A Broken Inheritance

Chapter 5: Spring Break of 76'

Chapter 5: Spring Break of 76'

The train hissed and screeched as it came to a halt at Platform 9, billowing clouds of steam rolling across the platform and mingling with the lively chatter of reunited families. Anastasia stepped off the train with Regulus at her side, her heels clicking softly against the stone. She adjusted her gloves with practiced precision, the gesture automatic, as if it might steel her against the gnawing anxiety creeping in.

The platform was as chaotic as ever, parents rushing to greet their children, luggage being levitated through the throng of students, owls hooting irritably in their cages. Regulus craned his neck, his dark hair falling into his eyes as he searched for their parents.

"There," he murmured, nudging her arm.

Anastasia followed his gaze. Walburga and Orion stood near the edge of the crowd, their expressions as stern and severe as ever. She wasn't surprised by their presence—they never missed an opportunity to reinforce the weight of their expectations.

But it was the man standing with them that made her steps falter.

Tom.

He was unmistakable, even amidst the bustling crowd. His tall, commanding figure was dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit, the sharp lines and muted fabric exuding an effortless authority. His dark hair was perfectly in place, and his eyes—deep, piercing, and unreadable—locked onto hers the moment he spotted her. A slow, deliberate smile curved his lips, one that sent an involuntary chill down her spine.

"What's he doing here?" Regulus asked quietly, his voice barely audible over the din.

Anastasia forced herself to keep walking, her pace steady despite the sudden tightness in her chest. "I'm staying at the Riddle Estate for the spring break," she reminded him, her voice carefully neutral.

Regulus frowned. "I know that, but... I didn't think he'd pick you up himself."

She let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Tom does love a spectacle."

As they approached, Tom stepped forward with a smoothness that seemed almost rehearsed. His smile widened, warm but with a glint of something sharper lurking beneath the surface. He extended his hand, palm up, a gesture both inviting and deliberate.

"Anastasia," he said, his voice rich and silken. "It's good to see you again."

She hesitated for the briefest moment before placing her gloved hand in his. His fingers closed around hers, warm and firm, and he leaned in, pulling her into an embrace. The closeness sent her heart racing, though she couldn't be sure if it was from discomfort or something else entirely.

"Welcome back," he murmured, his breath brushing her ear. Before she could respond, he tilted her chin up and pressed his lips to hers in a deep, deliberate kiss. It was slow, calculated, and for the benefit of everyone watching—the ultimate display of possession. She didn't resist, though her stomach churned at the knowing looks she could feel from her guardians behind her.

When he pulled back, his smile was triumphant. "I missed you."

She arched a brow, her lips curving faintly in a sardonic smile. "Have you now?"

His eyes sparkled with amusement, though his tone turned softer. "Of course. You wound me, Anastasia. You don't seem pleased to see me."

Her smile widened slightly, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Don't I? Perhaps I'm just overwhelmed by the... spectacle."

He chuckled, his hand still lightly holding hers. "You do know how to flatter a man. Shall we?"

She turned to Regulus, who was watching the exchange with thinly veiled unease. "I need a moment to say goodbye to Regulus," she said, her tone polite but firm.