𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒕𝒆, regulus black

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟖𝟔: 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐆𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠

＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚

Rune gracefully maneuvered through the gathering, feeling the weight of all eyes upon her. 

Her father introduced her with pride to each family, and Rune executed each greeting with practiced charm and poise. She moved with the fluidity of a dancer, her smile radiant and her demeanor warm.

At her core, she was a performer, born to captivate. 

She watched as the guests were dazzled by her presence, laughter and compliments trailing in her wake. And amidst the sea of faces, she couldn't help but notice her father's adoration, his eyes alight with pride and excitement as he introduced her to his friends.

As Eric excused himself to check on the progress in the kitchen, Rune seized the opportunity to steal a moment with Evan. 

"Enjoying the festivities, Evan?" she asked, her voice light and teasing as she leaned in slightly, her hand resting on his arm.

Evan's response was sharp, a hint of bitterness lacing his words. "Why wouldn't I be?" he retorted, his tone biting as he stepped away from her.

Her smile faltered at his coldness, her heart sinking at the realization that their friendship had been strained by the revelation of her true identity.

"Sorry," she murmured, standing up straight. "It was an innocent question."

Evan's words cut through the air like a knife as he gritted, "You always manage to find your way into the spotlight, don't you?"

Rune's heart clenched and she recoiled slightly, the weight of his accusation heavy on her shoulders.

"I didn't mean to—" she began.

But Evan wasn't finished. His next words were a venomous strike, aimed directly at Rune's core. "And by the way," he sneered, "don't get too comfortable here. You may be his daughter, but you'll never be one of us."

As he disappeared into the crowd, leaving Rune to grapple with the sting of his words, a woman's voice broke through the silence behind her. 

Startled, Rune spun around to find Walburga Black standing there, her gaze cold and calculating.

"Rune Rosier," Walburga said by way of greeting, "I must say, your sudden appearance has caused quite a stir, hasn't it?" 

 "It seems I have a talent for making waves," replied Rune, with a graceful tilt of her head upwards.

There was a flicker of something unreadable in Walburga's eyes for a second, before she broke into a sly, calculated smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "So, I'm aware. Did you enjoy your stay at my house? It's not often that we have unexpected guests, especially ones with such intriguing connections."

Rune's heart plummeted as Walburga's words sank in, her mind racing with panic. She felt as though the ground had shifted beneath her feet, uncertainty and fear clouding her thoughts.

Her face dropped, a cold sweat breaking out on her skin as she struggled to find the right words to defend herself.

"I... I didn't..." Rune stammered, her voice barely above a whisper as she searched for an explanation.

Walburga's laughter cut through her feeble attempt at justification.

Rune's facade of calm shattered as the older woman continued, her words dripping with accusation. 

"Now, now, girl," she chided, her tone dripping with malice. "Did you truly believe you and Regulus could keep your little secret hidden from me? The walls, the portraits, even the furniture whispered your presence. Did you honestly think I wouldn't find out?"