The journey back to the desert tribe was too long and torturous for Lucien to handle.

The captain of the ship had an unfortunate case of seasickness and was too weak to direct their way back home, leaving only him to navigate the rough waves of the Rovien Sea.

The Rovien Sea, once a famous landmark for water battles and unspeakable torture, was now surrounded by ashes and ruins of its murderous past.

The waves rose high, crashing down on the boat as Lucien made attempts to at least make it to the shore. The short arrival to the Kingdom of Serius was a foreshadowing of the eight days of hell he faced on the dark sea trying to steer his way back.

On the fourth day, the captain, a soul siphon with the healing powers of a BloodBone Witch got caught in the ropes while trying to raise the sail high.

Needless to say, he had a rough fall as he missed a step and plummeted into the waves below.

Well, at least he lived a good life. May his soul rest.

Lucien steadied himself and pushed through waves, sea monsters, and a crowd of flesh-eating sirens until he reached the shores of the desert on the eighth day.

The walk across the desert was torturous and his legs were numb. His fingers were cut as he dragged himself through the hot morning and cold nights, tolerating the bites from desert maggots and acid lizards.

Food supply was low and he reduced himself to nothing but munching on the few seeds he came across and the last bottle of Ihaki wine he had bought in the fruit market.

Throughout the journey, his mind wandered back to Yagein Washli. The fear in her eyes and the poison in her words as she warned him. The way his lungs burned and his body bent as she kept him underwater, waiting for him to die. The memories of it sent a chill down Lucien's spine.

But what could she want with Venix? How did she know Venix in the first place? Did Venix know her?

"She is the answer to it all."

"Find her and kill her."

Those words were forever ingrained in his memory in the way she spat them at him, the cold tone of her voice confirming that she meant every word she said.

The headache in his head was growing stronger the more he thought about it, relief flooding his body when he saw the peaks of the brass gate. Despite his dry throat and blistering skin, he used the last bit of energy he had and threw himself on the gate just as the sun began to rise.

Sensing his magic, the gate opened just enough for him to slip through, a cold wind greeting him. He paused momentarily, cracking the bones of his neck before he dragged himself across the desert ground, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow. It was too early for anyone to be up, the silence deafening as pebbles crushed underneath his boot.

Running his fingers through his hair, Lucien turned to head towards his room but the grumble of his stomach pulled him towards the dining hall, desperate for anything to famish his aching stomach.

The stone building was surrounded by four pillars, overgrown vines growing around it. Stones and dead grass lined the stairs of the entrance just as he pushed through the double doors, the smell of fresh meat and food catching his attention. An unintentional snarl came from his lips, his eyes searching for the source of the smell.

The hall was empty as he entered, his eyes shifting left and right to make sure no one was there. His eyes landed on a platter of grilled meat in the middle of the hall, on top of one of the long tables. He could still trace the steam that was rising from it, suggesting it had been cooked no too long ago.

Whoever was slaving in the back of the kitchen were blessed and diligent as it was far too early to be preparing breakfast already. His stomach growled at the scent, hunger turning him into a ravenous animal as he stalked over to the table.

He sat down, his manners escaping him as he grabbed a nearby fork and sunk it into the large portion of meat. He tore through the large chunks with his sharp teeth as he devoured the food at a rapid pace, the smell of meat and the metallic taste of blood from his split lip entering his mouth. A small growl emanated from his mouth as he looked down at his hands, rubbing the oil in between his fingers.

He hated the being he was now, how he was driven by his hunger as he threw caution to the wind. Usually so neat and proper, the reflection of what he had become now after being starved for a week repulsed him. Sighing, he licked the remanents of meat off his fingers.

At least no one was around.

Throwing his disappointment aside, he grabbed another large slab of meat, tearing it into it without a second thought.

"Well, there goes my breakfast."

At the sound of a voice, his eyes snapped open and he looked up to see Venix emerging through the back entrance of the dining hall, leaning against the black curtains. Her arms were crossed over her chest, a book tucked in between her arms. She smirked as she observed him, brows raised up.

"Fuck" was all he could manage to whisper as she moved towards him, biting on her lips to suppress her laugh.

"Please. Don't stop on my account. I am quite a good cook" she said as she made herself comfortable, sitting across from him. She crossed her legs over and set the book down, tapping her black talons on the hardcover.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know" he said, his cheeks burning red as he set the fork down. He pushed the plate of meat towards her, wiping his mouth with the back of his shirt sleeve. "It's all yours."

