The Captive

Chapter 24: Not Very Convincing

Vasilisa's POV

I finally found my tongue and called out without thinking much about it "Scar!"

He didn't stop.

He just called out over his shoulder "I'll be back before dawn to sleep a few hours. Wait for me in my room!"

I stood there, my mouth hanging open in protest as he disappeared back into the woods. That...that...asshole!

My mind went on overdrive of all the bad things that could happen to him.

I shuffled back to his room, my mind spinning nonstop with thoughts of doom and death and destruction.

What if the Vampyres killed him and we all went to war?

What if they weren't just killed, but tortured for information?

What if Katherine got her fingers on him and decided to make another human from a Vampyre? 

What if I could never see him again?

By the time I got to his room, I was breathing heavily, dread making my stomach turn. My throat was tight and my eyes burned, but no matter how many more disastrous scenarios flitted through my mind, no tears came.

If I started now, I wouldn't stop. And it would be stupid because nothing has even happened yet.

I laid down in the bed and pulled the heavy covers up and over half of my face.

I stared at the wall until my eyes burned less from tears and more from lack of lubrication.

I'd calmed down a little, but I knew that the shudder-inducing feeling wasn't far. I knew it was lurking around the corner, waiting to leap out, wave a knife around like a drunkard, and ultimately stab me in the gut.

I closed my eyes, knowing it was for the best, and ordered myself to sleep.

No sleep came.

I counted imaginary sheep leaping over fences.

I thought about helping Janie make flower crowns for Lucas.

I turned over and over again, punching the pillow, and changing my position at least 37 times.

I forced myself to think of anything that didn't have to do with Scar, or dying, or fighting. 

I knew that I'd remained awake all night when Scar entered the room quietly, as if trying not to wake me up.

I said softly "I'm awake, Scar."

His slow footsteps halted "What are you doing up so early?" I heard him ask in a gentle voice.

I sit up slowly and turn to him "It's kind of hard to be up so early if you were never...you know...down."

He frowned "You didn't sleep?"

I shook my head "No..." I wanted to tell him about my troubles, but seeing him now, I just couldn't think of things like that "...no."

He came and sat slowly on the bed in front of me, gazing down at me and gently reaching up and grasping a piece of hair in between his fingers, fondling it.

We held each other's gaze, his saddening.

I couldn't take the silence after what seemed like an eternity "Please don't go." I whispered.

He dropped my hair and pulled his hand away "I have to, Vas. You know that." He said gently.

I stiffened "You don't have to go alone." I rebutted, my soft tone raising to a more desperate octave.