Run Away ✧ Sebastian Sallow

chapter thirty-one

Hope is a Dangerous Little Thing by The Menzingers 

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Trigger Warning: This chapter includes sensitive conduct - please see the comment for a full description of conduct. 

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Antheia Wytners had felt different once the group left Hornwood. The ward around the family home softened her concerns, her conversation with Ominis had made her see things clearly, and for once, her heart was guiding each step forward instead of her head. The remainder of their trip to Maidenpool was short and the closer they got to the abandoned town the more she felt like something was wrong.

A crumble letter from Anne Sallow had arrived before they left and sat heavy in her pocket. Anne's health was improving each day which had made Antheia feel better about the decision to leave her behind, but the reports of an empty castle lingered curiously in the back of her mind.

The group had been followed from the moment that they had left Hogwarts. Antheia had known it for days. She could have confirmed it at any point, but she didn't want to accept it as the truth until there was no other choice. Now it was undeniable in her mind and she couldn't ignore the inevitable.

That morning had been a change to their normal routine, Desmond Esper led the way to the southern shoreline and Antheia trailed in the back of the group in his spot. The couple hadn't spoken privately since before they entered Hornwood. The tension was heavy between them. But her heart kept begging her to stop, turn around and leave. It couldn't handle the risk that she was taking.

"I think we should split up," Antheia busted suddenly. Her boots stuck into the muddy winter dirt beneath her and she refused to take around step toward Maidenpool.

Both Desmond and Ominis stopped in their place to turn back to face her at the suggestion. The reactions had been what she feared, but it was what her heart was telling her to do.

Desmond sighed loudly as he folded his map up in frustration. "Split up?" He scoffed, "Right now?"

"It shouldn't wait any longer," Antheia sighed.

"After everything that we've been through to get here? Right now? This doesn't seem like an appropriate time." He argued back, clearly frustrated at the timing.

Antheia knew that Desmond would not take it well. The upset look in his eyes was bad enough and the tension seemed to snap. There was no sense of surprise in his tone, almost as if he had been expecting this conversation to arise. It had been long overdue as it was and even he knew it, although it hadn't made it easier to discuss.

"I'm a bit lost," Ominis spoke up nervously, "What are we talking about?"

Desmond's face was stiff and annoyed as he spoke, "Antheia thinks she should break off from us and lure Marceline away, that way the two of us can find the relic. But it's a stupid idea."

"It's not stupid," Antheia corrected, "If Anne and Garreth hadn't seen anything at Hogwarts, then they would have been following us. It feels like we've been followed for days. When we all enter Maidenpool there is a chance we will be attacked. It's probably why we haven't been already. It's best if I break off and lure her away so you both can search the town safely."

"So you can be attacked again while you are alone?" Desmond scoffed, "Absolutely not. I'm not leaving you behind to get hurt."

"I won't get hurt this time."