Larissa's Game of Thrones (Larissa) novel Chapter 23

“Oh, listen,” Larissa said in an exaggeratedly innocent tone. “It’s barking.”

Leopold’s face turned crimson with rage. “Compared to Honora, you’re nothing but a savage!”

“That’s enough, Leopold,” Paxton interjected. “Leave her be. Let her cool off and think about what she’s doing.”

With a final, dismissive glance at Neville and Sapphira, he walked away.

“Larissa, your behavior tonight has been a bitter disappointment to your father and me,” Vivica said, casting a disappointed look at Larissa before following her husband.

Larissa watched them go with a derisive snort. It only confirmed she’d made the right choice. A mother, father, and brother like that weren’t worth having.

Just then, a gentle hand took hers. She turned to see Sapphira looking at her with a mixture of worry and compassion.

“Don’t be sad, Larissa. We’re your family now.”

Neville nodded in agreement. “Your mother is right.”

A warmth spread through Larissa’s chest. She squeezed Sapphira’s arm and grinned playfully. “Mom, I’m not sad at all. I have the best parents in the world. I’m so happy I could burst. How could I possibly be sad?”

…

Back in her room, Larissa quickly changed into comfortable pajamas and curled up on her bed like a nimble kitten. “Shadow, Snowy, Sage,” she whispered. “Time to come out and play.”

A moment later, three small snakes—one black, one white, and one green—peeked their heads out from the top of the wardrobe. They slithered down joyfully and made their way to her bed.

Suddenly, the sharp ring of her phone shattered the peaceful moment.

Larissa picked it up. The screen displayed a name she had just recently saved: Haskell.

A small smile played on her lips as she lay on her stomach and answered the call.

There was a brief silence, followed by a soft “Mhm.” His voice was gentle as he added, “You’ve had a long day. Get some rest. I look forward to seeing you again.”

That last part—I look forward to seeing you again—felt strangely intimate.

“Okay.”

After hanging up, Larissa noticed a text from an unknown number.

[Larissa! Did you block me again?! I gave you a chance to come to Regal City and you threw it away to stay a crude herb-picker in that village! You’ll regret this, and when you do, you won’t get another chance with me!]

Her good mood instantly soured. She replied with a single word—[Idiot]—and blocked the number again.

…

After hanging up, Haskell lowered his phone, his gaze falling on a message he had just received.