Basilisk (Dark Ominis Gaunt x OC gothic romance)

Chapter 84: Trickster

~~Ariadne~~

It was rather cute how Sebastian stopped what he was doing any time the little owl showed up at a window, flinging it open and letting it in happily as he read the letter. Their meals had been amazing, since Sebastian was able to make full use of whatever he wanted in the kitchen. Any ingredient he wanted was at his disposal, any recipe he wanted to try was free game.

Ominis was quite happy as well, having started his first investment in the growing clothing industry. His father invested in horribly maintained sweatshops that caused misery and sickness among muggles, while Ominis was intent on investing in factories that had much better standards for their workers as well as higher quality products to out compete the rivals his father sank his money in. It was the first blow to the Gaunt wealth, a small chisel at the base of a mountain. It would take some time, but oh was it satisfying to watch.

They hadn't heard from the auror for a few days now, but she was still alert for his arrival. She and Marie had worked out a rather clever plan, because multiple voices saying the same thing carried much more weight than a single man's denial.

One might call it blackmail... but she called it protecting her friends. What was a little trickery in the face of the safety of those she cared for?

Damien had told her and Ominis about the step, and it was a rather foreboding sign. Something enchanted to be broken suggested it was intentional, but whether it was Marie or Ominis who was the target was hard to say. Marie went up and down those stairs every night, but Ominis very rarely went down there unless there was something he absolutely needed. He would never be able to see a broken step, though.

Damien had also found a few more things around the house, and she was suddenly very glad to have a handyman around. One of the lanterns had a leak at the gas valve, something Sebastian adamantly insisted on fixing that very day.

Marie had found a rather odd box at the very back of the linen closet, unmarked and full of an unknown substance. None of them could recognize what it was, so for now it had been moved into the study so at least it would be away from the person who had hidden it.

But all these small things added up to one very large problem; they had a rat in their midst, and it was definitely one of the servants... which one, it was hard to say. Perhaps even all three, knowing the Gaunts. She wouldn't put it past them to insist on multiple means of trying to sabotage their marriage. It almost seemed like Marvolo was intent on trying to have her for himself. Even if it meant getting Ominis killed.

The thought of his touch sent a shudder of revulsion through her, nearly making her drop her book. Ugh what a vile man. How Ominis was related to him when he was so sweet and caring she had no idea.

"There you are." Ominis' voice came from the doorway, and she looked up to see him leaning against the doorframe with a warm, satisfied look that he had found her.

"How did you know it was me?" She asked curiously, sitting up from her lounge so he could sit down too.

"Reading a book in the library, so deep in thought you don't notice someone approaching? That's only you, sweetheart." He chuckled softly. He walked over to her, sliding his hand along the lounge to feel for it before he sat down, and moved his touch to her, his large hand sliding along her arm and neck before he cupped her cheek lovingly. "I could hear someone in here but I just didn't know who."

"Mmm you know me so well, now." She smiled against his hand.

"I should hope so." He grinned. "We are married, after all."

She chuckled softly, feeling her heart flutter at the reminder. "Well, we sure didn't know each other well when we first got married." She laughed softly.