#healing family relationships

[alyjojo]

Family Ties 🤍 - July 2023 - Taurus

Overall energy: 6 Wands

Two stories in this one area. First off, regardless of how many siblings you have, I only see one, and they’re trapped in the same dynamic as your parents. Because something has always worked out, no one has spoken up, forced a change, told the more toxic person to get their crap together, setting boundaries…it’s always been perceived as normal. Accepted. ��That’s just how they are.” And worked around.

I see you overcoming this. It will be passed down, but not to you, to your sibling…unfortunately in some ways 😓 Despite that, I see your experience with your family as mostly positive, regardless of the issues they may have, they’re very supportive of you, generous to you and you to them in return. They may be pretty conservative or religious in nature, you’ve gained a lot in wisdom & maturity, possibly education and a good living or career as well, by having had them as your family ❤️ They may have some level of status, privilege or entitlement that comes with their name or reputation. Are they perfect, nope not at all. Are they good for you, yes.

Father: The Devil & Temperance

Yours is the only reading where Dad comes first, but it’s necessary to explain his side first, or Mom’s side won’t be clearly understood. He’s the problem. He is extremely selfish and self interested, always thinking of his way is the right way and there is no other. This may fall in line with The Hierophant in your section, your family is very conservative, because of him. Father is the head of the household, the one that controls the money, the goings on, the reputation and status of the home on an authoritative and/or “morally righteous” way. But it’s toxic, and everyone seems to know it but him. His father may have been the same, and his grandfather before him. Traditions are extremely important to him as the family unit, but more often than not he’s out to please himself, and is extremely defensive should anyone “call him out” for that. I honestly get a “speak when spoken to” sort of vibe with him, but only about the problems - especially his problems. He expects everyone else to get in line because he’s not changing. There could be addictive substances involved with him, something about how he “pleases himself” is actually toxic, but he celebrates it, and comes off as quite controlling…but not over everything, that’s the confusing part. Niche things that only apply to him. Like if HE believes that a certain school is the best then every child will go to this school, even if it’s on the other side of the world, he will die on that hill, there is no argument. Just as an example. Especially when these things reflect him or “the family”, or are financially related. He has high expectations. But for other things, he doesn’t care so much and is generally peaceful. You never really can know what to expect, except that his perspectives & desires are the only ones that matter, and he will always get his way. People may walk on eggshells around him, especially Mom, regarding certain topics.

Mother: 4 Cups, 9 Swords rev, The Fool

She is a complacent sort of person, an enabler of sorts when it comes to your father. She isn’t one to take risks or step too far outside of the lines that he has drawn for her, nor is she one to confront his personal demons and take a stand against them. She expects him to heal, change, “quit” if substances or addictions, or to otherwise learn with time. He’ll see “eventually”. She may make excuses for him, his father did xyz so he does too. She may have very little choice in the matter and for the sake of her own sanity, is pretty hands off where he is concerned. That doesn’t mean she likes it, but more like she pretends it isn’t a problem, or personally believes that moving away from whatever he does would be foolish, like that’s how things are supposed to be. She drinks the same Kool-Aid, and though she misses out on excitement or opportunities for joy, she doesn’t seem to mind letting them pass her by. The very definition of submission, she could also be quite religious. She could be fearful of you or your sibling/s breaking traditions that would set you apart from the family, she only wants to keep everyone together. “The family” as a unit is very important to them both. Am I reading for the Mafia? If so, good on ya mate, we cool 😎

Siblings: 6 Cups, The Magician rev, 10 Pentacles, The World

You’re very nostalgic about your sibling, your childhood, and how things were. 6 Wands on your side is about recognition, I get that a particular person, or more than one even, are very important or prestigious in some way. You have recognized the manipulations, lies, the clever maneuvers, how your childhood, parents, or situations were actually toxic. Because it is what it is. But they also drink the Kool-Aid, and this is what has separated you from them, even if you two still interact and love each other, under the surface you’re very different. Your siblings feel that all of these things you did/said were toxic (but you’re being justified here that you’re right & trust yourself), they see this family as identity, generational inheritances, the foundation upon which you’re all built. It’s something to honor, they’re lovingly nostalgic about the same things you find to be wrong. You’re like night and day. They are entirely unconscious to what the problems are, so healing them is not an option, they will continue the same traditions as set forth by their parents, grandparents, etc. With any single one of these people, if you spoke up, you’d be the one that’s wrong, not them. I’m sure you already know this.

