Noa suffered from light sleep. Any strange noise or movement was able to wake him up. Despite that, he had no nightmares. Or at least he didn't usually have them, but that night had been different.

In his dreams, the one who appeared was the skinny boy. His dark eyes fixed on him while his skin was once again scarred. It all came back. The smell of burned skin. The pain. The white-haired man. Sweating, he got up and walked to the balcony. The moonlight was weak and dimly lit the Shailaja Sea. It was the last night before the black moon. His scar didn't hurt, but the dream reminded him that his medicine was almost gone.

It was made of a rare, hard-to-find component. Yezekael had promised that he would soon receive it. However, weeks had gone by without him bringing more and Noa didn't want to ask about it. He felt weak every time he needed to ask about a pain remedy.

He checked the clock on the wall: 3:40 am. He put on his robe and opened the door. He needed a drink.

Could a strong shot of whiskey help me sleep? It would be worth a try.

He was already at the stairs when he heard voices. In a low voice, a woman was singing a song he didn't know, nor did he recognize the language. He walked slowly, and although there was no light, he recognized her shoulder-length dark hair and pale skin. Christine was sitting on the sofa near the balcony and hadn't noticed his presence. Beside her, he saw a bottle of whiskey. How convenient, Noa thought with a smile. He continued down slowly, avoiding making any noise. He chose the left side, covered by shadows. She still hadn't noticed his presence when she poured the whiskey into one glass and then into another. Noa stopped for a moment.

Who else is there?

- Here it is. Have another one - Chris said as she reached out and leaned forward.

A female figure walked from the balcony to the sofa and sat in the shadows. From the size of her long braid, it was Serena, identified Noa. He watched as she took the glass Chris offered and drank the content in one gulp.

What?

- We're being watched - Serena whispered.

- Here we go again... There's no one here. You are very paranoid.

- I'm not paranoid.

- Oh, I'm not going to discuss this - Chris got up and walked across the room, teasing Serena in a clearly ironic tone: - Hello, anyone there? Anybody here?

- Just me - replied Noa, finishing down the stairs.

Christine wore a long but thin nightgown, and she smiled while greeting him with a little bow.

- My Kaal, to what do we owe the honor at this hour?

Entering this game as much as his personality allowed, Noa walked over, took her hand, and kissed the tips of her fingers.

- I couldn't sleep - Noa replied as he watched Christine.

Yes, he thought, I might enjoy her company. The mischievous eyes, the skin glowing against the light...

But they weren't alone, and Noa turned to greet Serena, who remained on the sofa. The heavy curtain was positioned to block out the dim moonlight and he could barely see her.

- Miss Hyancinthe.

- My Kaal.

Her tone was formal, just like his. Noa began to wonder what she was doing there at such late hour. With Christine. His presence had interrupted something. But he didn't have much time to think about that. In less than a minute, Serena said goodbye and climbed the marble staircase, wishing them good night. Noa was curious, but Chris's smile stole his attention.

- May I serve you, My Kaal? - Chris asked in a sweet voice.

- Please - he replied.

She got up and walked to the bar, where she got another glass. Then she set his glass down on the table beside Noa's armchair and, with a bold look, leaned forward slightly. As she poured the whiskey, the strap of her nightgown slipped down her left shoulder to a point that was certainly indiscreet. She was teasing him and seemed to enjoy every second.

When she finished serving, Chris sat down across from him and stretched her legs over a support, practically lying down.

- My apologies, My Kaal, but I wasn't expecting company - Chris said. Moonlight illuminated her legs, and he could see through the pale gray fabric. Noa felt it was time to put an end to that game.

***

Chris was struggling, but her patience was limited. Apparently, she didn't have the same effect on Noa that she was used to seeing on other men. She couldn't be any clearer than she already was, and even so, the look of boredom lingered on his face. If he weren't so interesting, she would have already given up. Of course, it would be great for the Island if she conquered his bed, but it wasn't essential. And Serena seemed to believe she couldn't. That memory stirred her will even more. She loved a challenge.

They were in an empty hall, drinking whiskey and she was wearing only a thin, almost see-through nightgown.

What was missing?

Noa killed the first glass of whiskey and set it down on the table with a purposeful movement.

Nothing, it seems.

She felt butterflies in her stomach when she realized the kaal was going to make a move.

- I think I'll need another glass, Miss Gwenaël - he said with a smile at the corner of his lips.

Heart pounding, Chris reached out to serve him again. For a month now she was in Shailaja and she had desired that man each day. His serious manner, his strong body... Since arriving, she had realized how much pleasure this part of her stay could give her.

Chris bent down to pour the whiskey into the glass and saw Noa settle into the chair, leaning his head against the back. She shivered when she felt his fingers slowly sliding down her leg. As soon as she dropped the whiskey bottle, with a firm tug, Noa grabbed her thighs and set her on top of him.

