Chapter 4: Welcome Back

A/N - Alright, just before we begin let me just clear some things up. I know I've been gone for a while and I don't really have an excuse other than my life has been pretty busy lately. Just as a recap, I've had to deal with finals, school, more tournaments, and I just went on a trip to Europe. While I was there I came up with so many new ideas that I'll sum up at the end of this. Enjoy!

Mare POV:

I couldn't believe that this is where I was taking the direction of my life to. Right back to same place where I told myself that I was going to be different; that I wasn't going to let anyone control myself or my feelings again. The only good thing to come out of this so far is that I convinced Evangeline that I would only go if I could bring one other person. I decided on Tyton. I wasn't going to bring Gisa or anyone in my family back to experience hell. But Tyton has been my best friend in Montfort. The fact is that I still have to go see him. And this is where fate decides to take me. Well, fate's a fucking bitch. I know it in me that this isn't the right thing to do. But somewhere else deep inside, I can't stop myself and I can't understand why. Why would I want to go back to the monster that had my heart and broke it in unrepairable shatters? Why am I feeling this need to return? I can't answer any of these questions and it makes my mind want to explode. But, if there's one thing I can focus on, it's getting this damn backpack to close.

"Fuck" I whisper to myself. "What's the matter Barrow?" asks Evangeline sitting in the corner of my living room, reading the newspaper. "I can't get this stupid backpack to close" I tell her, frustrated as I try to tug the zipper.

"Maybe you're just nervous, Mare. You know… About seeing your ex?"

I can tell she's joking by her unsurprising humorous tone. Predictable even. But I can see the truth in her words. Nerves are definitely going to be present tonight. I watch her as she strides towards the kitchen to grab a glass where she fills it with her favorite red wine.

"You're going to use up my entire alcohol supply Evangeline", I say, shaking my head.

"Oh, but I know you Mare. With your connections, you could easily get some more in here." She replies slyly. "Especially when your special little Tyton is so high up in command."

"Shut up he's literally just my friend and nothing more" I say, rolling my eyes.

"Whatever you say Barrow"

"Well, Samos are you going to help me or not?"

She sighs as she puts down her glass of wine and comes over to inspect my backpack.

"See Mare, you're doing this all wrong. You need to roll your clothes if you want them to actually fit"

"And how would you know? I thought you have servants to pack up all your stuff for you" I remark.

"Well yes, but a girl's got to manage without other people helping her" she says jokingly.

I try to stop myself from laughing while I start taking out my clothes to roll them like she says.

"So… Are you nervous?" I look up to see Evangeline staring at me.

"About..?"

"Cal, obviously!" she shrugs.

"We don't speak of that name." I remind her. She gives me a look as If to say 'you're being ridiculous'

"Well, fine. Are you nervous about seeing Tiberias? I still don't know why you make me refer to him with that ridiculous name"

"Because he's not the person I used to know, Eve. He's someone completely different. And no. I am not nervous because I am only going because you are forcing me too. After its over I'm leaving for good", I lie. I can tell that she really doesn't believe me but she understands enough to drop it.

Once I finish rolling the clothes, Evangeline and I walk out to head to the plane where Tyton will be waiting for us.

The walk through the Montfort valley is beautiful to say the least. I love it. But, it's just not the same as home. Our walk continues in silence and I can't help but continue to think about my decisions. I know why he chose this day to celebrate. It's the day that we broke things off. Or more like he broke it off. Remember Mare, remember what he did to you. Sometimes I find myself questioning where my life is going to bring me. But that's for another day. My only focus today, should be on not losing my mind.

The walk goes by fast considering I just force myself to listen to Evangeline ramble on about our itinerary and what's been happening at the castle. Neither interests me, which is why I get even more excited when I see who's waiting for us at the bottom of the ramp that leads to our plane. "Hey Tyton!" I smile. His familiar dyed white hair and small smile greet me when I see him.

"What's up Mare" he says as he gives me a hug. Overtime we've developed a close relationship because of our training and abilities. In my embrace I can hear Evangeline tapping her feet on the plane ramp impatiently waiting for us to hurry.

"Okay Eve we're coming even though we're literally on time" I tell her, rolling my eyes.

Traveling by plane isn't my favorite mode of transportation but I guess it's the only way for me to get to Norta. "To see him" my mind screams. But I try to shut those thoughts out. I just have to see.. I try to get buckled into my seat next to Tyton and Evangeline but the straps are difficult to work because I never used to have to do them myself. He was always there to do them for me… But one though crosses my mind that I haven't even thought about yet. Who is this person that is getting married to him? Well really, the thought in my mind is who the fuck is Layla Skylar? The curiosity is enough to make me explode. But I guess only one person here actually knows.

"Evangeline who's Layla Skylar, you know, not that I care?" I say, cursing myself for even letting her see that I have some interest in the matter.

"Ooh curious are we" she says, as her eyes sparkle. "Let's see… From what I know, which is a lot more than a lot of people mind you, is that she's a green-warden newblood. Hmm… oh yea she and Cal, sorry Tiberias…", she adds as she sees my face cringe. "…started talking and hanging out more when you left, which is strange but whatever. And I guess they train together a lot, but she doesn't really attend meetings alot. She's only there like half the time."

