The Legacy of Our Love

Chapter 20

*A/N* Song inspiration for this chapter comes from Lauren Babic and Seraphim's cover of the song Lovely by Billie Eilish and Khalid. Can be found on Spotify

OMINIS

    I felt the shift in the path under us immediately as the carriage crossed over into the estate grounds, my fists clenching as I anticipated what lay ahead.

    What is that bastard planning?

    What does he want from us?

    I couldn't wrap my head around it. Sure I had received a letter or two from my mother in the past, attempting to check in on me and ensure I was alive and well. Not that she truly cared about my wellbeing, but how she could possibly use any hardships that may have befallen me to her advantage.

    My mother had adored the attention and pity she had received from other witches and wizards upon the realization there would be no cure for my sight. She relished it, telling anyone who might listen about her poor, disabled son who might never amount to the standing our bloodline demands. I was reminded of it constantly my entire life, and when that was no longer enough, she moved on to the fact that I was lesser, undeserving, and weak for my lack of compliance with their obsession with the Dark Arts. I was deemed unfitting of the name I was sired to when I refused to torture Muggles for sport. And when they realized they couldn't beat me into submission, they decided to leave me with my scars and my shame, too fearful to disown me lest they have need of me in the future.

    I have no need for their love.

    I have no need for their approval.

    I have no need for their acceptance.

    I felt Asra's hand slide against my own, the comforting humming of her magic beneath her skin pulling me from my consuming thoughts.

    "Are you alright?" She asked softly. "Would you like some more Draught of Peace?"

    "I'll be alright with the dose I took earlier, anymore and I'll be far too drowsy." I smiled gratefully, placing my other hand atop hers. We had recently begun going over the potion in class, as it is one that would appear in our O.W.L's. Asra had begun preparing it yesterday, spending the better part of morning intricately preparing and measuring each ingredient before tending to the cauldron for the remainder of the day.

    It was working quite well, helping to prevent my heart from racing as the carriage rolled to a stop, and the door to the coach opened after several moments.

    "Alright, into battle." Sebastian placed a reassuring kiss to the top of my head as he exited the carriage first. He helped Asra from the carriage next, and I followed close behind, immediately unsettled with the familiar air of the manor.

    I can get through this. Suffer through introductions and a dance, attempt to figure out what father is planning, and then get the hell out of here.

    I offered Asra my arm, leading the two of them into the manor as the doors opened for us, leading them swiftly through the halls leading to the ballroom. As we approached the doors, I paused for a moment to attempt to collect myself, the guilt over what I was about to expose the two of them to hitting me in the chest as Sebastian stepped in front of me to cup my face in his hands.

    "Just do what you need to do, and say whatever you need to say to get through tonight. I'll be alright." He assured me firmly, pulling me into a kiss before taking his place beside me. Unable to form the words, I simply nodded, swallowing back the emotion that threatened to choke me as the doors to the ballroom opened.