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I couldn’t take mine off her while eating dinner, and even with Papa’s angry stares, I didn’t move my gaze away from the girl I loved.

Fuck what Papa said.

She was mine, and we both knew we couldn’t live without each other.

We were meant to be, and having him tell me to stay away was not gonna change the way I felt about her.

Never.

It was quiet at dinner, and only a few times Vespyr tried to spark a conversation with Mama.

Her replies were short, which made Vespyr’s crease between her brows furrow more and more.

“Papa is going to be okay. Why are you all so upset?” Vespyr asked, her voice determined to get a real answer this time.

“It’s nothing, sweetheart. Would you like some more spaghetti?” Mama asked her, but she quickly shook her head.

“I want you to tell me what’s going on. Why is Fennec sad too? What did you tell him?” she asked, looking at Papa.

“Vespyr,” he sighed, clearing his throat and pushing himself up to adjust his leg which he had propped up on the chair next to Mama’s. “There are things you don’t have to know.”

“No? Thought she’s family. She should know everything that’s going on,” I spat, moving my gaze to him to shoot him a glare.

“Fennec,” Mama warned. “This is why you’re going to therapy tomorrow. Your behavior is unacceptable.”

I laughed, and Vespyr’s confusion only grew.

Poor girl.

“Therapy? Why?” she asked.

Shit, she didn’t know they were sending her too?

“You didn’t tell her?” I asked, then looked back at Vespyr. “They’re sending us to therapy because they think we’re sick. They thinkImade you sick.”

“I’m not sick. Mama, what is going on?” Vespyr asked, the emotions in her eyes running wild. “Why are you making us do this?”

“Because your brother pushed your father down that cliff. He could’ve killed him.”

After Mama’s words fell, we were all silent.

My body tensed, and I watched as Vespyr’s face went pale.

“Liar,” she whispered with her eyes on mine, but her words were directed to Mama.

“I’m not lying, Vespyr. He pushed Papa.”

Her gaze shifted to Papa, tears filling her wide eyes. “Is that true? Papa…please tell me it’s not true.”

But Papa didn’t speak.

He just looked away and let the truth sink in.

“Why?” Vespyr croaked, her eyes back on mine.

I thought she was going to question me, but instead, she turned to Mama as she swallowed hard. “Why do I have to go to therapy? I didn’t ask you to make an appointment for me, and I don’t think Fennec did either. You can’t make us go!” she cried.

She’s got your back. Lucky bastard. She really loves you.

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