Chapter 18 - Visit From An Enemy

• After telling Luna and Dr Thorne about the cramps, which I now know Ace caused me, the pains stopped. I still haven't ventured from my room, nervous of seeing Ace or Maddie, who I imagine helped Ace with his 'needs', resulting in my pain. I don't know what happened. All I know is that the pain has stopped, not faded, but completely stopped. And I am not complaining. Thomas keeps encouraging me to leave the room, assuring me we will not see Ace. He seems to know something but is holding it back from me.
• "Come on Cassie, he won't get near you, I swear it, I won't leave your side for a second, you will be completely safe begged I promise," he all but begged. And today, finally, I think I am ready to face the pack. Although I'm scared, I know Thomas will protect me, and I trust him fully.
• Cautiously, I peer around the edge of the door and see the hallway is clear. I take a tentative step, then another, and another. I am in the hallway making my way to the stairs. At the top of the stairs, I freeze for a moment and gather my courage to descend, all the while I am anticipating running into Ace or Maddie. I don't see them as we make our way downstairs. Thomas, true to his word, stays close to my side the whole way down.