She blew hot air at her hair and stepped outside. Her internal organs felt like they were in a vice.

What I would give for some Ibuprofen, she thought miserably.

Cecilia started regretting the things she had said. It was uncalled for and rude. Brianna was probably furious with her. Things were just not right since she had come here.

Behind the Green Rooster was a small stable and corral where travelers stored horses. There were breeds Cecilia had never seen before. She leaned on the railing of the enclosed fence and watched the horses snuff the ground for loose grain or stray straw. One of the horses approached her to beg for a treat. Absently, she rubbed the animal’s velvet muzzle. The horse snorted and walked off upon discovering that Cecilia had no treats.

Cecilia’s face felt warm. She sniffed and crinkled her nose to force back tears. Why had everything suddenly turn out so wrong? Why did Brianna always take their side instead of hers? Had they grown apart in the year away at school?

Her thoughts made it harder to fight off the depression and tears. She continually rubbed her eyes.

“I just want to go home,” she hissed as her cramps riled up again.

“Pardon me, miss, are you all right?”

“I…I’ll be fine. I’m just in a bit of pain,” she replied without looking up.

“Trying to walk it off? That’s tough. Are you out here alone?”

Cecilia’s defenses clicked on and she tensed herself for action. That query was a red flag.

Her defense dropped for a moment as she stared at the tall, dark and handsome elven figure. His skin was a mocha tan and hair a burning orange. He wore a shirt that tightly hugged his form accenting his muscles. This elf might be a challenge to fend off.

“Are you alone?” he repeated when she did not respond right away. “It’s dangerous out here at dark. That is when the creeps come out.”

“Like you?” Cecilia responded without thinking.

The character flashed a grin, “Well put, well played. Not easily picked up on, are you?”

“No one has ever picked up on me,” Cecilia grumbled.

Her mind was telling her to leave right now and find Silvia and the others. They would be worried after awhile. However, she stayed. Perhaps it was curiosity or perhaps the elf was just charming her with a spell.

The elf smiled and his cat-gold eyes danced merrily with amusement.

“You play it safe then.”

“Look. I’m going to go now. It was nice talking to you.”

“Aidern. My name is Aidern, miss. Pleasure’s mine. May I ask for your name or will you disappear without a trace and ever remain a mystery?”

Cecilia half smiled and shook her head.

“I’m Cecilia. Good evening, Aidern,” she replied turning from him and starting to walk quickly.

Aidern kept up with her effortlessly thanks to long legs. Cecilia refused to turn her head.

“Now, now, we’re not really strangers anymore if we have introduced ourselves.”

“I suppose not, but what would you want with a young woman at this hour? If you don’t mind Aidern, I have friends waiting for me and I’m in a lot of pain right now.”

“The walking off isn’t working?”

“No. It isn’t.”

“Would you like some pain relievers? I do carry some.”

“Mama always told me never to take any candy from strangers. You think pushing drugs isn’t suspicious?”

“You are feisty and suspicious aren’t you?”

“Maybe I have reason to be.”

“Point. All right Cecilia, you win. I can not simply earn your trust in the normal way. But do tell me, how did you defeat Lucifer that night and send him back?”

Cecilia stopped marching just as she was about to open the door to the inn. Her heart pounded in her ears and her throat went dry.

“H-how do you know about that?”

“Ah, so I have guess correctly, you are THAT Cecilia,” Aidern smirked victoriously.

Cecilia rolled her eyes, but could not hide the fact that this was unnerving.

“Did Lucifer ever mention anything to you about me?” she asked.

Aidern shrugged, “I heard through the grapevine. Luminens never talk to Ignians, directly.”

“Ignians? What’s that?”

“Look, it’s getting late and I must be going. The people I was looking for are not here and Luminens have been prowling about. It’s not safe for me here,” Aidern smiled disappointedly. “You need to get back to your friends too.”

