The Pain in My Heart [Completed]

Chapter Nine

Another meeting is in order. Once I had told Axil he suggested that his father should be present, and for a moment I considered it. The king holds power that not any of us can wield... well except for Axil, but that isn't for another four months. And, while it may have been a good idea for the King of Lumbridge to be present for our discussion, but I need a clear picture before involving him.

It had only hit me once Crista was there with me.

"How's the dream situation?" I pause. "Well, not dream." I shudder at the thought of slowly dying being a dream. "Have you had anymore nightmares?"

She shrunk back into her shoulders. "Only one."

She shifts uncomfortably back and forth, soothingly rocking herself. I try to blink away the hazy blue that's clouding the room but it's too strong. Blue. Not black. Worry. Not fear.

"What happened?" I ask as softly as I can.

She takes a deep breath. "It started the same as last time. That same dark hallway and... I could hear my heartbeat but this time it was different."

"Different how?"

She clasps her hands together and rubs the side of her palm. "Instead of my heartbeat getting faster it..." she stops, pondering over which word to use. "It got slower but louder. I don't even know if that makes sense. I just felt... heavy?"

I nod, keeping up with all the information. The same dream, but changing. "You say you were still going down that dark hallway. Were you running?"

She looks to the side, focusing on remembering her... dream? Nightmare? Whatever it may be.

"No." She faintly shakes her head. "I wasn't running but I know I needed to get somewhere, and quickly," she adds for effect. "It was as if time was slowing down for me and only me. Like the world was moving at a much faster pace than I could keep up with. It was like what I was looking for was right there with me and yet—

"You couldn't seem to find it."

She finally looks at me. Really looks at me.

"Yes."

My jaw becomes tight as I bite down. "Meet me in the Study in an hour."

I go to leave but as I place my hand on the door and swing it open I hear Crista's usual sassy voice with a twinge of unease.

"Where are you going?"

I turn back at her. "To round up the group. That's how we do things. Together."

***

"So, what's this big plan?" Lucy asks.

"It's not a plan yet, but I'm hoping together we can figure out what Eden might want and make a plan accordingly."

I can't help but remember the last time when I had 'made a plan.' It was all my fault. Everything was on my call, and I failed. Everyone says it wasn't my fault. Adam died fearlessly and there was nothing anyone could have done. But over time, all I can think about is all the things I could have done. Break the bonds tied to me, try just a little harder to get a scream out, fight just a little longer. But more than anything, I messed up at the beginning. I shouldn't have let John gain power over me in the first place.

I should have been more aware. I should have known he would be too sneaky to detect. I should have known he wouldn't let anyone stand in his way. He has always shown resilience... solidity... I should have told Adam and Lucy to stay away. It was my fight, not theirs and yet they were the ones to pay the consequences.