The Cost of Immortal Love [H.S A.U]

T E N

Jonathan joins us in the grand room, all of us spread around like full pot belly pigs. Dinner was absolutely fantastic, if I could have gone for fourths and fifths I probably would have. Ky and Landon challenge each other's little stick figures in the air. Literal sticks with tiny wooden swords fighting each other. Harry laughs as Landon soaks Ky's in a small rain storm making it fall apart. Jonathan annoyed with both just takes the seat across from Harry and I.

I ask him mindly if my head is too heavy on his stomach and he tells me yes but that he doesn't mind my big head. I swat his arm at his playful jab. His laugh echos in my ears. I look at Jonathan who's deep in thought staring at the fire. Although I may not have their gifts, I know enough to know he's anticipating the inevitable.

Don't. Harry says, immediately knowing what I was going to do.

Why not? Maybe he needs to talk about it. I sit up and turn to Harry. Keeping my back to everyone so they don't catch us speaking to each other.

Because I don't want to talk about it. Can you just listen to me please. It's been such a lovely evening. I frown as he gets up leaving the room. He doesn't listen to my protests and the only thing I hear is him slamming his door. I sigh and bring my knees to my chest.

I hadn't realized everyone had gone, well except Jonathan. "He can be such a hot head." I smirk not looking at him. "You two seemed to have gotten along surprisingly well." He takes a seat next to me.

"He's annoying at times but tolerable I guess." I lie. I was absolutely in love with Harry and he knows that, I can't stop myself from the words vibrating in my body anytime I see him. I know he knows but he doesn't dare to say it back. He doesn't dare lie to me thinking it'd make the situation better.

"When will it happen?" I say, my voice low and soft. Today is the last day of February. In just a few short hours Ostara will begin.

"At anytime, he has the whole month to decide." Thirty one days of wondering if today will be the day.

"Will it hurt?" He looks at me tears welling up in his eyes.

"I'll make sure I give all I have to shield you from any pain." I lean in and place my head on his shoulders. Everyone has seemed to take this harder than me. They've done this their whole immortal lives and now it seems to finally take a toll. I hope this hurts them as much as it breaks me. I've come to terms this is my path and if it's God's will then so be it. It's almost a sense of being numb about the decision they have made for me.

"We tried everything Briana, I promise we did." He stands and paces in front of the fire. I just stay sat on the floor watching his soul crumble. "Ky has been traveling through both realms trying to find some loop hole, some way to spare your life and anyone's after but it's no use. All my work, all my time in the study was for nothing." He begins to cry and I flinch as he throws a small table at the brick wall.

"Jonathan." I say calmly. He ignores me in his rage. I stand walking towards him. "Jonathan?" I squeeze his hand and instantly his black dark sorrowful eyes soften. "It's going to be okay. As long as you say you've done everything you could, I believe you." I wipe his tears. My heart aches, not for the man in front of me with his emotions on display but for myself, for the love I've formed for all of them.

I kiss his cheek goodnight and make my way up the stairs. I start off at door number 1 and Ky opens it before I even have a chance to knock.

"Don't say it." I know they heard our conversation downstairs. The skin around his eyes red and puffy from no doubly sobbing.

"Okay then I won't say it. But I have something for you." He straighten his back and grabs my extended hand. I lead him downstairs, past the basement, through the tunnels below and stopping at his office doors.