I had finished tying together the fifth group of bags, and was now left waiting upon Theo's return. When he did come, I quickly began helping him load up again, but he dropped the bags, and grabbed my shoulder.

"Wait, Sky, we got to go."

"What happened?"

"I saw Flynn running through the hall, he's up to something. Forget the gold, we've got to leave."

Theo went and opened the door, but quickly retreated back into the room.

"Heavy footsteps on the stairs, the guards are coming." The rushed footsteps were moving down the hall towards us. Anxiety that had built up in my stomach was beginning to boil.

"Damn it!" Theo cursed under his breath. "We're going to have to make a run for it." The feet were a few steps from the door. "Move to the edges, ready to ambush." We drew our weapons ready in position. Theo gave me a reassuring nod before the door swung open.

The quick movements, and the clinking of swords were blurred together in my mind, all being dictated by the single and driving thought to get out of there as fast as possible. Theo and I drove through the guards in the hall, making it to the stairs. More guards were coming from our entrance into the mansion. Theo pulled me away towards another exit that was marked on the map. We ran, with guards trailing us, outside. There we were met with more guards. We were too crowded to run, our only option was to fight our way out.

With a hard lunge towards one soldier, I brought him down quick, and swung my blade around just in time to counter an attack at my back. I manage to bring down my second opponent, but was quickly knocked off my feet by a sturdy kick. My sword was knocked out of my hand, and as I reached for it, a foot came down on my wrist. A kick to my head made my mind spin as two guards pulled me to my knees. There was a silver dagger held to my throat dangerously close to creating a tiny red bead at its tip. The man on the other side of the knife was far too well dressed for soldier or servant.

"Drop your weapons, or your partner dies." The man said to Theo. I looked at Theo who held my eyes locked with his, as he dropped his swords and raised his hands in surrender. Guards closed down on him, pinning him down on his knees. "Remove their hoods." Theo's eyes darkened as the guards pulled back the only coverage we had for our animal ears. The man let out a dark chuckle as he trailed the tip his dagger up to my ear. "Well, well, well, this is quite the surprise. I never would have expected two Arikan to come running around my house. Derkon would pay quite the hefty sum for you two. But first, we have other matters to attend to. Take them down stairs, and make sure you chain'em up tight." I was pulled to my feet and led away with a sword at the small of my back.

Moments later, I was strip of my cloak, and any weapon I had on me. They shackled my hands behind my back, and my feet. Forcing me to my knees, they ran a thick chain through a ring on the wall, then through the gaps between my shackles. The guard pulled the chain tight, pulling my arms back uncomfortably. I looked over across the room to Theo who was forced by chains into the same position. His face was grim, and his eyes searching for an answer to escape.

The man with the silver dagger walked into the room, his eyes holding a gleam of something not quite sane. He first turned his attention to Theo, fiddling with the knife, a dangerous joy on his face.

"You two weren't the only ones here tonight, there was a third member, wasn't their? Flynn Arc was here with you tonight, and your going to tell me where he is now."

"We don't know." Theo replied coldly.

"Now, now, are really going to try and protect the boy that ran away, and left you two to fend for yourselves."

"We don't know where he is."

The man pressed the blade against Theo's cheek. "I'll ask again, where is Flynn."

"We don't kn-"

The man swiped the blade across Theo's cheek leaving red streak in its stead.

"No!" I heard myself call out without any command from my brain.

"Quiet!" Theo's quite and dark voice warned through clenched teeth.

The man turned his attention from Theo to me.

"No? Would you rather I did it to you sweetheart? Cut up that pretty little face of yours?" His blade stroked my jaw, before drawing blood with its sting. "Tell me where Flynn is, and I'll stop."

"I don't know," I said attempting to keep my voice firm and steady. The blade sunk deeper into my flesh.

"We met him yesterday. He promised us money if we did this, and told us where to meet him. We don't know where he went, we don't know where he lives, we know hardly anything about him." Theo said.

The man turned and threw the knife with a yell, its blade cut along Theo's other cheek before clattering against the stone wall. The rage on the man's face simmered down as he strode towards the door.

"I'll be back tomorrow, and you better be prepared to give me answers. If you aren't, you'll regret it." He gave a nod to the guards, and they followed him out, one retrieving the knife. The door closed with the click of a lock following after.

When they left, it felt like I could finally breath again, though it was hard for any air to flow with the massive lump in my throat. I felt claustrophobic in the chains, the panic pressing in from every direction, and hot tears burned behind my eyes. I'd had my life threatened many times on this trip, but even then, those were mere moments that came and went. I was always able to regain control. But here, I was trapped. I couldn't find the ending to the nightmare no matter how hard I pulled on the chains. Even with the sweat beading my forehead, a chill crept over me freezing my bones.