- I believe we are more comfortable now, Miss Gwenaël – he said only. His thick lips trailed over her neck and down to her collarbone. Now Noa's hands tightened her hips, and she was about to surrender to the moment, but in the back of her mind, something awoke her, something disturbing. A presence.

Someone is approaching.

- Is there someone here? - she whispered, pulling away to listen.

- Let's go to my room - Noa decided hoarsely, barely caring to her suspicions.

His left hand moved up her ribs and she felt his thumb against her nipple, above the thin fabric. She closed her eyes in pleasure. How much had she waited for that moment! But now, she would have to interrupt it.

Chris knew something was wrong. She strained her ears but heard nothing. However, the uncomfortable feeling did not leave her. And she knew very well what that presence meant. These thoughts were running slowly through her mind because Chris really wanted to give herself to the moment, to Noa. On pure instinct, Chris arched her back, pressing her body against his as he pulled down the top of her nightgown.

Someone is here.

She felt Noa's tongue on her nipple and couldn't help a sigh.

There's no noise in the room, why am I so paranoid?

Noa's hands moved down her back to her thighs and up the bottom of her nightgown.

If I can feel the presence, it is someone like me... Someone from the Island.

When Chris came to that conclusion, her heart leapt. If there was anyone else from the Island there, Hannah would feel it too, and she would go looking for this newcomer. Summoning all her willpower, she moved away from Noa.

- There's someone here, My Kaal - she whispered, straightening her nightgown.

At that moment, they heard determined footsteps at the stairs. She wore a long cloak, and the hood covered her face, but anyone who knew her would recognize Hannah.

- What is happening? - Chris asked.

- Miss Gwenaël. Mr Rariff. Excuse me - Hannah said, heading for the exit.

***

Despite the uncomfortable situation and his desire to remain unnoticed, Noa couldn't let Hannah out at this hour. It was too dangerous.

- What are you doing? - He asked, putting himself in front of her.

- I must leave. Excuse me, Mr. Rariff - Hannah replied sharply.

- Miss Maël - he began - I can't let you out at this hour, in the middle of the night. You know very well that a lady shouldn't go around alone.

- I see - Hannah said with a look at Chris. The only purpose of this brash comment was to embarrass him, but Noa was determined not to be shaken.

- I'm afraid I can't let you out.

- Mr. Rariff, I really don't need your permission.

- It's for your safety.

- I am fully capable of deciding what is safe for me, Mr. Rariff.

- Return to your room, Miss Maël. Whatever it is can be sorted out in the morning.

- I won't be treated like a child, Mr. Rariff - Hannah replied as she tried to get past.

- Mr. Rariff, it is clear that Miss Maël knows how to protect herself - Christine intervened. By now, she was wondering whose presence in Shailaja was, and at Hannah's insistence, it would probably be best for everyone if she left the hall. Rehearsing her most seductive voice, Chris added: - I'm curious to know who you intend to meet so late, Miss Maël...

The insinuation that Hannah was going to meet a lover was enough to disarm Noa. It hadn't crossed his mind that she might have suitors. He thought he was protecting her, but actually he was just messing up her life, as usual.

- Miss Maël, I'll let you go - Noa announced with a sigh.

- I don't need your permission - she snapped.

Ignoring this answer, he continued: - I must inform you, however, that if you are not back before dawn, I will send all my guards to find you.

Even under the hood, Noa could feel those words hurt her, but she said nothing. Wasting no time, Hannah walked around him and through the exit.

Noa felt a lump in his throat as he lost sight of her. Someone in Shailaja was willing to meet his enemy in his own territory. It was a betrayal, but even so, Noa wasn't about to stop the meeting. After all, she deserved to have her own life. If his uncle found out about the episode, he would call him weak. So, it was a good thing he didn't know.

After all this scene, Noa decided the night was over. He would pick up where he left off with Chris on another occasion. He said goodbye like a true gentleman, kissing her hand, and went upstairs to his room.

***

What a disaster, Hannah thought, coming down the spiral staircase that led to the fountain on the ground floor. As she made her way towards the stables, she replayed the events of the night in her mind. She was asleep for only a few minutes when she began to feel the presence. Still sleeping, she had a confused dream in which Luc was trying to talk to her, but she couldn't hear him. She woke with a start, and her heart sped up when she realized the presence was real.

He was close by. Why?

In a hurry, she ran to the balcony. The night was calm, aside from the strong waves. Hannah squinted and stared into the dark areas of the woods. Nothing moved.

Where was he?

