Astrid
The warmth of the evening sun bathed the mansion in a soft, golden glow as I walked home. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each one fighting for dominance. Magnus. His name alone sent shivers down my spine, a mixture of excitement and anxiety. I could still feel the lingering sensation of his mark on my skin, hidden beneath layers of enchantment that Meredith had carefully crafted for me.
As I approached our house, I could see the familiar silhouette of my mother through the kitchen window. She was busy with dinner, her movements precise and rhythmic, a dance she had perfected over the years. I took a deep breath, hoping to mask the turmoil within me, and stepped inside.
"Astrid, is that you?" my mom called out, her voice laced with the comfort of routine.