Cecilia watched Aidern turn away and head back to the horses. She considered in her mind what to do. Silvia could tell her about the Luminens or Sebastien might know. But why would Aidern fear a Luminen? Were they someone she should fear too?

She looked at the wooden door in thought. Inside she would have to face Brianna and the others again. But Aidern knew Lucifer. Perhaps they were friends. Perhaps Aidern was one of the elves from the meeting. Wait. She had heard his name before. Lucifer had gotten upset when Silvia mentioned his name. Aidern seemed pleasant enough, but so had Lucifer when she first met him.

“You push the door to open it,” Aidern called from a top his horse. It was the animal that had approached Cecilia.

Cecilia blushed and nodded. Aidern fished into one of the bags and pulled out a vial. “Catch!”

Cecilia failed to catch the vial but it had not broken.

“What is this?”

“Pain reliever. You need it more than I do. A little sip should do it.”

“This isn’t alcoholic is it?”

“No!” Aidern laughed. “Although that might work too if you can hold your liquor.”

“Not really,” Cecilia giggled. “Thank you.”

Aidern nodded and urged his horse into an easy trot.

Cecilia stared at the vial then back up at the retreating elf. He knew who she was somehow. Following him would be stupid and the others would worry. However, if she did want to follow him there was no time to tell them.

Cecilia took a sip from the vial. The liquid was tasteless to her great relief. She tucked it into her belt and jogged after the horse before it ran off.

“Wait…wait a minute, Aidern.”

“Please, I can’t be seen here.”

“Where are you going?”

“Back to my home in Ignac, why?”

“Can I come with you? I have questions for you.”

“It’s far. And what of your friends? They will wonder where you have gone, won’t they? They will hunt you down and it is not safe in Ignac. We are at war again with Pravignon.”

“I don’t hold any allegiance to any country here. This is not my home. I will sent a note to my friends not to worry. I will think of something. But you know something that you are not telling me,” Cecilia said.

Aidern glanced about himself then hoisted Cecilia behind him.

“To be honest from what I have heard of you, you may be able to help me. I will have someone trustworthy contact your friends and tell them of your whereabouts,” Aidern explained quickly.

Cecilia nodded and wrapped her arms around Aidern’s waist as he cued his horse onward.

“Hang tight, once we’re out in the open I’m going full speed. And I’ll warn you…it will get very hot.”

Cecilia nodded as she braced herself for the run.

Lucifer wearily pushed the door aside. The meeting had been long and no progress had been made. Ferrium had not been seen yet. No one seemed to know anything.

Glaraphim bounded from across the room to greet his father with a hug. Brianna and Silvia looked up from their discussion.

“Oh honey, you look tired,” Silvia cooed, pushing back Lucifer’s hair from his face.

“Yes. I’m glad you are here though. Anything new?”

Silvia eagerly tugged her husband to a seat and grinned widely, “There is very good news! Brianna and Cecilia have found our missing men.”

Lucifer’s ears perked up, “That is good news. Where are they?”

“Just next door,” Brianna motioned towards the wall. “They wanted to speak with you.”

“Well, I will speak with them then. Perhaps they know more than our sources. Where is Cecilia? Is she with them?”

“Ceese is outside, she needed to take a walk. She’s kinda upset,” Brianna answered sheepishly. “She had cramps.”

“Someone better get her back in here. It’s not safe at this hour. Horen is the Baron’s territory and we wouldn’t want her in the wrong hands”.

“If anyone could get hands on her,” Brianna smirked.

Lucifer nodded but his expression remained grim, “Nonetheless, she is still vulnerable. Go find her. I will talk to the princes.”

Lucifer left stiffly. Brianna turned to Silvia, wondering if she had said something wrong.

“Don’t worry. He’s in battle-mode now. He wants to make sure all of his chicks are safe in the nest,” Silvia replied to Brianna’s silent query.

Brianna smiled, “I’ll go get Cecilia then.”