Grandparents: Ace of Swords rev & 9 Pentacles rev

I only get a grandmother, she doesn’t talk about either parent’s issues, she’s probably not much of a talker at all. Others also may not be fully honest with her about what’s really going on in this family unit, she feels like an outsider. If there is some level of codependency, either with her or Mom, she doesn’t see that as an issue. She doesn’t really see anything as an issue, but no one is particularly close with her either, maybe just Mom if anyone. She expects people to deal with their issues and get over them, it’s that simple. She is an Empress, the matriarch of the family, someone who may have several children, and she sees no issue with how they or you were raised, this is simply how things are and everyone will grow and mature like they should. Or has, in her opinion. She’s actually very positive, and cares for everyone equally, she’s just blissfully unaware, or something like that.

Spiritual Ancestors: 5 Cups, 3 Pentacles, Justice

Your ancestors are disappointed with your family, with 3 Pentacles I’m getting three people, maybe more, and they’re all united against you. You’re the one with the problem, you’re the one that stands out or isn’t like them. I don’t get a big confrontation having occurred, but you may have spoken your mind about some of these things before, and it’s set you apart from the rest of the family. It’s their way of the highway. Ace of Swords shows the truth being connected to you, your ideas and words have shown the truth of these matters, probably on several occasions. I do see that you love your family very much. Your Spirit wishes your family would see these truths for themselves and recognize your ideas & thoughts as a positive thing, because you’re not coming off as negative or wanting to “attack” anyone…you’re just right. Toxic is toxic. Manipulation is manipulation, there’s no room for interpretation when things simply are what they are. Unless they can see it for themselves though, it will remain you vs. them. They may say what they say or act how they act, your Spirit just wants you to be kind, love them while you’ve got them, and lead by example however you can. Everyone generally has something positive to offer and people aren’t being appreciated for those things, that could also be them telling you that, if you’re in some kind of ego over them being this way. You can’t change people that don’t want to change, but sometimes love does that over time, naturally, without us having to force it.

Oracle:

Secrets

Conceal plans and actions from those not ready to accept you as you are.

Precision

The desire to do things precisely is useful as long as it goes not devolve into rigidity.

[serenitymaliburehabcenter]

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[thepeacefulgarden]

[gunstellations]

a little family

[moonhedgegarden]

[loveyourlovelysoul]

Childhood trauma may make you worry about growing up resembling your parents: you may recognize their tone when you speak, or react like them on occasions. You may fear not being able to be different or free yourself from their toxic traits, and it may make you feel defective or bad as a person: all this may trigger you and have you overreact in case of triggers. Childhood trauma generally makes a person lose their sense of self and therefore wonder if you are inherently good. Anytime you fear becoming as your parents, remember that this feeling alone is a sign of you having reached a great level of self awareness, something that they probably lack.

You're very likely just behaving as a human: even if you share certain occasional traits with your caregivers or any other human being you may consider "bad", you aren't doomed to be a bad person too. Not to mention that probably you have picked up a behaviour from your parents to save yourself, and this doesn't mean you're a copy of them at all: this single trait of you doesn't define you. And you can even unlearn this trait with time and patience, and welcoming it for the time being, just to understand where it comes from and care for it (our shadow traits are still part of us, a scared part of us, a scared mini-us -our child version, if you want-, and we cannot pretend they'll heal and leave us alone if we keep them at a distance and don't wanna listen to them. I mean... how can a child stop crying if you close them in a dark room alone?)

You can change anything you want of yourself as you grow more in touch with yourself and become aware also all the differences you share with your parents/caregivers. Focus on these too, not just on what may make you occasionally similar. This trigger is just a reminder of where you were and the journey you're going through to become yourself.

(me + source)

[independent-fics]

Nathan Ford Being a Dad™ Parallels

Leverage (2008-2012):

04x16 The Gold Job

05x05 The Gimme a ‘K’ Street Job

05x08 The Broken Wing Job

[disaster-catalyst]

they make me so emotional

[desultory-suggestions]

It’s okay if your family is complicated. It’s okay to love people who have also made mistakes, even serious ones. It’s hard to explain our relationships with people we’ve spent so many formative years around to people on the outside. The only person who can decide what they want to do with those relationships is you. It’s okay to care for complicated people. Remember to care for yourself, and put your happiness and safety first.

