Girl of Myth and Legend Read Free

something?’
    ‘Can you please stop being sarcastic for a moment and let me continue?’
    ‘No, don’t think I can, but you can continue.’
    His lips thin in irritation before he continues. ‘Within Duwyn is a place called the Imperium, and it serves as the governing hierarchy of Duwyn.’
    ‘What, like the Houses of Parliament?’
    ‘In a sense, although things are a lot stricter in Duwyn. The Imperium is also where the majority of Chosen live. There are four walls separating each district, bigger than you can even imagine, and Chosen live within them. They span miles, so it’s not as confined as it sounds. There’re also cities outside of the Imperium and across Duwyn, though the laws of the Imperium still apply to them. Some Chosen even have permission to live in the human realm, although there’s fewer than a hundred, probably.’
    ‘Human realm?’
    ‘It’s what the Chosen call this realm, the one we’re in now.’
    ‘Seriously? Loving the Realminess. Though, they could’ve come up with something way cooler, like the “Insania Realm” or the “Psychotica Realm”.’
    ‘ Anyway . It’s not exactly uncommon for there to be oblivious Chosen living in the human realm, children whose magic hasn’t manifested yet—like you—and a select few who’ve been given permission to live there by the Imperium—as I have.’
    I nod. ‘I see. So, let me just, y’know, process all of this. Hmm. OK. After a prolonged reflection on this little tête-à-tête, I’ve come to the irrefutable diagnosis that, Dad… you’re crazy. Yeah, that fits. And I’m being polite when I say crazy, ’cause that word is somewhat holding back from the true level of craziness you’re displaying right now.’
    He sighs. ‘I get it. It’s hard to accept.’
    ‘It is hard to accept your dad is displaying diehard symptoms of schizophrenia.’
    Undiminished, he says, ‘Maybe if I show you?’
    ‘Show me?’
    ‘The future. I can’t usually see someone’s future when making skin contact with them, but I’m kind of hardwired into yours, so I might be able to see your future on demand.’
    ‘“Your future on demand!” You should suggest that line to Virgin Media; you’d make a fortune. And just for curiosity’s sake, why exactly are you “hardwired” with my future?’
    ‘I make it my job to know what lies ahead of you.’
    I lean away from him. ‘I’m not weirded out at all.’
    ‘Don’t take it the wrong way. I only do it because I want to keep you safe. You are my daughter. I love—’
    I put my hands up as if shielding myself from his affection. ‘Oh God , Dad, no, just no, stop right there. Seriously.’
    ‘OK, OK. So, want to see a glimpse of your future?’ he says, as if he were asking if I take sugar with my coffee.
    ‘Sure. Why not? Weird days should only get weirder, right?’
    ‘Prepare yourself. Visions can sometimes give you nose-bleeds. And you might vomit. You can get headaches, too.’
    ‘I’ve already got a headache.’
    ‘Come on, Leonie, if I show you a glimpse of the future and you’ve got so much doubt in what I’m saying, then when you do see it the shock will be much worse for you.’
    ‘I’ll take my imaginary chances.’
    ‘Fine, but try to believe in me.’ He comes over to the sofa and kneels on the floor, reaching for my face. I flinch. ‘What’s wrong?’
    ‘…Nothing.’ Everything. This whole thing is the definition of weird. Nonetheless, I lean towards him and his fingers press against my temple. It’s probable that doctors would tell me indulging Dad’s delusions is not advisable, but what the hell?
    ‘Give me a moment.’ His eyes are closed and his expression is tranquil. I feel embarrassed for him, although it’s amusing to see Dad immersing himself in such a strange fantasy. Looking at this seriously, however, I might actually have to contact a doctor—for both of us. ‘There,’ he says. ‘I have it.’
    ‘Oh! I see it!’ I say. ‘I’m sitting, yes,