Sebastien opened the door when Lucifer knocked. They exchanged a brief nod as greeting. Lucifer slid by and sat on one of the beds across from the two young princes.

“You are still in hiding?” Lucifer asked furtively.

“Yes. Is there trouble back home? Have any advances been made?”

“Advances no, but developments, yes. The weapon has been mobilized and moved from the border of Lucior where it was under our protection. It would be difficult to steal the weapon due to its massive size, but our enemies have regained it. The weapon will be used against several main targets, Pravignon being high on the hit list. None of our spies nor allies have seen the weapon since. Its exact location is unknown as well as the first target and who actually has it,” Lucifer explained wearily.

He had been discussing the matter for most of the day and it was tiring to continually repeat his information. The questions would remain unanswered.

“Cecilia mentioned something about a Columbo,” Antoine said. “She probably could give us some clue. Sounds like she was there when the weapon was taken.”

“Brianna is fetching Cecilia as we speak,” Lucifer mentioned off-hand. “You say she saw Columbo there? Did she mean the Abbot?”

Antoine shrugged in reply.

“That is a clue I did not have before. If we can assume it is the same Columbo, then the Baron knows something. The weapon would be traveling through Horen. I would suspect. You have some personal history with the Abbot do you not?” Lucifer asked.

“He was our tutor many years ago. Columbo left when he was elected as abbot,” Sebastien answered.

Lucifer was about to say something else when someone frantically knocked at the door. Sebastien assumed it was Brianna and opened it quickly.

“Cecilia’s gone!” Brianna exclaimed with horror as soon as the door opened.

“What do you mean gone?” Sebastien asked.

“I looked all over. She’s not with Silvia, or the kitchens, or the lobby, or anywhere outside the building.”

“Sh-sh,” Lucifer hushed and rested a hand on Brianna’s shoulder. “She would not wander too far. Antoine? You have some mild tracking skills do you not?”

“For game and deer, not women,” Antoine admitted. “I’ll go take a look anyway”. He grumbled and pulled a hood over his head again.

“Join Silvia in our room for a moment, we can discuss our plans there. I will help Antoine for a little while,” Lucifer suggested, herding Brianna and Sebastien out the door.

“What’s going on?” Silvia asked, as she stood out in the hallway.

“I will be back shortly, my dear. Cecilia’s been gone too long. She may have some useful information for us.”

Lucifer quickly followed Antoine before Silvia could argue.

“Oooh, if I weren’t so huge I would be able to chase him down. Let’s get settled then children,” Silvia pouted.

Outside, Antoine kept his distance from Lucifer. He had not fully forgiven the elf for the assassination attempt last year. Lucifer for the time being politely complied to the distance.

Antoine paced about the stables, looking intently at the sandy ground. Amidst the horse prints he could see where some of Cecilia’s foot prints. Her feet, he had noted, were small and she walked heavily on her heels. The trail paced around the various doors of the Inn but could be found no where else.

“She was out here for awhile,” Antoine said. “But I don’t see her trail leading away from the Inn.”

“Perhaps she’s back indoors,” Lucifer suggested.

“Maybe, but there are some other prints here. Larger ones. They might be Brianna’s, but they follow Cecilia’s trail rather closely. Someone else might have been here. Hard to tell though, the footprints already have been filled in with sand. There are too many horse prints around here. That’s expected though, this is the stable,” Antoine reported, dusting off his sleeve.

Lucifer sighed with dismay, “Then there is a possibility she was kidnapped”.

“Like I said before, I highly doubt it. Even an Ignian would think twice before approaching her. The girl has fangs.”

“The girl is still a girl,” Lucifer said grimly. “She is spirited I give her that and aggressive, but she has her limits. It would take you very little effort to snap her arm. You just do not because you have your honor, but the Ignians do not.”

“You think I’m giving her too much credit then,” Antoine smirked.

