Safe & Sound//Sebastian Sallow

twenty-two.

I tried relaxing during the rest of break, but couldn't shake the feeling of uneasiness. What should've been a time of celebration had been tainted. I did my best to stay happy around Sebastian, but I was still scared.

The students arrived back at school after the first week of January. Their good spirits helped lift my own mood, which I was thankful for. They were a good distraction. Once classes began again, I barely had any time to worry about the box. Only when Ominis would send us updates on his research would it be brought the the forefront of my mind. He was making progress, but still hadn't cracked the curse.

"There you are," I heard Sebastian say as he entered the Room of Requirement. "You weren't in your room, office, or the Undercroft. I was beginning to get worried." He walked over to where I was sitting at the desk and sat on the edge.

"I've started bringing my work in here," I told him. "It's more comfortable and I like the ambiance."

"It is very relaxing in here," he agreed. "Are you almost done? I had an idea."

"I've got a couple more things to grade, but those can wait. What was your idea?"

"We didn't really get to enjoy our break, so I thought we could get away for the weekend and spend some time together."

"That sounds amazing. Did you have anywhere in mind?"

"There's an inn in a little town just north of London. Garreth actually told me about it."

"It's still weird to hear you talk nicely about him," I laughed.

"He's still not my favorite person, but he's not that bad," Sebastian smiled.

"When do we leave," I asked as I filed away my work.

"Whenever you're ready. I already made the reservation," he confessed.

"Someone was betting on me saying yes."

"Better safe than sorry," he shrugged. "I figured it would be easier to cancel than to get a last minute booking."

"That's why I love you. Always so smart," I joked.

"You mean it's not because of my devilishly handsome looks?"

"That's a perk, but I've always been more of a brains girl than a brawn one."

"You're lucky I have both."

"That I am," I agreed. "Now let's go pack so we can get out of here." I rose from my chair and stretched.

Sebastian and I each went to our rooms and quickly packed a small weekend bag. I packed a few outfits in case we went anywhere nice, but kept my bag relatively light. A was just finishing zipping up my bag when Sebastian came in.

"I'm ready whenever you are," he told me.

"I'm good to go now," I replied. I was excited to get away with him.

As we approached the inn, I couldn't help but think that it looked like something out of a storybook. The town itself was quaint and idyllic. There were multiple little shops and restaurants and I was looking forward to exploring after some relaxation time.

Sebastian rang the bell at the service desk and we waited for the concierge to come and check us in. A nice looking older woman came out from the doorway behind the desk and greeted us.

"Good evening," she greeted. "You must be the future Sallows. You booked at a great time," she told us. "Our nicest suite was available, so we upgraded you. Congratulations on your engagement!" She handed over the key to our room. "Let us know if there's anything we can do to make your stay more enjoyable. The kitchen is open from 6am to 11pm for your room service needs. My name is Theresa if you need anything."