Chapter 269

• Following behind Caius, I do my best to ignore his frustrated ramblings and instead allow my eyes to wander as I walk. Taking in the gloomy and dark atmosphere of the Vault, I try to imagine my bright and radiant mother spending hours on end here, but after a moment I give up. Luckily, Caius appears to have stopped, having arrived at what looks to be his office. He hurries around his desk, rummaging around in one of the bottom drawers before practically collapsing onto his chair while lifting a rather large metallic flask to his lips. His entire face pinches together in an extraordinary grimace as he gulps down what must be an incredibly strong alcoholic beverage.
• "Feeling better?" Seraphina asks, taking a seat in the chair closest to his desk.
• The dark look he sends her causes my lips to twitch and I'm forced to bite back a smile as I see him throw back a few more mouthfuls.