Page 119 of Whispers of Wisteria

“That being said,” Uncle Gregory continued, his voice firmer, “I also want to address who she is and proper etiquette.”

What… what did he mean?

I glanced up, but he was looking at Damen now. “You struck her.”

“Oh!” I sat up straighter, and before Damen could speak, I leaned forward. “It’s okay!” I exclaimed breathlessly. “It was my fault anyway.”

Uncle Gregory frowned, but it was Damen who responded. “What?”

“I—” I tucked my hair behind my ear, unable to look at them. But Finn had said so yesterday, and I knew he was right. “I do that sort of thing,” I explained. “Jump into fights, and stuff. So whatever happens is because of me.”

“You are not a consequence of someone else’s actions,” Uncle Gregory said, and I tensed.

He looked at Damen. “And you are not a force of nature. You’re a man who has gone through extensive training. If you cannot steady your hand when required, then perhaps you’re not as prepared for your position as you believed.”

“But—” I didn’t like that he was going after Damen.

Uncle Gregory ignored me. “She is a fae woman; you will act accordingly.”

I squirmed in my seat.

That… that sounded so weird. Plus, Damen wasn’t fae. So that really wasn’t fair to—

“Understood,” Damen responded.

“Do you?” Uncle Gregory asked. “She is smaller than you, slower than you, and does not have your instincts. She is not a fighter. This is your only warning. A second lapse will not be tolerated.”

Damen didn’t respond.

“And you.”

I held my breath as Uncle Gregory turned to me again.

“You will immediately stop jumping into dangerous situations. It is not your job to put yourself on the line for other people.”

I bit my lip and studied my knees.

“That is all I have to say on the matter,” Uncle Gregory continued. “You are dismissed.”

I stood along with Damen and followed him to the door.

“Bianca,” Uncle Gregory called as Damen opened the door. I stopped and looked back at him. “A word in private.”

He gestured back to the chair.

“Um…” I glanced at Damen.

Uncle Gregory had never beforeaskedme to stay and talk. He normally resorted to underhanded tricks that involved sending Damen on pointless errands.

Damen shrugged.

“Okay…” I replied.

I sat back down and folded my hands over my lap as Damen closed the door behind him.

This must be really bad.

“Can you tell me what happened yesterday?” Uncle Gregory asked, leaning forward.