what was wrong. Pallas helped his children the rest of the way into
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the house while Castor and Pandora briefly conferred with Ariadne
and then moved toward the tennis court.
?Why didn?t you warn me, Cassie?? Lucas pleaded quietly while
Castor shouted questions as he and Pandora entered the tennis
court. Cassandra shrugged, avoiding everyone?s eyes.
?She was afraid,? Helen answered defensively, cutting off Castor?s
questions. She took Cassandra?s hand and pulled her close, a little
angry that they would try to blame Cassandra for Lucas?s actions.
?She had a vision of herself swinging a sword at me and she
thought she was going to kill me. She thought she had to kill me.
Would you have told anyone if you were in her shoes??
Pandora looked at Helen questioningly as if to ask if she was
okay. Helen gave her an uncertain smile in response, relieved that
Pandora had been sensitive enough to keep this exchange silent.
Then they both turned their attention back to Lucas, who was still
shell-shocked.
?If you were scared, why didn?t you tell me, Cassie? You know
you can always come to me,? Lucas said firmly, but she shook her
head.
?None of you are qualified to be my confidants anymore. I?m the
only one who can decide what to reveal or keep hidden,? she sai
d
gently. Cassandra stepped away from Helen?s side and stood up
straighter. It was as if she was throwing off her childhood with one
painful gesture. She took a wistful breath and turned back to
Helen.
?Standing there, waiting for me to cut your head off?? said the
newer, older, and slightly more melancholic Cassandra. ?That was