The Hunt | Regulus Black

Ticking On

– Present –

– Regulus Black –

A feeling of apprehension and determination welling up inside is like standing on the edge of a cliff, knowing I have to take the leap but feeling a mix of fear and tenacity coursing through my veins.

There's a knot in my stomach, a sense of unease as I picture the unknown. The uncertainty of what lies ahead casts a shadow over my thoughts, causing me to second-guess myself and question my abilities. It's like standing at the threshold of a new chapter, hesitant to step forward for fear of what might await me on the other side.

Despite the apprehension and nervousness, there's a fire burning within me, a steely resolve that refuses to be extinguished. I draw strength from deep within, summoning the courage to push past my doubts. It's like a beacon of light cutting through the darkness, guiding me forward with unwavering determination.

Beneath the surface, a reservoir of inner strength waiting to be unleashed. It's the power to face adversity head-on, to confront challenges with courage and resilience. With each breath, I feel this strength building me up, bolstering my resolve and fortifying my spirit. It's like a mighty oak tree, rooted firmly in the ground, bending but never breaking in the face of the strongest winds.

As I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling as my thoughts unravel. A creak of light appears, the soft whisper of a delicate voice silences my train of thought, almost like it arrived at a red light.

"Reg" Thea whispers, "Are you awake?"

All the planning in the world will never prepare me for tomorrow, however, the sweetness and reassuring nature of her voice makes my worries dissipate.

"Dora?" A smile spreads across my face as my elbows prop me up.

She gives me a soft simile, packed with a mix of emotions. I nod my head to her to come sit as I sit up and move over.

"Friday's going to be a big day" Thea whispers, but the words echo through my mind.

The room is enveloped in an almost tangible silence, thick and heavy, where even the slightest sound would feel like an intrusion. Darkness clings to every corner, soft and velvet-like, broken only by the pale silver light of the moon as it slips through the window. The moonlight spills in quietly, painting soft lines across the floor, outlining the edges of the room in a cool, ethereal glow.

Each object sits in shadow, blurred and softened by the gentle luminance, transformed into quiet, still silhouettes. The air feels hushed and cool, carrying a faint chill that whispers of the night's depth.

The clock ticks slowly, though even time seems reluctant to move forward, as if the early morning hours exist in a space of their own. It's a moment of stillness, suspended between the fading night and the promise of dawn. The moonlight doesn't flicker or falter; it stands watch over the sleeping world, casting everything in a surreal calm.

"We'll be okay Dora" I softly smile at her, summoning all the reassurance I can muster.

Thea nods, taking a deep breath. It's although I can instantly read her mind, the worry, the nerves, the hope, the dread... I understand it all. There is no one else who will understand this moment or feeling, it's special to Thea and I, as scary and intimidating as it can sound, it bonds us.

Right now, it feels as if the world narrows to just us, our shared experience weaving an invisible bond. With each gentle smile, glance, and mutual understanding, a deeper connection forms - unspoken, but undeniably present. There's a warmth that rises from realising we're in this together, a quiet comfort in knowing that someone else truly understands.