[h2]Esme Stirling[/h2]

Esme remained quiet as Natalia and Cason spoke to Annabeth. She also hated to admit it, but she also agreed with Cason. She hoped it wouldn’t come down to that. She winced a little at the thought of having to kill Annabeth. When Cason turned to her, she could feel his eyes on her. A breath left her nose at his words. Just as she thought, he was planning on going with her to watch over her. She didn’t answer him right away. She was searching for her words. “I’d actually like to go on my own.” she told him. She lifted her head and opened her eyes to look at him. “But I wouldn’t mind having Sarah or Violet with me.” 

It was true she’d rather just go on her own. She needed some time to herself, since every time she tried today, someone asking her not to leave or singing to her interrupted it. She needed some room to breathe and to work through things that tonight had brought up. She couldn't do that with Cason hanging around and hovering. Esme was hoping if she said she wouldn’t mind having one hound with her, it would help in him letting her go knowing she would be protected. She ran a hand through her hair to get it out of her face, then rested it back across her chest. “After everything that has happened, I really need some time to myself.” she added. 

As she sat there, she searched his face for what he might be thinking. “And before you ask. No, I don’t plan on running.” She knew that had to be one question running through his mind, just like it had with Dean. Esme wasn’t planning on running from anything unless it got bad enough to, but this time she would make it known and not just disappear without a word and only a note.