Destination Unknown

When the World's Ending

Cassie

I watch Sam's face stay completely blank. He does not know how to react to what I just said. I don't know what came over me, but I couldn't go any longer without letting him know. I had to say something before it burst out of me.

 He stares ahead for a couple more seconds before burying his face in his hands and turning away from me. He paces across the small room, wearing a path. I sit silently on the side of the bed, my eyes watching his every step. I'm almost afraid to say anything else. Someone knocks on the door and he stops walking. He looks at me quickly.

"We'll finish this conversation later." I snap my mouth closed, realizing that it had been open. He turns and opens the door, to reveal Katherine, Mara and Alastair all standing there patiently. Alastair has an eyebrow raised and I instantly know that he knew exactly what just happened. My face flushes red, and he breaks his formal composure to smile gently. He almost instantly regains his stoic expression and places his hand gently on the girl's backs, pushing them into the room. Mara comes next to me and takes a seat. She offers me her hand and I gladly take it. She has been hovering over me since the moment she crept into my dreams while I was under Lissa's spell. Before she appeared, everything had been black. I had felt like I was falling through an endless void, never knowing where I was or who I truly was. Her presence brought me back. She has been keeping me grounded, not letting me slip back into that void. It was so cold, and I'm glad that she has been there. Katherine and Sam move to a corner and they whisper back and forth, too low for anyone else to hear. I strain my ears, but have no luck hearing what they're saying. Alastair is the first one to break the silence. 

"So, Lissa is still in the dream. We should be able to return without trouble if we hurry. Now I must temporarily remove the memories of Freya's realm. I assure you that you can have them back, but I do not yet know when. I will have them here for safe keeping. I can promise that they will not be harmed, or tampered with by anyone." If I were to trust anyone, it would be Alastair. Everyone nods in silent agreement. He nods in return. "Alright. Katherine will go first, everyone else please wait outside. I'll have Katherine fetch the next one when I am finished with her." Katherine sits down gently on the edge of  the bed. Mara continues to hold my hand as we walk out of the room together. Sam gently closes the door behind all of us and we all lean back against the wall across from the door. Sam stares straight ahead at the wall in front of him. He's throwing off some strong vibes that scream "leave me alone". I may have seriously messed things up when I said what I did. But I have never been one to hold back my emotions. I try to be as up front as possible, even if it gets me in trouble sometimes. Mara continues to be a steady presence at my side, and I feel instantly calmed just being beside her. We don't stand  very long before Alastair opens the door and Katherine walks out. 

"Katherine is going to go back to the mansion and keep watch until you are all back. Mara, you're next." I tense when I realize that she's going to be leaving Sam and I out here alone. Mara turns to me and gently lets go of my hand. She gives me a small, encouraging smile. She walks in the room and Alastair closes the door behind him. Sam and I stand there in a painful silence. He won't talk to me, and I can't function in the silence. I sigh dramatically and push myself off of the wall. 

"Will you please say something?" I look at him expectantly and his eyes stay glued to the wall In front of him. My chest tightens with anger the longer he stays silent. I step in front of him and place my hands on my hips. His eyes go straight to the floor and he refuses to look up. My face begins to burn and just as I'm about to say something, his eyes snap up to mine, and his eyes burn into me. 

"Not now, Cassandra." He puts an extra emphasis on my name, and I flinch at the vehement tone he uses. Even though he has put enough venom in his tone for me to remain quiet, he continues.  "Not while there are eyes and ears everywhere, and I really don't feel like discussing the issue. Do me a favor and drop the issue." The anger quickly leaves his face and he quickly drops his eyes back to the floor, a blank slate masking any emotions he just felt. I take a step back and hot tears fill my eyes. I take a few steps away and lean back against the wall, staring at the wall. I cross my arms and do everything I can to stop the tears from running down my face. Seconds later, the door opens up and Mara walks out. She keeps her head down and makes her way down the hall. She almost looks like she is sleep walking. Alastair smiles at her receding form gently, and turns back to Sam and I quickly. If he sense the tension, he doesn't mention it.