Chapter 27: Homecoming (3)

Gabriel followed his brother to his father's study room. The long hallways with high ceilings were adorned with mahogany wood paneling, olive with gold leaf wallpaper, and massive golden chandeliers with nature themes that illuminated the way.

From what Theo said before presenting his room, Gabriel had the entire second story only for him and his servants. He had anything he wanted and even more. As the youngest son of an ancient noble family, he was bound to be cuddled, even if he did not want to. 

When they arrived at Lucius' study, Theo pushed open the grand double doors, revealing a room as luxurious as the rest of the manor. Dark wood paneling, an ornate chandelier, and shelves lined with books and artifacts spoke of the old noble family's wealth and power. Even though Gabriel had made a fortune working for George Claymore, it was clear that his family's resources were on another level entirely.

He was beginning to understand why they were asking him to let them help; they could help, and for the first time in five years, he was willing to let his guard down a little bit. Gabriel wanted to believe that these people only wanted the best for him. 

Inside, Elowen, his supposed mother, was leaning over Lucius' shoulder to get a better look at a document he was reading. Her black hair shone in the light of the chandelier as it fell gently onto her husband's shoulder. They raised their heads when Theo and Gabriel entered the room. 

She was absolutely stunning. Gabriel could see from whom he inherited his appearance. Elowen was tall and slender, with the pride of a warrior, and her black eyes locked on his for a moment. He felt nothing for the woman standing in front of him. 

Gabriel fled to Ashmont shortly after losing his memories; he did not want to face all of this. He did not want to accept that he had no feelings for his family. 

Lucius set down his pen, his piercing gaze returning to Gabriel with the same quiet intensity he had shown earlier. Elowen straightened up, her expression carefully neutral, but there was something softer in the way she looked at him—something Gabriel could not quite understand.

Theo shut the door behind them, the heavy wood sealing the study into a private sanctuary. Gabriel took a deep breath, steadying himself against the weight of the moment. He had been avoiding this, but now there was nowhere to run.

Lucius gestured to the chairs in front of his desk. "Sit."

Gabriel hesitated for a heartbeat before lowering himself onto the upholstered seat. Theo took the one beside him, his usual laid-back demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness.

Lucius studied him for a long moment, his hands steepled together on the desk. "You're thinner than I remember."

"I was correct, then. Gabriel, you really look like shit." Theo said this as he reached for a glass of water from his father's desk and placed it in front of Gabriel.

Gabriel shot Theo an unimpressed look but took the glass anyway. He wasn't about to admit it, but the water was a welcome relief. His throat had been tight since he stepped foot in this house, and the last thing he needed was to look weak in front of Lucius.

"I've been busy," he muttered before taking a sip. It was the truth; he was so preoccupied with the surprise hearing presentation and his other projects that needed to be completed. His heat appeared out of nowhere, and he lost his appetite as a result. 

Lucius did not respond to Gabriel's comment, but his sharp gaze lingered on him for a moment before he returned his attention to the documents in front of him. He tapped his fingers against the parchment, considering his words carefully.

"You made quite the impression at the hearing," he said at last.

Gabriel stiffened. "Did I?" 

Theo chuckled under his breath. "That's one way to put it. You basically told Damian Lyon to fuck off in front of the entire imperial court."

Gabriel rolled his eyes. "It wasn't that dramatic. I simply pointed out that the Ministry of Magic did not do their job properly. I didn't imply anything about the Emperor."

"Oh, I assure you, it was," Elowen said, her voice smooth but edged with something unreadable. She tilted her head slightly, watching him. "The rumors about you are spreading faster than wildfire. They reached the South in just a day. People talk about George and Damian vying for your talent.

Gabriel's grip on the glass tightened. He had expected this, but hearing it spoken aloud still sent a flicker of irritation through him. "That's ridiculous."

Lucius leaned forward, folding his hands atop the desk. "Ridiculous or not, perception is powerful. If enough people believe it, it may as well be true."

Gabriel exhaled sharply. "Well, I didn't say it's not the truth. I had previously received several offers from the Ministry of Magic, but I turned them down. I suppose they have some grudges against me, too, not only with Duke George Claymore."

Lucius didn't answer immediately. Instead, he studied Gabriel, as if weighing his response. "I think you need to be careful. Damian is not the type of man who easily lets things go. If he sees value in you, he will take it, whether you want him to or not.

Gabriel clenched his jaw. He already knew that. He had seen the way Damian looked at him, the way he maneuvered people like chess pieces. He had not made a move yet, but that did not mean he wouldn't.

"What do you want from me?" he finally asked, cutting through the tension.

Elowen exhaled softly, her expression unreadable. "Nothing you aren't willing to give."

That didn't feel like the full truth, but Gabriel didn't press. He wasn't sure he wanted to know the answer.

Lucius nodded toward the glass in Gabriel's hand. "Finish that. You look exhausted."

Gabriel sighed but drained the rest of the water. He didn't want their concern, but for once, he wasn't going to fight it.