She closed her eyes and concentrated. She felt Christine's presence in the Mavi Hall. Her energy was considerably weaker than Luc's and Hannah still felt hers more intensely. Luc was far away. She had time.

Throwing the heavy dark blue cloak over her body, she headed for the door. Seeing that the bell didn't ring and wake up her servant, she walked through the door and headed for Serena's room. When she arrived, her friend opened it.

- I've been waiting for you - she explained.

- Serena - Hannah greeted as she entered the room, which was practically equal to her own. - What does this mean? Did something go wrong on the Island?

- Come on, let's talk on the balcony.

Her long blond hair was pulled back into a braid that fell down the left side of her body and she wore a white nightdress. Her blue eyes gave no hint of what they might have seen that night, but Hannah knew that a vision had awakened her ghaya.

They sat in the armchairs on the balcony, and despite the weight of the cloak, Hannah flinched at the difference of temperature.

- Serena. Don't spare me - she asked.

- Do we still have time until his arrival?

- Yes, he's still far away. What happened?

- Nothing - Serena replied.

- What do you mean? Nothing? - Hannah asked incredulously.

- Luc doesn't agree with our path - Serena replied in a mild voice.

- So?

- So, he's coming to confront you, Mani.

- But we chose this path! It was voted on in Council – The indignation was clear in her voice. What was he thinking?

- Apparently, Luc thinks he can convince you to return to the Island.

- Convince me? He must be crazy! I will not be challenged! I know very well what is best for Alnajm.

- I feel he's not thinking about Alnajm - Serena revealed, her voice still calm. She never made accusations without certainty, but to say that Luc wasn't thinking about the Island's purpose was a serious indictment.

- What do you mean?

- Mani, I feel he is not thinking about our purpose - she repeated, enunciating each word slowly. - I feel that he may be putting other desires above the Alnajm.

Hannah looked at her confused. The Alnajm was the common goal of everyone on the Island. As a haya, Luc should always put it first. They lived for the Alnajm, to carry out the Island's missions. Serena was making a serious accusation. The ghaya's expression was grave and Hannah mustered up the strength to ask the question that would clarify everything.

- What have you seen?

- It's nothing certain... - Serena began, but Hannah cut her off.

Unable to look at Serena, she stared at the waves and asked in a faint whisper: - Don't spare me. Tell me everything.

Serena didn't want to tell. That vision wasn't recent, but she was hoping it would be more accurate before she had to alert her haya. However, despite the sweet voice, Hannah's request was an order. The rules between hayas and ghayas were clear. Once the haya asked about any question, the ghaya was obligated to answer. Hannah and Serena had grown up together. They were friends. But above all, Serena's role was to guide Hannah. It was a huge responsibility. She hadn't been chosen for her bonds of friendship, but because Hannah could become the most powerful haya on the Island. And Serena had the clearest vision among the ghayas. Other ghayas, with more experience, knew how to interpret more confusing visions. But Serena saw them so clearly that it made up for her inexperience.

- I see that Luc is confused about the role he has on the Island. I see many doubts and growing indignation. I have a feeling he's moving away from the Alnajm, Hannah. Slowly. He doesn't agree with your path. Not that specific path. I don't think he agrees with your path to the end.

- What does that mean?

- Luc does not know how much you are willing to sacrifice for the Alnajm. He doesn't imagine our plans. Even so, he is upset. He thinks you've done too much. He wants to protect you.

Hannah couldn't help but laugh bitterly. Protect her. An impossible mission, as she well knew.

- It's no laughing matter.

Serena's warning took her by surprise and Hannah turned to face her.

- Go on - she ordered. Her breathing was beginning to quicken. Serena didn't used to be so harsh.

- I predict that Luc has a decision to make. And he can choose the wrong path.

Hannah blinked several times before finally asking: - Is he going to betray me?

Serena lowered her eyes before answering: - I can't say.

Avoiding the need to give any further information, Serena stated that she would go down to the hall for a drink, leaving Hannah alone to think over what the ghaya had said.

Now the dark horse Hannah had grown fond of ran across Shailaja's nearly black sand. The waves crashed hard against the stone of the fortress, coloring the sand with small pieces that came off with the years. Hannah felt Luc growing closer. He could feel her too, so they would soon meet.

After about 20 minutes along the shore, she spotted him on a sand hill. A tall figure rode a black horse. They both had always preferred the dark horses, she remembered. Hannah concentrated and made her own horse to slow down. She took off her hood, revealing her disguised identity. Small mouth, shorter hair, mild features. He would never recognize her, but he didn't have to look to know it was her.

After her conversation with Serena, Hannah didn't know what to expect. Her ghaya had warned her, but Luc still hadn't made up his mind. Still, his presence in Shailaja infuriated her. He was deliberately interfering in her path.