"Well, you got a head start before me. Only fair that I share. I'm sure you must be starved" she explained, setting the plate in between them. She grabbed another fork and tore into the meat, moaning to herself as she tasted her own cooking.

"After traveling for eight days to get back here, I am beyond starved," Lucien said as he continued to eat, nodding his head. She managed a small smile, chuckling to herself as she nodded.

"I think staying with Rheynoak can rival that sense of hell but I can see where you are coming from" she scoffed, sucking on the prongs of the fork. Her violet eyes flickered to meet his gaze, holding it for what seemed like forever. Her brows drew together, lips pressed as she looked him up and down.

Lucien swallowed hard and held her stare, Yagein's words ringing in his ear the longer he stared at her. She swept her white locks over her shoulders and hummed once again before shaking her head.

Then a smirk before she muttered, "Welcome back, Lucien."

It was all he could do but laugh as he nodded, feeling the heavyweight on his chest become lighter. "Thank you," he said, moving his eyes from her face. "Glad to be back."

His gaze landed on her neck, frowning at the fading red circle on her skin. He continued his journey down to her hands to see fresh scars cutting through her skin, jagged with dried blood and healing flaps of skin.

His chest ached as he looked up to meet her eyes again, raising his brow.

"I thought your scars healed" he uttered, briefly remembering the jagged array of scars she displayed to him before he left.

"They did" she replied, shrugging. "But these are fresh from yesterday." She raised her hand to him, flashing the wounds in the early morning sun. "You know how Rheynoak is. Demented, psychotic, and a sadist. He gets pleasure from our pain" she sneered, curling her fingers inward.

The crack of her fingers as she stretched it out confirmed his suspicions. "I'm sorry. He shouldn't have pushed you. I've been trying to reason with him about the extended training time but he doesn't seem to listen to me as much as he did before."

"That's Rheynoak. Stubborn and thinks he is right about everything," she explained, shaking her head. "So how was your vacation?"

"Mission" Lucien corrected.

The witch rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say."

An amused laugh came from his lips as he shook his head, watching as she delicately tore a piece of meat in half.

His eyes fell to the book on the table, tracing the intricate designs on the cover. "What's that for?" he asked, pointing to the book with his fork.

"Answer my question first, curious one" she pushed, repeating the name he had called her before he went on his mission.

Warmth swarmed his body instantly.

"It was a nightmare. Something I've come to regret" he confided, lowering his tone. This time, her eyes lit up, her face moving closer to his. His body seized as she cocked her head to the side, raising a brow.

"Really? Do tell" she purred, a smirk on her face.

Lucien swallowed hard, his mouth dry as she stared him down. He could feel the words he wanted to say stick to the roof of his mouth, a cold sweat breaking on his face as he looked away.

Venix is not a good person. She's dangerous.

Yagein's words rang in his head as he pulled away from her, shrinking back into his seat. He looked at her, really looked at Venix and her waiting eyes growing impatient.

Deep down, he wanted to tell her everything. The horrors he had witnessed, the moment he thought he was going to die, coming face to face with a notorious witch queen.

Every single detail.

But beyond that, a voice told him not to. Even though he hated himself for considering Yagein's words, he couldn't deny the effect they had on him.

The words were a sign. A warning.

He couldn't trust anybody around him.

Not even Venix.

"I can't" he finally whispered to her. "I can't tell you."

Her face contorted into a questioning glare, pulling back with a confused frown. "Why not? Is it because our kind is not to be trusted?"

"No. That's not the reason" he reassured her, shaking his head. "I just can't. Rheynoak certainly won't be happy I disclosed confidential information to you. Some things were said and I can't fully comprehend them myself. Until I figure it out, I can't tell you. For your safety."

"I can handle myself around Rheynoak just fine and I can help you comprehend what was said" she insisted, tapping on her book. "I'm very good at-"

"No, you can't Venix. I don't need your help this time. I can't tell you" he hissed, shaking his head. He dropped the fork on the table, pulling himself up from the seat.

He looked at her, took in her pinched face and pressed lips, and sighed, looking down at the table. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It was foolish of me to think you were any different from Rheynoak" she whispered, pulling her book closer to her. "Turns out, you find me just as useless as he does."

"I don't think you are useless, Venix. Never that. It's just-"

She put a hand out to stop him. "Leave. Just go report to Rheynoak like you always do. You are his servant after all" she said, opening the book. He watched as she continued to eat, her eyes mindlessly scanning the words in front of her.

