Chapter 9: The Last To Fall

AN: This chapter was a bit difficult to get started and to end. But I hope it's good now. THANK YOU SYLVIA. YOU ARE MY SAVIOR. Anyway. Yeah. Next chapter we meet back up with one of the girls. If you read the old version, you'll know which one, if you haven't you'll find out. Keep an eye on my profile for updates.

Kassy's POV

I felt a hand grip my shoulder firmly, but gently, steering me in a different direction that I had been heading. I hadn't even realised my eyes had closed until my guide stopped us and twirled me around slowly. I came face to face with a worried Nathan. Or as worried as Nathan's usual cold indifferent look could look. But his eyes looked softer.

"Kass... Did you sleep at all after I hung up?" I avoided his eyes and clutched my heartless plushie tighter in my grip, staring holes into it. I felt his hands grip my biceps, "Kasandra, did you rest at all?"

I shivered before answering him, not looking up from the yellow eyes of my doll, "No..." He sighed deeply before pulling me to his chest. I melted into his warmth, "I'm sorry..."

"Shh... You need to rest... Just close your eyes... I've got you..." He began humming very softly into my ear. I smiled slightly, red painting my cheeks. It was my favorite version of Dearly Beloved. The reprise from the second game. Despite my efforts not to, and the fact that we were at school, I felt my eyelids drooping. I attempted to keep some consciousness, if only to keep this moment with him close. As gently as he could, I could feel myself being lifted up against him. I heard Nathan's voice as if it were far away as he charmed his way past a few authority figures on our way towards the exit door according to the light breeze that whispered its promises against my skin.

I swam out from unconsciousness, feeling soft material beneath my fingers. Slowly with a weak groan, my eyes opened to the sight of Nathan's face quite close to mine, his fingers running gently through my hair.

I opened my mouth to whisper his name, but he shook his head. I closed it. I closed my eyes once more with a small smile. I could almost cry. If only the others were awake. I could tell them about this for hours. Sylvia would never let me live it down. Hazel would be planning the wedding. Elena would fabricate her words to make it even better.

I yawned, blushing soon after and avoiding his eyes. The corner of his mouth twitched up ever so slightly and I heard a small amused noise.

I let out a gentle breath. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, before murmuring, "Everything is going to be fine, Kasandra..."

I swallowed thickly, my voice low to not break the quiet illusion, "How can you be so sure?"

"Do you trust me?" He leaned closer in the small space.

I shivered, "N-Nathan, I-"

"Do you trust me, Kasandra?" He whispered once more.

I nodded, "Yes, Nathan. I trust you." My eyelids began to feel heavier. I blinked rapidly, attempting to keep them open, "I-I'm just sc-"

"It's alright... Everything will be fine..." My vision began blurring. To my surprised horror, I noticed Nathan's eyes began lightening until they were a bright golden yellow. I heard his voice as if it were far away, "Everything will be fine, your highness..."

Just before the darkness crept in completely, I felt the gentle pressing of his lips upon mine.

00000

"We have word that the final maiden has fallen." A silky feminine voice echoed in a dark room in front of a handful of other, some quite odd, figures, "Now we must keep focus on the one who shall hold the Key. Things may be working in our favor presently, but one must never underestimate unpredictability. Be on your guards and everything will unfold. I can assure you. We will succeed." Soon the room was filled with an array of laughter, some more maniacal than others.