"Skyler, you all right?" Theo's eyes looked at me, offering me some comfort. I was afraid to answer him, I felt any words I said would make me fall apart. My mouth opened, but closed again before words escaped. His gaze fell to the floor when I didn't answer. After a moment of silence, he spoke again. "I'm sorry, Sky. I should have been more on guard. We wouldn't be here if only-"

"No, don't do that." I could feel the tears come in gentle streams. "Don't let hypothetical answers of 'if only' and 'maybe' haunt you. You couldn't see the future, so you couldn't have known this would happen. Let's just focus on getting out for now." The tears were falling steady now, and I wasn't even privileged the decency of drying them. I looked over at Theo. "Why are you smiling at me? I'm sitting here crying, and your silently smiling at me. What even is that suppose to mean?"

He laughed softly, "Skyler, it's just... you!"

"What?"

Theo shook his head, then went silent for a moment. "We'll get out of here, Sky. I promise." He locked his eyes with mine. His gaze comforted and calmed me. We sat like that for who knows how long, but what I did know was those silver pools relaxed me more and more with every second I stared into them. Then at one point or another, I fell asleep.

I spent that night in a half conscious state. It was all a blur, and I was left unsure when I was awake, and when asleep. I pricked up an ear at the sound of foot steps in the hall.

"Theo?"

Theo opened his eyes, and rolled his neck. The door open admitting two guards and the man.

"Now, have you decided to tell me where Flynn is?"

"I don't know where he is, but I might be able to take you to him," Theo said.

"How?"

"I can track his sent. His cloak is in my satchel."

The man gave Theo a curious look before nodding to a guard to search Theo's satchel. The cloak was handed to the man. He fingered the fabric in thought, trading his gaze between Theo and I.

"Okay..." He said looking down at me. "Bring the girl."

"What?" Theo said.

"She seems capable enough, and much easier to deal with should things get out of hand."

"Wait, no!"

"Oh, things not going to plan?"

A guard undid the chain that bound me to the wall, and unlocked the shackles at my feet. I was pulled to my feet and pushed towards the door. Before leaving, I gave Theo a nod as to tell him I would be all right. I was brought up stairs, held tight by the shoulders by two guards. It wasn't too long before we were out of the house with eight more guards as an escort. My cloak was returned to me, to keep from drawing to much attention. I was lodged on a horse, my back pressed against the broad chest of a soldier.

We traveled down into the third ring of the city, the guard putting Flynn's cloak in front of me ever so often, while I gave them directions. On the way, I tried to focus on escape, but every time I ran into the obstacle of getting out of my shackles. The keys were dangling on the belt of a guard on the other side of the party. I could bring down the man behind me easy enough, but what was I suppose to do then? It didn't seem likely I could ride out of here on horse with my hands bound, and falling of the horse wasn't looking like such a good option either.

The edge of the city was nearing, and I was still clueless as to how I was going to get out of this. We had reached the spot where Theo and I came over the wall with Flynn.

"The track continues past the wall, and into the forest." I said when we came to a stop. I was desperate. I didn't want to lead them to Flynn, and I wasn't sure how long I would be able to lead them in circles. Grabbing the chain that connected my cuffs, I decided to just go for it. I pulled as hard as I could, willing the chain to brake. There was a snap, and my hands were free. Quickly, I nailed the man in the stomach with my elbow, and smashed my head hard against his. The man tumbled backwards off the horse. I grabbed hold of the horses reins, unsure of my next move. My best option seemed to be to ride out of there, but I'd never ridden a horse before. Well, there's a first for everything. Driving my heals into the it's side, the horse sped off. The guards were in quick pursuit after me.

I rode the horse rampant through the town, having barely any control of the animal between my legs. Cutting an alley corner, I accidentally bashed the horse into some barrels that came tumbling down behind me. After a few stutters from the horse, and me nearly falling off, I balanced myself back on while the horse ran forward. Coming around a corner, I looked back soon enough to see the guards finding delay at the mess of barrels. Laughing, I looked forward. I was going to escape! Then I became aware of the vast blue in front of me. The horse stopped abruptly a small cliff by the lake, sending me flying into the water.

I quickly swam to a near by dock, hiding behind a pier. My horse continued along the cliff edge without me. When the guards came around, I was relived to see the ripples from my splash had vanished. They continued along the path I'd appeared to take. I'd released a sigh, and let my tense shoulders fall. Though right after they shot back up with shivers.

