Irritation

Cassandra wakes up in her temporary room, feeling more exhausted than she had before.

"It's probably because of these abilities I have. I wonder how long I've had these. Maybe that's why my parens always belittled me."

She sighs, attempting to sit up. But, pain rips through her body. Which, leaves her feeling stuck.

"Are you feeling alright?" Lucian inquires, walking in the door with a plate of food.

She groans in pain,"I feel like I got hit by a freight train,"She sighs.

He laughs gently, "Well, after yesterday, I can only imagine how much the ability took a toll on you. Do you remember anything that might hint as to where they came from?"

"No, sadly, "She spoke thoughtfully, "I just became really angry and then fire was around me. But, only Damian could see it."

"Indeed, I could," Damian pokes his head in.

"Out, "She seethes, trying to close the door before groaning, "Ouch."

"You're still healing, I see, "He leans against the door with a sadistic grin.

"Can you go?"

"Why? We have much to discuss, no?"

She sighs, "I guess. I mean, you supposedly have my beloved's soul and you're a douche."

He laughs, grinning, "You are different."

She carefully sits up, giving him an irritated look, "And, you're annoying."

Lucian remains silent, again seeming to be unsure of what to say. What could he say? To her, she wouldn't know what to do, either. She doesn't know how to feel about this. This is all different to her. Her life has been difficult, but not like this. She didn't deal with vampires or demons. She just had to deal with sorry excuses for humans. She notices that Damian is gone, and gives Lucian a perplexed look.

"He left, what's on your mind?"

"I...get lost in memories, sometimes. It's not very pleasant."

"I'm sorry that this is happening. I still have explaining to do. Do you mind if I sit?"

"Did you want to discuss this with the others?"

"No," He seats himself on the beanbag chair,"That's not necessary. We've all known Damian for a long time.He's not just some random demon. He's known for causing destruction, but he only comes out every few years. That's why we were all surprised when he popped back up."

He looks away as she glanced at him, "How can you talk to me so easily through my mind?"

"You're open to it, that's the only way I'm able to."

"So, if I were to close my mind, you wouldn't be able to?"

"Yes, if you wish to."

"You said you all have known Damian a long time?"

Lucian nods, listening as she speaks,"Does that mean Shadow is-"

"That," He says sadly,"Is his story to tell when he's ready. But, I will tell you this. He isn't human,"

"I see. Can Damian read my mind?"

Lucian seemed to think to himself for a moment,"Not unless you let him."

The more she thinks about it, it makes sense. If you let something or someone under your skin, the more control they have over you. She nods, realizing that she isn't wrong. She will have to control her emotions to handle this.

"I guess we should head to the living room?"

"Yeah, otherwise we'll hear-"

"Are you two coming or not?" Damian mocks.

"That," Lucian points at the door.

Cassandra nods, slowly and carefully getting up. The pain running through her body feels draining, and she isn't even sure why it hurts so much.

"So, why me?" She eyes him cautiously.

The look in Damian's eyes screams that he's taken back by the question, but his grin never falters,"Your...energy caught my attention."

"Yes, but why?"

"You just found out that you have an ability, so I'm sure you've figured out that your energy is different. And, somehow you can control it easily with your emotions, yes?"

She wants to give him a look that screams,"Are you serious?" Her ability or abilities are not easily controlled at all. She did just discover them, but her emotions aren't even easy to control.

"Your energy is strong. Cold, but almost burning hot. I caught wind of the energy and wanted to find out more. There were also others tailing, anyway. So, you should be glad that I scared them off.

She stares at him, trying to control her anger. She reminds herself of what she needs to do, breathing steadily. She notices Shadow looking at her, he almost seems worried.

"How was your snack?"

He gives her a surprised look, laughing shortly,"My snack?"

"I noticed you had a snack last night. You didn't touch it once everything happened."

"Oh," He says, giving Damian an irritated look,"I ended up throwing it out."

The silence in the room feels almost uncomfortable.

"So, what do you want exactly?" She breaks the silence.

"Simple, your soul."

She nearly chokes on laughter, "My soul, why?"

"Yes. Do you see what souls look like, yours even?"

"No, I don't exactly look into the mirror and see some sort of aura."

He shakes his head, being uncharacteristically serious, "No. Your soul is different. It is...protected by this energy you have. No one could even get to it if they tried. You'd have to unlock the energy and willingly give it to someone."

"And, why would I give you my soul?"

"For your beloved, of course. You only have a small amount of time until she is completely consumed into my energy. So, think of it as a...fair trade. I give back her soul and she gets to live while I get your soul and your energy."

His grin returns, but he almost looks sad. His eyes almost give him away,

"Damn," She thinks to herself, "What am I gonna do?"

"What do you say?"

"How long do I have?"

"Hmm, three weeks. Not very long. Of course, I can make the process faster if you'd like."

"No," She speaks quickly, "Give me that amount of time and you can take my soul. But, if you break this deal and try to shorten or screw me over, I will end you."

"Deal, "He smirks, "Shall we shake on it?"

She sighs, feeling as if she's making a mistake, "Fine, but you have to come over here."

"Still sore?" He laughs, walking over to her.

As their hands connect, she feels a surge of energy run through her body. This already feels like a bad choice.

"You'll feel better soon. Our energies are...linked, as you could call it."

He smiles before leaving the room, "Thank you for your cooperation, Cassandra."

She grits her teeth, feeling trapped.She notices all eyes on her.

"Are you really gonna give him your soul?" Lucian asks her sadly.

She sighs trying to calm her rage, "If I have to, yes. I want to save Natalia."

Julien stands up, tears in his eyes,"I'm going out."

They all watch him as he leaves, slamming the doors behind him. They look at each other in confusion before containing the conversation.

"Are you sure there isn't a way out?" Shadow asks.

"Is there?"

"There may be. But, it will cost."

"I thought so. Will it work to save her and myself? Even, the others he's destroyed?"

"It may, yes. It is risky, though."

She listens intently as they talk it over. The plan isn't terrible, but definitely risky. If it works, though, it will be worth it.

"Alright, I'm in. I hope I can trust you two," She smiles.