It was the last night before the black moon, so there was almost no light. It wasn't until she climbed onto the small hill that she could see Luc clearly. He had dismounted and was standing in a clearing. Just behind him, the pine forest intensified, and she saw that his horse was close. His jaw was even more pronounced when he was angry and that seemed to be the case. His black hair had grown longer since the last time they had seen each other and now reached his neck. Hannah put her hand on the back of the horse and led it around Luc slowly.

- Why are you here?

- I see you intend to cut to the chase.

- Answer me.

- Aren't you going to say you missed me? - he asked with a crooked smile.

- I don't like people getting involved in my plans, Luc.

- Your plans? I believe we were all trained to follow a common plan - he replied ironically. – Am I wrong?

- What do you want?

- Come on, Mani... Come down, let's talk - Luc asked, placing a hand over hers.

With a quick movement, she dismounted and faced him.

- I see you've maintained your original height - he said, the smile widening in his face. Hannah smiled too.

- Also, the color of my hair.

- How daring! - exclaimed Luc.

- Luc, meeting you here is a great risk.

- Mani, listen. You need to come back with me.

- Are you crazy? I'm already on this path.

- They can complete without your presence.

- Luc, I need to protect him.

- Christine is able to protect him and you know that very well.

Hannah sighed. She felt that this conversation was useless.

- Luc, please. He is the future of my people. I must do it myself.

- I can't believe we're going to have this discussion again! He is not the future of your people. You are! When the war is over, you should take your place. It makes no sense to stick your neck out so much for this heir.

Hannah didn't judge him for thinking that, but she couldn't make him see. He would never know the importance of protecting his people. Luc was not an heir.

- Luc. I must do this - Hannah said, looking into his eyes in an attempt to make him understand the depth of her decision. She soon realized he wasn't going to change his mind and any minute there was another unnecessary risk.

- Come back with me - Luc asked, coming closer. - I missed you. All these months. And now I return to the Island, and you are here.

Hannah leaned up on her toes to run her left hand through Luc's straight hair. She suddenly remembered that she was totally different from her normal appearance, her attire was poor, her face so different. This realization made her unsure and she walked away.

- I need you to go. We'll finish this mission and come back soon - she promised, turning her back on him.

- Can't you see how low you've gone? You are a Rani. You may not wear your crown, but you are a Rani by right. You are wearing a servant's garb, hiding your face, behaving like a fool. And all this for what? In case something goes wrong?! - shouted Luc, pulling her by the arm. - You're playing a pathetic role - he growled, his voice low as he added: - I can't even recognize you.

Hannah's blood boiled in her veins, but she wasn't going to give him what he wanted. Controlling every syllable that came out of her mouth, she replied: - Thank you. That was the goal.

- And for what? To be an even bigger joke than you already are? - he asked angrily.

- I'm not a joke - Hannah hissed.

- Aren't you? Isn't this a joke? - he asked, picking up the worn cloak she was wearing. - Isn't this a joke? – he asked, taking her bare hand. - A Rani who has no jewels, who walks around with a threadbare cape. Where is Ammiel's ring? Where is the symbol of your people? If this isn't a joke, I don't know what is.

Hannah took a deep breath, trying to be patient. Luc was very proud. She always knew it. Of course, he wouldn't agree with that plan. His vanity would speak louder. But she didn't care. She had learned early on to be calculating. She would do whatever it took to reach the goal. Regardless of the sacrifice, regardless of the path.

- Luc, listen - she asked, running her hand over his face, and directing his gaze to meet hers. – I asked Leila for this disguise. It was my choice.

- Why?

- You know why.

- Remind me, please - he said wryly.

- I'm 17 years old - she replied: - According to the custom of the Rariff nobility, I can't afford to deny a marriage proposal, since I don't have the funds to support myself. You know this much. This year is the Ceremony. I just wanted to avoid further inconvenience.

- Inconveniences? And the laughing stock that you have turned? Doesn't that even matter to you?

- Honestly? - Hannah opened a smile. – I don't care a bit. I'm thankful for not having any suitors after me. I thought you'd be happy to know I'm not being harassed.

Luc looked away thoughtfully. Of course, he was satisfied. The last thing he wanted was even more competition.

- At least an advantage in your absurd plan - he admitted, annoyed, as he pulled her to him. Luc's hands held her firmly and he kissed her. Hannah ran her cold fingers over the back of his neck. The lack of that body against his had increased each month since they had parted. And even though she looked so different, Hannah's presence stirred all Luc's feelings. As he felt the intensity of his desire, he realized he had reached his limit. Finally, Luc accepted that he had to return to the Island. For a while.

~*~

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Ps: I am a Brazilian author and a dear friend is helping me translate this book. Please feel free to point out any mistakes. Hope you like it!