The Cassadine Dagger and Ring

for The original three…

To the beautiful and brilliant Amanda, to the kindhearted and funny Colton, and to the supportive and protective Logan…to the original three who taught me without realizing.

Contents

The Cassadine Dagger and Ring

Dedication

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Acknowledgements

About the Author

The Cassadine Conception

Part One

Daniel

November

Sebastian

Arbri

Daniel

Rosalia

Nathan

Daniel

Razor

Kevin

Caroline

Sebastian

Claire

Razor

Rosalia

Razor

Elizabeth

Eric

Rosalia

Sebastian

Razor

Marcus

Arbri

Razor

Sebastian

Daniel

There’s something about being part of a chaotic battle that sparks a person’s soul. Being caught up in the adrenaline and drama compels all humans and immortals alike. It brings out emotions that you weren’t aware you had; it brings out animalistic traits, aggression, dominance, and you feel deserving of praise from everyone.

It was amazing what thriving on power could do. All I did was exist in the lives of people who seemed to be facing issues much greater than I was. All I did was involve myself with a Cassadine who I verbally and physically assaulted. Jealousy and hatred evolved through all of that, fueling the fire that made me stronger. It’s safe to assume that not too many people liked me, especially after ending up in a church yard with a mysterious and powerful family dagger that I knew nothing about.

I knew that as I walked down into the Travin tunnels, past the rooms, chambers and library, I wanted answers. There was a single hidden door that only Haven, November and I knew about. Haven’s heels slapped the cold floors while I straightened my posture.

Are you sure you want to know the full story? Haven asked me, taking a key out from a hidden compartment in her boots. Her hair was down and held back by a headband with her family’s last name stitched on it. Haven Sandella, Stefan Sandella and the late Lake Sandella…their names were unique.

I need to know the story, Haven. If I don’t, then all I’ve been doing has been for nothing. I replied.

Trey is in there so I suggest you choose your words and actions carefully. You’ve come so far Daniel. The last thing we want is for you to end up straying from the plan. She warned, handing me the key.

I took it from her and placed it in the keyhole hearing the eerie click as I pushed the door open. Haven closed the door behind me as I entered. Ahead of me was a long, dark path with a few torches lighting the way. It was a ten minute walk before I reached my destination. Behind the door I could hear Trey talking. I knocked before pushing it open. Ariek looked pleased that I had made it to my appointment punctually. Two hours later I had enough information to satisfy myself.

november

Three years ago I didn’t think I’d be in a prison cell, I thought I’d either be preparing for an extravagant ball for Nathan or be locked in my room. Instead, I now sit on a cold, dirty floor, depressed. I was moved to an isolated cell when it had become evident that I couldn’t get along with the other inmates. As I think back, it is truly amazing how I ended up here.

On my fourteenth birthday, my Uncle Ariek and his son had surprised me at my door. Uncle Ariek didn’t want Nathan involved in his plans, nor did he want him knowing about his involvement with The Bliden. That really wasn’t a problem since Nathan never cared to find out about the Rosen family name anyway. Ariek had come to see me and only me. He wanted to recruit me. I was offered protection and more money if I agreed to become a distraction to the Cassadine family. He even offered me the Rosen family dagger when the time was right.

The Rosen Dagger I had at the church yard a few months ago was important. It had been in the family for centuries and Ariek was the reason why it had become so significant. Ariek was an immortal who had the ability to reincarnate whenever he wanted. Each time he does, he ends up as a member of the Rosen family, same soul just in a different body. In one life he carried the dagger in a war which resulted in it falling into a puddle of blood. The blood came from those with significant bloodlines. The puddle was formed from a bleeding Cassadine, a bleeding Sandella, a bleeding Rosen and a bleeding Worthwick. Once it was soaked, the dagger was never the same, it became cursed. Since the Rosen’s had started the war, every family member in its presence would be possessed by it as it drew them into the darkness.

