Legacy Disowned - Book 2

Chapter 7 - Broken Things

"Of course," Sebastian said as he forced a smile onto his face. "I understand."

It was breakfast time, the morning sun cast warm light through the windows as students chatted animatedly throughout the Great Hall. The pleasant atmosphere now seemed like a cruel joke, a contrast to the gloom that was now settling over him.

Darling and Ominis had just broke the news that they would be travelling to visit Anne that upcoming weekend. They intended to talk to her about Burke's deal and find out how she felt about all of it. They were going away together, without him, to see his sister who refused to even open his letters.

What if she says no? he thought, struggling to maintain his composure. Will they refuse to move forward without her blessing? The thought caused the knot of anxiety in his core to tighten uncomfortably.

"It's already going to be a lot for her to take in," Ominis was saying soothingly. "I think it's best to present this to her on her terms. She already seemed hesitant to have Darling come along when she responded to my letter..."

"I know," Sebastian sighed resignedly. "Really, you don't need to explain. This is too important."

"We'll only be gone for the day," Darling interjected, a small, amused smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. "And don't worry, it sounds like I'm the most at risk in all this, so it might actually help that she doesn't like me."

"Anne doesn't dislike—" Ominis started but stopped to correct himself. "She just hasn't had the chance to get to know you properly."

Sebastian's fork clattered against his plate as he stared blankly at the pile of eggs and bacon in front of him, absentmindedly jabbing at the food without actually eating any of it. Their voices seemed to fade into the background as he let his thoughts be consumed by the storm of emotions brewing within him.

It was soul crushing enough that Anne wouldn't have anything to do with him, but the idea that she didn't like Darling hurt him in a way he couldn't quite explain, even to himself. It was around this time last year that he had invited Darling to Feldcroft, he'd been so excited for Anne to meet her. Back then he'd imagined things turning out so differently - the four of them, laughing and enjoying their final years of school together. But that dream appeared little more than a childish fantasy now.

He knew he was brooding, allowing the dark thoughts to swallow up the very obvious ray of hope that had been shown their way. They had been gifted the most promising lead they had found since Anne got cursed. He should be happy. And yet, he had hardly slept since the opportunity had been presented to them. His nights had been plagued with nightmares, nightmares that had started to wane in recent months. Now, they were as bad as they had been when they started....

His eyes drifted towards Darling's fingertips, drumming rhythmically on the table as she chatted away. A chill ran down Sebastian's spine as the vivid image of those same fingers tense and clawed, nails breaking as they dug into a stone floor, swam through his mind.

"Sebastian?" Darling's voice broke through the haze. He looked up to see her big hazel eyes shimmering with concern. "Are you alright?"

"Y-yeah," he stammered, trying to ignore the way Ominis' blind eyes seemed to be reading him like a book. "Just got lost in my thoughts for a moment."

"I'm sorry you can't come," she said gently, placing a comforting hand on his. "But don't worry. I promise, I'll make sure Anne understands... alright?"

Sebastian forced another smile, letting the warmth of her hand sink in. "I know, Darling, thank you."

Ominis pressed his mouth into a thin line. He appeared as if he wanted to say something, to temper Sebastian's expectations, but when he spoke, all he said was, "We should get to class."