Thea was lost in darkness. She was warm and could feel smoothness of some unknown fabric against her body. She moved in the darkness, where she was unsure, but she did not feel in danger. After a seemingly endless amount of time, she started to hear voices, low and growling, she recognised the voice of Crowley instantly. The answering voice she heard, was harder to place. Low and rough, she recognized it, but couldn't think of who it belonged to. She moved faster through the darkness.

As if moved by her will, suddenly Thea found herself in a open space and was no longer alone. Crowley and Castiel were locked into a struggle of wills, glaring at each other from across a long, narrow, wood table with thirteen chairs. They seemed utterly unaware of her presence. Moving between them, Thea took the time to study each of them in turn.

Turning to Castiel first, she noticed he was wearing his trademark trench coat over a suit and as usual everything was askew. She wondered if he even noticed. Stepping closer, she took advantage of the opportunity to study the angel closer than she normally would have. She saw the lines in the face of his vessel, whether or not they were there before he took over or after, they gave him a wearied appearance. The military bearing that she initially noticed was still there, but slightly altered. Tilting her head to the side, she attempted to pinpoint the difference. He seemed...less.

Thea felt a pang of sadness. She really respected the angel for being more than just a foot-soldier, he was loyal and determined. Thea felt that Castiel was discovering what it means to be more than just a part of something, but to really want to change his circumstances.

His eyes were both fierce and kind. Thea had only been on the receiving end of a gentle gaze, but she had the feeling that she never wanted to be under scrutiny by those eyes. She doubted that they missed much. Contemplating the meaning that the eyes were the window to the soul, she wondered what that meant for him.

She could see someone easily taking shelter in his arms. He was built like the soldier that he was, but not overly so. He was built for stamina rather than brute force. The stubble along his jaw gave his appearance a shadow that it needed to back the assumption that there was more than met the eye. He legs were braced as if the struggle between him and Crowley was more than one of the wills. His arms were at his sides, almost at the ready. There was an almost palpable physicality in the room as if something was about to erupt.

Turning to Crowley, she took her time. Taking advantage of an actual chance to study him in detail without his distracting her, she circled him slowly. He stood out in contrast to Cass, his suit was virtually always impeccable. Dressed in trademark black, he looked more like someone off Wall Street, than the dangerous King of Hell. His face had a permanent mischievousness about it. There was something in the eyes and the set of the jaw, that said that he knew something that you didn't. She saw determination in the set of his face and the stiffness of his shoulders. He was handsome, but not uncommonly so.

Thea noticed how his hands were curled into fists and his arms were tense. He looked ready to throw down. Thea was not sure why, but she felt sure she needed to know why, that it was important. It was something new to be actually able to see Crowley without the imposing and distracting mask that he wore.

Suddenly there was a throbbing in the room. It was almost a physical sensation. Thea felt both hot and cold simultaneously. Looking around for the source of the sound, she noticed with a shock that both Crowley and Cass were looking directly at her. She felt uncomfortable under the close scrutiny. She was having enough trouble sorting out her thoughts, without the added distraction.

The throbbing was getting painful now. Thea went to put her hands over her ears when she realized that her wrists were burning. Looking down she was shocked to see that now both wrists were sporting the same intricate tattooing. It almost reminded her of manticles.

Thea wanted out, she was confused and in pain and just wanted to run. She took a step and ran into the firm chest of Cass. When he has moved, Thea was not sure. Part of her wanted nothing more than to have him wrap his strong arms around her and make her feel safe. Surprised at that thought, Thea took a half a step back and was stopped by the solid form that must be Crowley if the familiar way it felt was any indication. Trapped between the two Thea was at a loss. In front of her was Cass, who was safety. Behind her was Crowley, who was decidedly not safe.

Fortunately, Thea was spared the decision. The throbbing went up another notch and Thea found herself getting dizzy.

As the room went dark, she was aware of something important shifting.

Thea woke on the floor of the library. Something soft pillowed her head. Looking up she realized that it must be Cass's coat. He was kneeling next to her gazing at her with concern. Stretching slowly, she felt bruised and realized that the pounding had been her head.

"You're awake," said Cass in a soft rumble, Thea couldn't help but wince at even that bit of sound. Her head felt ready to pull itself apart. "where are you hurt?"

"Head, hurts." was all Thea could manage, squeezing her eyes closed again. Cass moved slowly and gently massaged her temples, once again Thea felt something as he touched her, but wanted to enjoy the massage, so she pushed it out of her mind. Gradually the pounding lessened, Thea opened her eyes again and gave a small smile of thanks. She started to get up but was stopped by Cass.

"You need to rest." eyes full of concern as they studied her carefully. He picked her up easily and she couldn't help but notice how comforting being held in his arms was. He moved smoothly out of the library and to her room.

"Do you think you can stand?" He said as they came to her door. She lift her head from his shoulder and nodded. He slowly set her down. Opening the door, he put a hand on her waist to guide her inside. This time the shock was more than she could ignore and she gave a little gasp.

"Did I hurt you?"

Thea shook her head. His look of concern touched her, but his eyes saw too much. Right now all she wanted to do was sleep. Cass appeared to accept her answer for now and was silent as he guided her the rest of the way to the bed.

"Thank you."

Cass, again, was silently studying her. "You may have a concussion." He finally spoke, "I'd like to stay close if that's alright with you."

Thea nodded and watched him settle into one of the chairs by the fire. Snuggling under the covers, she fell asleep quickly.

Thea woke to the sounds of arguing. Rolling out of bed she looked up to see Cass and Crowley arguing in the doorway. Unable to hear what they were saying, she moved closer.