Page 139 of Original Sins (Dark Odyssey 6)

He reaches out to me and I walk closer to give him a hug. I’m so grateful he didn’t die.

He sits me down on the sofa and lowers opposite me.

“It’s time to talk Evie,” he declares.

A knot twists my stomach. As far as I’m aware the arrangement to marry William is still on. Neither of us has talked about it though.

My plan is to fight for what I want and that’s Georgiou and Henry.

“What are we going to talk about Dad? If it’s about anything that’s going to spoil this connection we have then I don’t want to talk.”

He reaches out to take my hands and gives me a gentle squeeze.

“I think I’ve learned that nothing is worth spoiling the connection I have with my daughter. The whole saga with Peter taught me enough.” he nods with determination.

“Really?” I ask feeling hopeful.

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you tell me about Peter’s parents?”

He shakes his head and drags in a tired breath. “I was ashamed of myself. He was right, my ego caused the disaster. I learned my lesson Evie and my first step in changing is to make changes with you.”

He pulls out an envelope from his jacket pocket and hands it to me.

The moment I open it and see a letter inside with the crest from the Otis College of Art and Design my body comes alive with excitement.

I read over the letter inviting me to start at the end of October with arrangements to make up for the weeks I’ve missed.

“Oh my gosh, Dad.” I fly into his awaiting arms and hug him hard, being mindful of his healing wound. “Thank you so much Dad.”

He holds me and pats my back. When we pull apart he kisses the top of my head.

“I’m sorry I almost took away your dreams. I know your mother must have been furious with me,” he says. “Forgive me. I did treat you like I knew what was best and I went into overkill when Dante died. I should never have hidden you away from the world. There’s always a better way to do things.”

“I know you were just trying to keep me safe.”

“But I smothered you didn’t I? Smothered and trapped is what a person feels like when they go through the lengths you did to escape me.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s me who is sorry. I’m hoping we can start afresh. I don’t thinkwhoyou’ll be with will mind that you want to go to school either, so I thought I’d do this part.”

Instantly my attention piques. “What do you mean?”

“Let’s see. I need the right answers first before I do anything.”

The doorbell rings and I realize this is the first time I’ve been in this room when somebody unexpected has come to visit.

It’s an odd feeling.

Usually I’d be told to stay on the wing where my room is. Or, in my room.

I look toward the door and when I see Georgiou and Henry coming in I have to stand.

This is the first time they’ve been here and I’ve been allowed to be in the same room as them.

They look at me with the same spark in their eyes and while I want to run to them I restrain myself, noting that they seem as surprised to see me as I am them.

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