Me and the Devil: Sebastian Sallow

Chapter SEVENTY TWO - Gossip

Whirling around with my wand raised and Sebastian ready to lob a handful of pebbles at the voice, my heart was in my ears.

Just under the leafless tree in the backyard was the silhouetted shadow of a young girl with messy bangs and a couple blankets wrapped around her shoulders.

"Holy shit Anne! We could have killed you!" Sebastian hissed, clutching his chest.

"Hey watch your fucking mouth." She smirked, arms crossed. "She could have, but I don't imagine a bunch of little rocks to be particularly lethal."

She leaned her weight forward, cheekbones catching the moonlight and I noticed just how sunken her eyes appeared now. Her figure frail and fingers bundled in thick gloves. Solomon had been all too correct when he said she had gotten worse.

Whatever quick quip was on the tip of Sebastian's tongue was swallowed quickly as he caught sight of her, dropping the pebbles and stumbling to his knees in front of her to grasp her gloved hands in his. "Oh Anne."

"Don't. Please, I'm fine." She stroked a hand through his hair and he dropped his hands to his sides, leaning into her touch. She smiled exhaustedly up to me. "I'm just glad you're both finally here."

"What did you mean its 'about time we showed up'? You were expecting us?"

She tilted her head and puzzled her brows, turning her nose to Sebastian. "Did Uncle Solomon not write to you to come per my request?"

My blood ran cold as ice and I watched as Sebastian's nails dug deep into his palms.

He took a moment to bite his tongue before lifting his eyes back to hers. "No. He said you had gotten- he said you weren't doing well and needed rest. That I should stay away."

A flicker of pain crossed Anne's eyes, I wasn't sure if it was mental or physical.

"Oh. I see." Her fingers only paused for a moment before she was petting his head again. "I'm sure it was just a miscommunication Sebastian. I just- I collapsed the other night in the town circle while on a walk with him... I woke up back in bed with a warm cloth across my head and feeling particularly- ill. I selfishly thought a visit from the three of you would do me some good."

Sebastian's jaw quivered before he clenched it tight, eyes welling at the edges with starlight and tears. "I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you..."

Anne scoffed and ruffled his hair roughly. "How could you have been? You were at school you oaf."

His voice slightly louder than a whisper. "I'm not talking about that night."

Silence.

"Sebastian..."

I took a step forward and placed my hands on Sebastian's shoulders, squeezing them tightly. "Well we're here now." I smiled at Anne, hoping and willing my eyes to shine positively. "We snuck away for the night. Sebastian was adamant that we make another trip."

The grin tripped up her lips and she shook her head. "You 'snuck away' for me. Ha! I know I told you to keep him out of trouble, but I didn't mean you should be risking your own peace and order."

She reached a gloved hand to me and I took it with a squeeze.

"I'm afraid that just comes hand in hand with your brother." I winked.

"Hey!" Sebastian pouted. "Still right here remember?"

Anne playfully shoved his head away from her hand. "Oh yes, we know Sebastian. So, while I have you, fill me in! How was your first kiss? How was Halloween?"