Ariel
I heard footsteps before I saw him.
Heavy. Dragging. Not like their usual stomping or wild laughter.
I ran to the door, expecting the usual chaos.
Instead, it was just Ron.
His cloak was torn, his face pale. Blood stained the fabric like ugly vines. His eyes didn't meet mine.
"Ron?" I whispered.
He looked up.
And in that moment, I knew.
No words.
No Aron.
Just silence.
The world blurred. My throat tightened. The laughter, the bickering, the warmth that used to fill the house… gone.
Ron opened his mouth to speak, but the words died there. I stepped forward, grabbing his shirt, slamming my fists into his chest.
"Where is he?!"
He didn't answer.
Just closed his eyes.
And fell to his knees.