The Sweetest Rose-LokixOC

Chapter 38

When Cassandra entered the vault it was like stepping into Belle's library in the Beast's castle. Shelves upon shelves of books and scrolls lined the walls of the vault from floor to ceiling. Books were piled in heaps on a butcher style table in the center of the room.

Of all the treasure the Merlin might leave her, an entire library is the last thing she ever expected. Cassandra spun in a slow circle drinking everything in. She had no idea where to start.

Loki pulled down a medieval text from the shelf and studied its illuminated cover with frank appreciation. "An entire sorcerer's library. It seems the Merlin did not leave you entirely without instruction."

Cassandra finished her perusal of the vault and reached for a journal on the table. The journal had a blue calico cover with 'Journal' stamped in gold embossed lettering. It was probably made within the last twenty or thirty years.

She flipped to the first page, and nearly dropped the journal when she saw her name scrawled on the first page in a spidery hand. Breathing unsteady she began to read the letter dated twenty-eight years before.

'Cassandra, if you are reading this then you are fast approaching the time when you will face Morgan le Fey. You are only beginning to scratch the surface of your powers but time is not on your side. No one is ever entirely prepared when battling an enemy. I know you think me a coward and certainly hate me for burdening you with the powers of the Merlin..."

It was eerie how well the Merlin knew her thoughts decades before she had them. Cassandra's lips flattened into a scowl. On some level she did despise the Merlin. He took away her future without a thought to her because he decided one day he'd had enough and wanted to lay down his mantle.

But why her? The question had plagued her for months.

Cassandra continued reading in hope of an answer, balancing the journal lightly on her palms. '...I will not apologize for taking what I was owed. Do not assume you were the first. I also was chosen by my predecessor without a thought to my feelings.

Everything you need is in this vault. I have not left you without guidance. With the Trickster on your side I am confident you will triumph against my old enemy. This has always been predetermined. I foresaw my successor thousands of years ago. I've been waiting a long time to rest. You do not yet understand how the centuries wear on a human. If its some comfort you will not face the ages alone. I see the Frost Giant beside you. I will leave you with one final bit of wisdom. A love like his should be cherished. Do not let your fear and ego ruin something so special.'

Love. The single word glared up at her accusingly.

Tears formed in her eyes, blurring the words on the page. How could she ever compete with Emrys as the Merlin when he saw her heart so clearly. Clearer than she ever had. Deep down she knew her feelings for Loki were special but she had been too afraid to admit the truth to herself. She was falling in love with him.

This was the worst time for that revelation. Loki stood less than five feet from her, browsing the bookshelves oblivious to the maelstrom spinning inside of her.

Cassandra had never felt for a man what she felt for him. Loki was complicated and unpredictable. If she admitted her feelings and he did not want to hear it, he would freeze her out. Shatter her heart.

She wouldn't recover from that.

The Merlin thought his knowledge would be a comfort. Instead it was a curse.

Trembling she closed the journal, laying it carefully on the table. Closing her eyes, she worked to get her emotions under control. They came here for a reason. To discover the secrets of the vault.