Chapter 256: Dad's Downfall

Dad passed out again shortly thereafter, forcing Mom to use her magic to carry him up to her bedroom. Erica hovered nearby, as if unsure whether to leave or stay and I didn't have the will to tell her either way.

We all gathered in Mom's room. No matter how long Dad lived with us, I always thought of it as hers. The black satin comforter, the scent of lilacs permeating everything, the subtle touches all came together, alerting anyone who crossed the threshold a woman lived here, a woman of power.

Dad looked reduced, tucked into the dark bedclothes, his skin pale and almost translucent, deep circles under his eyes. I stayed near the foot of the bed, trying not to hover, holding my hands tightly together to keep myself from wringing them. My anxiety was still building. As much as Mom cleared Dad and ensured he'd survive, her intent to use what now resided in Sassy to restore him and return him home meant attracting Celeste's attention. Besides, hadn't Dad just tried literally everythin