𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒 [𝐑. 𝐋𝐮𝐩𝐢𝐧]

𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐅𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐑

Callisto Claire was perfect for the role. A pure-blood with good education, a well-known family, extraordinary magic skills and her own special gift who also seemed to possess every other characteristic desirable in a family as selective as this. She truly had everything, except for what they needed most. That was when the mask came in and all doubts about her turned to dust.

"This needs to be tighter." Milena commented, pointing at the corset around her waist. "It doesn't fit properly."

The tailor nodded and quickly waved her wand, sinching the corset a bit tighter. Callisto felt her breath getting caught in her throat at the sudden movement, but quickly recomposed herself and turned to Milena.

"It's a beautiful dress." Callisto complimented, looking at the white dress on the mirror. Although she never really liked Milena, she had to admit that she had good taste. "I'm sure Nicholas will love it too."

"I think so too." Milena agreed, inspecting her like a hawk. "Take some volume off the skirt. It looks tacky."

"Yes, Miss." And with another wave of her wand, the wedding dress was ready. Callisto touched the soft fabric, momentarily getting sad over how it would get destroyed as the blood stained it. It truly was a shame, but ruining her dress was the least she had to worry about.

"It's perfect now." Milena stated, motioning for the tailor to leave the room. The woman hurried off immediately, closing the door behind her as quietly as possible. "Nicholas isn't allowed to see you before the wedding, so you will be staying in separate parts of the manor. Do you know when your friends will arrive?"

"One day before the wedding, I presume."

"They will be staying in rooms close to yours. I trust that you will act accordingly."

"Accordingly?" Callisto questioned, goosebumps trailing her skin as Milena gestured for her to sit opposite from her.

"Now that you will officially become part of our family it's important your behavior is always appropriate. Think about who you will be standing next to; it's completely unacceptable to act like you're just a normal girl anymore." Milena paused for a moment, sitting further back on her chair. "We have been discussing with Aleksi that maybe it would be best if you didn't continue your studies after graduating from Hogwarts. It depends on what Nicholas will say, though. Nonetheless, the point is that you are a lady now with every sense of the word and ladies stay composed no matter what."

"Yes, Miss Lawson."

"Good." Milena nodded in approval. "Oh and, you are allowed to meet your friends, but you shouldn't be in a room alone with the men. Even if all is innocent, people will rush to taint your reputation."

And with those words, Milena stood up and got out of the room, leaving her behind alone. No, there was nothing else to consider that may have stopped her from cutting the wedding short now that she knew that the Lawsons planned to interfere with her future even more.

Callisto quickly changed into her normal clothes, which granted, were way too formal to be worn inside the house. She placed the dress on the hanger, and got out of the room, heading immediately towards her bedroom. To a simple bystander who had seen her both go in and out of the room there was something difference about the way she walked. Callisto had walked into the room feeling like there was a weight hanging right above her head, ready to be dropped at every second and crush her neck. Now, she felt as if the weight had turned into feathers. Perhaps it was the determination that Milena unknowingly gave her when she mentioned that she wouldn't be allowed to do anything other than stand by Nicholas' side after graduation. No, she wouldn't give them the satisfaction of turning her into a shadow of herself.