“She’s smart, I’ll give her that. Clever and cunning. I want to give her all of my faith, but I can not. I was able to fool her and it wasn’t terribly difficult. Cecilia is a woman and she feels.”

“Right, right. You were able to charm the Viper so you get bragging rights,” Antoine scoffed and walked towards the back of the Inn. “I can’t find her now. We can look when it’s lighter.”

“You are going to give up your search so quickly?”

“Like I said, it’s too dark. Her trail doesn’t wander beyond this Inn. We might just be over-reacting. You’re being antsy.”

“Perhaps you do not realize the scope of danger we currently live in.”

“Trust me, Lord Lucifer, I am perfectly aware of what’s going on. I am not responsible for Cecilia. We have to accept our limits and carry on with what we what we have and hope to God she’s all right. I’m very tired now. Good Night,” Antoine snapped and retreated quickly indoors.

Lucifer blinked slowly and returned inside to announce their failure to the rest of the group.

“I do hope you are right, Antoine.”

Cecilia felt her head grow light and her body starting to go limp. She had not taken Aidern’s warning seriously. The horse’s body had grown hot as a sauna and likewise Aidern’s body grew oily. He was quick to catch her before she tumbled.

“Just a bit farther, just hold on a little longer,” she barely heard him say.

At a gatehouse, he pulled his horse to a halt and knocked on the door.

“Iggy? Iggy are you up? I need you to rouse the Lady. Iggy?”

“Aye, aye I’m up, sir. What’cha need at this hour?”

“I need a messenger, quick. Someone who will be trusted by the Luminens, so fetch the Lady of Valon. Tell her she needs to travel to the Green Rooster then she must return to the check point, alone, within the next three days.”

“What’s the message? Something private?”

“The message is this: Cecilia is safe, but shall not be joining her companions anytime soon.”

“Any other orders sir?”

“If the Lady wishes, she may follow them for a time and learn of their motives before reporting back to me. Now, go, we need to stop here for a bit of privacy”.

“Sir, yes, sir,” the gate keep saluted and winked.

Aidern sat Cecilia upright against the gatehouse and dabbed her head with a wet clothe.

“Apologies, I did not have the liberty to explain to you the effects of riding an Ignian horse. Their blood boils as they run and they give off unbearable heat so that only we associated with fire can withstand. Although, all things considered, you lasted a long while.”

Cecilia nodded wearily, wanting very much to voice a question but found no voice.

“Don’t strain yourself. This is only a brief stop and we’re off again. My messenger should reach your friends tomorrow morning at best. I am sure they won’t leave without news of you.” Aidern continued, wiping off his own forehead. “Here, have some water. I have a safe house nearby. We can get you into some clean clothes and a soft bed. You can ask your questions tomorrow.”

Cecilia rubbed her eye and nodded again. She could not talk even if she wanted to.

“You may ride up front and I’ll hold you for the remainder of the journey. Come now. The moon is still high and we can make good time.”

Cecilia staggered to her wobbly legs. Aidern lifted her effortlessly onto the horse’s back before sliding on himself. He wrapped one arm around her bust and pulled her into his body.

She could hear the thumping of his heart and the quickness of his breath as the horse raced on. He grew warm and oily again, but the excitement in his breathing and the motion of the horse beneath her gave Cecilia a sense she had never known before. The heat did not bother her as it had before. She willingly let herself melt in his arms.

“Wake up! We are almost there. Look lively. And please, just play along,” he whispered.

Cecilia was still trying to get her bearings straight when two heavily armed elves pointed spears at Aidern’s throat.

“The General has found you out of bounds again, Lord Aidern,” one elf barked.

Aidern shoved the spears away and snarled, “You speak out of line to your commander. What is it to the General that I stoke fires during the night?”

The elves expressions changed into snide grins, which Aidern returned with a haughty smirk.

“Could not leave her behind?” the other elf pressed.

