“Pay me no mind.” A watery smile accompanied the insistent shake of her head that sent her raven tresses dancing atop her shoulders. Cupping his face once more, Sabrina leaned in and kissed him softly, smiling her thanks. “Go, Andresj. Do not keep young Miss Quartermaine waiting. I just need a few more moments with my thoughts and then I shall turn in for the evening.”

“So you have made your decision?”

“Yes,” she nodded. “I have.”

Sabrina made the familiar trek along the hallway towards the Master Suite. As well-known to her as her own reflection, like any other member of the Cassadine family she could find her way to any suite located within the maze that was the family wing of the estate even if blindfolded in a snow storm. But on this night instead of the usual lyrical, quick yet determined gait that was her signature, Sabrina’s feet moved as if lead flowed through her veins. So preoccupied with her thoughts she did not even register the ever present sentry outside her brother’s suite until he repeated his question.

“You wish to see Master Stefan?”

“No,” she said. “I am here for Faith.” She hastened to add the title to which all the staff referred to her by. “I meant, the Mistress.”

“A moment, please, Miss Sabrina.”

“Okay,” she said.

Perplexed, her brow furrowed as she watched the guard depart. Normally, she didn’t require being announced when she sought to visit either Faith or Stefan in their suite. One of them – Sabrina’s money was on her ever-pragmatic brother – obviously had left instructions they were not to be disturbed. A few minutes later, the guard returned with Faith at his side, an expression etched upon her face that was a curious mix of confusion and concern. An imperceptible nod of Faith’s head signaled to the guard he was no longer needed. As she stepped aside to allow Sabrina entry into the lone area of Wyndemere that was a place of sanctuary for her and her Dear Heart, Faith quietly assessed the current state of the sister of her heart.

“Sabryn, is everything alright?”

“Yes.” Sabrina returned Faith’s questioning gaze. “Why would you think otherwise?”

“Because,” Faith cast a pointed glance at the exclusive timepiece that adorned Sabrina’s left wrist, “it’s nearly three a.m., dear heart.”

“It is?!” Sabrina was truly aghast, her horror etched upon her face and reflected in her voice. “Ohmygod!” she said. Her hand darted to her still agape mouth. “I had no idea!”

“Perhaps because your mind is focused solely on one thing and nothing else?” Faith prodded.

“Perhaps.” The sigh Sabrina expelled contained a wealth of emotions; anxiety, fear, and most surprising of all, resignation. As she locked eyes with Faith it was that last reaction that resonated strongest. It was as if both women were of the same frame of mind; both acknowledging there was but only one way to the other side, only one way to be free of the emotional purgatory Sabrina now found herself in. Sabrina squared her shoulders and opened her right hand, extending the small rectangular object contained within to Faith. “Here you go. Everything you need is there. How much time do you think-”

“Twenty-four hours.” Faith gave an elegant shrug of her shoulders. “Thirty-six at the absolute most.” Before she had even spoken the next words, the beautiful software magnate’s left brow began arching. “If you are having second thoughts, dear heart. . .”

Sabrina gave a hollow bark of laughter. “Second. . .third. . .even fifth would be more like it.” A soft, tremulous smiled accompanied the shake of her head. “But none of that matters. I have to do this.”

As Faith retrieved the item, she clasped Sabrina’s faintly trembling hand within hers giving it a gentle, reassuring squeeze. “Try and not worry, Sabryn. What is meant to be shall be. Go, get some rest.” Softly bussing her on each cheek, Faith then locked eyes with Sabrina once more. “No matter the outcome, Sabryn, at least you will be able to rest in the knowledge you made your intentions known.”