Elena

It was real.

The terror of night-watch duty was real.

But I already offered my services to Zane and I couldn't let him down now...

But would he understand if I told him I was afraid...?

He was sure to...

But...

He needed me...

He needed a guard...

I sat in the main room of the building, hands clammy and shaking, I clasped them and unclasped them many times over, trying to work some of my stress out somehow...

Nothing was working.

A hand fell on my shoulder and I jumped violently.

"Oh goodness." Said a familiar voice. "I apologize...I did not mean to frighten you."

I sighed, turning to my brother. "It's okay. The night watch position is...a little nerve-wracking..."

He sat beside me, I could tell because the stage bent a little under his weight. "I would not mind if you reconsidered your offer." He said.

I shook my head. "No. It...it must be just the effects of the late hours on my mind." I smiled weakly at him. "I am just tired. I will go home and rest and..." I took his hands in mine. "And then I will be back tonight for my next shift."

I could almost feel his resentment at this idea, I could nearly feel the mood in the air change as his smile faded to frown...

If it even did such a thing...

I could not see for myself if my assumptions were correct.

He leaned close and planted a light kiss on my forehead. "Do be careful." He asked of me. "I would hate for you to..."

He paused.

"To lose my mind like Mr. Walker?" I finished, referring to the Jay we spoke about just the previous night.

"Yes...I would be very upset..."

I released his hands. "You'll see. I will be fine."

At least...

I hoped I would be fine.