as the world caves in; mattheo riddle

twenty-five

He lowers his eyes at me, clenching his jaw slightly as I push the door open, still facing him.

"Fine," he reluctantly agrees.

"Really?" I ask, a triumphant smile growing on my lips.

We step into the empty corridor, Mattheo closing the door behind him. We fall into step, side by side as we make our way down the hallway.

"Only because you asked," he replies, his eyes flickering down at me before returning to the path ahead of us.

I try not to let my smile get too smug.

"You're so obedient," I tease.

"Don't push it," he scoffs in return.

A small laugh escapes my lips, shaking my head slightly as we approach the dreaded doors of Defense Against the Dark Arts.

"You go in first," I turn towards Mattheo. "That way it doesn't look suspicious."

We both come to a stop as Mattheo turns towards me, a smirk playing on his lips as he peers down at me.

"You're a smart girl, Amora," he says before descending through the doors of the classroom.

I wait a few moments before following suit, that way it just looks like two students who happen to be late.

As I slip through the door a solid minute after Mattheo, I keep my expression neutral—casual, like I hadn't just been pressed up against a wall with the very boy now seated at the back of the room, lounging like he owns the place.

"Nice of you to join us, Miss Sinclair," Professor Riddle speaks up, his eyes flickering over me.

"Apologies, Professor," I reply quietly.

I take my usual seat next to Theo, feeling eyes all around the classroom burn into my back.

"See me after class," Tom says, his voice low and in control.

My heart drops, looking up to meet his dark eyes.

This can't be happening.

The very moment that had worried me since Professor Riddle started had finally come. I had done my best to avoid him like the plague, knowing what I know about him.

Tom turns his attention back towards the board, continuing on with his lecture. My heart pounds against my ribs, that sick feeling in my stomach returning.

Theo leans in, his voice barely audible.

"What the hell was that?" he whispers.

I shake my head, swallowing the lump in my throat as I keep my attention forward.

"I—I don't know," I mutter.

I keep my attention fixed on my notes, pretending to be more invested in today's lecture on nonverbal spells than my own racing thoughts.

I could feel Mattheo's gaze burning into me from the back of the classroom, but I didn't dare look back.

Tom knows more than he lets on, he's an observant man. Or maybe he doesn't—maybe this is just a scare tactic or one of his sick games. Either way, I wanted no part in any of it.

Class ends before I could process, going by in a blur of scribbles notes, thick tension, and stolen glances. Class is dismissed as students flood towards the door, but I stay put.

"Want me to wait for you?" Theo asks, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"No," I shake my head, giving him a half-smile. "It's fine. I'll meet you at lunch."