Chapter 28 Twenty-Eight
Mason paced around the cluttered space that was Nigel's living room. The old man had just finished telling them all about the prophecy, and Mason was unable to keep himself calm.
Danica, on the other hand, was feeling a little too calm. Maybe it was because it seemed surreal to her; after all, it had only been a little less than a month since she had come to be part of this world, and now suddenly there was a war coming.
If that was the case, then what did that mean about them? What would they be able to do?
As it was, Danica was unable to change and would be absolutely no help in the long run; that alone made her feel some type of way.
"Can you stop?" Nigel suddenly snapped, drawing everyone's attention to him. "You're driving me mad with that wild pacing."
Flinching, Mason flushed slightly.
"Sorry, I just can't sit idly."
"But what good will all that pacing do you?" Nigel asked sagely.
Huffing, Mason plopped down on the couch beside Danica. "Ok, I get it, old man."
"Good, now what we need to be doing is coming up with a game plan." Nigel began as if they were having some type of planned meeting.
"What do you have in mind?" Mason asked, leaning forward.
"First, you need to inform the elders." Nigel responded.
A shiver ran up Danica's spine at the thought of having to deal with the Elders once more. She still hadn't fully gotten over Rebecca's attempt at killing her.
"Will they even care?" Danica found herself asking.
"Why do you ask that?" Nigel asked, raising an eyebrow.
"The last time we visited them, they didn't seem all that concerned about the increased rogue attacks." Danica responded. "Would they even take this seriously?"
"There is only one way to find out," Mason muttered. "We will have to bring it to their attention."
"What proof do we have that this is even going on?" Danica demanded. "How will they believe us when we have no way to show that it is real?"
Three sets of eyes turned towards Danica due to her outburst.
"What do you suggest, then?" Nigel asked, pinching the bridge of his nose. With the look on his face, you would think he was dealing with a child.
"Is there anyway to prove that this prophecy is legit?" Mason asked Nigel expectantly.
"I only have the words that my great-great-great-grandfather wrote." Nigel responded.
Letting out a long breath, Mason flopped back in place, throwing an arm across his eyes. Danica couldn't help but feel bad for him, given how much was riding on his shoulders at that moment.
As things were, they weren't even sure if this prophecy was actually coming about or if this was just unrest on the rogues part. Mason couldn't just claim that this was going to come to pass and get everyone up in a panic for nothing. As a leader, he had to do what was best for everyone.
"Maybe we should sleep on it?" Danica suggested placing a hand on Mason's shoulder. "We have time before we are certain this is happening, right?"
Nigel nodded. "It could be nothing, but it would still be best that everyone be prepared just in case it isn't nothing."
"I got it, old man." Mason sighed, standing up. "I want you to get everything together for me in two days to present to the elders."
Nigel's eyes widened as Mason spoke. "You expect me to do that in such a short amount of time?"
"You have your apprentice to help." Mason snapped, turning his gaze to Ash, who up until now had remained completely quiet. "You help him, got it?"
Nodding vigorously, Ash agreed before giving a salute. "Yes sir."
Satisfied, Mason bid Nigel farewell before grabbing Danica's wrist and hurrying out into the night. He didn't speak as they climbed into his jeep, and he still didn't speak as they arrived back at the dorms.
Outside, everything was eerily quiet as everyone was stuck inside their rooms and unable to roam freely. From the building where the infected howls could be heard, the sounds sent Danica's heart into a painful flurry.
Beside her, Mason flinched at the sound but didn't turn his eyes in their direction. It was clear that having to hear his comrades pained howls was hurting him, but he was refusing to show his weakness to Danica.
"Hey!" Danica barked suddenly, halting her steps.
"What?" Mason asked, turning to meet Danica's gaze.
"Why are you acting like none of this is bothering you?" Danica asked, placing her hands on her hips.
"I'm not acting," Mason insisted defiantly.
Rolling her eyes, Danica moved forward.
"You can play that card with anyone else, but you can't get away with it with me."
As she spoke, Mason began to look uncomfortable. "I'm not playing anything." He tried looking everywhere but into Danica's eyes.
Placing her hands on either of Mason's cheeks, Danica forced him to look directly at her.
"You don't have to pretend to be invincible with me." She murmured.
Where her skin touched Mason's, shocks of warmth passed through her, making it hard for her to keep her serious tone. She could see Mason's eyes darkening the longer she held on.
"Are you concerned about me?" Mason asked suddenly, as a rueful smile began to form on his face.
"Wh-what...?" Danica stammered, caught off guard.
"You care about me," Mason said, smiling bigger. "You can deny it all you want, but your actions tell me something else."
"I'm only concerned for a friend, alright?" Danica argued, pulling her hands away.
As she did so, Mason grabbed ahold of her wrists and pulled them down to his sides. Stepping forward, he laid his forehead against Danica's.
"No matter what it is, thanks for being there for me." Mason said, closing his eyes and letting out a sigh. "I appreciate it."
"You better." Danica mumbled, still trying to act tough. "Not a lot of people are worthy of my concern; you should consider yourself special."
Laughing, Mason nodded.
"I guess I am special."
Danica wasn't sure how long they stood there like that, just soaking up each other's warmth and taking comfort in each other's presence. After it was finished, they simply went back to Mason's room so they could get ready for bed; after all, they had a long day ahead of them tomorrow.