Starcrossed (Starcrossed 1)

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