Ariek felt guilty for killing such important people, one of them being his own kin. It was never his intention, he personally didn’t start the war, he only participated in it. So as a result, he created a secret society called The Bliden. He established and led it in the Rosen name and recruited the important members of the Cassadine, Sandella and Worthwick families. He used it to create order in Travinstein. Using the rationalization of seeking the greater good to justify the tribe’s actions, The Bliden typically stole medicines and other useful things to hand out to those who couldn’t afford them. They cleared the drug dealers off the streets since the police seemed to fail at it. For a long time The Bliden were heroic figures and it wasn’t until a tragedy had occurred that he turned the order to darker purposes and began his quest to destroy human kind, and perhaps, even all immortals.

Now, in this life cycle, Ariek’s attempts were closer to being complete.

I had denied him twice before when he told me about all of the history and all of their plans.

That’s when he threatened to kill Nathan, and that’s when I signed over my portion of the kingdom to his son and began plotting against every Cassadine, which has resulted in me now sitting in a prison cell.

sebastian

I twisted my ring, pondering where my life was going as I began to sneak back into the house; it had to be five in the morning by now. After November had been arrested for her attempted murder on our family, everyone had begun to calm down. With November behind bars it was safer for everyone to roam Travinstein and continue with our lives, preparing for kingdom duties and family matters. My coronation was approaching and I knew once I was crowned it wouldn’t just be known in Travinstein. Travinstein was our world hidden within America. Other countries such as Italy, Spain and Germany also had their own immortal worlds hidden within their lands. Immortals chose to live where they wanted, especially royalty, and anytime royalty got involved in something, word got out to everyone.

Looking at the silver ring on my finger, with its slashes and burns, made me sick. This ring would probably lead to me being the most disrespected king anyone knew, which is why on coronation day, I would not be wearing it.

Sebastian!

I jumped.

Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you like that. Jade whispered. Jade was always pretty looking with her fair skin and dark brown hair. She was wearing a hot pink top with a bunch of black skulls on it and black pajama bottoms. Her hair was up in a bun, she looked tired and concerned.

Hey, it’s alright.

Where have you been? She yawned.

I ceaselessly sighed. I didn’t know how to answer her. If I told her I had been out collecting medical supplies and tracking down criminals she would ask too many questions and my explanations would only disappoint her. I didn’t like disappointing people.

This is going to sound really selfish, but can’t I just kiss you and we’ll work out those issues later?

Sebastian. She gave me a look. I was probably going to upset her anyway.

I’m sorry! Go back to sleep! I gave her a quick kiss and made my way upstairs.

arbri

Everyone was having nightmares. Jade kept dreaming about being alone. Sebastian was screaming in his dreams which disturbed Rosalia as she was dream reading Sebastian’s nightmare; and I kept seeing a heart pumping then stopping, then pumping, then stopping again. The heart bothered me the most only because it kept stopping which meant someone was dying or going to die.

I woke up struggling for air while the swelling in my chest grew. It was like I refused to let any oxygen in until I almost blacked out. Water was filling my bed and I was thrashing in it. Rosalia stirred in her sleep for a moment but it was Elizabeth who woke up.

What’s happening? She sounded groggy. Arbri! She rushed to my bedside, but I refused to open my mouth or breathe. I hit my chest lightly.

Your chest is hurting? Elizabeth took my hand giving me a feeling of ease. I finally let out a gasp, taking in air, my hands wrapped around the sheets of the bed, which were dry.

Thank you. I ran a hand through my hair and frowned, my hair was damp but not from sweat.

What happened? Elizabeth whispered. I couldn’t tell Elizabeth that I was a dream reader, let alone that Rosalia was a nightmare reader, so how else do I explain the pain?

I had a bad dream. That was my answer for now. I reached into a drawer next to my bed taking out an elastic hair tie to make a quick bun.

You need a drink of water. Elizabeth was about to go downstairs before I stopped her.

No. Water is a bad idea. I’m fine, thank you though. I grabbed her hand shrugging with a smile.

Are you sure?

I’m positive. Thank you for healing me.

Rosalia let out a small whimper almost like she was crying. We glanced at her and sighed. She had kept the locket Mr. Smith had given her. After the angels had protected us, she wore the locket during times of sadness or confusion. Lately, she had been experiencing both quite often.

I hate seeing her like this. Elizabeth said.

I knew exactly what she was referring to as she went back to her bed, sat on her knees and looked at me.

I think Daniel makes her weak. I practically spat out his name.