He sighed, ignoring the throbbing pain in his chest as nodded his head. "Enjoy the rest of your day, Venix" he uttered, bowing his head before he left through the back exit.

If there was ever a time I wanted to die, it's right now.

Lucien thought this to himself as he entered Rheynoak's office, seeing the strapping brunette that was pressed against the desk. Her back was turned to him, the back of her dress torn to reveal the length of her spine underneath.

He couldn't see her face but he could hear the curses that slipped from her lips, moans filling the office.

"Rheynoak?" he called out to his friend, only being able to see the top of his head as he descended to his knees.

Two tanned hands grabbed the curve of the woman's thighs, hiding himself in between her legs.

A scarlet shade consumed Lucien's face as he realized what was going to happen next, his hands curling into fists.

"Rheynoak!" This time he slammed his fist against the doors, startling the girl. She turned around in surprise, her hands flying to her chest and her eyes wide as she made eye contact with him.

A deep sigh was heard as Rheynoak emerged from her legs, an annoyed look on his face. "You've returned" he greeted, shifting his attention to the brunette.

He cupped her face, reaching down to tie up her dress. "We'll continue this later," he said, pressing a kiss to her lips. She nodded, a smile on her face as she slipped off the desk and turned around to make her leave.

Her eyes were on the ground, her cheeks bright red as Lucien moved aside for her, watching as she made a frantic exit.

"Well, don't you look dreamy" Rheynoak teased as he fixed his shirt and zipped up his pants, rolling the sleeves of his shirt. "This better be worth interrupting my time."

"I would hope so. I have some information concerning the siphon in Serius" he informed, walking across the room. He situated himself in a seat across from the tribe leader, careful not to lean against the desk.

"Inform me" he requested, fixing the curls of his hair.

"Her name is Alesandria Erovex. She resides in the Nyuels Village near the river facing the town square. She is said to be in the market, usually selling or buying things."

"So she is poor and in need of money. Nothing I haven't encountered before" he said to himself, waving a hand at him. "Continue."

"From what I've heard, her display of powers started a while back when she would release strange bursts of lights in instances she felt threatened or overwhelmed. She has caused fires and other catastrophes, destroying markets and killing people. No one has seen her for weeks but at night and she's not out for long before the Black Magrus and other creatures attack her."

Rheynoak sighed as he got up from his seat, pacing back and forth. "So all this information and you failed to capture her? This girl is a threat!"

The accusation in his voice sent a burst of anger shooting through Lucien's body. He felt his hands shake, resisting the urge to strangle him so that he couldn't yell, speak anymore.

It would bring peace to his mind for a few minutes.

But he took a deep breath, shaking his head as he regained his restraint. "I'm sorry. I failed you."

"Nothing new there" Rheynoak replied, crossing his arms over his chest. "But now I know what we have to do."

Lucien furrowed his brows together, seeing the wicked gleam in the tribe leader's eyes as he began to contemplate a plan. A chill ran down his spine, holding him in place as he feared the worst was yet to come.

Death was looming near.

When he didn't say anything, Rheynoak sighed, uncrossing his arm. "I swear, Lucien. Sometimes, I think you are a dog. You need to be told what to do."

The tribe leader sat down on his desk, toying the pen on the table. "We need to send someone who knows the mind of a Mind Siphon. Someone who can connect and lure her into a trap. Someone devious and wicked enough to do so."

The tribe leader lifted a brow and Lucien knew the answer buried in his eyes before he even said it.

"Someone like Onyx Ashrevion" Lucien said, completing his thoughts.

The tribe leader nodded, unfolding his arms. "Great suggestion. Maybe you aren't so clueless" he said. "We'll tell her about the mission tonight and she will be on the next ship to Serius in the next few days. Let her know after training today."

"Aren't you afraid she might perish during the mission? It's dangerous to send her alone by herself. Someone should accompany her" Lucien suggested.

Rheynoak shook his head, a frown pulling on his face. "She's done worse. Onyx knows how to handle herself" he reminded him, closing his suggestion.

The tribe leader slid off his desk, opening one of the drawers and pulling out a book. "I only hope she's not preoccupied with that awful BloodBone to keep her distracted."

At the mention of Venix's name, Lucien was reminded of her scars and the anger he had felt before returned, lighting a comfortable fire in his chest.

"What did you do to Venix?" he asked, curling his shaking hands into a fist.

Rheynoak stopped his movements, looking up to meet his intense glare. "Venix" he whispered, chuckling as he said her name. "Why should she concern you?"

