Netherworld, Book 1 of the Hallowed Realms Trilogy by Amy Miles & Danielle Bannister

Author:Amy Miles & Danielle Bannister [Miles, Amy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-10-16T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

DEVLIN

I WAS FEELING LIKE an arse the morning after the fight I’d had with Ma about the university. I’d behaved like a child when I stormed off. She was only trying to help me go after my dreams. Or what used to be my dreams. Now that Alana was gone, I didn’t know what I wanted to do anymore. There was too much to process and her shoving me across an ocean wasn’t going to get me to come to terms with them any faster.

One thing was clear. I needed to get out of my own way and begin to make amends for my actions. Starting with my poor studio. I had yet to see the destruction in the light of day. I took a deep breath and made my way over to the door.

The loud creak it made as I opened it reverberated in my ears. A few beams of sunlight made their way through the window, illuminating the war zone I’d left behind in my rage. Shards of broken pottery lined the benches and floors. Shelves lay bare. Months of work turned to dust in a matter of minutes. Devlin, you daft idiot!

Sighing, I grabbed the dustpan hanging from a nail near the door and started sweeping off my worktable. Large chunks of broken pottery came crashing to the ground, kicking up copper-coloured clouds. The shattered clay greeted the rest of the terracotta carnage below. The dust was so thick that I had to prop my door open to let in some fresh air.

“This is not going to be easy,” I said, digging out the trash bags I had stored in my supply closet. “Nor is this going to be anywhere near enough bags.”

Using the edge of my shirt, I wiped the sweat off my brow.

“Devlin? You in there, lad?”

It was Da. I hadn’t confronted him since my argument with Ma, which I was sure she told him all about.

“Aye,” I replied, putting the trash bags on the table.

Da came in and looked around the studio and let out a long, slow whistle. I scratched the back of my neck, embarrassed.

“I thought breaking your ma’s china after the wake was bad, but this”—he waved his hand around—“you’ve outdone me, lad.”

“Pretty dumb, eh?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

Da walked around the room, kicking at a bit of broken pottery. “Well, that depends, son. Does it hurt less now?”

I stood up and walked over to the window and gazed out over the field that led into the woods. A large bird of prey flew overhead and the soft sound of wind rattled against the windowpane. There was a sense of calm standing here. Peace.

“I think so,” I said. A moment later I felt Da’s hand on my shoulder. Strong and reassuring.

“Your mother told me about the university.”

I lowered my head. I had been waiting for this lecture.

“Devlin, whether you go to university or not, that’s not my concern.”

I shot an eyebrow up at him.

“It’s your life, son. You have to do what’s best for you.

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