Chapter 111. A Dictator

Astrid

"Astrid."

I stalled my descent and turned to face my brother.

"How are you?" he asked when I kept silently staring at him.

"I'm alright," I replied with a small shrug, and he nodded silently.

"Is there a reason why you stopped me?"

"Yes, uhm... I uh..." He scratched the back of his head, an obvious sign that he was nervous.

"Are you going to get to the point today, or do you need some days?"

"There's no need to be snippy," he scolded me coldly, then sighed and put his hands together in front of him. "You do know I care about you, right?"

"I feel it sometimes."

"Good," he muttered. "So, you know that whatever I do is for your good?"

I gave him a puzzled look. "Darius, I don't—"

"I told Dad about you and Magnus," he interjected quickly.

I was a bit confused at first, but then, slowly, it began to dawn on me.

"He said I should tell you to come to his office once you return."

There were no w