Lucien's frown deepened and he got up, moving closer to the leader until his palms were pressed against the desk, eyes stagnant and arms trembling. "I saw her at the dining hall today with scars as fresh as day. I know it was your doing. What did you do to her?"

Rheynoak held his glare, a chuckle coming from his lips as he stepped around his desk and placed himself in front of Lucien. His eyes were burning, his face cold with no remorse as he clicked his teeth together as if to confirm what he had been accused of.

His fingers curled around Lucien's shirt, restricting the fabric around his neck. His words were sharp, his tone laced with anger as he whispered in his ear, "Perhaps you have forgotten your place so let me remind you. Stop frolicking with her. If I were you, I would stop worrying about that overgrown wretch witch and focus on our mission. She is none of your concern."

With that, Rheynoak threw him to the ground. Lucien cried out as his body hit the floor, holding his stomach in pain as the tribe leader stooped in front of him, dangling a pen point in his hand.

"She's nothing to you" he seethed before leaving the office, slamming the door shut.

Venix's back pressed against the wall as she held her breath. She watched from behind the pillar she was pressed against as Rheynoak brushed past her, turned a corner, and disappeared.

A sigh of relief came from her lips as she refocused her attention on the door of his office, feeling her heart pound in her chest as she recalled the conversations she had overheard.

Rheynoak had always been an egomaniac who never thought twice about what he said. This wasn't surprising to anyone who knew him well.

What she couldn't wrap her head around was why he would risk his only Mind Siphon for a woman he barely knew. A woman who was accused of being an immortal being with no proof. A woman who wasn't as strong or bright or remotely skilled to replace Onyx.

The witch stepped away from the pillar, facing the double doors to his office. There was no way she would allow her friend to embark on a journey across the sea to find a wretched woman she didn't even know and risk her life for her.

No way in hell. She would chain Onyx to the fucking gate if it meant she wouldn't leave.

Not waiting for another second, she pulled the knob, chanting a spell to unlock it from the inside. It fell limp in her hands and the doors creaked open enough for her to slip through.

Her eyes were greeted with lavish draperies and a display case of weapons, the smell of sage burning her nose. She looked down at the carpet to find Lucien pulling himself up, regaining his footing. His hair was a tousled mess, his hands clutching the shredded cloak he dusted off.

He turned around at the sound of her intrusion and his eyes met hers, holding her in place. Venix felt her throat go dry, something in the way he looked at her as if he could see right through her creating tension in her body.

She was briefly reminded of the words Rheynoak said about her and the tone Lucien confronted him with. She had always assumed they were closer and shared each other's secrets but looking into his eyes right now, she was beginning to doubt that.

For a heartbeat, she felt a warmth in her chest when she looked at him but it was quickly replaced with the thoughts of Onyx never returning from her mission

"Venix" he whispered her name in a soft tone, taking a step closer to her. "What are you doing here? How did you even get in? The door was locked."

She shook her head, closing the door behind her. "That doesn't matter. What you should be worried about is Onyx dying on this mission" she hissed. "How can you just allow Rheynoak to put her life in danger?!"

"You don't understand" he uttered, reaching out to her. "How much did you hear?"

"Don't be an ass" she objected, slapping his hand away. "It doesn't matter what I heard or how long I've been standing there. We both know what was discussed in this room and I, for one, am disgusted by the lack of respect you have for yourself to let Rheynoak trample all over you."

"If you would let me explain-"

"Don't give me that bullshit!" she seethed through locked teeth, cutting him off. "We both know I understand that Onyx is about to embark on a mission that will lead to her demise. How can you just stand there and let Rheynoak use her in any way he can without the slight concern for her well-being?"

She took a step closer, her violet eyes holding the same despise they held this morning when she looked at him. "I thought you were better than this. That you would have some sympathy or sense of the reality of what is going on but you are letting him do with her as he pleases!"

He shook his head, a sigh escaping his lips as he clenched his fist again. He squeezed his eyes shut, clicking his jaw in place as he took in another breath to calm the scarlet shade that was consuming his face right now.

She scoffed, rolling her eyes.

Anger wasn't such a bad look on him after all.

She could tackle the storm.

"This is beyond my power, Venix. Once Rheynoak has made a decision, there is nothing I can do to stop him. Don't you think if I could if I would?!" he pressed.

"Beyond your power? Bullshit!" she hissed. "You may not have as much power as he does but certainly more than Onyx and I do. If you applied yourself, you could change his mind!" she accused, shaking her head

Her eyes narrowed, a gasp escaping her lips. "Except you don't want to change his mind! You want Onyx to go on this mission and risk her life! Better her than you right? That's why you suggested her!"