[puhpandas]

I think the reason beckory works well is that tony has a habit of getting self righteous and in his own head about things but Gregory isnt afraid to tell him off or call him out about things. the point of tony in ggy is that nobody ever told him that how hes treating other people isnt good, so that's why he got so bad. but tony would be close to Gregory and have every rational reason in the world to listen to Gregory so when he would say something like "you're treating ellis badly and that's not what a good friend does, you need to do better" hed actually listen and take it into account and improve himself

[alyjojo]

Family Ties 🤍 - July 2023 - Leo

Overall energy: 7 Pentacles

You’re biding your time, trying to figure your family out from a healthy emotional distance with King of Swords. The Magician & Death show you’re aware some things in your family need to end completely, at least your role in them, but others can be used to create other things in a better way. Your spiritual message has a possible move, so if you’re moving locations, it could be a catalyst to continue your favorite parts of family life - and leaving behind what will inevitably end. If not actually moving, same energy. Possible engagement, marriage, babies, all of these things are in the cards for you if that’s the route you’re trying to go down (and take precaution if it’s not 😁). Your partner shows relationship troubles, they may be getting out of something and you’re just waiting for that to end in order to create something new. I get you being closest with family out of everyone.

Mother: Page of Wands & Knight of Cups rev

Mom is why King of Swords energy is necessary for you, as you’re probably aware. You don’t see her clearly, and as a young child you may have idolized her as “perfection”, like kids do, you have a really hard time seeing the reality of things when it comes to her. But perfection is not how things have played out, and you’ve been separated, from both parents really. I can’t tell if they’re together or not. You dream of a reunion with her, that she will heal her toxicity and demons, but also know deep down that’s not actually possible. You’ve had to heal a lot because of Mom’s issues, it’s like you’ve allowed them to transfer onto you, when it’s one of the things that needs to end in your life. The Devil here can refer to many different painful experiences, abuse on any level, substances, obsessions, toxic things and thoughts that keep you trapped, you know your story. You’ve probably had to claw your way out of the emotional trenches regarding this, forever remaining optimistic, for as long as you could. Judgement in this case is a final decision having been made to not reunite, and I don’t get that it’s a mistake on your part to let this go, you have to 🙏

Father: 8 Wands, 8 Swords, 9 Cups

Dad seems pretty clueless, and distant. He may be a holiday parent you hear from a few times a year. He goes from flurries of messages and “catching up” to complete silence, and there is probably not much depth or deep meaning to what he says. He has no clue that this hurts you, or of anything that hurts you, it’s like he just uses his opportunity to talk to you while he has it and doesn’t know what to do beyond that. Its an awkward vibe, not meant to hurt you though. It’s possible he sends messages at holidays but doesn’t try to visit. If so, it’s because he doesn’t have a lot of money, he could be on disability, a pension, have heavy medical bills, limiting physical issues or something like that, with 9 Wands here. You don’t want to burden him with your problems, and he has no idea what those even are. If he does, he feels helpless to do anything about them. If you’re the one hurting for money, he has no idea, you don’t talk to him about these things, probably because you know he can’t really help, but may try anyway. If there is no physical distance, there is emotional distance, but likely both.

Siblings: The Lovers & Strength

You’re very close with your sibling, I get one. Could be more but that’s who comes out. You may not like who they’re dating, or were, that could apply to more than one person even, you don’t like “their whole type”, and also they take always this person away from you. Which is no good. Or that’s switched. But you talk all of the time, and tell each other everything about everything. You could be making plans to move in with them, they could be going through a break-up or something, they’re “done dating forever”, or they could be traveling to you or you to them for awhile, you’re just happy to be together with them on a regular basis again. You two definitely have a soul tie that’s deeper than even some family members, the people closest to us usually are, and you just know. They could be younger than you, possibly with Gemini placements.