I don’t understand what’s changed. Daniel was such a sweet guy, then that day he hit her-

Does she know you were behind the door that day? I asked.

No. Elizabeth shook her head.

I’m surprised she never told anyone he hit her.

It’s because it was the first time he hit her. Now if she got hit any time after that…we have no idea. Either way, I feel helpless we can’t make her break up with him. Daniel was a sweetheart, but now he is-

He’s an ass. I finished the sentence for her.

Well, that’s not how I was going to word it, but yes.

She deserves so much more.

Yet she never gets it from him.

People fall in love with the idea of someone more often than the person. Maybe that’s what she did, she fell in love with how she thought it was going to be?

I want Daniel to suffer. Elizabeth replied lying down.

I don’t want him to suffer. I want him to either get back to the sweetheart he was or leave her peacefully.

I agree. Goodnight. Love you. She flipped her hair behind her shoulder before closing her eyes.

Goodnight. Love you too.

I tried to sleep but between my fear of freaking out again and Rosalia’s occasional whimper and flipping around, I didn’t sleep at all.

daniel

Insomnia was pretty much my life now. I could hear my Sparrow Song with Rosalia playing over and over again in my head. It was fucking annoying at this point. I wanted it to stop playing. It was getting on my nerves. She kept trying to talk to me. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to speak to her, I just couldn’t. The Cassadine family was a problem for me; I was getting too involved in their alliances and with their enemies.

I woke up with a headache at three in the morning. Corail had called me twice which meant something had happened. When Corail got recruited into November’s army it wasn’t a surprise to me because she lived for the adrenaline rush. The reason November even selected her was so that I would have connections to Travinstein which is exactly what Corail did for me. She updated me on Travinstein news and could get me in and out of the immortal world whenever I needed her to, just like she did when I needed answers about the dagger.

The new plan was that Corail would move into my house and attend school for the remainder of the year. I could keep a watch on her, she could give me the daily updates on Travinstein and everyone was happy. I saw she had left me a voicemail and in her typical fashion it was straight forward.

"Hey Daniel just your favorite cousin calling to let you know that everything is in motion. The plans for the year are happening as we speak, and plans for next year are being drawn up now. I hope your winter break was fun and that you celebrate New Year’s Eve, but still stick to the plan. Love you, I’ll see you tomorrow."

ΦΦΦ

I was going over to Rosalia’s in a few hours to spend New Year’s with her, but now that all of our plans were in action the New Year was not going to be entirely happy for the Cassadines.

rosalia

Sometimes the way people enter our lives makes things adventurous and complicated. With everything that happened in the past year, I felt broken. Dating Daniel had taught me that finding someone who will make you feel special doesn’t necessarily mean you are. Daniel also helped me learn that people slip through your fingers like water and leave you frustrated. That stupid church yard battle could have killed all of us if it weren’t for Mr. Smith sending me with the locket to see the angels. The angels saved our sorry lives that day.

I woke up startled and ran a hand through my hair then touched the locket around my neck. For some reason I was having difficulty reading nightmares as clearly as I usually could. Sleeping was hard to do, but the locket gave me hope.

What in the hell was that? Elizabeth drew me out of my thoughts. I looked up over at her bed where she and Arbri were painting their nails.

Do you have any idea what you were doing? Arbri’s voice emerged shocked. They were both staring at me wide-eyed.

What do you mean? I asked, really hoping nothing embarrassing happened.

Someone was talking to you, but you said you didn’t know him. Elizabeth went back to painting her left hand.

You were kind of smiling too. Almost like you were in a good dream, a good dream that wasn’t yours. Arbri blew on her nails and raised an eyebrow. I wasn’t supposed to be able to read good dreams, so I didn’t know what was happening to me.

Oh…. I looked at my chipped nails.

No, don’t be embarrassed, we don’t care. Elizabeth reassured me.

Then why are you freaked out? I was already perfectly aware of what they were going to say.

You weren’t dreaming about Daniel. Arbri glanced.

I was unsure of what the strange look on her face meant.

How are things between you and Daniel? Elizabeth’s tone was careful.

Was there even a ‘me and Daniel’ anymore? I used to feel that we were close, maybe not where we knew each other like the back of our hands, but close enough that we knew when something was wrong. Now we had a barrier between us built so high there was no denying we might be saying our farewells.

