Page 7 of Architecti
Demons above.How is it I’m forty years of age, and still made to feel like a nine-year-old burden?I won’t be pandering to him today.
“I’m aware.I owe you my life, etc, etc.”I waft a disinterested hand in his direction.
He stands and looms over me.He’s trying to intimidate me.But I stand my ground.My father hates disobedience, free thought, and independence.He’s a controlling man.It’s how he got to where he is.You can’t blame him, really.He’s done a lot of good.Saved the damn city.He’s just not the most affectionate or loving of fathers if he’s not getting his way.
His neck vein pulses.When will I learn?Poking him only leads to loss—for me.
“Do I detect insolence?”he snarls, peering down at me.His hot breath trickles down on me.That’s close enough.
I shove him back.
A searing heat floods through the palm of my hand.I grit my teeth against the pain and curse the day he saved me.I hate that he has this power over me.
I can’t hurt him or threaten him.Apparently, it’s part and parcel of the magic in the contract he created to save me.
Which was highly illegal, I should point out.No under eighteens are allowed to be contracted, and yet, here we are.A vile abuse of power that saved my damn life, so I’m stuck with it.What’s the alternative?
Death?
“No, Father.You detect a tired, middled-aged woman with several contracts lessons to prepare for the new term, an investigation into a fraudulent agreement, apparently impending wraith attacks, if I read the subtext of your conversation with Grimwood, and above all, a need for a large glass of wine and a good dance.”
He perches on the edge of the table, folds his arms and beams.“You’re being appointed Head of House Inferos.”
My mouth falls open.“I did not ask for that.”
“Of course you did.”
“No,” I say firmly.“I most definitely did not.That is a considerable amount more responsibility.I have several research projects I’m heading up.I don’t have time to babysit new students.Let alone move across campus into House Inferos.”
“It is not babysitting, and it’s an honoured position.Professor Dregan retired rather suddenly.His wife was taken ill.They decided to leave the city and spend her last months together in peace.We’re maxed out on staffing in other areas and we’re in a state of constant vigilance with the Veil thinning, so I volunteered you.Besides, you’re always saying you would like more seniority at the Academy.Therefore, you’re welcome.”
You’re welcome?How dare he.My contracts research is vital to gaining funding for the Academy.
“No,” I say, pouring as much authority into my voice as I can and standing a little straighter.Sticking up for myself against him has never been my strong suit.Not when it usually leads to weeks of cold shoulder and silence.
A single crease forms between his brows.He laughs once, short and sharp and runs his hand through his greying hair.“Would you like to try that again?”
I shrug.“I said no.I’m not going to roll over and take on more responsibility that will detract from my research.”
His expression darkens, pupils pooling to hollow wells.“You will do as I say.I won’t have you embarrass me.”
I step towards the door, done with this conversation.I have one ace up my sleeve, a secret of his I unearthed.He flashes to anger every time I use it, but it is ruthlessly effective at getting him to back off.Not least because if I were to spill the truth, it would bring down everything he’s built.
“You’re not listening t—” I start.
He leaves his perch on the table and draws near.I shuffle away until I hit the door frame.He grips my chin and pulls my face up to his.
It hurts.
He holds me tight enough to show he’s in control.But not so hard he’ll leave bruises.Because, of course, that wouldn’t look good to Chancellor Arcadius, academic faculty, or any of the other devils.
“I have already told the Chancellor you’d be happy to take the appointment.You will do this because it is good for both our reputations.Can you imagine?A dean and Head of House Inferos in our family?”
“You’re already the city hero,remember,” I say, dragging out my last word, making sure he understands the implication—that he remembers the secret I carry.“What more do you need, Father?”I hold his gaze, the threat clear.
He hesitates, huffs and drops my chin.“It’s easy to win a city.Staying on top is much harder.Don’t you see how good this would be for us?Just think—my daughter, Head of House Inferos.”
He’s lost, his eyes glazing as he thinks of a future I want no part of.He doesn’t give a fuck what I want.I could plead all day, and he wouldn’t hear me.Either he’s ignoring my thinly veiled threat, or he’s intentionally pretending not to understand.
