Part 8

Loki's advice makes you shiver.

Then you visit Ray's bedroom--

(What the-- no wait--)

You and Ray spend a night together?!

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Chapter 1

Loki looked back and forth between the two of us, and his smile suddenly faded away.

(Hmm?)

Loki: Hey, Ray.

Loki: Let me give you a piece of advice, for the sake of your sweet Alice here.

Loki: If she's important to you, don't take your eyes off her for even a second.

Ray: What's that supposed to mean?

Loki: It means you never know when the Red Army will try to make their move.

(Ack! Where did that come from?)

Loki: It's just a rumor, but--

Loki: I heard that the Red Army is very frustrated that they haven't managed to absorb the Black Army into their own ranks yet.

Loki: If this goes on much longer, they might come again, and try to use force this time.

Loki grinned again, his teeth gleaming in the darkness.

Loki: And if that happens, you do know who would be the biggest hindrance to them, don't you?

(If the Red Army wanted to attack and use their magic to sway the battle in their favor--)

(then the biggest hindrance would be me, since I can deflect their magic. Right?)

Loki: What I'm saying is that your Alice carries an air of danger about her, at all times.

Loki: She'll be the first one attacked on any battlefield.

Kiera: Loki, how do you know so much?

Loki: That's a trade secret.

Loki's smile was deep and full of meaning, but it was clear he wasn't going to tell me anything more.

Ray: Thanks for the advice.

Ray: But you don't need to worry. The Black Army and I will protect her.

Ray: We swore an oath.

Loki: Is that so? Well, that's a relief.

Loki: I'd certainly hate to see this sweet young lady come to any grief.

Loki: Say, Alice.

Kiera: Yes?

Loki: If you ever find yourself in trouble, don't hesitate to call on me.

Loki: And I'll need to return this to you one day, won't I?

Loki lifted his hand, lightly kissing the handkerchief I'd wrapped around his wound.

A moment later he was gone, as if he'd simply faded away into the darkness.

I frowned as I looked around, his words still echoing in my head.

(If the Red Army tries to attack the Black Army's headquarters again, then I--)

I stared down at my hands, feeling overwhelmed and a little frightened.

Kiera: Waaaah!

Suddenly Ray grabbed both my cheeks, squeezing them lightly.

Ray: What's with that face? You look like you lost your best friend.

Kiera: No, I don't! Let go!

Ray: Amusing as this is--

Ray let go suddenly, and I reached up to massage my cheeks.

(Geez, Ray!)

I scowled at him, annoyance overcoming my fear, but then he spoke again.

Ray: Don't worry. If we go into battle, I won't be taking you along.

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Chapter 2

Kiera: What? Why?

Kiera: I mean, that's our deal, isn't it? I use my powers to help you?

Ray: Look, the fact that we need your powers hasn't changed.

Ray: But you heard what Loki said.

Ray: If you go into battle with us, they'll attack you first.

Kiera: Yeah.

Ray: You're not just a shield to be used and tossed away. We have to protect you.

Ray reached up, gently tucking a lock of hair behind my ear.

Ray: So I'll decide when it's safe to ask for your help, and when it isn't.

I met his gaze directly, entranced by the determination I saw in his eyes.

All the things I'd wanted to say suddenly didn't seem to matter anymore.

Kiera: Okay.

Ray: Good.

Ray: Now, this might be a bit sudden, but--

Kiera: Hmm?

Ray: Can I get your help?

(Are you serious? This is all you meant when you asked for my help?)

Ray: Hey, I know you must be hungry and all, but-- you don't need to gulp it down.

We were sitting on Ray's bed, and I studied him as he watched his cat lap up cream from a bowl.

He'd asked me to bring him some cream from the kitchen, and it appeared that was all the help he wanted.

(I feel like you artfully dodged any further discussion about me using my powers, but--)

Ray looked so happy and at peace as he sat there watching his cat eat.

It just didn't feel right to bring up the topic again, and I decided to let it go.

Kiera: Hey, Ray?

Ray: Hmm?

Kiera: I've been thinking. There's a lot of cats in the Central Quarter, and you go visit them there, right?

Kiera: So why is he the only one who lives here?

Ray: Because he was being bullied.

Ray reached out and stroked his cat's head gently, and I heard a soft purr.

Ray: He used to live there as well, but he's always been a runt, even when he was just a kitten.

Ray: The other cats used to pick on him all the time. So it just happened, before I thought about it.

Ray: Maybe I shouldn't have brought him around an army, but--

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Chapter 3

Ray: It wasn't right for them to pick on him, just because he's different.

Kiera: You're right.

I reached out as well, gently stroking the cat behind his ears.

(Your eyes are so gentle, little kitty, and you look so happy.)

Kiera: You're a lucky boy, aren't you? Ray found you, and your whole life changed.

Kiera: There's nothing wrong with being different, is there?

Ray looked up from his study of the cat at last, his eyes moving toward me.

The cat was looking at me as well, his tail swishing slightly as if he agreed.

Ray: Yep, you're a weirdo.

Kiera: What for this time?

Ray: Nothing.

Ray looked away again, focusing firmly on the cat.

The cat butted Ray's hand with his head, seeking more pats, and the bell around his neck made a soft noise.

Kiera: Did Loki say his name was 'Belle'?

Kiera: It's not because he has a bell around his neck, is it?

Ray's head snapped up again, his eyes meeting mine.

(Wait a minute--)

Ray: So what if it is?

He looked so put-out that I couldn't help it; I burst out laughing.

-

"You're easier to read than I thought."

-

Kiera: Ray, you're easier to read than I thought.