Grandparents: 2 Pentacles rev, Ace of Wands, 5 Swords rev

They were once generous and involved with you, and then something happened “they couldn’t handle” the chaos of, and they just kind of left everyone hanging. Could just be one person in particular it’s picking up on. It’s like they have proved themselves unreliable, didn’t say anything for a long time, and then when they realized what they’d done, it was too late to fix it. Or they don’t know how. They know people are mad at them, and want to avoid that at all costs by just avoiding everyone’s existence apparently. Wheel of Fortune shows karma, and you don’t have to worry about it. It may also be destined they exited your life, it feels like you are a part of their lesson but not so much the other way around.

Spiritual Ancestors: Ace of Swords, 4 Wands, Page of Cups

I see you moving, could be with your sibling, there are definitely two people here. Someone may have a child, or you both do. What’s here is needing to be honest and have true deep conversations with each other - moving or not - about what you want your families to be like. What was toxic in yours that you don’t want to carry on to the next generation, or even in yourselves? This could be addictions, negative perceptions, heavy wounds and burdens, whatever applies to you. That’s why King of Swords is here. What is worth keeping? What has to go? In order to create the family you’ve always wanted, equal exchange with genuine & stable people that you can always count on. Ending generational trauma perhaps, or at least the pain that you’ve felt from your childhood. You want to close out the cycle and start a new chapter in your life, or your Spirits are saying it’s time for you both to shed your old skins. It doesn’t fit anymore, the more aware you become of old patterns & situations. Who you are now can objectively look at who you were then - forgive, mourn, celebrate, and wake up to how different you are now, while keeping an eye on how different you’d like to be going forward. I’m getting your sibling is your teammate, they’ll be on the same page, or they will be happy to once you are. You are a team 👯‍♀️

Oracle:

Capable

You can deal successfully with whatever challenges and circumstances arise.

Introspection

Introspection is often necessary to deepen our awareness of the unity and divinity of life.

[hellpegasus]

Has anyone else mentioned the fact that we never see Husk smile until Loser, Baby? He's always frowning and just standing in the back like he doesn't want to be there (he doesn't). Perpetually pissed off. He's been miserable and drunk ever since he made that deal with Alastor. But right before the song we see him smile for the first time and once the chorus hits that smile barely leaves him for the whole song. And after that, we finally start seeing him smile more regularly. At the hotel, at the bar, wherever. Loser, Baby was the song Husk sang to help Angel stop hating himself for his mistakes and be able to enjoy his own life. Except he wasn't just telling that to Angel, he was also telling himself

[thepeacefulgarden]

[cream-and-tea]

it must be said that i’m always on some level thinking about mercer and gage can we talk some more about mercer and gage i feel like we all moved on too quickly from mercer and gage

[neuroticboyfriend]

if you want to go no contact with your abusive family/guardian(s), you have every right to do that. if you want them to work with you on developing a healthier, happier relationship, you have every right to try that. if you want to disown your birth/current family or have a found family, you have every right to do that. if you want a mix of all these, you have every right to do that as well.

because it's your life, your family, and your choice. you are the only person in this entire universe who can decide your wants and needs. and i hope however you want to move forward, you get your wish - your healing, hope, safety, and any love, care, and support you need. you've been through enough. you deserve rest and joy.

and it's okay if you don't know what to do. it isn't pleasant, it's scary, it's confusing. yet it isnt immoral. it isnt wrong. you're doing the best you can with the knowledge, support, and resources you have. i promise.

[poisonedace]

Breaking Point

3446 words | Teen | One-Shot Author's AO3: PoisonedAce Story Link: Breaking Point Summary:  Blitzø is at his breaking point. Stolas is spiraling, and  Blitzø can’t hold him together alone. Desperate and exhausted, he turns to the one person who might still be able to reach the former prince: Octavia. But convincing her to listen isn’t easy when she’s holding onto her own anger and pain.

Blitzø heaved a sigh as he finished tucking his favourite horse blanket around Stolas. A frown etched with worry and something uncomfortably close to guilt grew on his face as he looked down at the former prince. Stolas’s face was slack with exhaustion, tear streaks staining his usually pristine feathers. He’d finally fallen into a restless sleep, the aftermath of several hours of a meltdown. He lingered for a moment, watching the soft rise and fall of Stolas’s chest before he turned away.

“I can’t keep doing this,” Blitzø muttered, rubbing his hands across his face and groaning loudly. His tail dragged behind him as he crossed the room and collapsed onto his beanbag by the window. The plush fabric cradled him, but it did nothing to ease the weight pressing down on his chest. His red eyes flicked back to Stolas, his mind racing. He’s falling apart. I’m trying to hold him together, but I’m not enough. He needs Via.

