Basilisk (Dark Ominis Gaunt x OC gothic romance)

Chapter 23: Fallen

*burns some dark incense and gets a cup of black tea*

Buckle up.

Tw: domestic abuse, sexual assault, blood, violence

Here in town there's only she, who's as beautiful as me...

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~~Ominis~~

Sitting at the table with his father and brother felt akin to sitting in a pit of vipers. He was tense, waiting for one of them to strike, to do whatever it was they planned on doing. He hated that Ariadne had gotten trapped in this pit with him, especially with his brother putting his disgusting hands on her. Hearing him say such sweet words to her made him want to punch him, but he'd barely resisted when Ariadne had so expertly rebutted him.

He ate silently, listening carefully across the table where Ariadne and Marvolo sat, trying to make sure he wasn't trying anything else with her sitting next to him. What was he even doing trying to touch her like this? And what the HELL had he meant by 'for now?' The horror he'd felt at those words was still settled in his stomach like a black pit.

He hated that he couldn't keep watch over him, because Marvolo knew full well he could take advantage of his blindness, and often did. Stealing things, sabotaging him, tricking him, all were a regular routine from Marvolo who seemed to revel in his lack of sight and reminded him of it at every opportunity. Even now, he was likely doing something with Ariadne that he couldn't see, but staying quiet about it so he wouldn't be aware. He hated it.

He heard a soft inhale from Ariadne across the table, tensing at the sound as someone shifted in their seat. That wasn't an inhale of arousal, but of disgust. It was clear she hated his brother as well, which he found a deep satisfaction with. Everything Marvolo did seemed to just disgust her more, despite his best efforts.

At some point his father finished his food, and the sound of his fork setting down against the plate was the signal to the end of dinner. He had learned this song and dance long ago, his father ruled the house and everyone answered to him. When he was finished eating, everyone was finished eating.

"Ominis, come with me, we must discuss things." His father said gruffly, standing from his spot at the table and starting to walk out of the room.

He heard Ariadne let out a nervous noise that she was being left alone with Marvolo, and for the first time in his life he thought about disobeying his father in a setting other than using dark magic. He frowned deeply, and wanted to go to Ariadne as she felt uncomfortable, but it was necessary to know what his father wanted with her, as well. He felt so torn- because he needed to protect her, but in order to protect her he needed to know the situation.

His hands fisted against his legs under the table, gripping hard against his palms as he was conflicted. Ariadne was strong. She was fierce beneath that mask she had up right now. She would likely be able to fend off Marvolo... right? He would have to risk it, to see what his father was planning.

"OMINIS." His father demanded from down the hall when he hesitated, and Ominis let out a low hiss of frustration. He would have to trust her strength for now. He would have to leave her temporarily, and come back as quickly as he could.

He heard another sound of unease from her as he stood from his chair and started walking toward the doorway. The sound cut right through him, making him almost physically flinch in pain. He would be back. He would be back to make sure she was safe from his brother, this shouldn't take long. His father wasn't a man of many words.

He walked quickly down the hall to the study, hating that his father had taken residence in this place that was once sacred to his mother. It felt like his father had taken it over just to spite his mother's memory.