Ominis Gaunt Loves a Pureblood

18. Brothers and Cousins

Sorsa Rosier POV

   "Lord Gaunt," I mutter, bowing my head briefly to Marvolo as he enters Rosier Mansion.

   Marvolo's amused half-smile is nauseating, and he looks like he can't wait for an opportunity to ridicule me. Formality requires I address him as Lord when his father isn't present, and since I stand with Grandfather, Uncle Enoch, and Arengo, I have no choice but to behave. Once everyone has greeted him, we walk together toward the drawing room. Johanna watches from a distance, and I give her a small smile and a slight nod.

   "Sorsa Rosier, how pleased I am to see you again," Marvolo drawls, offering his arm as he walks beside me. I begrudgingly take it. His grip is firm but gentle. I roll my eyes so only he can see, and he chuckles.

   "Spit it out, Marvolo. What taunt have you prepared for me on your long drive here?" My voice sounds harsh to my own ears. Marvolo chuckles again.

   "I've always admired your visual appeal, pretty Sorsa, but I never expected to enjoy your temper so," His words are surprisingly sincere, and my lips part slightly as I glance inadvertently at him. He squints his eyes playfully and winks before dropping my arm and joining Arengo's side. I stare after him for a moment before shaking my head.

   Johanna joins me; since we're not partaking in a meal or having formal meetings, she can stay by my side.

   "Johanna, I'm to go into the woods again. When we do the binding spell, keep an eye on them both, but if you can only watch one, watch that one," I whisper to her, gesturing subtly to Marvolo. A much more menacing threat.

   "Is he much more dangerous than Arengo?" Johanna asks. I eye my cousin disdainfully.

   "I feared Arengo for so long. But, meeting him, I realized he was no match for me. Marvolo is likely much more of a threat to me than he. The two of them together would be unfortunate, to say the least," As I speak, Marvolo and Arengo look our way, the smiles on their faces wolf-like. My fear makes my stomach ache, but I hide it behind an obviously fake smile, like I'm teasing them, flip my hair over my shoulder, and stride from the room, Johanna on my heels.

   An hour later, I mount my broom outside the Mansion. My Rosier robes I've replaced with black leather armor and a skirt. The navy blue cloak I wear ties in the front and my bump is hidden. My arm and hand tingle with the enchantment Johanna and I will share for the next twenty-four hours. As I kick off the ground, I notice Marvolo watching me from the second-floor music room, looking curious. I fly to a clearing outside an Ashwinder outpost in the forbidden forest. Once I've disappeared my broom into my enchanted bag, I pull my hood up and place my dark mask on my face to hide my identity. The last time I went out, I discovered how to hone my ancient magic on command. I just had to think of Ominis, and Sebastian, and Natty. If I envisioned their faces, I could feel the power flood my body. It was still a bit difficult to control, but the more I used it, the more it felt like old times when it seemed to flow through me that first year all the time.

   "There's my girl," Sebastian's slightly gravelly voice whispers. I rush into his arms, squeezing him tight against me, resting my head on his chest, and dropping my mask. He kisses my head as he hugs me tight.

   "Sebby, I've missed you so," I tell him, despite having met with him thrice since last week. I pinch his freckled cheek gently once we've pulled apart. He smirks merrily at me, brown hair a mop on his head.

   "Of course you did. Who wouldn't miss this face?" He pats my head and gives my belly a gentle tap.

   "Most of wizard and muggle kind combined?" I respond quickly, receiving a squint and head shake in return.