Arcane ~ ONGOING

~Chapter Seventeen~

not edited

Third POV

Octavian studied his younger brother with narrowed eyes as he sat back on the chair. He had a million things on his mind, but his siblings' mental and physical health came first.

"Dorian," He started, resting his forearms on the table in front of him and leaning forward, "What is going on?" He asked, patiently awaiting an answer from his younger brother.

"I-I don't know," The younger one replied in a small, broken whisper. Octavian held his silence, knowing Dorian probably wanted to elaborate further. And he was right.

"It's just that everytime I look at her acting all innocent and sweet, I can't help but remember dad," He replied.

"We have gone over this numerous times, Dorian. She was just a kid. She didn't know what she was doing back then," Octavian explained as slowly as he could.

"A kid? An ungrateful kid who dad died for. Not only died but suffered," Dorian said, shouting.

***

Three years ago

Dorian gazed at the frail figure of his father, machines hooked up to him as they helped him live. His face was pale and contorted in pain. He saw the both of them talking in hushed voice as tears spilled out of their father's eyes.

Octavian hung his head with a defeated look as their father landed his hand on Octavian's with immense effort.

After a couple of minutes, Octavian walked out. Both the brothers settled down silently in the seats as Dorian asked, "What was he saying?" He was fearing what his answer would be but he still wanted to know.

"He was us to pull the plug," Octavian replied in a soft silent whisper. Dorian was silent. He didn't want to let go of him. Everyone knew he wasn't going to survive this but he didn't want to intentionally kill him. Just seeing his father he knew he was in too much pain to keep going. The doctors had done everything they could but his pain was still unbearable.

"But he says to do that only after he has talked with Astria for one last time," Octavian finishes.

"She hasn't talked to us in years. How will you do that?" Dorian asked after a few minutes of silence.

"Eleanore will have to accommodate something. Convince Astria somehow. I don't know. I just know that I don't want to see him in any more pain," Octavian replied softly.

***

Present

"Hs held on for three weeks, three fucking weeks only to listen to her shout how much she hates him and wish Eleanore would stop talking to and about him," Dorian said, his voice strained as clear pain, anger and frustration could be heard.

"I know what happened Dorian. But what I don't know, you as well, is what happened in that house. Astria clearly loved dad too much to say those hurtful words. We also know that Eleanore isn't much of a supportive or a mother even for that matter. I don't think Astria would ever say those words to anyone much less dad," Octavian explained slowly.

"I don't know what she has done to you three that now suddenly you don't see what dad went through," Dorian whispered, looking at his shoe clad feet.