Jared and Claudia

Before Sapphique

Chapter 1

The palace was too silent. Claudia was holding a candle on her hand, walking through the corridors. Her gown was whispering on her legs and her breath was dancing in front of her face. Her eyes were bright as the flame. The palace was sleeping, but she needed to see Jared.

"Please, Master…open the door…" she whispered, knocking on his door.

She held her breath and looked at the door. Was he sleeping? She needed to see him; she needed to confirm some ideas about the portal.

"Master Jared! Please, let me in…"

No answer came from the inside. Claudia waited, but was in vain.

"Master?"

A click sounded from the lock and the door opened itself. Claudia opened it and glanced at the inside.

"Master?"

She heard a sound from the Jared's private room and asked, a little nervous:

"Master Jared, are you in there? I'm here, in the sitting room…"

Jared's voice said:

"Oh Claudia, it's too late to you to be here…"

"Master Jared, can I come in?" she asked, approaching the door.

"Can I say no to you?" was his answer, so she opened it.

"Master!"

Jared was lying on his bed, paler as the moon. He was in pain, Claudia could see it. She ran towards the bed and grabbed his hands. They cold as stone.

"My Master, you are worst…"

Jared made a grimace, in pain.

"Claudia… this is normal…"

Claudia put hear hand on his front.

"You are burning! Let me call a physician..." she moved, dropping Jared's hands.

But he grabbed one of them and stopped her.

"No Claudia, I need no physician. I only need peace."

I need you Claudia… You are the only one I need.

"But Master Jared, you are worst than ever. You are burning, yet cold. I can see you shiver in pain!"

"Don't be worried, Claudia. Don't do that because of me."

Claudia hugged Jared, hiding her face on his shoulder.

"Master, you are my only friend… my tutor, my professor…"

"You have Finn now…"

"Finn is not the same."