Cassidy's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

Before we could knock on the door, it opened. “Cass.” Aydalia greeted. She put a finger to her lips. “Come in, but please be quiet.”

“Lady Farro.” Rennal let out in shock. “You look-“

“Healed?” Ayda’s mom finished for her.

“Ah told ya she was better.”

“Where’s Arthur?” Austin asked her.

Aydalia glanced at me for a moment before she answered. “He’s with Lucia right now. They’re having a private conversation.”

Greigh appeared with Ziah in tow. “We need to talk with you, Cass.” He also looked at Rennal and Austin. “Not sure bringing them was a good idea.”

The two looked hurt at that. “Ah’m sure Arthur’ll be fine.” I replied with a small glare. “Let’s get this food in the kitchen.”

Austin tugged on my shirt. “Cass!” He whispered and I looked at him to see him pointing off to the side. “Do ya see that?!”

“That’s Breeze.” I told him as he pointed at the wolf with antlers. “Ah told ya about him. Ah’m sure Rock and Marina are around here somewhere too.”

Our little group put the food in the kitchen and Greigh quickly pulled me away. “Why did you bring them with you?” He asked in our little corner of the room.

“Ya mean besides them bein concerned about me with everything that’s been goin on?” I questioned back rhetorically.

“You know what I mean.” He leaned in. “There’s a lot we didn’t know that I need to catch you up on.”

I glanced up to see Rennal looking at me. “Fair enough, but where’s Arthur?”

Greigh gestured for me to follow him before he nodded toward the living room. “Him and Lucia are talking. A few bombs got dropped that I don’t think any of us were prepared for. However, judging from Lucia’s reactions, their discussion is a bit more personal.”

“Why the sudden need for privacy?”

“It had something to do with Lucia’s mom.”

“Mara?”

“Yeah.” He said sharply. “However, I think there’s more to it, but I think this is for her ears only.”

“Fair enough. So… What’d Ah miss?”

Arthur's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

I told them. Told them everything about what happened in the past. What was happening to the Priestesses due to Rudnurth. About Thana and her ilk. Even that male High Elf we ran into in the Dwarven Kingdom. How I was poisoned. The journey back, and how I realized Lucia was in danger.

There were a few things I left out. Sleeping with Elincia for one. That was private, and I would tell Lucia before anyone else. However, given the situation, I didn’t think it was the right time. I also withheld that I had traveled to the past, and then back to the present. This detail would likely go with me to the grave. Speaking about that to my guardians was a must when we had a moment. Of course, it was just Lucia and I now.

“Do you know who the other person is who might be my father?” Was one question she asked that made me clear the room.

“The answer isn’t a pleasant one.” I informed her. Leaning in, she watched me as I struggled to find the words to say. “Mara was held prisoner for quite some time, Lucia.”

She placed a hand on mine. “I need to know.”

Her gaze was firm. “Part of me doesn’t want to answer given what happened. If anything, Mara should be the one to tell you if she decides to do so.” Lucia opened her mouth, but I cut her off. “I’m still going to tell you… Just…” My shoulders sagged. “On the off chance that I’m not your father, Lucia, then you will be born of incest.”

Lucia’s arm went limp as her jaw dropped and her hand slid off mine. “What…?” She whispered out in disbelief.

I watched carefully as she seemed to blink slowly as she tried to process my words. “The demon that controlled Elias found out about Mara’s spells that she had placed on herself.” Gaining a far-off look, Lucia quietly listened. “Using Elias’s body…”

Lucia didn’t mind that I trailed off given what I was implying. “I see.” She had eventually said. The girl leaned back in her chair. “Now I understand why you cleared the room.” Her eyes met mine after another moment or two. “What do you think?”