Page 14 of Inheritance

But no relationship is defined by a single emotion. No person is just one thing.

And yet, in that moment, I saw a trace of what was clearly once a much stronger connection, a flicker of something warm resurfacing from the years of resentment. Then I heard Gabriel say my name, in a tone that marked the end of their conversation.

I ran quietly back to the art room, nearly tripping over a long rug in the hallway.

I closed the door behind me, hurrying back in front of the painting. Moments later, the door opened again.

Gabriel stepped inside.

I set my brush down and looked at him, letting my hand linger on it, offering him a small smile.

He smiled back and walked up beside me, his gaze fixed on the painting before meeting my eyes again.

“You're amazing,” he said simply, and I could see the pride in his eyes.

And somehow, that single statement meant everything. The way he looked at me, he really believed in me. It made it easier to believe in myself.

"I’ve decided I will go to the auction."

“Good, good, but theres one more thing I have to ask of you.”

“Anything?”

“My Father wants to see you.”

“Anything but that.” I said, teasingly fluttering my eyelashes at him.

“You’ll be alright.”

“Don, Auditore, you wanted to see me?”

He glanced at me over thick reading glasses, and set down a notebook he was writing illegibly in.

“I see you took your time.”

He gestured to the seat across from him, and I sat in the chair Gabriel had just been in.

“Have you ever played chess?” He asked, carefully folding up his glasses, setting them next to the board.

I couldn't help but show the confusion on my face at his question. I had expected him to just start berating me about how I shouldn’t be here.

“Chess is not just a game. It is symbolic of life and power. Have you ever played?” He asked again.

“Yes, but not seriously, I don’t remember the rules. Or what all the pieces do.”

He chuckled but there was no humor in it, loose skin under his chin shifting. “Imagine that.”

I narrowed my eyes at him before I could stop myself.

“Calm down girl.” He said dismissively, directing my attention to the board in front of us. “I’ll teach you.”

The pieces looked to have been carved perfectly from ivory, the chessboard itself a work of art, inlaid with gold around the edges. He grunted, leaning forward in his chair. His jaw trembling slightly, like he had to work up to speaking.

“Do you know what the game of chess is truly about?” He asked, a critical glare on his face.

I blinked, trying to figure out if he was looking for a different answer than what he just told me a moment ago.

“It’s… its about life and power.”