Okay, now I’m scared for Qing. I got some information and it’s not good. Okay, it’s also not 100% accurate either, or at least I don’t feel anything like positive it could be true. But if it is, and if we become targets, then Qing is the one vulnerable. I can protect the rest.

I need to convince her somehow that she needs to let me do this for her. But how? Every way I can think of makes it sound like I’m trying to manipulate her. I try to listen to the words I would use as if I were her and it sounds… it sounds like I’m just as bad as they are. Manipulating, selfish, cruel.

The thing is, it might be totally unnecessary. And if it is, then I will have drawn her further into something she doesn’t want. But if I don’t, she’s a threat to us all. A terrible danger! One so bad that if I told Brigid or Diesel, they might do something about it. So I can’t tell them, because I might be wrong. Well, I’m probably wrong.

I just don’t want to take a chance. Does that make me sound like one of Them? Yes, to my own ears even, it does.

There is the sound of pacing as Cass walks restlessly around, carrying the voice recorder with her.

It’s like… tree roots. No matter how strong she is, the roots will find a way to tear her apart.

Then there’s the child. I don’t think I can protect the baby she carries. Even if I were to convince her it was necessary, how can I tell her that I could protect her but not her baby and that she might have to kill it? How cruel would I have to be to do what must be done?

Cass’s voice took on a desperate tone. I’ve got to be wrong. That’s all. The information is misleading. That’s what it is. There is no danger. There is no danger.

No! There is. I can’t sleep in my Hollow anymore. Not and protect them, too. This worry going to make me sick, I know it. I need my Hollow, I need to be there or I feel like I might not survive. I’m not like the Others, but I’m not like other changelings either. I think.

I wish I knew who the baby’s father was. Maybe I could put the pieces into place properly then. Maybe I could get Qing to do what I need her to through the father.

The wound of her pacing ceased.

How far is too far, when it comes to protecting the ones you love? That’s not rhetorical. There was a long pause. I can’t see a “too far”. Does that make me mad? Lord I hope not.

I need to consult an Oracle, but that could be just as dangerous as not doing anything. The problem with prophecy is that the words say one thing, but the meaning is completely different. Worse, you never know if the prophecy is something that can be invoked, is already invoked and can’t be stopped, or if it’s possible to escape it. Only an Oracle can interpret a prophecy, and Lord Teeth used to always say that they have their own agenda.

I’ve got to go. They’re waiting for me. click!