Ray: Stop looking so pleased with yourself.

Ray: C'mon, stop laughing so much.

Kiera: I can't help it!

Ray: Seriously?

But no matter how much he glared at me, I couldn't stop laughing.

Suddenly he reached out and caught hold of my arm, yanking me toward him.

Kiera: Hey!

My face was pressed against his chest, and his arms held mine pinned to my sides.

Kiera: Let go, Ray!

Ray: This is just payback for laughing at me.

(Ray-- I don't think I've ever been this close to you.)

My heart was racing, and I lelt hyper-aware of how strong and muscular his body was.

I squirmed, trying to free myself of his grip, and he murmured in my ear.

Ray: The more you squirm, the longer I'll hold you still.

Kiera: You're such a bully!

Ray: I know.

(Argh, this is really messing with my head!)

I paused, trying to think of a good comeback, when something distracted me.

(What the--)

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Chapter 4

I felt a faint weight around my neck, and then Ray let go of me at last.

I sat back, looking down automatically to see what was going on.

To my surprise I found a delicate chain around my neck, with a beautiful emerald green pendant on it.

Kiera: Ray? What's this for?

Ray: It's just a collar.

Kiera: For what?

Ray: It's like Belle's. It's a symbol of me protecting you.

Kiera: C'mon, that's not a proper answer.

I frowned at Ray, looking him right in the eye, and after a moment he sighed.

Ray: I'm the only one who didn't give you anything for your room.

I blinked at him, thinking back to when all the members of the Black Army had helped prepare my room for me.

Fenrir and Seth had chosen my dresser for me, and Sirius had brought me a beautiful potted plant.

Even Luka had chosen some lovely cushions for me, and everything together made my room so much more special somehow.

Kiera: And that's why you got me this?

Ray: Well, it'd be boring if I just got you the same sort of thing they all did.

I was surprised by how happy I felt, but suddenly I couldn't stop grinning.

(I don't know what to say.)

Ray: Let me give you a piece of advice.

Ray: Why not just say 'thank you'?

Kiera: Are you serious?

Ray: I know those guys-- a few words of thanks will make them happier than all the money in your world.

Suddenly I knew exactly what to say, and the words came easily, filled with all the joy bubbling up inside me.

Kiera: Thank you, Ray. I'll treasure it.

Ray: Mmm.

I smiled at him, and then a soft chiming noise drew my attention.

I turned to look at the clock, and realized that it was midnight.

(Oh wow, I really need to get some sleep!)

Kiera: Ray, I'd better get back to-- hey!

Ray: Nnnnn--

Before I could stand up or even move, Ray flopped over casually, his head landing in my lap.

(What the-- no wait, what the--)

Kiera: Ray? RAY?!

I quickly leaned over, panic flooding through me.

(Wait a minute-- did you just fall asleep? In my lap? Seriously?!)

He was sound asleep, his breathing soft and regular, and I flopped back again with relief.

Kiera: Geez, Ray. Wake up. I can't move with you like this.

I frowned and reached down, trying to push his heavy body off me.

Ray: Nnnnn--

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Chapter 5

His eyes remained closed, but he reached up and patted me gently on the hand.

Kiera: Ray, I'm not a cat.

I gave up on trying to push him off and instead just studied his sleeping face.

He looked so much younger and gentler than he did when he was awake.

(When I first met you, I found you so difficult to read.)

(And then I saw how you acted to protect your people, and I was afraid of you.)

(But then, after all that, I found myself wanting to get to know you.)

(And now it feels different.)

(Now I want to know you even more. I want to know everything about you.)

(It's like the closer I get to you, the more I want to know. It's driving me crazy.)

I thought I knew what those feelings might be, but I was also afraid of the answer, and I turned to stare out the window instead.

But the sky was filled with clouds, and I couldn't see the moon at all.

18 days remained until the next full moon--

(Nnnnnnn--)

Faint sunlight struck my eyelids, and I opened them slowly.

Ray: So you're finally awake.

Kiera: Waaaaaaaaaah!

Ray's face was less than a handspan from mine, and I freaked out and leapt up, scrambling backward.

Kiera: Wait-- what-- how--

Ray: You were asleep on top of me, so I couldn't get up.

Ray: Why did you fall asleep in here?

I gasped suddenly as I remembered what had happened the night before.

Kiera: Actually, it was entirely your fault.

Ray: Say what?

Kiera: We were in the middle of talking, and then suddenly you fell asleep with your head in my lap.

Ray: Oh, is that what happened?

Ray: I can't stay up late.

(Seriously? That's all you have to say about it?!)

Ray didn't even seem to be aware of the way I was staring at him in disbelief.

He yawned and stretched as he climbed out of bed and headed for the door.

Ray: I'm so hungry.

Ray: Aren't you coming?

Kiera: I guess.

I climbed off the bed as well, and we stepped out into the corridor.

Luka & Sirius: Hmm?

Fenrir & Seth: What?

I must have had the worst luck possible, for the four of them just happened to be walking past.

(Good grief!)

I frantically searched my suddenly blank mind for words to explain.

Seth: Oh my goodness! What was Alice doing in your room, Ray?

Fenrir: Oi, boss! Is that how it is with you two?

They were both way too loud and way too excited, and I wasn't sure I could even get a word in edgewise.

(C'mon, Ray, help me out here. They're YOUR subordinates.)

I turned to look at Ray, desperately signaling him with my gaze to sort things out.

But to my horror he was smiling, and it was a mischievous smile.

His eyes were dancing and I suddenly knew he was planning something. Something awful.

Ray: Actually--