The Witch's General by Olivia Oakley & Tamsin Moore

Author:Olivia Oakley & Tamsin Moore [Oakley, Olivia & Moore, Tamsin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Inkblot Press
Published: 2023-05-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Memories were cursed things. Netta glared at the kitchen inventory as images of that morning in the hotel plagued her more than a poltergeist. She’d be minding her own business, like now, when she’d feel his touch on her neck. Or she’d be rounding a corner on her way to the parlor and there’d be the ghost of his hand on her waist. Falling asleep was nearly impossible as he was the image that surfaced as she began to drift.

Was it his powers? They were like a constant background noise. Perhaps she’d become sensitive to them. Or was it something else? Was it—but no, that wasn’t possible, and she shook that thought aside before it fully formed.

She kept a respectful distance from him as the days passed. Debate and meditation filled her own free time. The few times she connected with Cai, she only felt his frustration with her. Had she hurt their bond in that moment of weakness? It worried her, but there was no anger or reprimand from him and so she thought not.

All too soon, the day of Sofia’s coming out ball arrived. The dresses were delivered, and Netta did all she could to avoid the dress she would be forced to wear tonight. As if she could put it off.

“Netta, don’t let them take me,” Lina came bursting into Anya’s room where Netta had been helping her dress while the maids were occupied with Sofia. On her heels, her brothers were chasing after her.

“What’s going on?” Netta asked, brows furrowed.

Lina grasped at her skirts as if she were a lifeline. Her eyes went wide as she said, “They want to take me away!”

Sebastian rolled his eyes. “We want to take you to have your bath and get ready for the party.”

Netta touched the child’s head. “Lina, you know how important this day is for your sister. What is so terrible about a bath?”

“I wasn’t done playing.” The pout on her little face tugged at Netta’s heart. Which was what it was designed to do.

“She was hunting a rabbit in the garden,” Kristof said. “Which you can do tomorrow.”

Netta had to bite back a grimace. It was easy to forget this was a family of vampires.

“Please, Lina. Listen to your brothers,” Netta said gently, but firmly. “You loved your dress yesterday. Aren’t you excited to wear it?”

Lina’s grip on her gown tightened, and her pout became more petulant.

“Perhaps we should get Father?” Anya said as she slipped on her earrings.

Lina pulled back. “No. I’ll go.”

The three left her room, Sebastian mouthing an apology.

“I’m done, Netta,” said Anya, stepping back to look herself over in the mirror. She wore a simple black gown, appropriate for her age. “You should go get ready. The guests will be arriving soon.”

Netta made a non-committal sound in the back of her throat. Instead of going to her own room, though, Netta did a double-check around the house. Everything was in working order. Some servants were still putting the final touches on the decor.

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