Page 58 of Ever Dark Academy, Vol. 7

But you’ve told me nothing! Fiona’s frustration and fear bubbled over a moment. Then she corralled her emotions and said more gently, I’m sorry but I’m not understanding.

And I am sorry that I cannot be more clear. But I have done what I can and I can do no more without dire consequences, Seeyr said.

She was finally looking at Charlie and not him. Charlie blinked a few times and opened his mouth to speak, but then stopped. Understanding seemed to flow over his expression for a moment and then he nodded briskly.

Ah, Fifi, uhm, let’s take Seeyr at her word. I think we really need to go. We’ve been here too long already, Charlie said.

Fiona was going to protest again, but then a quick glance between the other two Immortals stopped her. All right. I understand. Or I don’t, but I’ll accept this. She took a few steps away from the open cell door, but then stopped herself. She grabbed a hold of it and shut it. The lock clanged. She flinched and he did not think it was from the burn of the metal. So you don’t have to do it yourself. That’s too cruel.

Thank you, my dear. I do appreciate it. Seeyr did appear more relaxed and at ease not that she was locked away and had no chance of escaping.

Seeyr, I wish I could do something for you, Fiona repeated her desire to help.

Seeyr moved towards the bars. She smiled again. Just live, Fiona. Live that beautiful life you have ahead of you. With all its dangers and wonders. That is enough for me.

Fiona smiled back. But he could feel her agony at leaving the other Immortal in that cage. She wanted nothing more than to use the key to unlock the door–damn the alarm–and drag Seeyr with them. But she also knew that when they returned home, Seeyr would be there. Waiting for them. And not just her. Everyone.

Daemon, he whispered.

Fiona’s forehead furrowed and she glanced around as if she’d heard something. He was getting sloppy.

Don’t delay any more, you two, Seeyr said, as if to dissuade them from noticing him.

When we see you next, Seeyr, everything will be as it should be, Fiona said with a large swallow.

Yes, it will be, Fiona. And, Charlie, I cannot wait for us to have a dance or two. I see that you have the best parties, Seeyr chuckled.

Charlie smiled broadly. Don’t you worry! I will have one for you!

That I shall look forward to, Seeyr answered.

And then, with great reluctance, Fiona and Charlie started up the stairs. But Eyros found himself remaining below.

In Seeyr’s mind.

You didn’t realize you connected to me, she said with a soft chuckle.

You’re mad, you know? Eyros asked or, more like, stated.

Sometimes I wish I were. Sometimes I wish I could fall into insanity and stay there for a time, she admitted. It would be easier not to be completely rational and have to do seemingly irrational things.

She crossed to the back of the cell and sat down on the single bed with a thin mattress and even thinner blanket. Immortals and Vampires did not feel the cold or the heat of things really. But they experienced comfort and discomfort. This cage was extremely uncomfortable.

Are you certain that this is all worth it? That all our sacrifices will be worth it? He asked.

She fussed with the ragged edge of the blanket, picking at it. But at his words, she went very still. That depends.

Depends?

On you, Eyros, she responded softly. It always has.

What are you–

We met. You, me and Kaly. I cannot remember all we discussed. I cannot remember… Nor can you. You took your own memories away after you did all that was necessary, she murmured. Kaly’s memories, too–

I met with Kaly? If I did then I would have ripped their head off–

You did not. You collaborated. Rather well actually. You work so synergistically together. It’s surprising in some ways. Not in others, she interrupted. But everything you and they did together, everything you planned so very hard for, everything everyone has suffered and will suffer will be for nothing if you don’t act.