A shift in fate | Mattheo Riddle

Twenty-eight

I quickly looked away, pretending I hadn't caught his meaning, though we both knew exactly what he was implying. And he was right—chances were, if we had been in a room, with a bed, without interruptions... things might have gone much further than a heated makeout session in the rain.

But instead of letting myself get flustered, I smirked, tilting my head toward him. "To be continued, Riddle." The words slipped from my lips with a confidence that surprised even me.

Mattheo's brows shot up, amusement flashing across his dark eyes before a slow, knowing grin spread over his face. "Be careful what you wish for, Moonvale," he murmured, voice low. "You might not be able to handle it."

I let out a soft chuckle, arching a brow. "You clearly don't know me well enough. Trust me, I will."

Mattheo pressed his lips together, watching me for a long moment before shrugging as if to say we'll see. He didn't argue, but the look in his eyes told me that I had just ignited something dangerous—a challenge he was more than willing to accept.

We didn't speak for the rest of the walk back to the castle. There was no need. The air between us was charged, thick with unspoken words, stolen glances, and the occasional smirk Mattheo would send my way when he thought I wasn't looking.

As we reached the grand entrance of the castle, the hum of low whispers hit my ears almost instantly. Students lingered outside, their heads turning as we passed. Some exchanged glances, others openly stared. The second we stepped through the doors, the murmuring increased.

My gaze flickered around the room, trying to catch bits of conversation, but all I saw were darting eyes and barely concealed smirks.

I nudged Mattheo lightly. "Don't you want to know what they're saying about us?" I whispered, leaning in slightly.

He frowned, looking almost confused. "What? Who?"

I gestured subtly with my head to the groups of students around us. "Them. They started whispering the second we walked in."

Mattheo followed my gaze before letting out a scoff, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Why the fuck would I care?"He shook his head, exhaling like this was nothing new to him. "It's always the same shit anyway."

I frowned. "Same shit?"

His smirk returned, though this time, it was edged with something sharper—something more dangerous. "Yeah. They're probably saying we just fucked in the forest. That you're completely in love with me. That I have some ridiculous soft spot for you." His voice was casual, indifferent, but there was an unmistakable glint in his eyes as he glanced at me. "The usual."

I blinked. "They do?"

He let out a low chuckle, tilting his head slightly as he looked ahead. "Yeah. I hear that kind of shit all the time." His voice was smooth, unaffected. "People love gossiping about me. And now, apparently, you too. They have nothing better to do with their pathetic little lives, so they obsess over someone else's."

I studied his face— the way his lips curled slightly in amusement, the way he carried himself like he genuinely didn't give a single fuck what anyone thought. 

I chuckled at his response, genuinely impressed by how effortlessly he brushed off the rumors and whispers. He moved through life like nothing could touch him, like he was untouchable. I should try that sometime.

Shaking my head, I let out a sigh. "Well, I should probably head back to my dorm." I turned to face Mattheo, tucking a damp strand of hair behind my ear. "Jane's probably losing her mind by now. I wouldn't be surprised if she's blown up my phone."