“A bit young this one. And human to boot. You have odd taste, milord.”

“This one was a particular interest of an old friend of mine,” Aidern answered. “And her face may look young, but her hips are another matter. She’s a feisty one, had to go through a good tussle.”

Cecilia finally caught onto what the conversation was about. It was disgusting and making her angry.

“Stop…talking…I am NOT your whore,” she growled.

The three men laughed.

“Her spirit is returning milord, best you tame her down.”

“Then let me through. Tell the general I have taken a hostage if you must report something. Snatched her right under Lucifer’s nose,” Aidern declared. “And you my little filly, must be reminded of who sits in your saddle. Let’s have another ride. Don’t make me bring out the spurs.”

Sloppily, Aidern kissed Cecilia behind the ear. Cecilia shivered and squealed in surprise. Instinctively she swatted at Aidern. The elf urged the horse forward leaving the two guards in delighted snickers.

“You fucking creep! Get off me! Get your hands OOH! I said keep your hands off, mister or I’ll bash your face until it comes out the other side of your fat head! EYUGH!!” Cecilia continued to protest and struggle as Aidern nuzzled and groped, until they were behind the stables.

“Well played, very convincing,” Aidern grinned and wiggled his ears delightedly.

Cecilia struck him across the face and shoved him off the horse. The horse shied and Cecilia stumbled off.

“If…you try anything like that again I swear I’ll rip your balls off!” Cecilia threatened.

“I’m not going to mate with you,” Aidern rolled back onto his feet and offered to assist Cecilia up.

“In your dreams,” Cecilia retorted, refusing his help.

“It was the only way to get you past the guards. I didn’t expect them there. Pops is keeping a much closer eye on me than I realized. Blames our previous failure of the war on me. Which to be fair, is entirely true. Come, now they won’t question you.”

“That was the best you could come up with?” Cecilia growled with her hands on her hips. “You picked up a slut off the streets for fun? What idiot would believe that?”

“They did,” Aidern laughed. “Trust me. Any talk of the action they’re definitely not getting is enough to fog their heads. I’ve been around the bend a few times.”

“So it would seem,” Cecilia growled.

“I apologize for upsetting you.”

“No…that’s not good enough. I don’t trust you anymore.”

“That’s your own fault. You want those answers then this is how it has to be. Come along. If we don’t get into my tent they’ll grow suspicious.”

“I’m not going to play this game with you,” Cecilia hissed.

“Fine. You can stay out here and deal with those two on your own if they begin to pry,” Aidern said sternly.

Cecilia was stunned to silence. Would he really leave her just because she would not play along?

“Do you understand that under my roof, you play by my rules? Do you understand that I am protecting you?”

Wordlessly, Cecilia nodded.

“Good, now that we have an accord, join me in my tent,” Aidern said seizing her arm.

Aidern roughly escorted Cecilia into his spacious war tent. The door was set in a wooden frame and could be bolted. There were few windows but the material of the tent allowed a good silhouette to be cast. Aidern lit a lamp with a snap of his fingers, illuminating the rest of the tent. It contained three rooms, like a small hut. The top of the tent loomed high over head. The main room was larger than the bedrooms at the Inn.

“Your bed will be there,” Aidern pointed. “There are dresses in the chest for you to change into. I will be over there in that compartment. Through that flap is a wash area and toilet. And this is my dining room and office.”

The main room or “office” held only a table and chair with boxes of maps, charts, and letters. A stand with armor stood just behind the desk along with a rack of vicious looking weapons.

From one of the chests in the room, Aidern fished out a large flask and two goblets.

“Something to drink?”

“Water would be great.”

“Don’t be silly now, you need some more color in your cheeks.”

“I will color yours red, just water.”

“Aggressive. I like that in a woman.”

“Will you stop that? Seriously! It’s disgusting and rude.”

“Honestly, it’s a compliment. You were able to stand up to Lucifer and stay alive. Do you know how many people can say that?” Aidern snapped, holding the goblet inches from Cecilia’s nose.

