Run Away ✧ Sebastian Sallow

chapter forty-one

Nobody's Soldier by Hozier

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Antheia Wynters was tucked away under the covers of her childhood bedroom long into the start of the day. Breakfast had passed by and perhaps lunch had as well, but without an appetite, it didn't matter what the time had been or what meal was next. Nor did it matter the days that seemed to pass her by. She clung to the blankets and begged the dryness in her eyes would fade each time she closed them.

It felt undeserving to be the one crying in bed over what had happened. It didn't seem fair that she was shedding tears for her own decisions.

Love is always about sacrifice. That had been what the Blackwood girl had told her days prior. Natti had given her own advice to her that had been lurking around his skin already for weeks. Even Sebastian had warned her that she needed to tell the truth before it was too late. It was easy to turn an eye to the problem when it was your own, but she couldn't run any longer.

There had been a moment when Antheia had realized that she had a choice ahead of her. It was either tell Desmond Esper the truth about her Ancient Magic or let him go.

No matter how much she had wanted to tell him, she realized that she was never going to be able to bring herself to open up. Everyone that she cared about got hurt when they learned about Ancient Magic and as much as she had trusted him, she couldn't bear the idea of seeing him get hurt. Even if it meant breaking both their hearts in the process.

Antheia Wytners fiddled with the paper star once again.

She couldn't bear to get rid of it. After they parted ways that night, she realized that she had still been holding onto it. Even if they weren't going to be together, it didn't mean she had to stop caring for Desmond. Her best friend had taught her that lesson. The dry roses above her bed had made her realize that she always had a difficult time letting go of the people she loved all along.

There was a gentle knock on her door that barely got her to move. Her eyes were too tired and dry to cry again, but she wiped the phantom tears away regardless before calling out to come in.

"Morning Attie," Phillip Wytners greeted from the doorway, "Well technically 'good afternoon,' but it doesn't really matter. Are you hungry yet?"

Antheia didn't look up, simply pulling the covers of her sheets up to her nose before shaking her head.

Silently, her father opened the door wider and placed a plate on the dress by the door. The plate gently tapped against the wood with the warm smell of food filled the room. "Well, if you aren't hungry I'm sure you won't mind if I just leave this right here." He teased.

There was a silent pause as he had hoped that she might laugh back at the joke, but nothing came. Antheia couldn't bring herself to find any enjoyment from it.

"Do you want to go for a walk later?" Phillip asked, "I could use your help finding some flowers for your mother. What do you say?"

Antheia shrugged under the covers before mumbling, "Maybe."

"So then it's a yes"

"I said maybe."

Phillip smiled regardless from the doorway. "Get some rest, Attie dear. We'll be in the shop if you need anything." How he always managed to smile and stay positive was a wonder to her.

Her parents had made sacrifices for love, for each other, and for their family. Love is always about sacrifice. Antheia wasn't sure if the words were true when she first heard them, but she was beginning to believe them more with each passing day.