Prologue
Staring in my window for the hundredth time this day, I wallowed in my own pain and desperation hoping the one person capable of filling the gaping hole in my chest would come right through it. I half expected he'd be back, that all of the last 3 days was just a trick.
He didn't come back.
Damn it. If only I told him sooner. If only I wasn't a coward. I just turned 18 and I promised myself after my birthday I'll tell the truth. The truth behind why I wasn't afraid of his kind. The truth as to why I never hesitate to go against James on my own. The weird fascination I have for their kind, the cool demeanor when they do something inhuman. But what's the point? If I told him what I am, would he still stay?
He admitted it, I was just a distraction.
A plaything.
A burst of pain shot from my chest, as if my very soul was eating me alive. Clutching my heaving torso, I bit my lip to keep the cry of agony escape my dry lips. Feeling the salty liquid roll down my cheeks, I wiped them angrily. You stupid. Falling for a vampire! What would father say?
I sighed, suddenly feeling home sick for the hundredth time and missing my family. Maybe I should go back? It's been two years since I last seen them, much less talk to them. I mean, there's nothing left for me here. This town is just a big slap on my face. Our memories.
I was cut off from my thoughts with a tapping noise on the glass window. My heart gave a leap out of my chest. Edward? I quickly unlatched the lock and opened my window. What came in was not what I expected.
It was a black owl.
I frowned. The universe must be laughing at me right now. Some sick joke. Tsk. The owl stared at me expectedly as I looked back. Realization dawned on me as I saw the rolled parchment tied on the owl's leg. My eyes widened and snatched it from the creatures waiting leg.
I unrolled it and stared at a blank page. I muttered a spell under my breath, too tired to concentrate on doing wordless magic, and almost grinned triumphantly as the familiar script appeared on the page.
Dearest Isabella,
It has been a long two years since we last spoken to one another. The reasons you clearly understood from your last visit. The Dark Lord has taken premise in our manor. And I'm afraid that the war is getting nearer. I want you to be where exactly you are right now. Do you understand Isabella? I strictly forbid you to be near the manor. You are in danger. Your father has been caught and was taken to Azkaban. The Dark Lord is furious about your father's carelessness and had threatened to kill us unless we do what he says. I know it is difficult but please try to obey me just this once. Your brother is fine by the way. But I'm afraid his upcoming initiation cannot be stopped. I will do my best to keep you both safe and alive, and that means you going anywhere but here. Burn this letter after reading it.
With love,
Narcissa Malfoy.
I almost fainted right there and then. I crumpled the letter in my shaking hand as flames erupted from it. I grabbed for the window sill and gritted my teeth to prevent from lashing out. How insensitive of me. My family is in danger and I'm here weeping for someone who doesn't even love me. How pathetic.
No matter what mother says, I'm coming back. And I certainly will not let that nose-less freak ruin my brother's future.
I'm Isabella Briar Malfoy, first and only daughter of Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy, a sister to Darco Malfoy.
And I'm gonna save my brother.
Even if I die trying.