We’re doing-

Hey! Rosalia I’m here I used the extra key!

Daniel’s voice from downstairs startled all three of us.

What time is it? I whispered.

Um, it’s a quarter past ten.

You let me sleep in until ten! I kicked my sheets off.

Well, we didn’t want to wake you up early in the morning, I mean the real partying isn’t until tonight. Just go downstairs, he’s seen you in pajamas plenty of times.

You’re right, you’re right, I should just go. I said walking out our bedroom door, running into Marcus.

Your prince charming is here. He said sarcastically.

I was hoping that Daniel’s behavior was getting back to normal again, but to my dismay, it wasn’t at all. The change in him started after November’s return; he got moodier and controlling. I had taken his controlling behavior as a sign of being protective and not wanting to see me get hurt, but it only got worse. During the school year he started hanging out with a new crowd of people and I was perfectly fine with that. The next few months went by rapidly; he wasn’t as fun as he used to be and he didn’t smile. His body language was aloof and his eyes lost their shimmer, only focusing on something out in the distance. Everything he said or did felt like some sort of deception…he was very secretive with every phone call, text message, and thought. When November took his cousin Corail I was expecting him to be outraged and confused, but instead he was very composed. All he did was say he couldn’t figure out why November took Corail, but that he would take care of her from then on, which only confused me more. I didn’t understand why November would just let Corail go, but then again with November behind bars I guess she couldn’t really harm Corail or anyone for a while.

Hey. I smiled crossing my arms.

You aren’t dressed yet?

No, the girls let me sleep in.

Of course. He snapped as he texted.

Are you excited for the new year?

There’s nothing new about a new year other than dates. He shrugged.

I was now used to him putting an end to my conversation starters.

Are you excited for summer? I smiled.

Not exactly. Can we just get through winter break? He mumbled, putting his phone in his pocket and staring past me.

Why?

Why do you care?

I’m trying to have a conversation with you. I sighed. I was too tired to start a fight.

Rosalia, I don’t have time to talk, my friend Razor is waiting for me in his car.

I thought we were spending the day together?

We were going to, but I actually made other plans, and you’re not dressed anyway.

You made other plans with other people when you knew we had plans? I didn’t know if I was disappointed or angry.

Don’t do this now. He grumbled.

Do what?

The lights flickered above us and I could hear the pictures swinging back and forth in the house. My anger was showing again and Daniel was about to be a target.

This is exactly why I can’t take this house anymore! Get control of your anger and then we can talk. I’m leaving. He said heading for the door.

Daniel come on please- I grabbed hold of his arm gently and of course I got shoved back.

Please what? He shouted, angrily.

Go have fun. I shook my head as I gained my balance again. Had he hit me again? No. Had he been shoving me and pushing me? Yes. He paused for a moment then opened the door leaving the house. Kevin was eavesdropping in the kitchen from where he emerged, giving me a hug.

I don’t like that. He said.

I’m fine.

I’m sorry. He whispered.

Thanks, Kevin.

You know crying is really good for your system.

I don’t want to cry, Kevin. My voice cracked obviously showing that I was going to cry.

You can cry.

That’s when I ended up crying into Kevin’s shoulder sobbing.

nathan

Good morning. I greeted Requil.

I don’t want to get up. She mumbled with her head in the pillow. I didn’t blame her. I could barely keep my eyes open myself. She usually stayed on her side of the bed, but last night she had trouble sleeping, so I had trouble sleeping, and then everything went downhill from there.

We have to get up eventually. I nudged.

Then you get up and I’ll stay here. She yawned.

What if Marcus comes in here?

You’ve shared this room with your brothers for how long? I don’t think they’ll bother me now.

I sighed rolling over, forgetting I was on the left side of the bed and fell right onto the floor. Requil started laughing at the sound of my thud and my following groan of disapproval.

Are you okay? She asked.

Yes. I mumbled, getting up.

That was priceless. She laughed again.

Do you want something to eat? I said, heading out the door.

No thanks.

Are you sure?

Yes.

Okay, be lazy. Don’t do anything.

Sounds good to me. She said, taking up the rest of the bed.

