Theo straightened in the chair and sat back with his shoulders squared. His jaw was clenched tight, brows drawn.
“Well, well, well,” Victor intoned as he strode into the large office and sat behind the desk. He steepled his fingers and pressed them to his lip. “Theodore Meyers, sneaking out of the manor without our permission. Why am I not surprised?”
“I don’t need your permission. I live here, it’s not a prison.”
“Ah,” said Victor and his eyes glittered, “but living here is a privilege. A privilege that can be revoked at any time. We might be here to house enchanters in need, but we can deem anyone unworthy of stepping inside these walls.”
“And where would I go?” retorted Theo.
“That is not my concern, boy,” Victor snapped. Theo rolled his eyes. “I want to know why you left.”
Theo rolled his eyes again. Victor snarled.
“Mara was in danger. I’m her protector. Blah, blah, blah. You know all this.” He sighed, and leaned forward clasping his hands. “I honestly don’t know why we’re even discussing this.”
Victor snarled, his lip flaring. “You did not have permission to leave the premises.” His face turned a garish purple color and a vein pulsed in his forehead.
I was beginning to see what Theo had meant about this guy. He was clearly power hungry. He might’ve been a part of The Committee, but I also didn’t see how he could have so much say over someone leaving and returning. If Theo lived here—which he did—surely he was allowed to come and go?
“And I knew I wasn’t going to get it. So, I left,” Theo said calmly.
Victor turned red with rage and pointed his finger at Theo. “Boy! You need to learn to respect your elders. You can’t just do whatever you want.”
Theo rolled his eyes. “The Iniquitous were after Mara. I needed to get to her.”
Victor narrowed his eyes. “How would you know that?”
Theo leaned across the table to Victor. “I’m a special protector. I’m tied to her in ways most protectors only dream about,” he whispered savagely.
I got the impression if Theo didn’t think he would get in endless amounts of trouble he’d slit this man’s throat in a heartbeat.
Victor seemed at a loss for words. He finally turned his beady brown eyes on me. “So, you’re an enchanter. How old are you?”
“I’ll be eighteen in less than two weeks.”
Victor harrumphed. “We’ll get your accommodations set up. Since you’re almost of age you will be expected to begin training. There are several others here your age and older so you won’t be training alone.” He turned to Theo and sighed. “Since you’re no longer a child it’s not like I can punish you, so you can go.”
“I’m not leaving this room without Mara,” he growled, his body bristling.
Victor sighed. “Fine then, wait here while I get a key for her room.”
Theo nodded, and Victor left the room.
“Stop freaking out. Everything will be fine.”
“How do you know I’m freaking out?” I asked.
“That doesn’t matter,” he dismissed me, “but you need to calm down. Be strong.”
I could see Theo’s protector mojo kicking in. As soon as we walked into the manor, he had changed. He wasn’t joking or calling me doll face. Instead, he seemed almost … scared. But I was sure his annoying habits would soon kick in and he’d be back to his same infuriating self. I hoped. The normal Theo surprisingly stressed me out less than this one—he was too on edge and jumpy.
Victor returned and sat back down once more. Now that I wasn’t as scared, he didn’t seem so intimidating. He was red faced and on the heftier side. His dark hair was receding and he had a thick black mustache that curled on the ends. It reminded me of Victorian times, as did the pocket watch in his jacket pocket. He was constantly dabbing the sweat from his face with an old-fashioned hankie.
He handed a key to me. “Theodore can show you to your room.”
I stared at the key. “I’m surprised there’s not like a magic word or something to open the door.” The key was an antique skeleton key weathered with age.
Theo’s lips turned up, but Victor seemed unaffected. “We try to keep things as normal as possible since we don’t come into our powers until eighteen. You’re both free to go.” He waved his hand. The door swung open on its own. I wanted to say, “so much for normal,” but I chose to keep my mouth shut. I didn’t think I wanted to know what the punishment would be for back-talking a Committee member.
Theo and I stood to leave.
“Miss Pryce,” called Victor. I turned back around. “I apologize for not introducing myself. I’m Victor Antonescu.” He stretched his hand out for me, and I took it. “Welcome to Eldson Manor.”
Chapter 8
THEO LED ME THROUGH THE twisty manor. I really hoped someone eventually gave me a tour; otherwise, I’d never find my way around.
He led me up a massive staircase that was done in plush red carpeting. The walls were a dark stained wood. Stone statues seemed to be everywhere, along with paintings, making me feel like I was in a museum and not a home.
I guess it wasn’t really a home, though, and more of a safe haven. A community of people lived behind these walls.
“There are a couple of classrooms, The Committee’s offices and sleeping quarters, and the dining hall all downstairs. Sleeping quarters for everyone else is second level. That’s all you really need to know right now.” When we got to the top of the steps, he pointed to the left. “Your room is this way. I think he purposely put you as far away from me as possible.”
He stopped in front of a door that was rounded on the top and made of the same heavy wood as the one we entered the manor through. Theo handed me the key.
“This is your room.” He tapped the door and the wood seemed to hum.
“Thanks for … everything,” I mumbled. I didn’t really know what to say. This was all so new, and a part of me was still processing everything.
“You’re welcome, doll face.” He stuck his hands in his pockets. He turned and began to walk away. “But you might not be thanking me later,” he muttered under his breath.
I watched until his figure completely disappeared before opening the door to the bedroom.