He leaned forward, pressing his elbows onto his knees, and let out a shaky breath. “I need to talk to her,” he murmured, the words as much an admission as a decision. He knew he’d be risking Stolas’s wrath, but at this point, it didn’t matter. Stolas wasn’t just hurting himself—he was dragging everything and everyone down with him, including Blitzø.

Blitzø gave one last look at Stolas before taking a deep breath and activating his Asmodean crystal, a portal swirling to life in front of him. He stepped through, the hum of magic briefly washing over him before he landed on the plush carpet of Octavia’s room.

The room was dark, bathed in the faint moonlight that spilled in through the tall windows. Octavia’s figure was a lump beneath the covers of her bed, her breathing soft and even. Blitzø hesitated, his nerves kicking in, but there was no turning back now. He crossed the room, his boots barely making a sound as he approached her bedside.

“Via,” he called softly, his voice gentle but insistent. “Sweetie.”

“Dad?” Octavia mumbled, her eyes fluttering open. As she adjusted her gaze, she was greeted by Blitzø standing awkwardly beside her bed, a large, strained grin on his face. She squinted at him in the dim light, her expression shifting rapidly from groggy confusion to wide-eyed alarm.

“AAAAH!” Octavia screamed, scrambling upright and clutching her covers to her chest. 

Blitzø flailed his arms, his voice a frantic whisper. “Sweetie! Via! It’s just me—Blitzø! Your dad’s favorite disaster!” He cast a panicked glance toward the door, knowing full well how many guards patrolled the castle. “Please, for the love of all things unholy, keep it down!”

Octavia glowered at him, her feathers bristling as she lowered her voice. “What the hell are you doing here?” she hissed.

Blitzø visibly relaxed, the tension in his shoulders easing as he shrugged and tried to appear casual. “Oh, you know. The usual. Breaking and entering, casual home invasions. Thought I’d stop by for some late-night bonding. You’re a teenager—uninvited emotional chats are your thing, right?” He grinned, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Octavia scowled, her tone flat. “You’re insane.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard it all before.” Blitzø leaned against her nightstand, arms crossed over his chest, his usual bravado starting to falter under her glare. He let out a heavy sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Listen, I need to talk to you about your dad.”

“What about him?” she asked cautiously.

Blitzø hesitated, his tail curling nervously around his leg. “There’s… some stuff you need to know,” he said finally, his voice quieter than usual. “And if I don’t tell you, I don’t think anyone will.”

Octavia frowned, still wary but unable to ignore the seriousness in his tone. “You’ve got five minutes before I call security,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest.

“That’s all I ask,” his voice low but firm. Blitzø shifted awkwardly, his hands twitching as if unsure what to do with them. He looked out of place, like a stray animal that had wandered into a royal banquet. His eyes darted around the room, avoiding Octavia's sharp gaze.

Octavia’s lips pressed into a thin line as she looked him over. His usual cocky swagger was gone, replaced by hunched shoulders and a weariness that clung to him like a second skin. The dark circles under his eyes were more pronounced than she’d ever seen, and his posture wavered like he was one wrong move away from collapsing altogether. It was a sight she wasn’t used to—Blitzø looking small.

“Hey…” Her tone softened despite herself, and she tentatively reached out a hand. “Are you okay? You look like you’re about to collapse.”

Blitzø blinked at her, momentarily caught off guard by her concern. “Wouldn’t be the first time today,” he muttered under his breath, his tail flicking nervously behind him. He caught himself quickly and waved her off with a forced grin. “Don’t worry about me, Sweetie. Let’s focus on your dad."

She withdrew her hand, her concern shifting into suspicion again. “What about him?”

Blitzø exhaled slowly, his grin fading. He rubbed the back of his neck, his fingers brushing over the edge of his collar as though grounding himself. “Your dad’s… uh, going through some stuff right now,” he said vaguely before shaking his head and correcting himself. “No, scratch that. He’s been going through it for a while, but now it’s… worse.”

Octavia folded her arms, her sharp eyes narrowing. “And what does that have to do with you barging into my room in the middle of the night?”

