Page 23 of The Last De Loughrey Dynasty

“Now, I have to inform you that your sessions will be reduced to just once a week. I’ve spoken with Headmaster Shaw and your mother. Both were surprised but pleased with your progress and agreed to my suggestion.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “Is that so? I’m thrilled to hear that.”

Chadwick nodded. “Starting after Halloween this Friday, your only therapy session will be on Mondays at eight in the morning. Does that time work for you?”

“Yes!” I may have sounded overly excited, but Chadwick only laughed softly at my reaction.

I can’t say that I hated these sessions. Chadwick was kind, and we mostly talked about school or anything else I wanted. These sessions weren’t like the ones I used to have. Chadwick felt more like a friend than someone trying to get into your head at all costs.

“And have you planned anything for Halloween? Will you attend the party in the ballroom for students over the age of sixteen?”

“Yes, Maisie was initially insisting I go with her, but now I’m actually excited because my mum’s sending me the costume I wore last year. I was the black swan fromBlack SwanwithNatalie Portman. I really love that dress,” I replied, taking a ghost-shaped biscuit from the bowl on the coffee table.

Chadwick always had some kind of food or drink for guests. Last week, I’d asked him why, and he explained that many people are nervous eaters. They need something to occupy themselves while discussing difficult topics. He also said that he himself enjoyed a good snack during sessions—nothing better than a cup of tea.

“I’m glad you’ve settled in and found some friends. Maisie’s group has existed long before my time here. They’ve never really allowed anyone new to join, so it was surprising how quickly they made you one of them.”

I shifted on the sofa, absentmindedly touching the stone around my neck. There was something unsettling about how nice they were being to me. Archer had even given me a gift. I’d never received a gift from anyone outside of my family on birthdays or Christmas throughout my childhood. They had secrets, I knew that, but still, I was somewhat happy they were trying to include me. It felt special because I’d never had this before.

“Is that a bad thing?” I asked.

He shook his head quickly. “Not at all, just surprising.”

The way he said it made me nervous, like he knew there was more behind their invitation. But then again, he was a psychologist, trained to understand human patterns. This was something he couldn’t explain, as things had always followed a certain pattern until I came along.

“Anyway, do you have any plans for the rest of the day?” he asked.

“Yes, I’m going to the chapel later. I hope to see a girl I spoke to a few days ago. We had a good conversation, and I’d like to continue it, but sadly, she’s not in any of my classes, so I haven’t seen her today.”

“It’s nice that someone still visits the old chapel. Hardly any students bother with it these days,” Chadwick remarked, tapping his finger rhythmically against his cup. “What’s your friend’s name? Perhaps I know her and can tell you where to find her.”

“Gwyneth. But she told me her friends call her Gwyn.” We hadn’t exchanged surnames, so I couldn’t offer one.

Chadwick seemed to think for a moment before responding. “I’m not aware of a Gwyneth among my patients, but then again, this is a huge school, and most students are here just for a good education.”

Gwyneth wasn’tat the chapel when I arrived.

I sat down in the same spot as yesterday, closing my eyes this time as I silently prayed.

I prayed for answers.

All I needed were clear answers to the questions plaguing me. Knowing that there was more to life than the mundane wasn’t enough. I needed more—more knowledge, or I might end up lost. Answers felt like dust in my mouth when I couldn’t find the right words. Without them, I felt like a tree without roots, struggling to hold onto its place in the world.

“You’re back!” I spun around to see Gwyneth standing between the pews, her hands folded in front of her stomach, grinning. “I didn’t think you’d return.”

“Hello, Gwyn,” I smiled softly, about to stand up, but instead, she sat down quickly beside me. “Can I show you something?” she asked eagerly.

“Actually, I have a few questions for you,” I replied, nervously picking at the cuffs of my school uniform’s jumper. I wanted answers, but the thought of asking them made me anxious.

The dark-haired girl jumped up, grinning mischievously. “Let’s make it a game! I’ll show you my favourite spot on campus, and you can ask me your question.”

There was a good chance her favourite spot was the lake she mentioned yesterday. I wasn’t a fan of water, but if this was how I’d get answers, I was willing to step outside my comfort zone.

“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go,” I agreed, making her squeal with excitement. She seemed like the sort of person who found joy in the small things—like a total stranger agreeing to visit her special place.

“You don’t know how much that means to me, Dottie.” Gwyneth took my hand, and a few minutes later, we were running through the woods. “Not so fast, or we’ll trip over something!” I laughed behind her, and to my surprise, she suddenly stopped, causing me to bump into her.

Once I’d regained my balance, I looked up to see her gazing adoringly ahead. A few metres in front of us was a small lake, shimmering green under the canopy of surrounding trees. Fog curled around the edges, and suddenly, I wasn’t sure if it could even be called a lake—perhaps it was more of a pond.

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