Light in the Dark // Sebastian Sallow

They did it!

(Athena)

Poppy and I landed hours ago, where exactly? I wasn't sure as long as it wasn't anywhere near that castle.

We sat in silence for a long time, it must of been getting close to dinner time because the sun was beginning to set. We saw an owl emerge, it was Garreth's Owls.

Poppy grabs the letter and thanks the owl politely, giving him lots of rubs and treats before sending him on his way.

"Garreth says they've done it... they figured out how to get all the toxic gases out. They've been working none stop all day to get everything done." Poppy says with a smile.

I don't even react.

I just sit in my silence staring off into the sunset.

"Athena, it's getting late... maybe we should head ba-"

"Poppy thank you for being here with me, I'll alright. You head back. I just need a few more moments alone." I say looking at her with a small smile.

"Athena I'm not just going to Lea-"

"Poppy really, I'm okay. I promise. You head back you must be starving."

"Aren't you hungry? Why don't you come back with me?" Poppy says getting up and looking at me with concern written all over her face.

"I think I'm going to go visit Sebastian at the house.... He would never.... I just need him to explain what happened...." I say getting to my feet.

"Well, that's actually a brilliant idea. Are you sure you don't want me to go with you?" Poppy says grabbing her broom.

"I'm sure Poppy, you're an amazing friend. Thank you for sitting with me all morning and afternoon..." I say embarrassed.

Poppy pulls me into a big hug before hopping on her broom. "I'll always be there for you Athena. Let me know how it goes... okay?"

I shake my head and watch her zoom off in the distance.

I decide to apparate to our little house in the woods.

Pop.

I look around and see the cute little house, but this time the yard is completely clean. They vines that were growing around the house are completely gone and there are even flowers planted in front of the house making it look cute.

I make my way to the door

Knock
Knock
Knock

It takes Sebastian a few moments to get to the door before he opens it.

"Athena..." he says before pulling me into a hug cuddling his face into my neck.

I pull away after a moment and look him in the eyes, I see pain. I see he's so extremely tired.  

Sebastian moves to the side and gestures to come inside.

It's warm and cozy inside, the fire is going in the other room making it warm and toasty, compared to the cold outside.

I walk inside admiring all of the work Sebastian, Ominis, and Garreth have put into the house.

It was completely clean, the air felt pure.

I turn around and find Sebastian standing by the door closing it slowly.

I look at Sebastian with concern, he's off. He's so off right now.

"Are you alright?" I say from across the room, urging myself to move closer to him, but reluctant to hear the information he's about to say.

He looks up with me with sorrow in his eyes.