"Absolutely not! Is that what you think of me?" he asked, shaking his head. "That I would lead Onyx to her death? Do you really think that low of me?"

She swallowed hard, furrowing her brows together. "So far, you're not changing my mind, Lucien" she retorted, crossing her arms over her chest. "And I won't let you drag Onyx down with you. Over my fucking dead body."

Silence crackled in between them as they held each other's glare, hurried breaths meeting one another. Venix ducked her head to the limited space in between them, feeling her heart hammer through her chest.

Suddenly, she couldn't breathe.

She took a step back, watching as he cracked his knuckles.

"It's out of my hands. What is decided is decided and I can't change his mind. Onyx will be fine. You'll just have to learn to be less dependent on her when she's gone" Lucien whispered.

He pressed his lips together. "I'm sure you are capable of that."

A throbbing ache began to form in Venix's chest as if her soul was bleeding with every minute she stayed in the room with him. "Dependent? Is that how you see me? Depending on Onyx?"

He sighed again as if he was tired of repeating himself when he, in reality, had done nothing at all to earn that deep sigh of frustration.

"Venix, that's not what I meant" he began to explain, taking a step towards her.

She took a step back, holding her hand out. "Dependent you say?" she prompted with a raised brow. "Let's make a few things clear. My parents are dead! I grew up alone! My life was perfectly stable until Rheynoak came and robbed me of that peace! I fought in a war he sent me to for three years and nearly died! I sacrificed my blood and my sanity just so my friends could survive! I'm bound to this earth with no family and cursed with this immortal power!"

She hadn't realized she was crying until she felt the warm tears on her flushed cheeks, hot against her skin as they dripped down her jaw. Lucien watched her with intense eyes as she wiped them away, clearing her throat. "Onyx is the only friend and family I have left and I can't lose her! Sure, I may be dependent on her but she's all I have! I'll go if it means she gets to live but please, don't take her away from me!"

She sniffed her tears away, wiping her face dry as he watched her. She was barely breathing, her chest heaving up and down as she struggled to breathe in between tears.

She watched as Lucien's eyes softened, his frown faltering as he took her in. It wasn't regret or sympathy that lingered in his gaze but something more. Something that seemed to take her breath away.

He sighed, taking a step towards her until they were face to face again. His eyes traced her irritated eyes and red cheeks, lingering on the frown lines on her forehead.

Finally, he breathed and whispered, "I'm sorry. There is nothing I can do."

"Unacceptable. There's always something you can do" she whispered back in a shaky voice.

He shook his head. "There's nothing I can do about it."

Venix growled pushing him away as he uttered those words to her again. She wiped the remaining tears away, looking at him with a new perspective.

He wasn't nice or sympathetic. Rather he was just as conniving and pathetic as Rheynoak was.

And to think she thought he was different.

"You're worse than Rheynoak. You're a different type of vile" she hissed at him taking a step back. He shook his head, taking a step towards her but she pushed him away, clenching her fists tight.

"I hate you, Lucien Northern. Don't touch me or ever come near me again" she threatened, taking in a sharp breath.

She turned around to walk away but something caught her back. His hand wrapped around her wrist, holding her in place. "Venix, please" he pleaded, his voice desperate. "I need you to understand."

The last bit of patience she had in her body disintegrated and she wrenched her wrist from his grip, turning around, fully engulfed in red flames of anger. They burned and licked at her skin as she stared him down, now seeing him for the monster he was.

Without a second thought, she pulled her hand back and connected her palm with his cheek, feeling the metal of her ring scrape against his skin.

The sound was similar to a belt cracking against flesh, the first glint of blood pooling from where she had slapped him. Lucien hissed and stumbled back, holding a hand against his scarlet cheek as he stared at her, eyes wide with shock.

Venix's breath escaped her lips in short, stuttering movement as she glared at him, the sympathy in her eyes disappearing.

"Rot in hell Lucien" she snarled and turned on her heels, leaving him on the floor bleeding and cursing in pain.

It was only when she felt the door close did she collapse to the floor, burying her face in her hands as she let the tears fall.   

Oooo...suspsense and drama! I liked this chapter especially since I got to play with the dynamic of Lucien and Venix's characters. Plus, I got to see a little bit of Rheynoak and that never hurts!

*Sighs* Hiii...Rheynoak! 

Tell me what you guys think of this chapter and don't forget to give it a vote if you liked it! Until Next time Lovelies!

With Love, May