The Witches Image

Chapter 29

He left and headed for Copia's apartment.

As Terzo walked through the halls of the Ministry to Copia's apartment, he mentally prepared himself for the inevitable confrontation. He knew Copia would not take the news well, and he braced himself for the inevitable barrage of protests and objections.

Arriving at Copia's door, Terzo knocked hard, his knuckles rapping against the wood. He heard shuffling from inside, followed by Copia's irritated voice.

"Who is it?" Copia called, his tone annoyed. It was clear that he was in no mood for visitors.

You sat on the dining table and watched as Copia approached the door.

Copia opened the door, his expression already grumpy when he saw Terzo standing in front of him. He gave him a withering look, his annoyance obvious. "What do you want?" he muttered.

Terzo returned the glare, his own expression serious. "We need to talk," he said, his tone firm. "It's important."

Terzo shook his head, his expression resolute. "No, it can't," he replied firmly. "This is about Lia, and it won't wait."

Copia's irritation only grew, skepticism etched into his face. "Can't it wait?" he grumbled, still not pleased with the interruption.

When you heard your name, you stood up and approached her at the door.

Copia's expression softened a bit when he saw you approaching, but he still looked a bit annoyed with Terzo. He looked between you, a mixture of concern and suspicion on his face.

"What's going on?" Copia asked, his voice a little less grumpy now that he saw you were there.

Terzo sighed, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. "It's about protecting Lia," he began, his tone serious. "The other papas and I have discussed it and we've come up with a plan."

Copia's eyebrows raised, his interest piqued despite his irritation. "Go on," he said, his voice still slightly gruff.

"We've decided to increase security around them," Terzo explained. "We will station some ghouls to watch over her and protect her from any potential threats."

Copia's expression immediately darkened, his irritation returning with a vengeance. "Ghouls?" he repeated, his tone bordering on anger. "You want to assign ghouls to watch over Lia? That's my job!"

"But we talked about this last night, Copia... we have to find a way to keep her safe and for you to still fulfill your duties!" said Terzo.

"I know what I said!" said Copia. "But I have made up my mind! Like the demon said, Lia is only safe with me and Lilith cannot reach her if I am with her!"

Terzo sighed in exasperation, his patience wearing thin. "Copia, you can't be with her all the time!" he retorted. "You have your own duties as a father. You can't just abandon them and dedicate yourself to being Lia's bodyguard 24/7!"

"It's okay!" you said to Copia. "I think it will be fine...the ghouls are powerful, right? Maybe they can sense if she wants to approach me?"

Copia turned to you, the hint of irritation on his face softened slightly by your words. He wanted to argue, to insist that he was the only one who could protect you, but deep down he knew that Terzo and the others were right. His duties as father could not be neglected for the sake of guarding you.

You went to him and hugged him.#

Copia's tense shoulders relaxed a bit as you hugged him. He wrapped his arms around you and held you tightly, his previous irritation melting away a bit. He sighed, burying his face in your hair for a moment before pulling away slightly to look at you.