The Blood of Caine

The Return of Freya

Freya looked up to see Caine burst through her door. He went to the side of the bed and just about flung himself at her. He wrapped her in a tight hug. Despite her confusion she hugged him back.

"Don't ever do that to me again," he whispered.

She pulled away, "Do what?" She watched as everyone's jaws went slack, "Oh, that."

Her eyes lingered on Jenna, she looked like she was trying to resist an urge. Freya opened her arms, motioning for a hug. Freya got the feeling she didn't get many. Jenna happily obliged.

"I'm so happy you're alive," she said.

After a while everyone left her room, except Caine. He sat on the edge of her bed, staring at his feet. His eyes were red and slightly puffy, but she doubted he'd been crying.

"A penny for your thoughts?" she said to break the silence.

He looked up, into her eyes, "I am so glad you're alive."

"You saved me."

He arched a brow, "Hmm?"

"When I woke up, Vlad said, and I quote, 'Caine, you brilliant bastard' so what did you do?"

"Bastard, indeed," he mumbled then he told her, "I prayed for you. I went to the chapel and I prayed for you. It was not me who saved you but God."

"Didn't it hurt you?"

"It was horrible but you're alive and that's what matters. I'll get going. Get some rest."

He stood up and turned to leave. Freya caught his hand, "Caine."

He turned, "Yes?"

Freya stood. Her legs were a bit shaky so she relied on Caine's shoulder for support. She planted a kiss on his cheek, "Thank you."

He gave her a nod and left the room, shutting the door behind himself, leaving her with Valkyrie.

Freya went to draw a bath. She was still covered in the witch's blood. She struggled with her corset and her chest plate, then took off her gauntlets. She removed the endless straps and her belt. She was glad to see that her sword and dagger had been returned. Next were her boots and, finally, her jumpsuit. She examined the hole, left by the dagger, in the leather and decided she'd take it to Alastair in the morning... evening.

She eased herself into the tub and relaxed. Images flashed through her mind, of Caine standing in a room with a book. Then she remembered. The book! Where was the book? Where were Dmitri and Amelia? She sprung out of the tub and ran to her room, dripping water everywhere. She searched for Caine's number on her phone.

He answered, he sounded as if he'd been woken up.

"The book, did they find it?"

"What?"

"Did Dmitri and Amelia find the book?"

He hesitated, "Freya, the book was lost in the scramble and I hate to be the bearer of bad news but so was Amelia, a lioness was not the best form to take."

She quieted, "Oh, I see. Goodn... good whatever it is you say, Caine."

"Good whatever it is we say, Freya," she could hear the smile in his voice.

Freya got back into the tub. She felt relaxed, yet strange. The vision she had, freaked her out a little bit but she shrugged it off. It was probably nothing. She had her bath and happily went to bed.