Page 88 of The Last De Loughrey Dynasty

Sure.

See you on the twenty-seventh, arsehole :)

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

ARCHER

“Do you really have to leave?”Elsie asked for the second time as we drove back to Aquila Hall.

Since she didn’t want to say goodbye to me for another two months, she had pleaded with our mother to let her drive with me. I used to visit them in London on weekends, but now that we spend every free moment uncovering the secrets of our ancestors, I don’t visit as often. Frankly, I only came to see Mum and Elsie anyway. That place was no longer home to me—especially not with my father around so often these days.

I wrapped an arm around my sister’s shoulder and tugged her closer so I could press a kiss to her hair. “It’s for the best, Eli.”

She buried her face in my chest and sighed, heavy with sadness. It made me wish everything were different. My sister deserved a protector and friend better than her brother was.

All I’d ever brought her was sorrow.

“Sometimes I wish we were young again, when everything was still so colourful.”

I caressed her black hair, which hung down to her shoulders. “Don’t say that. Your world is supposed to still be as colourful as it was a few years ago. You’re only a kid.”

Elsie pulled back and looked up at me, her eyes a mirror of mine, except hers were brimming with tears. Her lips wobbled before she replied, “it only is when you’re around, but you’re always away.” Tears began to fall, and I believe I heard my heart shatter as her words echoed through my mind.

My little sister leaned back against me, wanting to soak in every minute with me until we arrived at the academy.

Holding her close, I rested my chin on her head and whispered the words, “I’m sorry.” And I meant them. But I couldn’t feel sadness for not being around. It was easier that way. The only thing that truly saddened me was that I was the reason for my sister’s tears.

“Do you promise to call?”Elsie asked after we’d unloaded the boot and all my stuff stood in the entrance hall, ready for me to carry it upstairs.

“I promise,” I said, holding out my pinky finger, which she took. It reassured her that I’d keep my word. Elsie hooked her finger with mine, but the sadness never left her face, so I pulled her in by her hand one last time.

“He’ll be nicer with me gone,” I said. “Now, get in the car and tell Jonathan to let you ride shotgun.”

As she pulled back, I cupped her cheeks and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Tears streamed down her reddened cheeks, and something inside me ached.

Elsie was going to grow into a strong, independent woman. I knew that.

We were doing everything to prevent this future, but if I was destined to disappear, would a part of my baby sister fade with me?

I’m her older brother. I’m supposed to protect her from all kinds of pain. I couldn’t let myself become her deepest sorrow.

“I’m going to miss you, Archie,” she said, trying to hide her sob with a smile.

I ruffled her hair at the nickname. “I’ll miss you more if you ever drop that nickname.”

She chuckled softly at my reply. “Never.”

I watched her leave the building with a grieving heart.

Might this have been the last time I’d ever see my sister? I wouldn’t go home for Easter. The next time I’d be forced to leave Aquila would be during the summer…

Shaking off the never-ending fog of thoughts, I grabbed my luggage and carried it upstairs to the boys’ dorm.

Unpacking didn’t take more than ten minutes, since I’d only packed a few pieces of clothing for the holidays. Most of my outfits had been picked out by my parents before I’d even returned to the Kingstone home.

On Christmas evening, there had been an event where my father celebrated another successful year for Kingstone Bank.

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