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“There’s so much your mother and I are keen to talk about,” says Avalon.
The next few minutes go by in a blur as we’re rushed into the dining room. A slew of servants run around the table, readying tea and cakes for us as I come to terms with the fact this is all happening. When all is done, I sit facing an eager set of parents with Salina holding my hand underneath the table.
“So,” begins Avalon. “Tell your mother and I everything.”
“Where do I start?” I mutter. “Well, I suppose I should start with Ocuri. There’s a lot to take in, so stop me if needs be.”
I leave no stone unturned, laying out all details of my brother’s devious plans for me, them, and the estate. As the story unfolds, they grow brooding, their faces overcome with contemplation.
“And to think we ever gave him praise in the first place,” remarks Avalon. “I can’t believe it.”
“Did he really want to kill us all?” asks Iona in disbelief.
“I tell no word of a lie,” I say with conviction. “And he came incredibly close to getting what he wanted. In fact, I wouldn’t be here if not for her.” I gesture to Salina.
“Salina here is an associate of mine I met in the city. She’s the one who saved me, and together we defeated Ocuri once and for all.”
“Why did it have to end this way?” moans Iona.
“I wish things could have been different, Mother. I took no pleasure in killing him, but there was no other choice.”
“Ocuri was beyond the point of no return,” says Salina, leaning forward. “I’m sorry things turned out like this, but at least one of your sons remains.” She speaks strongly but there is a strain in her voice, which I presume to be from the discussion of my brother.
I make the conscious decision to leave out her past with Ocuri, as well as her assassin occupation, deciding that’s her story to tell. As she lays more details out for my parents, they listen attentively, exchanging murmurs between each other as well as asking the occasional question.
“Well, this is all a lot at once,” remarks Iona. “But Salina, we owe you a massive thank you.”
“Yes, you saved our son’s life, and ours, too. For that, we are forever grateful,” says Avalon.
“There’s much that your father and I must discuss but please, would the two of you stay for dinner?” asks Iona.
I look at Salina as she smiles at me. I then nod in acceptance at my mother’s offer. My parents rise to their feet, bowing respectfully to us.
“Feel free to roam around the manor grounds. Dinner is at seven. We’ll also have the servants prepare a guest room for two in case you want to stay for the night.”
Before they leave, I share another hug with them.
“It’s so good to have you back home, my son,” whispers Avalon.
Salina comes to my side as they make their exit.
“Well, that went far better than I thought it would.”
“So it seems.” I sigh. “I’m more shocked about their openness and warmth though. They’ve never even been like that before.”
“Maybe they thought twice about how they treated you when Ocuri told them of your demise. Grief changes people.”
“They seem to like you, too.”
“Never in a million years did I see myself becoming friends with your parents.” She laughs.
The hours pass as we have a family dinner in the dining room. As I engage in conversation with my parents, I come to an apparent realization. They only ever treated me the way they did out of tradition, for they were raised the same way.
“We only ever wanted you to do your best, that’s why we gave you such tough love.”
Soon, the night throws its ebony blanket of darkness over the sky. My mother escorts Salina to the guest rooms up ahead as I walk with my father.
“Denve, let me ask you something,” he says, laying an arm around my shoulders. “This Salina girl, she seems like a good person. Forgive me for being so direct but what do you plan on doing with her?”