The sudden movement startled Cecilia into accepting the cup.

“D-do you know him? Lucifer?” the fire dying out of her voice.

Aidern’s eyes flared for a moment, but upon Cecilia’s timid expression they softened. He poured himself a glass of the wine and approached Cecilia. He clicked her glass and sipped his drink.

“I know him more than I want to. I can explain more later. Take your drink, wash up, change and join me in my chambers and we will talk if you wish,” Aidern said.

“N-no funny business, right?”

“No funny business. Take your time,” Aidern said mildly and disappeared into his chambers.

Cecilia’s throat felt dry even after the drink. A hundred red flags were going up and her instincts told her to run, to get out of there. She scolded herself for being so foolish. Why did she insist on following Aidern? Why did she not stay with Brianna and the others? She could end up dead by the morning or worse. Cecilia whimpered to herself hoping that someone she knew would show up.

This was her own fault, she walked right into this one. Cecilia washed her face and held back tears until she entered her chambers.

The room was a pile of pillows and blankets. A single chest sat at the far end of the room. A washing basin and pitcher sat on a table along with a sleek dagger. Cecilia snatched up the weapon and stared at her reflection in the black blade. Her eyes were stinging with the advent of tears. They rolled down her cheeks as she hugged the dagger to herself.

I will kill him if he tries anything, she resolved setting the dagger back and opening the chest. Cecilia sorted through the silky and sheer fabrics. Everything was practically transparent. This had to be some sort of trap or cruel joke.

Maybe if I don’t go over to his chambers I’ll be safe, Cecilia reasoned, putting the clothes back. She removed the jacket that Silvia had given her and curled up against one of the pillows. Cecilia trembled and hiccupped with little sobs, clutching the dagger close to her.

Hours seemed to have passed. The low lights and wine made her grow drowsy. But Cecilia would not let herself fall asleep. She could not let her guard down.

“Cecilia, are you awake?”

She did not answer. When she heard him lift the flap to her chamber, she quickly shut her eyes and pretended to sleep.

Aidern hovered over her for a second, “Worn out already? I should have known.”

He unrolled a blanket and covered Cecilia and carefully plucked the dagger away.

“I know this is difficult for you to believe, but I do need your help Cecilia and I can not afford to hurt you,” he whispered into her ear.

The tone of his voice was soothing and his breath tickled her ear. Involuntarily, Cecilia shuddered and let out a little squeak.

Aidern chuckled, “I can tell you are not sleeping, but I will respect your wishes. If you change your mind, I will wait for you. I do not wish to frighten you. But time is not on my side, forgive me if I seem demanding.”

He brushed some her dark hair away from her face and wiped a tear. Then as he said, he left, taking the heat with him. Cecilia lay awake debating what to do. Aidern might be trying to fool her. Lucifer had been crafty with words and promises before.

A loud smack from the other chamber made Cecilia jump. Aidern groaned in what sounded like pain. The hitting and begging noises continued, making Cecilia’s heart race. Perhaps he was in trouble. Had those guards set a trap? Cecilia slowly crawled out of her room and into the main chamber. The noises were clearer and more terrible than before.

Aidern was suppose to give her answers and he could not very well do that if he was dead. Cecilia pulled one of the swords off the rack and against her common sense approached the flap of Aidern’s chamber. The moans and groans grew intense.

“No, no! Oh, oh please, stop. No! Ooohhhh ohhhh!” Aidern gasped in a high voice.

Why does he sound so girly, was the only thought Cecilia had before charging in with sword in hand.

Aidern moved just in time to dodge the blade.

“What in blazes? Don’t sneak up on me like that, naughty, naughty girl!” Aidern barked.

Cecilia’s face turned bright red as she realized that Aidern was not wearing any clothes. She squeezed her eyes shut.

