It’s a demand, not a request.
At least it would be, if I hadn’t already given her power away.
“The fate of this town is no longer in my control.”
Maleficent stills, tendrils of frost seeping through our tender moment.
“You have given the keys away. ThefortuneI built for you-
“I have given away the future you built for me.” The tears on my lips don’t taste quite so bitter when I smile, “The Drache family no longer holds the power in this town.”
“Who could you have possibly...”
Her words falter as recognition dawns.
“You believe thatboyis capable of running a town such as this one?”
“I believe he is a man not to be underestimated.”
A harsh crack of laughter rings out, “Wolf Hollow will topple under his reign. There are threats on the horizon and no child, no matter how brilliant he may be, will be able to stop them.”
“Again, that is no longer any of my concern.”
“You foolish girl, how could you-
“I made my decision, mother. Just as you made yours.”
Maleficent sucks in a sharp breath, her eyes no less cruel when she looks at the daughter who chose to survive.
“This is not a game you will win, Calista.”
“And yet it is one you have already lost.”
The defiant tilt of my chin has her taking a step back. Looking at me with a renewed respect, one that shines brighter now that we are on the same playing field.
“Very well.” Bitterness clips her tongue, dark eyes ablaze with a familiar fire, “I shall be on my way.”
A woman’s worth only goes as far as her word and I watch my mother stay true to hers. Picking up her purse from the table, Maleficent Drache walks out the front door.
Leaving her empire in the hands of somebody else’s prodigy.
Admiration shuffles through the wave of grief as Maleficent leaves with her head held high and a terrible reputation wrapped around her shoulders.
“And then there was one.”
My words ricochet off the walls of an empty manor.
I turn around slowly, taking in the drapes and furnishings that were always a bit dark for my taste. The Dragon’s mark on every stone, her presence lingering in the air.
Nails click along the floor as my baby boy finds me. Nuzzles my chin and kisses away the tears that continue to fall as I stare at the blank tiles in front of me.
A clean slate that’s about as much as a girl like me can ask for.
A future that hasn’t been written.
Chapter 59
CHRISTOPHER