My heart twitches when she mentions the training. That was our thing.

"Interesting. What does she look like", Tyton, of all people asks.

"Why do you ask?" Evangeline asks, smirking.

"Just trying to put a face the picture"

"Well then, she has white platinum hair, but like not grandma style, and obviously not as good as mine". I smirk. Well then, a copy of Evangeline. How wonderful.

"Green eyes, about 5'3, she basically looks like every other type of girl there is, I guess", she finishes. Makes sense. At least I'm taller than her. Only about like 1 inch, but still. Part of me wants to know how she compares to me. From what I've heard so far we can't be farther apart on the spectrum. I force a look at my brown hair that drags down to freshly dies purple tips where the gray used to reside. I can't help but just wonder. Wonder is he misses me. Or if he's actually happy. Or even in love. How can I let myself leave without knowing for sure? I can't turn my back forever without seeing what I'm leaving. My heart rips at the thought. The unknown has always scared me but this doesn't. I know I'm lying to myself but how can I not. How can I not prepare myself for the inevitable? How can I not expect that the worst is coming? Yet, I just can't stay away. Even though I try, I can't. I don't know what it is that makes me finally put it out in the open of my thoughts that this is the reason why I'm going back. I just can't stay behind and living in my own fantasy. I need to know if he's happy, or if he's given up. Or just… done.

I think Tyton can sense that I'm stressing based on the flashes of purple shining through my veins every so often. He puts him hand in mine and I almost jump at the touch. But, it turns out to be comforting as I hear the hum of the plane and feel my center of gravity change as we lift upwards.

Cal POV:

I watch the fading rays of sunlight start to disappear as the sun goes down behind the mountains. Now that I have the quiet time to myself in my bedroom alone, I think I realize that I might have made a mistake. Why did I invite her back? This whole time I've been happy and my life has finally started to quiet down, but for some reason I want to turn this whole thing around. But, I've already made my decision and there's nothing to do except wait.

The only things I can concentrate are the questions that still make me wonder. Is she still the same? Does she still remember everything? Does she know who Layla is?

I let the ghost of a smirk appear on my face when I think about Layla. Maybe it's sadistic of me to want to know what Mare's reaction is going to be when she sees her, but I want to know if she still has an opinion on me. I know that I hurt her, but I want her to remember that she hurt me too. Deeply. Maybe using Layla to warrant her emotions is cruel, but it's the only thing that's keeping me sane right now. Other than Layla herself. She's been the most supportive of my decisions and feelings and it makes me feel like I'm actually being levelheaded. But, she's busy preparing everything for tomorrow's party.

I visibly sigh as I reach for the glass of wine on my desk. Taking a long sip, you could say that I've developed a sort of a drinking problem ever since that time just a year ago. Not that anyone knows; I try to hide it. Can't let Layla know her fiancés a drunk. I let out a laugh at that in my thoughts. Where the fuck is life taking me these days.

But a knock at the door interrupts my thoughts.

"Yes?" I call out.

I keep my back turned, continuing to stare outside the window as I hear someone enter. "Ah, Your Majesty the guests have arrived."

At this, I shift myself to see one of my guards, Ryan. Well, this is it Cal. Time to face it.

"Thank you", I say in the most King-like manner that I've been taught to have for my past lifetime.

I tell Ryan not to follow, as I make my way down the staircase to the grand entrance hall. The walk only makes it feel more real. At least I can see her without Layla first. Layla would still be preparing, as she told me, but I know it's just because she doesn't want to see Mare just yet. I can't blame her. I feel the same, and if wishes came true, I would wish that I could just turn my back and hide somewhere where she can't find me. But it's too late for that Cal. You made this decision, now live with it.

Too soon, I find myself already at the front doors waiting for them to open. I signal for the guards standing at the side that they can let them in. I slowly take a deep breath in, as I prepare myself for what's going to appear before me, or rather who I'm about to see. It's all that I have in me not to run. Since when haven't you been a fighter Cal. It's someone else who always flees. I try not to close my eyes as my guests appear before me. The doors open and my eyes land on the first person I can see which happens to be Evangeline. She smiles, but I can't reciprocate it. But, it's not her that takes up all my attention. It's the brown-haired girl next to her. Mare. And she brought a guest. Tyton. My stomach does flips and I think I might throw up as I notice their hands intertwined and the fact that she doesn't meet my gaze.

I mentally curse. What have you done Calore.

A/N - Okay, so while I was in Europe I came up with a lot of new ideas for both this story and AHS, and a new story that I'm excited to write. I know having 3 ongoing stories isn't the best idea ever but I'm just going to write and try to keep them all updated as frequently as possible. My new story idea should be out soon, but besides that I'm going to try to update AHS as well, even though I'm kind of stuck on some parts of that story. So, if anyone wants to PM me some ideas for that, it would be much appreciated. Other than that, I hope you guys enjoyed this and the next chapter is going to be when Mare finally meets Layla so we'll see how that goes. I'll just try to start with updating everything now.

As always, please review with your thoughts, it really motivates me and makes my day!

Love you guys!

-Katelyn