But the reality was that another half month passed, and Lys still hadn't heard any whispers...
After a month of constant anxiety, Lys heard that Lucius and the others had returned from Germany, so she had the stupid bird deliver a note to Malfoy Manor.
The reply invited Lys to dinner—nothing else was written.
When she saw Lucius that evening, Lys was somewhat shocked. His complexion was even paler than before, and he carried the scent of pain-relief potions.
"What happened to you? Didn't you just get back?" Lys asked.
However, Lucius didn't answer. Instead, he stared at Lys's left hand and hair, asking in return: "What's wrong with you?"
He'd previously thought Lys's injuries were only temporary, but seeing her condition unchanged after nearly a month, he couldn't help feeling puzzled.
Lys withdrew her curious gaze, pulled down her left arm guard to cover the festering on her fingers, turned her head away, and walked into the drawing room.
None of those who'd gone to Germany had fared well. For one, they hadn't gained enough benefits. For another, the Dark Lord wanted to dominate between both sides, but on the opponent's home turf, several young British nobles had no confidence whatsoever and failed to achieve their goals.
Moreover, their timing upon return was unfortunate. Although the Dark Lord had taken no visible action, this didn't mean he wasn't furious.
All four people, including Regulus and Lucius, had been severely punished by the Dark Lord.
But Lys thought this also proved the Dark Lord had no major operations planned recently—otherwise, his capable subordinates wouldn't have been tortured to this extent...
After collecting each family's material requirements, Lys struggled to stuff the notes into her satchel while earnestly warning everyone:
"Make sure to drink your pain-relief potions on time. Cruciatus is bad for the brain."
But Snape just looked back at her with an expression that seemed to say "perhaps your brain wasn't working properly to begin with."
After all, anyone with sense wouldn't voluntarily do stupid things that would invite the Cruciatus Curse.
Lys protested: "Really! I got checked at St. Mungo's!"
How could they not believe her?!
But no one listened to her. Only Regulus smiled and handed her a glass of eggnog to soothe her.
Afterward, he reminded everyone:
"Bella's actions have become increasingly extreme lately, and the Dark Lord is very indulgent. You'd all better handle your affairs as cleanly as possible."
Lucius and Lys simultaneously raised their glasses and took concealing sips.
For some reason, Snape also picked up his glass.
Seeing everyone raise their glasses, Regulus hesitated briefly before politely lifting his own.
After dinner, the group strolled through Lucius's garden, which was meticulously maintained by house-elves. Lys trailed behind, gnawing on a biscuit and spacing out.
She was hesitating whether to tell Regulus about the Horcrux.
But listening to Regulus ahead discussing plans for the Dark Lord's cause, Lys kept her mouth shut.
Dreams versus reality?
Family versus self?
Death or life?
Lys understood she should never weigh the value of things in people's hearts and guess their choices based on that—that was gambling.
Right now, she was just a follower behind the three of them. Once they faced choices, she wouldn't be the one chosen. Lys knew this clearly.
So when Regulus brought up Lys's supply channels again, Lys lowered her head, looking at the caring young man before her while avoiding his eyes.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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