The Heirs: The Silver Knight

Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Imogen

It's the morning after the attack on Josh and Ari. I'm in Ari's room, braiding her damp hair. She's in cozy, Christmas-themed pajamas, and she looks like she hasn't slept a wink. I brush her hair, separating it into three parts, braiding one piece over the other carefully.

"Are you sure you're okay?" I ask her.

"For the hundredth time: I am okay. It was a terrible situation. But I'm mostly just glad Josh is okay."

I smile sadly.

"You care about him..."

"Obviously," Ari mutters. "It's complicated."

I kiss the top of her head. "I know."

Tears flood her eyes suddenly. "I could have lost him."

"I know," I whisper, tying her hair back. "But you didn't. So now what?"

We both sit in silence for a moment. I can tell Ari's mind is reeling. She looks like she wants to tell me something, but she keeps her mouth shut.

I won't push her.

She can talk to me when she's ready.

I know her and Josh have a complicated relationship. To say the least.

"There," I smile, "all done."

Ari smiles shakily at me. "Thanks."

There's a gentle knock at the door.

Aunt Mira's face appears, "Hey girls. You have more visitors."

Sophie, Tate, and Eva come through. Tate's got arm armful of donuts and sweet treats. I notice Ari's demeanor changes. She straightens and puts on a brave face. She's putting up a shield to them to seem tougher.

The five of us spend the rest of the morning chatting and munching on delicious pastries. I think Ari needs this – Sophie too. After the Hannah incident, it's been go, go, go. I know it's been a difficult year for all of them.

I hate feeling so out of control, like I can't keep them safe.

Eventually, we make our way downstairs where more of the family is hanging out. The Callahans, Sokolovs, and Leo are around. I watch Ari as she sees Josh. Her face blushes. He seems to ignore the rest of the room as he comes up to her. They sneak off to have their own private conversation.

Aleks is talking with Uncle Ronan, Uncle Damien, and Uncle Cal.

His eyes dart to mine and I quickly away. I wander off to where my parents are sitting together, in their own world.

"Dove," Dad says with a small smile.

"Dad," I breathe, plopping down next to him. Dad kisses the top of my head. Mom reaches over and puts her hand over mine.

"How are you faring, dove?" Mom asks.

"I'm okay," I breathe.

Neither of them look convinced.

"We were talking..." Mom says, looking from Dad to me then back to Dad again. "If you didn't want to go back to LU after the break, we would understand."