A Court Of Nightmares

Chapter Eight Working For Devil

My mouth went dry, my future, the way he said it almost sounded threatening. Like he was planning on sending me to my grave early if he wanted to. If he did I wouldn't be surprised by it.

"Wine?" Gea offered me, holding a black bottle in her hands, smiling at me. I wish I could smile back, but with that man staring at me like I was prey. All I could do was manage a short nod.

Gea poured my golden-colored glass, and silence went through the table as she moved on pouring to the rest. I admittedly took a big gulp of my wine unsure of what else I should do. Right when I thought I might be able to stall Rhys for a little while. Ignes's father decides to add more to the many problems I have. No doubt my temper was rising, I was sick of being belittled and threatened by men.

Ignes and Mia stilled, probably feeling my sudden rage. Just as Gea went on her way back to the kitchen.

I took a deep breath before replying, trying to calculate a smart answer to give.

"I might get a job with you after all?" I asked, playing coy to his menacing tone. Taking another sip of my wine.

Ignes's father glared at me. "I suppose, you can call it that."

I grinned, leaning forward on the table putting my head on my fist lazily. Which enraged Ignes's father further as his face twisted into a scowl. If he wants me to fall under his feet he is going to have to fight me for it.

The realization of it seemed to hit Ilias, making him chug his own wine. Looking at both of us, weary.

"Please do tell sir," I said eagerly, gesturing for him to continue, waving the golden glass in my hand.

He grinded his teeth, and I knew I hit the mark. This is his true behavior, practically unhinged, with a very vivid temper. A temper that he and Ignes share. Though Ignes was not as bad as him there was no doubt that she was his daughter. Looks and all.

"Careful," he warned, "you are lucky that I am generous enough to let you stay and work for me."

I almost rolled my eyes, generous would be the last word I would use to describe this man. But I forced myself to smile instead, "I greatly appreciate your generosity sir, you won't regret the chance you have given me." I promised. Trying hard to bite my tongue before I let the real vile words I wanted to actually throw at him.

He nodded, taking a sip of his wine, right when a bunch of plates appeared in front of us. I jumped back in surprise, which made everyone at the table stare at me from the disruption. I cleared my throat, trying to hide my embarrassment and slight awe. I still wasn't processing the fact that magic exists. Even if I had powers myself, I never thought of the possibilities of magic being so domesticated in this world. I've only seen it in movies, but now seeing it up close was a completely different experience.

"Someone is a bit jumpy," Ilias stated, as a small smile began forming on his face. It annoyed me to the point where I was close to asking Ignes to smack her brother upside the head again. But Ignes was too busy diverting her eyes towards the food in front of her. Her movements are utterly stiff as she dug in.

"I was raised in the mortal lands," I lied smoothly, " I'm not used to it is all."

Ilias's eyes gleamed, interested in the little white lie I told. Even though Ignes has trained me in everything about my new fake home. I had no desire to answer anything he might be inclined to ask. Especially with that smirk forming on his father's face. The wheels turning in his little devious mind like he was scheming by downfall.

"Ignes told me of your origin, how tragic that you never got to find your father." He said without an ounce of pity. More like he was saying it out of spite as his smirk grew. Trying to get under my skin with the false lies.