The train ride back to England was filled with an uncomfortable silence. Cassandra held Dahlia close, her mind racing with thoughts of the past few days in Berlin. She knew that their visit with Gellert would not be easily accepted by Theseus, but she hadn't anticipated just how much it would impact their lives.
When they arrived home, Theseus was waiting for them. His face was a mask of worry and frustration. "Cassandra, we need to talk," he said, his voice strained.
Cassandra nodded, sensing the tension in the air. She handed Dahlia over to Theseus, who kissed their daughter on the forehead before setting her down with her toys. Once Dahlia was occupied, Theseus turned to Cassandra, his expression filled with hurt and anger.
"How could you take her to see him?" Theseus demanded, his voice rising. "How could you let him near our daughter?"
Cassandra took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "Theseus, I needed to see him. I needed closure. And Dahlia—she deserved to know him."
"Closure?" Theseus scoffed. "Or was it something more? Did you forget what he's done, what he's capable of?"
"I haven't forgotten," Cassandra replied, her voice trembling. "But I can't erase the past. And I can't deny that there's a part of me that still cares for him."
Theseus's eyes blazed with anger. "So, what does that mean for us? Are you saying you still love him?"
Cassandra's heart ached at the pain in his voice. "I don't know, Theseus. All I know is that my feelings are complicated, and I need time to figure things out."
"Figure things out?" Theseus said bitterly. "While you play house with our daughter and a man who once tried to destroy everything we stand for?"
"That's not fair," Cassandra shot back. "Gellert has changed. He's not the same person he was."
"People like him don't change," Theseus retorted. "And I'm not going to stand by and watch as he manipulates you and our daughter."
Tears streamed down Cassandra's face as she realized the gravity of the situation. "Theseus, I love you. But I can't keep living in this limbo. I need to find a way to make peace with my past, and that includes Gellert."
Theseus's face softened, but his eyes remained hard. "And what about us? What about our family?"
Cassandra's voice broke as she replied, "I don't know if we can be a family anymore. Not like this."
Theseus's expression turned cold as he reached for his wedding ring. With a swift motion, he slammed it onto the table, the sound echoing through the room. "It's too late, Cassandra. He's done his damage."
"Please, Theseus," Cassandra begged, tears streaming down her face. "Don't do this."
But Theseus shook his head, his eyes filled with pain and resolve. "I can't keep fighting a ghost, Cassie. I'm done."
He turned and walked out of the room, leaving Cassandra standing there, her heart shattered. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She knew what she had to do.
Cassandra picked up Dahlia, her voice gentle but firm. "Go pack a bag, sweetheart. I need to make a call."
She retrieved the enchanted necklace from her dresser, holding it tightly in her hand. Taking a deep breath, she activated the necklace, feeling the familiar connection spring to life.
"Missing me already?" Gellert's voice came through, a hint of amusement in his tone.
Cassandra swallowed hard, her voice trembling as she spoke. "Can we stay with you? Me and Dahlia. No Theseus."
There was a brief pause before Gellert replied, his voice steady and reassuring. "Of course. You're always welcome here, Cassandra."