Her father's words were like nails on a chalk board, screeching and grating in her ears while he spoke to her so disingenuously, all the while taunting Syn. She didn't want his congratulatory wishes or a declaration of his pride in her, something she desired long ago when she was a girl seeking approval and admiration. Now all she wanted was for them to be out of her life. For the most part, they were. They spent their time beyond the Veil, in another home that was close to their precious academy. Every now and then they graced her with their oppressive presence, this time to test her guardian and see what made him tick. Proud as she was to be his potential mate, they managed to exploit his feelings for her with an ancient curse they saddled her with years ago. When her powers began to surge and grow exponentially, they made sure she would never be able to usurp them without ensuring her own downfall. It was used in Egypt when pharaohs sough to cement their position in power, to make certain that their deceitful children and advisors thought twice about murder, poison, and sabotage. So, the shaman that appeared was correct. In modern times, the curse was uncommon and unnecessary for such a purpose.<br/><br/>Abigail took the liberty of healing her parents, though they were capable of healing themselves. The light that she cast over them was warm, succeeding in mending their interior and exterior. In doing so, Mina's physical state improved. The pain that brought her to her knees alleviated and the splitting headache that threatened to render her unconscious subsided. She was still weak, somehow worse off than the two she was linked to. Still, she could breathe easier and she was capable of moving, thankful for the arm that Syn had wrapped around her to lift her to her feet. She leaned against him, using him for support while he explained that she would be staying with him indefinitely. There was no room to protest. It was the only home she'd ever known, but it was for the best given how things had taken a turn for the worse. She wouldn't have slept well knowing they were under the same roof with all that had transpired. It was different when they traded barbed words and challenging glares, but there was no going back to sweeping things under the rug with Syn's attack.<br/><br/>It was for the best.<br/><br/>"You assume too much, Lord Night. Far too much." He told him after his words of caution.<br/><br/>After a long glare at her parents, she left the comfort of the demon's arms and moved alongside the shadow wolf to go to her room. There she began to gather what she could, managing to change in the process. Mina discarded the bloody clothes, leaving them behind in a bin full of trash. The maids were all too frightened to follow. They had families, entire lives that depended on their loyalty to the man and woman of the household. She understood that it was unsafe for them to follow, though her father never really concerned himself with "the help." The perception that he<i>might</i>was enough.<br/><br/>"I feel uncomfortable leaving things behind." Mina muttered.<br/><br/><i>"If there is something you require, we will obtain it for you or chance a trip back here." </i>Sasha told her.<br/><br/>"No, it's not that. There’s too much here for them to use.”<br/><br/><i>“Against you.”</i>Sasha said with a flick of her tail.<br/><br/>“Yes. Most curses need something from the target: a lock of hair, a piece of clothing, a prized possession. It’s how they linked themselves to me two years ago when I . . . tried to take matters into my own hands.” Mina explained.<br/><br/><i>“There’s no way we can guarantee nothing of you will be left behind, but arrangements can be made to minimize attempts at more hexes.”</i>She said, nudging her along.<i>“Hurry, little witch. We will be leaving soon.”</i>