Page 27 of Turmoil's Target

I take a steadying breath, gathering my thoughts.

Grandfather settles back in his chair, regarding me with those piercing eyes that seem to see straight into my soul.

“Now then, my dear,” he says, his tone gentle but firm. “What’s this all about? It’s not like you to drop by unannounced, so I know something must be weighing heavily on your mind.”

I clasp my hands in my lap, trying to keep them from trembling. “It’s Mum,” I begin, hating the quaver in my voice. “She’s keeping me in the dark about our plans for the Reapers Rejects, and I can’t stand it anymore. How am I supposed to help take them down if she won't even tell me what’s going on?”

Grandfather strokes his chin thoughtfully, the gold signet ring on his finger glinting in the afternoon light. “Your mother is a complicated woman, Seraphina. She has her reasons for keeping you at arm’s length.”

“But I’m not a child anymore!” I protest, my frustration bubbling over. “I’ve been doing everything she asks for years now, without question. Surely I’ve proven myself trustworthy by now?”

He reaches over and pats my knee, his touch reassuring. “Of course you have, my dear. But revenge is a delicate business, and your mother is nothing if not cautious. Give her time. All will be revealed when the moment is right.”

I slump back in my chair, not entirely satisfied but knowing that arguing further will get me nowhere.

Grandfather has always had a soft spot for Mum, and I suspect he’ll take her side in this no matter what I say.

Still, the fact that he’s listening, that he hasn’t dismissed my concerns outright, gives me a flicker of hope.

Perhaps with his counsel, Mum will finally see reason and start treating me like the adult I am.

Grandfather leans back in his chair, studying me over the rim of his brandy glass. “Now, enough about all that unpleasantness. Tell me, how are things going with this new gentleman friend of yours?”

I feel a flush creep into my cheeks, and I take a sip of tea to buy myself a moment. “It’s...new,” I say carefully, not wanting to reveal too much.”"But he makes me happy. Happier than I’ve been in a long time. Still, I am taking things at a snail’s pace.”

A smile touches Grandfather’s lips, crinkling the corners of his eyes. “Good. You deserve some happiness in your life, Seraphina. Lord knows you’ve sacrificed enough for this family. As for taking it slow, there’s nothing wrong with it. It never hurts to have a little bit of caution.”

His words stir a pang of guilt in my chest.

He’s right—I have sacrificed.

My whole adult life has been spent in service to my mother’s obsession, putting her needs and desires above my own.

But what choice do I have?

She’s all I have left in this world.

Her and Grandfather.

They’re the only family I’ve ever known besides my father.

“I do my best,” I say softly, staring down into the amber depths of my tea. “It’s not always easy, but I try to be there for her. For both of you.”

Grandfather chuckles, a dry, rasping sound. “Oh, I know you do, my dear. You’ve always been a bit of a brat, but your heart’s in the right place.”

I shoot him a mock glare, but I can’t help the smile that tugs at my lips. “I am not a brat.”

“Of course not,” he says, winking at me over the rim of his glass. “You’re a strong, independent woman who doesn’t need anyone’s approval or permission. Except, perhaps, your dear old grandfather’s.”

I roll my eyes, but inside, a warm glow of affection fills my chest.

No matter how frustrated I get with Mum, I know I can always count on Grandfather to be in my corner.

Even if he does think I’m a brat.

He chuckles again, setting his glass down with a soft thud. “Do you remember when you were just a little girl? You used to follow me around everywhere, asking question after question. So curious, so eager to understand the world. It was exhausting, I’ll tell you that.”

I smile at the memory, my frustrations momentarily forgotten. “I remember. You almost tripped over me once because I insisted on standing right behind you all the time.”

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