Blitzø hesitated, his tail curling tightly around his ankle. “Because I can’t… I can’t keep doing this alone. He’s a wreck, Via. He won’t sleep, he won’t eat, and the massive, hour-long meltdowns? Honestly, they scare the hell out of me. He won’t listen when I tell him he needs to pull himself together. But maybe… maybe he’ll listen to you.”

Her frown deepened. “Why would he listen to me? He doesn’t care about what I think. If he did, he wouldn’t—”

Blitzø cut her off with a sharp shake of his head. “Stop. Don’t go there. I know it feels like that sometimes, but your dad… he cares about you more than anything. More than his power, more than his status, and—yeah, more than me, if you truly want to keep score.” His voice softened, the exhaustion creeping into his words. “He’s just too wrapped up in his head to show it properly right now.”

Octavia stared at him, the sharp edges of her expression softening just slightly. “Why are you telling me this?”

Blitzø rubbed the back of his neck, his usual bravado replaced by a rare moment of vulnerability. “Because he needs you, Via. He’s hurting, and I think you might be the only one who can get through to him.”

Blitzø sunk to the floor and slouched forward, bracing his elbows on his knees as if that were the only thing keeping him upright. His limp tail lay beside him.

“What do you know about Goeetian marriages?” he asked, his tone cautious, like he was tiptoeing around something sharp.

Octavia froze, her mouth pressing into a tight line. “They’re the same as any Hellborne marriage. Some are for love, some are contractual,” she said flatly, her tone clipped. Her sharp eyes stayed fixed on him, wary of where this conversation was heading.

Blitzø nodded, his gaze fixed on the floor. “Right. And your parents? Which one was theirs?”

The question gave her pause. Her talons twitched, and she pressed them into her lap. “Theirs was a love marriage,” she said after a moment, though her voice wavered slightly.

Blitzø let out a long sigh, sitting up straighter and meeting her eyes. His tone softened, but his words hit hard. “Sweetie, your dad’s gay.”

The air seemed to leave the room. Octavia’s eyes widened, her feathers puffing up slightly as the words sank in. “What?” she croaked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Blitzø threw up his hands in mock exasperation. “I mean, come on, have you seen the guy? Feathers, capes, glitter? That’s not exactly ‘straight demon chic.’ Honestly, the outfits alone should’ve tipped you off. Rainbows, Via. Rainbows everywhere.”

Octavia blinked, completely dumbfounded. “That’s… not funny.”

Blitzø’s grin faltered, and his tail flicked as he looked away, the humor draining from his voice. “Yeah, probably not,” he admitted. “But it’s true. Your dad’s known he was gay pretty much his whole life.”

Octavia stared at him, her mind spinning. “But… he married mom. They…” She trailed off, her breath catching as realization began to creep in.

Blitzø’s expression softened, his voice quieter now. “Yeah, I know. Paimon told your dad on his tenth birthday that he’d be marrying your mom. Said they needed a ‘precautionary heir.’ That’s how it works with royalty, Sweetie. It’s not fair, but…”

Octavia’s face twisted, her feathers flattening as anger flared in her voice. “So I was just an obligation to him!” she snapped, her voice rising. Her hands shot up to her head, gripping her feathers tightly. “He HAD to take those pills because of me. If he’d just left—”

“NO!” Blitzø interrupted sharply. He jumped to his feet and grabbed her wrists before she could tug at her head feathers any further. His touch was gentle despite his firm voice. “Stop, Octavia. Don’t do that.”

Octavia froze, her hands trembling in his grip. Blitzø leaned closer, his tone softening as he met her eyes. “Listen to me, Sweetie. It’s not like that. You are the utmost important thing in your dad’s life. If you don’t believe anything else, please believe that. I need you to believe that.”

Her gaze dropped to her lap, her shoulders slumping as his words sunk in. Her voice was shaky with lingering anger and confusion. “But if he loves me so much, why did he…” She trailed off, shifting her wrists in his hands in a silent request for him to let her go.

Blitzø sighed, releasing her hands but staying close. His voice took on a weight she wasn’t used to hearing. “He’s tired, Via. Tired of the insults, of the fights, of pretending—tired of everything. He tried for so long to give you a normal life. He thought it was the right thing to do. For you, for his family, for Hell. Then he saw a chance at happiness, and he took it.”

