29. From Grief To Utter Disgust

Cassian

The raindrops fall heavily from the sky, as if they were reflecting the same pain that was weighing heavily on my heart. The gentle patter of rain lent a mournful rhythm to the haunting melodies being played by the minstrels, which only served to intensify the sorrow felt by all present.

My sister, Cleo, who was once full of life and joy, now lay as lifeless ashes on the funeral pyre, a symbol of my failure as a brother to protect her and keep her safe.

Cassandra, my remaining sister, clung to my arm, her sobs a constant reminder of the love we had lost. Her tears soaked my robe, but all I could think of was escaping this place of death, away from the ceremony that seemed to mock our grief.

I looked to my right and see Reyna standing with Rune and Malachi, her eyes a bottomless well of understanding, knowing my need to be with her. But Cassandra’s insistent crying was like a chain binding me to the spot.

[“I’m here, my love,”] her words call to me over the mind link, my only