Caged

Chapter 20

     "How do we go about this?" The expressions plastered on everybody's face was clearly laced with confusion. Abigor however, was deep in thought, his eyes were glazed over as he stared off into the distance. 

     "Maybe we should read the two books and go over every detail, we need to know her grandfather's powers if Athena will ever have a chance of learning how to counter them." I kept a close eye on Abigor and he ran his hands through his hair, a nervous habit of his. 

     "I have more bad news," he stepped closer to me giving me a small reassuring smile, although small it meant the world. 

     "Go on," Max gestures toward Abigor. Abi and Alex were leaning up against the heavy oak table we sat around, Abi knew something I didn't I could sense it. 

     "I told Athena that I only had a limited amount of time in this world before I had to return to mine, I have to go back once in a while it's just part of the deal." His gaze met mine and I nervously looked away. 

     "And you told Abi before you told me, I can read her like an open book. Why didn't you tell me sooner? Now I have to deal with this on my own, those three aren't like me and I need somebody by my side that is." Everything immediately became more complicated, I somehow have to stay awake until he gets back. If I fall asleep I don't know what can happen to me and I don't plan on finding out until he's back. 

     "I know Athena, I'm sorry but there's nothing I can do to slow down the side effects of being here too long. If I don't go back I won't be able to protect you at all and I'll just be dead weight." 

     "When will you be leaving?" 

     "In a few hours." 

     "A few hours!" Max clutches my shoulder and calms me before him along with his brother and Abi took a step outside. 

     "I know it's horrible timing, but I'll be back before you know it. I won't be longer than three days and I know how strong you are, you can do this," I took a deep breath in, hiding the anger I clearly felt. His large arm snaked its way around my shoulders and he pulled me into his chest.

     "I know it's hard, and I know it will become harder once I leave, but please try your best to stay awake, I don't want that horrible thing getting to you in your sleep again. Especially when I'm not here to comfort you." That's not the only reason why I'm so concerned, there are so many emotions that I have no idea how to deal with, I still haven't taken a step back and realized that I lost everything I ever had and I lost my childlike innocence while I was locked up in that horrible cage for half of my life. Having that experience in my sleep, brought it all back and I'm scared, I'm terrified of how much my emotions will cloud my judgment.

     "I'll be okay, just promise to get back to me as soon as you can and don't get into trouble because it will be hard to save you while I'm trying to save myself," gripping his shirt tightly my heart aches thinking of him not returning.   

     "I'll be fine and I'm certain the others won't let anything get out of control. We'll all be alright and everything will work out one way or another, you'll just have to trust me on this okay?" Taking a step back and nodding my head he brushes my hair aside to look me in the eyes, anybody else would have seen darkness while looking into his eyes, but I saw everything else.

     "I have to go prepare a few things, I'll let you know when I'm ready to leave," he turns on his heels and I'm left to think on my own. Abi shook me back to reality, her motherlike presence immediately made me feel less lonely.                                 

      "How are you holding up honey?" Creases began to form on her temple, she was growing concerned most likely due to me not saying much.

     "I'm really confused, I don't know how to deal with all the emotions I'm feeling," a cheeky smile grew across her rosy cheeks.