I've had many eyes stare at me when I walked into a room in the past, but never had I felt as uncomfortable as now.

We had reached the police station after a long drive full of silence. My thoughts tried to keep me sane, but nothing really helped until I felt Sebastian's gloved hand on my knee. I'd taken a deep breath and leaned against the window, listening to the silence.

Now, we were walking into the station, and while most of the stares seemed to be curious, I could tell there were some people looking at me like I was food and they hadn't eaten in days. Other stares were cold, and I could only assume they were the ones Lisa had talked about. Either way, I didn't have to be able to sense demons to know I was surrounded.

I barely breathed the entire time we walked to the conference room. I stared at the floor, not wanting to meet the gaze of someone who clearly had other things in mind than my protection. I kept my eyes on Lisa's heels, knowing she and James were leading me to safety.

When we finally reached the conference room, James paused outside the door long enough to tell us he was going to tell his boss I had arrived and then get started on his work. I didn't lift my gaze from Lisa's shoes, but someone must have nodded to him, because he didn't waste any time leaving.

Lisa opened the door before her and ushered me inside. Once the door closed behind us, I finally let myself breathe. Sebastian sat my purple suitcase on the floor and immediately wrapped his arms around me. I clung to him as Lisa locked the door and sighed.

"I apologize. I didn't think they would all be in the main hall and offices today. I assume they heard you were coming."

I peeked at Lisa, who seemed to be sincerely apologizing. I shook my head as I pulled away from Sebastian slightly. "No, don't be sorry. The way they look at me isn't your fault. Besides, you're doing everything you can to protect me. As long as they don't get close enough to hurt me, I can deal with them." My brain then decided to replay the images of their stares, and I cringed. "Hopefully," I added.

Lisa smiled a little. "Don't worry. They'll have to get passed me if they want to enter this room, and I don't go down easy."

I did my best to return her smile, and then we all sat in the room in silence.

None of us said a word for what felt like an hour or so. I sat in a chair at the table and Sebastian stood very close to my side. Lisa sat by the door, arms crossed, eyes closed. She appeared to be listening intently for danger, and I wasn't about to say anything that could disturb her.

Many people walked passed the conference room. Most of them always stopped for a moment to glance at me through the window. It wasn't until someone stared at me with hungry red eyes that made me jump from my seat that Lisa finally turned and pulled the blinds.

There were a few knocks on the door as well. Some of them Lisa excused herself for, and wasn't gone but for a moment or two before quickly returning. Others, she ignored when she saw their faces.

It wasn't until my phone rang at around noon that the silence in the room had broken. I opened my purse and retrieved my phone, answering it immediately.

"Hello?" I asked, trying my best to ignore Sebastian's and Lisa's stares.

"Chrystal? How are you? What's happening over there?"

I didn't answer right away. I was a little shocked to hear Sarah on the other end of the line rather than Jasmine.

"Chrystal? Are you there?"

I cleared my throat. "Yes, sorry. I'm alright. How are you?"

"Nevermind about me! Jasmine told us everything. Where are you now?"

I looked up to Lisa, who was shaking her head. She didn't want me to tell her. The one who practically raised me. I sighed.

"I'm sorry, Sarah, but I can't tell you."

"But-!" she started, then sighed. "I understand. But you're safe where you are?"

I nodded even though she couldn't see it, and smiled. "Yes, I'm perfectly safe. Thank you for your concern. I'll try to keep all of you as informed as I can."

"Alright. I'll take what I can get. I have to go, but we'll all talk to you soon."

"Okay. Love you guys."

I hung up a moment later and put the phone away just as there was yet another knock on the door. I felt my body tense as it did with each person that passed. Lisa peeked through the blinds and opened the door a moment later to reveal James. He was forcing a smile and in his hands were too bags from a fast food place in town.

"Hey," he greeted as he entered the room. "How are you holding up?"

I gave him my best fake smile. "I'm just fine, thanks. How's your day?"

The look he gave me revealed he knew my smile was fake, but he didn't press it. "Just been doing paperwork. I thought you might be hungry, so I went out and got us some lunch."

I nodded, this time giving him a real smile. None of us had felt safe to stop on the way to the station like we had planned, so I hadn't eaten anything yet.

I gratefully accepted the offered bag of food, then James sat down across from me with his own. He hadn't offered anything to Lisa or Sebastian, and I gave him a curious look as a result.

Before I could say anything, James spoke first. "Chrystal, don't say anything. I know what you're about to ask."

Lisa stood then. "James, are you sure now is a good time to-"

He looked at her for a brief moment. "Yes, I'm sure. She deserves to know everything."

Lisa hesitantly nodded, then sat back down, looking very submissive under James's stare.

"James? What's going on? What do I deserve to know?"

He looked my way and caught my gaze. His expression was more serious than I had seen in a while. It had me almost as nervous as the demons outside.

"Chrystal Foster," he began, "we need to have a talk."