansy's person too, and I can see how lost she is without her.
Before Pansy can respond, a scoff rings out, and we both turn. Tessa stands at the bottom of the stairs, a shadow of her former self.
She looks utterly destroyed; dark bags under her eyes, red and swollen from crying. She's lost too much weight, and it's a painful reminder of what I've caused. I want to stay away from her, but my heart pulls me closer.
YOU ARE READING
The Dare - Mattheo Riddle
Fanfiction"Tessa thought she had everything under control-until she learns her relationship with Enzo was built on a cruel dare. As her heart shatters, she finds herself drawn to the dangerous and enigmatic Mattheo Riddle. Caught between betrayal, forbidden l...
