Page 155 of The Sea Witch's Son

“I considered leaving you there.”

The ancient dock groans as another body gets added to the count.

“As punishment for choosing your father, I considered leaving you there to drown.”

My mother joins me at the edge of the dock, her expensive cocktail dress not holding up well against the bitter wind.

When I don’t respond, she sighs, “But then I thought what a waste. What a waste to lose such an intelligent mind that had so much potential.”

I stare out at the rolling waves, thinking about the suitcase that was lost. The ship I had built that is nothing more than another shipwreck lost at sea.

“I didn’t think you were going to make it.” Ursela purses her lips as if my near-death experience was a terrible inconvenience, “Your lips were so blue and your little face was all bloated. It was a ghastly sight, but you started coughing the moment I pulled you out the water.”

“Do you remember what you said to me?” She starts laughing, casting the horrible sound across the water, “You said you were a fool. For thinking your father loved you enough to turn around and come back for you. And I said-

“At least a clownfish would have made it to the boat.”

She chuckles, wiping tears from her eyes, “And the great Marlin Seaborn was born.”

I smile, turning from the fear I conquered to the woman who was not as terrible as everyone believed her to be.

“We all need an origin story, don’t we mother?”

“Indeed, we do.” She grins, a hint of pride shining through terrible fake eyelashes, “And like I always said, it’s better to look the fool than play the fool.”

“Words I took to heart.” Holding out my arm, I offer it to her with a smile, “Shall we teach the rest of these fools how it’s done?”

“I suppose someone has to.”

She takes my arm and I lead us back to the shore where a Rolls Royce awaits. The blonde chauffeur immediately hops out of the car and opens the back door, his hand trembling when my mother flashes him a vicious smile.

“Deliver us safely to the Drache Manor and perhaps your legs will still be attached to your body by the end of the night. Do I make myself clear?”

The driver pales, “Y-Yes, ma’am.”

“Very good.” Patting her hair one last time, the Sea Witch slides into the backseat.

I chuckle, offering the man a comforting smile, “Her eels have been terribly hungry lately. Has a tendency to put her in a bit of a mood.”

The fear in his eyes helps to set the tone for the evening.

I slide into the backseat and accept the glass of champagne my mother offers me.

“A toast, to my brilliant son.” She clinks her glass against mine, “For taking after his mother.”

“I believe you just toasted yourself.” Taking a sip of the bubbly liquid, I raise a brow, “Would you like to try again?”

“Oh, hush. You know it was my name on the invitation tonight, not yours.” Settling into her seat, she casts a glance over my attire, “The Sea Witch and her son. Doesn’t sound toast-worthy, now does it?”

I smile, “One day I will no longer stand in your shadow.”

“And on that day, the Seaborn family will rule Wolf Hollow.” She sighs heavily, “Though I suppose I cannot complain. The Dragon has given us quite the life.”

“Countless interrogations to conduct. I would have thought you enjoyed working for her.”

Casting a glance out the window, I watch the shoreline disappear from view. Rows of torches illuminate the road winding through dense trees, the thick branches slapping and sliding against the car windows.

The Drache Manor rises like a dagger in the distance, tall and sharp and built to withstand any form of intrusion. Guard towers are stationed along the property, an endless count of ex-cons serving as minions for the Dragon’s bidding.

---