Coiled (Book 1 of 2)

By Your Side

"I can't explain all the details, all the nuance of the situation. Not here like this. But if you would come ..."

In the privacy of his room, Amycus Carrow is pacing back and forth with marked agitation, the small two way mirror held in his hands as he whispers into it hurriedly.  

He's fraying quickly, coming undone more and more by the minute. For one, he can't seem to set aside the mounting guilt he feels over orchestrating the attack against Xeno. And on top of that, he's barely seen Dora since they kissed two nights ago. He can't say for certain, but his intuition's telling him she's avoiding him, either because he made her uncomfortable or because she's holding him at arm's length as her mother requested. And so, excusing himself from the company of the rest of the men, he's snuck up here in order to reach out for the help he so desperately needs.

"If you need me at your side, of course. Always."

Sensing her reluctance, he shakes his head, bringing his face closer to the mirror, "... But?"

Her lips drawn into a tight line, his sister hesitates before continuing, "But I do have certain things here to attend to."

"The cause or personal?"

"... Both, really."

"Evan's here. Came with Reggie."

He's certain this will do it - absolutely certain this revelation will have his sister flying out the door and to his side. And so he's completely caught off guard when she just stares back at him and nods slowly, taking his news in calm, unbothered stride, "Good. Very good. He's an excellent counterbalance to Henry. Evan's always been the only one who seems to have any real sort of handle on him."

"... So are you coming or not?"

"If Evan's there, especially with Reggie, I think you're in good company, don't you? That's three against two. Reggie and Evan will always side with you over Henry and Barty."

"It's not the same as you, though. I can't count on them; I can't disclose to them -"

"Evan won't want me there. You know this, Amy. No one will want me there; they all completely despise me."

"Not me. I want you here. I need you."

Another long pause.

"- If you really need me ..."

"Honestly, Lec? I really do. I really, really need you."

"Rheda won't be happy at my arrival. She's never been a fan."

At this he scoffs, "Of course not. She despises us both. But that's not personal, not really. You know it all goes back to that strange rivalry she has with mother -"

"- I wonder if mother's reached out to her."

"Absolutely certain she has. Just as I'm absolutely certain she thinks I'm here at mother's behest."

"And are you?"

"I came for Dora, Lec."

Another pause as she stares back at him through the looking glass, "Right. I know you did."

"So what do you say, Lec? Can you do this for me? I'm no good without you."

"... Let me finish my business for today. And then - then, yes, I'll be there. By your side before nightfall."