Whispers in the Dark || M.R || ENG

003

Panic surges through me as I glance at the screen. I hesitate, wondering if I should answer or ignore it. My heart races; what if he senses that something is off? I can't let him find out where I am or what I'm doing.

Mattheo notices my sudden tension and raises an eyebrow. "You alright?" he asks, concern flickering in his eyes.

I force a smile and nod, but inside, I'm a mess. "Uh, it's just my brother. I'll be right back," I say, quickly stepping away from the table and trying to find a quiet corner.

"Hey, Draco," I answer, attempting to sound casual, even though my voice wavers slightly.

"Amelia? Where are you?" His tone is sharp, and I can tell he's already suspicious. "I've been trying to reach you."

I take a deep breath, my mind racing for an excuse. "I... I'm staying at a friend's place. You know how it is with the parties and all."

"Which friend?" he presses, his tone growing more intense.

"Uh, just someone from school," I stammer, trying to keep my voice steady. "It was last minute. I didn't think you'd mind."

"Amelia, I need you to be honest with me," he says, and I can hear the frustration in his voice. "I don't want you getting into trouble. You know how people can be."

I glance back at Mattheo, who's watching me with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. "I promise, I'm fine. I'll be home soon," I reply, hoping to reassure him.

"Alright, but I'll be expecting you back," he warns. "Don't make me come looking for you."

"I won't," I say quickly before ending the call.

As I hang up, my heart races. Mattheo walks over, a knowing smile on his face. "That your brother? Sounds like he's got you on a tight leash."

I'm trying to play it cool. "He's just looking out for me, I guess."

"Yeah, well, you're not a kid anymore," he says, leaning against the wall, looking effortlessly confident. "You can do what you want."

His words hang in the air, and I feel a mix of defiance and excitement. But the reality of Draco's warning looms over me like a dark cloud. I'm torn between the thrill of this new connection with Mattheo and the pressure of my brother's expectations.

"Are you okay?" Mattheo asks, breaking me out of my thoughts. "You seem a bit tense."

"Just... family stuff," I say, forcing a smile. "But I'm here now, right?"

He studies me for a moment, then grins. "Let's not let it ruin the fun. Come on, let's enjoy the moment."

With that, he takes my hand.