Shadowed in Secrets

Chapter 7

-----------Cahya's POV------------

Sasha's face seemed to flash in front of me in the heavy darkness of the night. Her eyes were windows to her emotions, hurt and betrayal spilling out in every unspoken word and each unshed tear. The shadows were too dark, only emphasizing the guilt that weighed too heavily on me.

I've always known they'd hunt me down to my last breath, just as they did to my parents. And yet, for the past three years, I've selfishly clung to Sasha, the girl who's shown me nothing but kindness, putting her in unimaginable danger. They'd torn my family apart, and if my secret was unveiled, they wouldn't hesitate to do the same with the family who'd been sheltering me. With Lord Ruy's suspicious incident it wouldn't be long until they found me. Although I was afraid, I couldn't risk their safety for mine, I needed to go. Tonight, I would plan and tomorrow I would leave their house under the cover of darkness.

I woke to Sasha's distinctive, melodic tapping on my bedroom door. I'd barely slept and Sasha, being able to read me almost as well as a book would immediately be suspicious. However, ignoring her would only increase her sense that something was wrong. Reluctantly, I flung back my warm blankets and strode towards the door. Sasha, hearing me, carefully pushed it open before I could. Her delicate hands hung limply at her sides and her eyes brimmed with tears.

"Cahya, I'm so sorry. I know the conversation in the office shocked you and made you upset, and I shouldn't have pushed you so hard for answers." Her voice was choked with emotion.

I couldn't tell her my secret yesterday, and I can't today. The more she knows the harder it'll be for her when the Neverseen come. The least I can do is keep her from being involved.

I let my false smile slip, pretending that she had guessed the true reason I was so upset yesterday.

"I never meant to hurt you Sasha. I'm sorry." And I meant it so much more than she could ever know. I wasn't simply asking for forgiveness for the harsh words I said to her yesterday; I was apologizing for all the lies I've ever told her, all the masks I've hidden my true emotions behind. But I remind myself I'll only have to pretend for one more day.

"You can tell me when you're ready." If only she knew I'd be leaving soon. I had the urge to tell her everything- my secret, what happened in that office and my plan- if only to be safe for a little longer. But I reminded myself that whatever safety I feel here is only an illusion- they'll find me where ever I am. I didn't realize I was crying until Sasha gently brushed away a few tears rolling down my cheeks and led me into my room, as though I was a fragile flower about to crumble. She wrapped me in a tight embrace and I wanted to stay there, away from all my fears. But I had to stand strong on my own.

I step back, "Thank you. I just need a little time to work this through. It's been rough for me without my parents and sister, but you've always been so understanding."

"Come, let's go to the kitchen! I'll make us some mallowmelt." She always knew just how to cheer me up.

"Of course, I'd love that. I'll come down with you."

Sorry for the short chapter! More updates soon :)