Journey of the Stars (Sequel to Power of the Moon)

Chapter Three

Cass tossed and turned in her new bed, staring at the wall and ceiling in frustration.

Throwing off the cozy woolen covers and sitting up, she squinted as a knife of bright silver moonlight sliced through the air, resting on her adjusting eyes.

Dust particles floated in the air as she heard Andrew's gentle breaths from the next room over. Those were the only sounds that broke the silence except for the steady rhythm of crickets and the occasional hoot of an owl.

Every sound seemed ten times louder to her then it really was as she felt restless.

Then she started as she then heard the beautiful soothing sounds of Andrew snoring loudly.

Raising an eyebrow, Cass listened as it got loud enough to mimic the sound of a grizzly bear.

At least he seemed to be resting nicely, Cass thought annoyed.

She couldn't go to sleep worth anything. And definitely not with that racket.

Turning toward the window and staring up at the quarter moon, she guessed it didn't really matter if Andrew snored or not.

Too much was going on in her mind anyway, as her head was filled with restless thoughts and ideas for finding Varian.

Calliope had to have some idea or artifact to help search for him. She just had to... otherwise Cass didn't have any idea what her next step would be. She hated how much she felt useless and helpless not knowing what to do, while Rapunzel, even in the dark of things, always seemed to have a plan.

They had gone through so much on that journey for the moonstone and even more to wake her up from her insanity.

Even with the odds stacked up against her, she always seemed to find a way.

So how was it she couldn't seem to do anything great or meaningful on her mission?

Cass felt a pang.

She missed and regretted never saying a word to Rapunzel and the others about her choice to leave them and go out on her own. Well except for Hubert who had somehow convinced her to let him tag along, but she was still leaving everyone and everything behind.

But she still knew deep down it had probably been the right choice.

Because what had she been expecting? A fanfare of goodwill and tearful goodbyes?? She was hated. Hated by everyone.

Swallowing hard, Cass brought her knees to her chest and squeezed them tightly as she tried to hold back the brimming tears.

And now here she was again.

Throwing herself a pity party because she had made horrible decisions and was now paying for it.

She HATED it. She hated every part of herself for being this way, for being weak and stupid.

She dug her fingernails into her palm frustrated, drawing some blood from her own hand. The pain didn't help at all as it only brought more grief and guilt into her soul. Just more stupidity... did she really think hurting herself was going to fix all her past crimes?

It wasn't; and it never would be. What idiot would do this? Only one who wanted attention and pity, but she didn't want either of those things. Never did want anyone thinking she needed pity or compassion, because that made you weak. And weakness is what a soldier could never afford to have.

Suddenly a brief shadow over the window caught her eye as it flashed past, waking her out of her guilt.

She narrowed her eyes and trained her ears for a moment before hearing the gentle scuff of shoes on the dirt.