The Veil of Shadows and blood

Chapter 6: Soren's Dilemma

Sitting alone in the Slytherin common room, Soren Desmond stared blankly at the flickering flames of the fireplace. His snow-white hair glimmered in the dim light, a stark contrast to the shadows that enveloped him. His glowing blue eyes, usually so vibrant, appeared duller than ever. The weight of loneliness pressed down on him like an anchor, dragging him into despair. Harry was dead. Draco was dead. The two people he had come to care for were gone, ripped away by a merciless killer who left no trace.

Soren's body trembled slightly, though he couldn't tell if it was from fear or something deeper. His health had always been precarious, but now, the specter of murder hung over him like a storm cloud, darkening his every thought. He coughed, tasting copper in his mouth, and quickly wiped away the blood that threatened to spill over.

He had always been weaker than the others, shielded by his friends. But now, the chilling reality loomed before him—he could be next.

Determined to shake off the darkness closing in around him, Soren stood up to head to his dormitory. But as he took a step, a sharp pain shot through his chest, making him stagger. He leaned against the wall, breathing heavily, feeling the world around him tilt as his vision blurred. Panic gripped him, but he pressed on, unwilling to succumb to his illness.

The hallways were empty and dark, the air thick with an unshakable tension that prickled at his skin. Every creak of the floorboards sent a shiver down his spine as he made his way to his room. Thoughts of the killings consumed him—the brutal way Harry and Draco had died, the viciousness of it all, and the harrowing idea that he could be next haunted him with each heartbeat.

Finally, he reached his door, relief washing over him as he turned the handle. But as he stepped inside, an icy wave of air washed over him, chilling him to the bone. The room was eerily silent, and Soren's heart raced. He was certain he hadn't left the window open.

Suddenly, strong arms wrapped around him from behind, yanking him off his feet. A gasp tore from his lips as he struggled against the unexpected grip. The intruder's breath was hot against his ear, sending a fresh wave of fear coursing through him.