“Sorry!” she squeaked still gripping the sword.

“And you aren’t suppose to grab at my sword like that,” Aidern scolded knocking it out of her grip. “Damn you’re sneaky,” he whispered.

Aidern wrapped himself in blankets and sat on his pillows. “Sit down,” he commanded. “Decided to join my show?”

“I thought someone was attacking you,” Cecilia confessed, venturing to open one eye.

Aidern bit his finger to suppress laughter. Cecilia blushed brighter.

“I had to play both parts, “ Aidern winked.

“You were hitting yourself?”

“Well, had to make it sound convincing.”

“How do you know they were listening?”

“One of them grumbled outside my chamber how unusually quiet you were,” Aidern smirked.

“Okay, never mind. I think I’m going to throw up.”

“Happens. So, finally decided to venture over here.”

“I thought you were in danger.”

“I am flattered by your concern. And honored by your willingness to defend my well being. Not many would risk such a thing,” Aidern admitted. “Please, come closer. Sit here next to me.”

“What are you going to do?” Cecilia demanded suspiciously.

“I’m going to hold you next to me. They’re approaching again.”

“I don’t hear them.”

Aidern dimmed the lantern so that Cecilia could see the faint reflection of the torches drawing near.

“I know this bothers you a great deal and this certainly is not helping our discussion of important matters. But their orders come from higher up and I have no command over them.”

“Isn’t there another way?” Cecilia whined.

“Shush, too late now. Get down now, cover your ears if you must. I promise I’m not going to hurt you and I won’t touch you.”

Cecilia could still hear Aidern’s obscene noises as he hovered over her. Her eyes were squeezed shut trying to picture anything else. She could not help but be terrified. Unbidden, she sobbed and gasped for air. Aidern said something but she could not discern it. He pulled her up by her shoulders.

“Cecilia. Cecilia, open your eyes. They’re gone,” Aidern tried to reassure her.

She opened one eye suspiciously, but could not hide her embarrassment.

“They’re gone. All right? Calm down now. Take a deep breath and let it out slowly.”

Cecilia did as Aidern ordered and slowed her breathing down. She rubbed her eyes, feeling like a small, lost child.

Aidern’s fingers rubbed the back of her neck, “Sh, there, there now. Don’t be upset now. I suppose now would not be the right time for talking. I will put some clothes on and you can sleep in here. I’ll keep watch tonight so we don’t have to repeat this.”

Cecilia hiccupped and nodded, thanking God that Aidern had not done anything to her physically.

The elf smiled with that sincerity that had fooled her before. Unlike Lucifer, she did not trust his face. He looked too exotic and too handsome. However, her opinion changed when she glanced over her shoulder at him again. Aidern was just pulling a shirt over his head when Cecilia gasped.

He turned on her as she covered her mouth and turned red.

“Oh…you saw what’s left of my back,” Aidern chuckled.

“Yes…I mean…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stare,” Cecilia apologized.

Aidern smiled widely, “Like you, I am one of the few who has survived an encounter with Lucifer. It left a lasting mark. But it should answer your question why I had to leave Iyad so swiftly.”

“You knew Lucifer was there,” Cecilia said.

Aidern nodded slowly, “You’re sharp.”

“Then why travel there in the first place.”

“Because I have been searching…for the heirs of Pravignon.”

“What for?”

“It will take awhile to explain, we will have more time tomorrow. I was going to kill them both, but running into you might change their luck,” Aidern’s expression grew devious.

Cecilia could not hid her surprise, “Why? Why kill them?”

“The reason is complicated both politically and personally. I will have to explain things to you in more detail tomorrow when we reach my villa. Right now, you need rest. Or we will have to spend another night with our horny friends.”

That was reason enough for Cecilia not to press the matter. It still made her uneasy. She wanted to have faith in Aidern, but she was afraid of him. He had already proven that he was strong, intelligent, and willing to do whatever was necessary to get his way.

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