Octavia’s feathers bristled slightly, her brow furrowing, but she didn’t interrupt.

Blitzø pressed on, his gaze steady. “But he never would’ve done it if he thought it would hurt you this much. He thought that you could be happy with us, be happy with him. The last thing he wanted, ever, was for you to get hurt and for you to not be in his life. You’ve got to know that.” He paused, taking a shaky breath. “But, Via… doesn’t he deserve to be happy? Just a little bit?”

She opened her mouth to respond but found no words. Her talons dug into her blanket, her gaze darting away as she processed his words. The flicker of doubt in her expression deepened, clashing with the anger and hurt still swirling inside her.

“He needs you to remind him why it’s worth it. Why he’s worth it.”

Octavia shivered, her hands loosening their grip on the blanket. The words landed heavy, but this time, she didn’t try to push them away. Instead, she let the silence stretch between them, struggling to unravel the mix of emotions tightening in her chest.

Blitzø’s words stirred something in her—a painful mix of emotions she wasn’t ready to confront. Memories flashed in her mind: her father holding her close after a nightmare, his gentle voice soothing her fears, the way he’d subtly step between her and her mother’s sharp words, absorbing the brunt of the anger to shield her. The warmth of his lullabies as he sang her to sleep. Those moments of love and safety stood in stark contrast to the pain she felt now—the pain of abandonment, of being left behind.

Her gaze moved to Blitzø. For so long, he seemed like a big monster, someone who stole her father from her. But now, standing by her bed in the dead of night, he looked small. The weight of exhaustion and worry clung to him like a heavy cloak.

“I…” Octavia’s voice faltered, and she rubbed her arm nervously, her gaze dropping to the floor. Her feathers shifted slightly, betraying her unease. “I’m not saying that I would have rather you died, but… things would have been so much easier if you weren’t here. Everything was okay when—”

“It wasn’t!” Blitzø snapped, his voice sharper than he intended. Octavia flinched, and he immediately softened his tone, running a hand over his face. “Sorry, Sweetie. I didn’t mean to yell. But… it wasn’t okay. Not really.”

He leaned back against the nightstand and hummed as he thought about how to tell her the next bit. “Via, your parents’ marriage wasn’t a good one. Surely you see that,” he said, his voice gentler now. His hands, clenched into fists, trembled slightly, and he let out a long, slow breath to steady himself. “I know Stolas tried his best to give you a normal childhood, but… there’s no way you overlooked the arguing. The tension.”

Octavia hesitated, her feathers shifting as she finally met his gaze. “Of course, I noticed,” she admitted. “But that’s what couples do. You and Dad fight, I’ve heard it.”

Blitzø smiled faintly, a humorless expression that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Yeah, Sweetie, we do,” he admitted. “But we’re working on it. Your parents… they didn’t have that chance. They were thrown into a mess neither of them wanted, but they tried for you. They did their best to make it work, even if it wasn’t enough.”

Octavia frowned, her gaze dropping again. “But that’s not my problem to fix,” she muttered, her voice defensive but lacking the usual edge.

“No,” Blitzø agreed softly. “It’s not your problem. But it is your dad’s, and he needs your help, Via. Now, it’s your turn to try for him.”

The words hung in the air, heavy and unshakable. Octavia pulled her knees up to her chest, but she didn’t respond. For the first time, she didn’t have a sharp retort or a bitter comment. Instead, she sat quietly, Blitzø’s words softening the bitterness she’d clung to so tightly.

Blitzø let out a heavy sigh and fell to his knees, his head lolling to the side. His shoulders slumped, and his usual energy completely drained. The heaviness of the conversation and everything that had brought him to this moment seemed to press down on him all at once.

“Blitzø!” Octavia exclaimed, her voice tinged with alarm as she jumped out of bed and knelt beside him. Gently, she reached out, grabbing his arm. “What’s wrong?”

He shook his head slowly, not meeting her gaze. His voice cracked when he finally spoke. “Via, I… I’m just so tired.” He closed his eyes, his tail curling weakly around his leg. “He won’t sleep, he won’t eat. I’m trying so hard to keep him going, but I can’t do it alone.”

The confession hit Octavia harder than she expected. She squeezed his arm gently, unsure of what to say.

