"Come," Dante beckoned, "I want to show you something. "

"Wait...I'd thought you,-"

"I'd like to walk back for a while—unless you have something better to do? Your head seems fine and I have a robe you can borrow."

Ruby scoffed, "I obviously have totend to your shenanigans."

"I like that word," Dante said,extending his hand, "Oh, come now..As a human, you have no powers—Ineed to protect what's mine."

Ruby didn't want to argue—she just wanted away from the violence.

"Tell me about yourself, MissWeathers.."

"Do I have to?'

"As your authority, I demand it."

Ruby rolled her eyes—and she suddenly realized that even in his flesh form, Dante was a big man.

"I come from the humans."

"Well, no shit.."

"I like to play music."

"What sort of music?"

"Classical," Ruby said, "I play the piano."

"You should play it for me sometime."

"As you wish.."

"As I wish.." Dante chuckled, "I will get all of my wishes from you, little sparrow."

"Little sparrow.."

"Sparrows can withstand a lot ofbullshit," Dante said.

"Including yours?"

Dante smirked, "Touche.."

"Where are you taking me?"

"Just through the woods and to thewaterfalls," Dante said, "One of my favorite places in thevalley."

Ruby watched in awe as the dragonfriends and soldiers of Dante soared high above them.

"They're protecting us."

"They're protecting you."

"Well, you're with me so if somethinghappens to you, I will be very angry."

"Would you?"

"I haven't had my fill of you yet,sparrow."

"You're going to keep dreaming ofthat day, MY KING.."

"Say that again.."

"I am not your whore."

"Who says I am paying you?" Dantesmiled, "Having fun—having needs to be filled—wouldn't you wantthat from me?"

"Why would I?"

"You've no boyfriend—nohusband—no...are you being courted?"

Ruby sighed, "I am not.."

"See? Even though I'm surprised, Idon't have to kill anyone today."

"Excuse me?" Ruby stopped, "You'dkill my beau?"

Dante smiled, "Looks like I have tokeep you guessing."

They arrived at the falls, settlingdown on the bank as the water misted around them.

"How beautiful is this.." Rubysmiled, "I am at peace here."

"Then you can come here anytime you'dlike."

"I thought I was your slave," Rubyshook her head at the idea.

"I want you to be at peace—no needfor someone who doesn't want me to get their blood pressure up. Ican't have humans dying left and right on me and I don't fuck deadpeople."

"Gross..you're a gross man.."

"I am.." Dante chuckled, "Butyou're so turned on by me.."

"I am NOT turned on by the likes ofyou," Ruby turned to face him, "Are you sure I can really comehere whenever I want to?"

"With guards, yes.."

"But I,-"

"Now that I've taken an interest inyou, people will try anything," Dante told her, "This I assure you."