Page 31 of Phantom Flower

The long table was already set when I walked in.

Mother sat at the head in one of her silk robes, smiling too wide.

Daniel was beside her, already dressed like he had important meetings, his fake smile in place the second he saw me.

“Rei,” Mother said, voice bright. “You’re up early, sweetheart. Come sit. We were just talking about the family trip next month.”

I pulled out my chair and sat, keeping my expression neutral.

Polite.

The way I had always been.

“Morning.”

Daniel’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Morning, son.”

Fucking parasite.

“You look… rested. Though that flower is quite the statement again.”

I kept my voice even. “I like it.”

He took a sip of his coffee, eyes lingering on the flower.

“You know, at your age, image matters. Especially with the company your mother and I keep. People talk. A boy your age walking around with flowers in his hair, people might start assuming things. Things that could affect how others see the family. You don’t want anyone getting the wrong idea, do you? Thinking you’re… you know. That way.”

My jaw tightened.

The old numbness would have let it roll off. The new fire made my blood run hot.

I kept my tone polite, even as my fingers curled under the table. “It’s just a flower, Daniel. It doesn’t mean anything.”

Mother laughed lightly, the sound forced. “Daniel, don’t be dramatic. It’s a harmless accessory. Rei’s always liked them.”

Daniel didn’t even glance at her. His eyes stayed on me.

“Harmless until it isn’t. You’re a good-looking boy, Rei. We don’t need anyone thinking our family has… complications. You understand what I’m saying, don’t you?”

I took a breath. “It’s my choice.”

He chuckled, condescending.

“Of course it is. I’m just looking out for you. For the family. Your mother works hard to maintain our standing. I’d hate to see it damaged because you decided to experiment with… certain aesthetics.”

Mother shifted in her seat. “Daniel, maybe we don’t need to—”

He waved a hand, still smiling at me. “I’m just being honest, darling. Rei’s at that age where one wrong association can follow him. Especially with flowers and that whole delicate look. People will assume he’s gay. We don’t want that kind of attention, do we, Rei?”

I wanted to fucking stab him.

I kept my face blank and did not answer.

Mother just smiled and changed the subject to some charity event. I pushed eggs around my plate, appetite gone.

By the time I got to Bloodburn, my head was a mess.

No Dimitri.