Homesick

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I managed to calm the situation by approaching Axon like a large friendly dog. Which he seemed to like. He let out a low rumble that reminded me of a purr and nuzzled me. My grandmother looked on edge at seeing me happily pet a dragon.

"What does the message say?" She asked when I retrieved the satchel and began to read some letters.

"It's not addressed to you." I said as I walked out of her office with the dragon following close behind.

Letters from my father, it seemed Orion and Adros hadn't told him about our message box. They still wrote to me regularly but father's letters were probably being intercepted. Orion had previously mentioned he was sad I had not written back. Adros had given him permission to use Axon as a messenger.

There were letters and gifts for me, and a thick letter for Celeste. I stashed her letter away in my bag of holding for safe keeping.

I stared at the envelope without opening it and saw my father's neat penmanship. I could practically feel the grief and love radiating from the small parcel. The magic from his emotions were practically seared to the pages. Self hatred and disgust and shame swirled as an undercurrent and a loneliness that cut me to the core.

"Papa." I murmured with tears pricking at my eyes. I hadn't read a single word, but I felt it all.

I finally carefully opened his letter and began to read.

Beloved Aurora,
You'll be glad to hear your brother has entered the academy and is doing well. Razul and the rest of our household send warm regards. I know the lands of your mother are different than what you are accostomed to. But her people will love you as much as my own. I've sent some of your favorite bread and the peppers you love from the garden. Your room is as you have left it and you are terribly missed. I will always love you and your mother. You will always have a home here and I know we will see each other again.
Your proud father
Draco

I smiled softly at his words. Even in his grief he was protecting me.

I sat at my desk and wrote him a letter. Something a child would write back to a father she missed. It wasn't a lie. I missed my father from my first life, but I also missed Draco. I did not want him to suffer, or for Celeste to suffer. I wanted them to heal.

Papa
The trip was long and made me tired, but the Forest is almost as pretty as mama. I miss you too Papa. I will ask Mama when I can visit. They are trying to teach me magic but It's not going well. The teachers say my head is too busy. Mama is in the forest hunting, I'll give her your letter when I see her. Thank you for being my Papa.
Are you eating well? Are you sleeping well?
Love
Aurora.

Axon flew away with my letter, I watched his dark wings disappear across in the distance. What was I homesick for?

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