Chapter 3

"We need to reach London before sundown" Perenelle announced. London was where the leygate to Hekate's shadowrealm was. They had agreed to stay the night there before entering the shadowrealm. They were in Perenelle's small car. It was the only car available, and it didn't work. Everyone had had to use most of their auras to even start it, so everyone was tired. Nicholas was in the passenger seat next to her, while Scathach and Everett were in the back seat. Scatty was staring out the window, ignoring the fact that Everett was staring at her. He slowly reached out and held her wrist, focusing on the wristband that matched his.

"You kept it"

Scathach pulled away her wrist and sighed heavily, asking, "Are we there yet?"

"Another ten minutes. That is the fourth time you've asked that" Nicholas answered.

"She never was patient. One time, we were on our way to Berlin and she started to complain about how long it was taking five minutes into the trip- ouch!" Scathach had stomped on his foot. Hard.

"Shut. Up."

"Fine"

Nicholas sighed in relief, "Finally! We are here. I didn't think I could stand any more of your arguing!"

They all piled out of the car and entered a small hotel. Nicholas stood up to the counter.

"We would like to rent out a room for the night. One double, two singles"

"Sorry sir, the only room available has two doubles,"

"That'll be fine"

Scathach had a look of horror on her face, and Everett looked very uncomfortable. As the key was handed to them, they began walking away.

"I wasn't going to sleep anyway" Scathach sighed grumpily.

It was ten at night and Perenelle and Nicholas had gone to bed. Scathach and Everett had been told (though ordered is a better fitting word) to get some sleep. Everett had agreed, but Scathach had refused.

"Come on, we're all exhausted from firing up that car. You need some rest" Said Everett, as he sat on the edge of the bed.

"I am not tired-" Her sentence was interrupted with a long yawn "fine"

They constructed a wall of pillows down the middle of the bed, and hastily got in. The atmosphere was a very awkward one.

"So….. What's been happening lately?" Everett asked cautiously.

"Really?"

"I'm just trying to start a conversation here! Look, I know that you're mad at me. Furious, even. I don't expect you to forgive me any time soon, but we have got to put aside old feuds and work together for now. How about a game of 20 questions?"

"Fine"

"Why did you keep that wristband I gave you? No lying"

"Well, I… I don't know. I guess it was a reminder that, I don't know, that you might come looking for me someday"

"Oh," Everett felt as if another bucketful of guilt had been toppled over his head once more.

"My turn. Did you ever consider coming back for me later on?"

"Yes, every day. On more than one occasion, I even entered the shadowrealm and almost made it to you, but every time I realised that I shouldn't"

"Uh-huh. Your turn"

"Did you miss me? Up until yesterday, I mean"

"Yes. Every day. I mean, I was angry at you. Furious. But I always missed you."

Scathach took a deep breath before asking her question.

"Did you love me?"

Everett rolled over onto his side, and slowly pulled apart the pillow wall, so that they made eye contact.

"Yes"

Scathach looked away and whispered

"Goodnight"

"Goodnight"

And they slept.