A Mermaid's Legacy- Sebastian Sallow x MC x Ominis Gaunt

Chapter 27- Dark Tides

"You couldn't have been discreet, you blithering idiots!" Silas's voice bellowed through the room, thick with anger and frustration. Arabella and Ambrose stood before him, their faces drained of color, fully aware of the gravity of their actions. The havoc they had wreaked during their escapade to the coast had already garnered attention in the newspapers, The Daily Prophet to be exact,  casting a shadow of scrutiny over their esteemed family.

"Not only did you alert the ministry, but you're no closer to unravelling the secrets of this blasted Orb," Silas continued, his voice laced with disappointment. "The ministry is itching to bring us down, to besmirch our family name at any opportunity."

Arabella, with a glint of unsettling delight in her eyes, perused her father's bookshelves as he admonished them. Her words dripped with an eerie playfulness. "Oh, Father dear, do calm yourself," she chimed in, her tone filled with an unsettling charm. "Someone will come to investigate, someone outside the ministry's grasp, and we shall be waiting in the shadows." Her smile sent shivers down the spines of those present, an enigmatic smile that held both allure and menace.

Standing at a mere 5'3", Arabella possessed a lethal prowess in wand combat and evasion. She relished in crafting sinister spells, inflicting torment upon numerous aurors and wizardkind, all in service to the family's nefarious agenda. Her fractured thoughts and macabre personality captivated and repulsed, even her own brothers. Deep down, they knew she held a peculiar favoritism, her uncanny capabilities and unyielding determination making her both a valuable and unpredictable asset.

"I couldn't extract anything concrete," Arabella confessed, her voice tinged with frustration. "Her Occlumency skills were unparalleled, but his..." She lightly tapped her temple with her index finger, her expression conveying the struggle. "His skills were formidable as well, but I caught a glimpse of a memory—a discussion about some grand mission, a longing for home, and an unwavering dedication to protect something... The memory abruptly ceased before I could learn more."

Silas pondered over the details, his mind awash with possibilities. "Protection? Protecting the Orb, you say?" he mused, his voice veiled in intrigue and suspicion.

Ambrose, lost in deep thought, added his insight. "Or could it be someone? Someone of significance to them?" He furrowed his brow, delving into the fragments of information they had gathered. "We shall learn more as we await and see if anyone ventures forth."

Arabella's tone took on a slightly chipper note as she inquired about her younger brother. "And pray tell, has our dear Ominis graced us with his return?" she asked, her words tinged with a sly edge.

Silas's countenance darkened, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Unfortunately, that scoundrel believes he can disregard our summons, but he shall come to me," he proclaimed, his voice laced with a foreboding tone. "I possess my ways of ensuring compliance."

YVAINE POV

"Poppy, I promise you won't need all these things," I said, trying to contain my laughter as I surveyed her vast collection of swimming gear and bathing suits. She looked at me with her wide hazel eyes, a mixture of excitement and uncertainty.

"Well, I've never been to an underwater kingdom! Will my clothes even survive the elements?" she quipped, giggling then bursting into laughter herself. I joined in, unable to resist the infectious humor.

"We'll provide everything you need, but we really need to leave soon. I'll meet you and Gareth out front by the main entrance," I said, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze before hurrying off to gather a few items from my room. I tossed some Realm spellbooks into my satchel, ensuring I had the necessary knowledge at hand. Glancing around the room, I made sure not to forget anything. Outside, I could hear Ominis and Sebastian engaged in a conversation.