The Raven's Reflection

Chapter 45 - Prisoner

Over the course of the next several days, Cerno kept to himself and the only time he would willingly speak with anyone was when it had to do with business.

Kurt was pleased that Cerno didn't turn up to the office smelling like alcohol, but it was still painful to be in his presence. Vanessa had woken up four days after Kinsley's death, but her memory was partially fuzzy. All she could remember was a billowing brown cloak breaking in through the front door, Kinsley being knocked to one side of the room, and strong hands forcing a vial to her lips. Next thing she knew, she was waking up in a hospital bed and one of her best friends was dead.

There was a soft knock on the office door. The only one who typically knocked at his door was Hannah when she had a stack of paperwork for him.

"Enter," Cerno said softly, not looking up from his paperwork.

"Brother?" Khasta said as she poked her head into the room.

"Khasta, what can I do for you?" he asked quietly, pausing and standing up to pay her kindness. Kinsley's eldest sister was halfway to 16 and it pained him for how much Khasta was resembling her, causing him to think back to happier days in Oideachas that were now gone.

"Mama wanted me to bring you this," she replied, walking up to his desk with a small basket. "She didn't know if you had been eating properly the last few days, so it has a few sandwiches, a couple pieces of fresh fruit, and a big slice of peach cake." Khasta lowered her head a little. "It's not as good as sister's, but it's fairly close."

He watched as Khasta quickly caught a tear that had escaped her eyes after setting the basket on the desk. "Tell Alice I said thank you," Cerno said. "I appreciate you bringing this to me."

"Is there anything I can help out with for this evening?" she asked quietly, her fingers trailing the edge of the lid to the wicker basket.

Cerno closed his eyes and slowly shook his head. "Everything is ready, but thank you."

Khasta nodded and turned away from the desk.

"Khasta?"

"Huh?" She paused at the door and looked back at him.

"Thank you for being such an amazing sister," Cerno said softly. He didn't smile, but his words were heartfelt.

Khasta smiled as she left.

Cerno slowly opened the basket and looked at the food inside. He hadn't eaten anything in almost two days and his stomach turned violently at the thought of putting anything in his mouth. Quickly, he closed the basket and set it on the floor next to his desk and took a deep breath, running his hands down the front of his black shirt and tie. He tried to swallow the knot that was forming in his throat, having trouble keeping the storm rising in his stomach at bay.

Another knock on the office door.

Cerno sighed and leaned over onto his desk, hanging his head. He wasn't feeling well enough for another visitor at the moment but he looked up as the door opened anyway.

"Would you spare me a moment of your time, Cer?" Lorelei asked softly, her eyes meeting his immediately as she stepped into the room. Like Cerno, she too was adorned in all black.

"I'm sorry, but I'm rather busy, Mrs. Spade," he replied as he stood up straight, rubbing his face as he tried to compose himself more quickly.

Lorelei huffed at the formalities and shut the door anyway, walking around to the business side of Cerno's desk and standing right next to him. She didn't waiver as Cerno frowned at her boldness. "Cerno, you've been avoiding me...you've canceled every meeting I've set up with you. I need to talk with you...and not business you. You you. Please?"