I walked downstairs into the kitchen where I found my sisters and Kevin gathered. Claire was patting Rosalia, who was crying, on the back and little Melissa was handing Rosalia a bunch of tissues. Arbri was writing everything down that Rosalia was saying and Kevin was holding one of Rosalia’s hands while Eric made her tea. Looking at the girls reminded me of how complicated everything was…Claire was my ex-girlfriend. I was actually supposed to marry Rosalia (it was an arranged marriage brokered when she was born, but broken off now) and Melissa was just an innocent child my sister November turned into a Soulfret. Yeah, life was a mess, but I guess we’ve come a long way since then.

What happened? I questioned. Rosalia looked up and cried more.

It’s alright; he’s being stupid at the moment. He’ll snap out of it. Elizabeth said, coming around the corner.

What happened? I repeated.

You know if I were you, I would have killed him. Literally. I would have shifted and killed him then got Eric or Kevin to cover it up for me. Arbri said shaking her head.

We would have been happy to. Eric nodded.

What happened? I tried one more time.

Morgan practically did the same to me. Melissa nodded.

How do you drink this? Tea is disgusting. Eric sighed, as he poured it into a cup.

Will someone please answer my question? My aggravation was growing.

Nathan! You’re being disruptive! Claire snapped.

You know what, you’re right Claire! Screw me for wondering what’s wrong with someone in the family I love! I sarcastically snapped, glaring at her.

Claire and I were on good terms for the most part, but every once in a while we argued. Requil walked in and pushed past me in a hurry to find out what was happening.

Why is Rosalia crying? Requil blinked.

Daniel. Kevin answered. Arbri slid a notepad toward Requil to read. She analyzed the page for a while before sighing. Elizabeth pulled cookies out of the oven to let them cool.

What did Danny boy do now? Marcus had been standing by the fridge the whole time. I never noticed when he was in the room; in fact, I don’t think anyone noticed when he was in a room until he decided to make himself known.

Daniel might be done with her. Melissa spoke up.

He made plans with one of his friends even though he had plans with her. Requil joined.

I knew he was no good from day one! Jade shook her head.

I knew I should have killed him. Marcus commented.

Marcus! Claire growled.

You were trying to kill him once upon a time! Marcus argued back.

No! I was trying to kill Sebastian, there’s a huge difference. Claire clarified before receiving a disgusted look from Jade.

Hey, you know what makes girls feel better? Elizabeth said, popping a cookie in her mouth even though the cookies were made for Rosalia.

Let me guess, are we going to the mall? Jade’s eyes brightened.

I’m not in a shopping mood. Rosalia wiped away her tears.

You’re going shopping with us. Let’s go and get you dressed and looking beautiful. Jade took her by the hand.

She always looks beautiful. Marcus said playing with his hands.

I have to do some grocery shopping but I think you should go out. Arbri smiled.

Well I’m not in a shopping mood. Claire shrugged.

Me either. Kevin nodded.

Nathan will take us! Requil decided for me.

Nathan’s gonna do whuff? I asked with a blueberry muffin stuffed in my mouth.

I’ll take you guys, my car holds more people. Marcus sighed.

Some of you can go with me too. I stated.

Thanks Marcus. Claire said. The girls sauntered off leaving me, Kevin and Marcus alone.

I’ll get dressed and get the car. I said.

Girls are so persuasive. Marcus took a drink of orange juice.

No kidding. By the way, I can’t believe you’re making your move before she even breaks up with the guy. Eric laughed at Marcus, he knew who he was referring to and Marcus knew exactly what he was doing.

I’m not making a move.

You’re not going to try and hit on her? Kevin acted pretty stupid, but even he knew Marcus would try it.

I’m not going to pursue her! Marcus didn’t sound convincing, but I kept that thought to myself.

Sure you’re not. Eric smirked.

I’m not. Marcus shrugged.

Sure. I nodded.

I’m not doing it! Marcus said defensively one last time before exiting.

daniel

We have plenty of time for me to run into the grocery store and drop you off at home. I only need three things and I’d like to go before they close early! It’s only three little things that-

Do your groceries on your own time, not mine. I glanced at the store before I looked at Razor.

He was built like an athlete, tall and muscular, but never liked participating in sports. Instead he was the artistic type and