Blitzø took a shaky breath, his words coming out in a stuttering rush. “This is so unfair of me to do, barging in here and putting this on you. I know it is. And he’s going to be pissed when he finds out I said anything.” He finally looked at her, his red eyes glassy with exhaustion and something that looked almost like desperation. “But please, Via. Please just speak with him.”

Octavia stared at him, her hand resting on his arm. The anger that had shielded her from hurt began to crack, replaced by something softer—something harder to deny. Could she really help him? She didn’t know what to say, but the sight of Blitzø—this usually untouchable force of chaos—looking so small and defeated made her chest tighten.

“I’ll think about it,” she said hesitantly, her voice softer now.

Blitz’s nod was slow, his lips curving into a faint, weary smile. “That’s all I’m asking, Sweetie.” He leaned back slightly, resting his weight on his hands as if he might fall over otherwise. “Just… give him a chance.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke; the room filled only with the quiet sound of their breathing. The weight of what had been said—and what still needed to happen—hung heavy between them.

Octavia hesitated, her gaze lingering on Blitzø as he slumped forward, his exhaustion written in every line of his posture. For the first time, she saw him not as the chaotic whirlwind that had barged into her family’s life but as someone trying his best in an impossible situation.

Her mind shifted to her father—how tightly he would hold her after a bad dream, his arms a sanctuary against the dark. She remembered the haunting melody of his soft lullabies, each note wrapping around her like a promise that she was safe. But more than that, she recalled the quiet moments, the ones he probably thought she hadn’t noticed: the way his shoulders sagged when he thought no one was watching, the distant look in his eyes as he stared out the window, and the sadness that seemed to seep from him, heavy and unshakeable. Those glimpses of vulnerability—of a father doing his best even when it wasn’t enough—made her chest tighten, the memories as comforting as they were painful.

She swallowed hard and nodded, almost imperceptibly at first. Then, with more resolve, she spoke. “Okay,” she said, her voice steadier than she felt. “I’ll talk to him.”

Blitzø’s head snapped up, his red eyes widening as relief washed over his face. A genuine smile, faint but real, broke through his grimace. “Thanks, Sweetie,” he said, his voice hoarse but warm. He pushed himself upright, straightening as much as he could despite his obvious exhaustion. “And, hey, if he kills me for this… at least tell him to make it quick, huh?”

Octavia’s lips twitched, the faintest hint of a smile breaking through her defenses. “No promises,” she said, her tone dry but not without affection.

Blitzø chuckled softly, a sound that was more tired than anything else, but there was something lighter in it now. He stood, albeit unsteadily, and patted her shoulder with a surprisingly gentle hand. “You’re a good kid, Via. Don’t let anyone—including yourself—tell you otherwise.”

He rubbed at the crystal on his wrist, conjuring a portal to his living room. Its swirling energy cast faint light across the room. Just beyond, she could see her father, scrunched up on a tiny, ripped couch, fast asleep, his face twisted as if he were experiencing a nightmare.

Just before stepping through, Blitzø glanced back at Octavia and gave her a soft, encouraging smile. “You’ve got this, Octavia,” he said quietly. Then, with a final, tired smile, he disappeared into the glow.

Octavia stared at the shimmering portal. The room felt strangely still without Blitzø’s chaotic presence. She stayed frozen in place for a long moment, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. The words he’d said lingered in her mind, heavy yet somehow reassuring, as her talons idly traced the lines of her palm.

She rose slowly, her movements tentative as she approached the portal. She stopped and stared, watching her father through it, her heart racing. What if I say the wrong thing? What if I make it worse? The anger and hurt she had held onto felt easier than confronting her father’s pain head-on. But beneath it, there was something quieter—an ache to understand, to try. She closed her eyes briefly, steadying herself. He’s been trying all this time. Maybe I can, too.

The hum of magic filled the silence, a faint, steady pulse. Octavia hesitated at its edge, staring into its swirling depths. Her chest tightened as her thoughts warred within her—hurt and anger battling against the faint hope that maybe, just maybe, things could be different.

“I’ve got this,” she whispered to herself, her voice steady despite the uncertainty twisting in her stomach.

And before she could second-guess herself, she stepped through the portal, driven by the fragile hope of forging a stronger, more honest bond with her father—and perhaps even finding her own place with Blitzø.