Family Demons by A. L. Sestier

Author:A. L. Sestier [Sestier, A. L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-01-12T00:00:00+00:00

21

The Ghast Palace

“Good morning, Ophelia!” Her father was drinking a cup of coffee in the morning room looking out over the garden. He was wearing a long, silk robe decorated with a hoard of silver dragons that twisted and writhed over each other in an endless dance.

“Good morning.” Ophelia replied, nervously holding her hands behind her back.

Her father hadn't said anything the previous evening. He hadn't punished her, as Mandabel had clearly wanted him to, and she was surprised at how much she hated the idea of making him angry. She had commanded Piper to stay in her room, terrified that losing him would be the price she would pay for disobeying her uncle. But why should she be punished? She had saved Shaw. Surely that was more important than whatever type of magic she had used to do it? She couldn't stand playing a game when she didn't know any of the rules.

“Did you sleep well?”

“Yes.” She swallowed, feeling as if the hand of fate lay heavily across her chest.

“Ah, Ophelia! Don't look so nervous!” He sat down and set his cup on the dark, polished table. “I don't want to tell you off. I don't know if I even can.” He looked so sad and drawn in the grey light spilling in through the windows. “You've been away for so long . . . you're all grown up – your own person. I don't even think I should tell you off. I think it was right of you to use family magic to save your cousin . . . but . . . you must try to understand. If you make a promise to your uncle, you must keep it. It is as serious as if you made a promise to the Dotti Ghast. He is the authority on magic in our family, just as I am the authority on family business, do you understand?”

“Is he 'chosen' too, then?” Ophelia stepped forward and rested her hands on the back of a sofa. The fabric felt cool and smooth, she wished she could rest her burning cheek against it, or even roll right underneath it and be in the calm darkness there.

He paused then nodded slowly. “I am the head of this house, but he is the voice of the Ghast. The Ghast's will is what matters.”

“So, you want me to do whatever Mandabel says even if it means somebody gets hurt?”

“I want you to understand what it means to be a Dotti. But I also understand that this is all new to you. It's a lot to ask . . . maybe too much.”

“I do want to be a part of this family.” She said quietly, eyes cast down.

He sprung forward and took her hand, eyes shining, full of life. “It makes me so happy to hear you say that!” He kissed her hand firmly. “So happy! But things work differently here. Your mother found it difficult too.”

“My mother?” Ophelia swallowed hard. “Why did she leave?” Her question was barely a whisper.

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