Climbing out of the water, I was quick on my way in the opposite direction of the guards. I ran towards the wall, and finally allowed myself a break beside a tree. Resting my back against the trunk, I planned out my next move. I need to go back and get Theo, but they'll expect that. They'll have there guard up, it will be more difficult than before. I need to get back in there, but how? Come on, think Sky! I need someone who actually knows what they're doing. Wait, Flynn! I stood up and looked towards the wall. I needed help, and Flynn was really my only option.

Following along the wall, I came back to the place I escaped from the guards, and found the hole Flynn had used yesterday. Looking over my shoulder, I made sure the cost was clear before transforming into a wolf. I widened the small hole into a large gap at the base of the wall, and then climbed through. Putting my nose to the air, I looked for that cinnamon sent wafting through the wind. Got it. A path formed in my mind, and I chased its destination. I ran through the forest till I found a familiar tree.

I climbed the tree and walked over to the hut where I saw him sleeping.

"Flynn!" My shout jerked Flynn awake. He looked over at me with confused eyes which quickly grew into an expression of understanding.

"Oh, shit," he whispered under his breath. I cast him a sharp glare as he stood up. "I understand you're angry," he said before making a quick grab at a knife on the floor, but I beat him to it. I kicked the blade away before he could make contact.

"Look Flynn, yes I'm mad, but that's not why I'm here."

He furrowed his brows, and cast a glance over my shoulder. "Where's lover boy?"

I gave him an annoyed look before moving on. "That's why I'm here. They've got Theo."

Flynn's eyes widened, and he chuckled. "Really? I apologize, I honestly thought you two would make it out."

"I need your help. Seriously, it's the least you could do."

He sighed, "I guess I'll help, being the kind person I am."

I stomped hard on his foot.

"Ow!" He backed up putting an extra foot between him and I.

"Don't think I've forgotten what you did! When this is over-"

"I suggest not making threats to the guy who's about to help you save your boyfriend's ass."

I shut my lips tight, and narrowed my glare.

"Aw, don't look so grim, sweetheart. Theo will be back to kiss a smile on your face before you know it."

He was beginning to draw the line. "Please can we just focus on a plan?"

"Alright," he moved past me, and into an open area. "Now tell me everything that's happened since last night." With hands behind his back, he started to pace the floor.

I began to inform him on the events that took place, and got to me leading the guards through the city when Flynn stopped me.

"Wait, you told them where I live!?" He stopped his walk, and looked at me.

"Well, not exactly where you live, but I did give them the general direction." It was Flynn's turn to glare. "Hey," I said, "I could have easily brought them straight here, and honestly, after last night, it was a little tempting."

Flynn sighed and continued his pace. "Go on."

I finished the rest of the story, catching up with the present.

"So they have the cloak still?" He asked.

"Yes."

"That makes things a little easier. They'll probably have Theo find me, and therefore be out of the house. In fact, they're probably on their way here now..." Flynn paused in thought, then smiled. He began loading himself with knives, and handed some to me. "Come on, Sky," he said before making his way down.

"Wait!" I called down to him, "We don't have a plan!"

"We'll discus it on the way. Now, come on."

***

Pulling hard at the chains that bond me, I stopped the struggle when the sound of footsteps returned in the hall. The man entered with the guard escort, his brow lined with frustration. The only one missing from the party was Skyler. My stomach tightened.

"Where is she?" I said darkly.

The man never shed me a glace, he said to the guards, "Bring him out, and re-enforce the chains." before exiting the room. Guards began wrapping a chain tight around arms and chest, and the anxiety in my stomach began to grow.

"Hey! Were the hell is she!?"

"Quiet!" A guard sunk his boot hard into my stomach.

I coughed, then repeated my question. "Where is she?" This time it was my jaw that received impact.

"I said shut it!"

"And I said where is she!?" More guards joined in on my beating, and gagged me before undoing the chains on the wall and my feet. They led me by sword point upstairs where the man joined us.

"Lets go out to the horses, but he walks." the man said. "And you two, stay with him at all times."

Two soldiers stayed close to me, taking notice of every step I took. It wasn't until we were outside the city wall that they removed the gag from my mouth. Flynn's cloak was put in front of me.

"Take us to Flynn."

"Where is she?"

"I'll tell you where your friend is once you lead me to Flynn."

"This morning didn't work out like you'd hoped?"

The mans gaze darkened at my comment. Where was Sky? Did she escape? There was a clank as a rock nailed into one of the guards heads, and ricocheted leaving a stream of blood in its wake. The guard fell off his horse, while the others darted their heads in confusion. Another rock came through striking a man down, but this time the direction of the rock had come from was certain. The attention of the group was pulled to a tree where a man was crouched on a branch. It was Flynn! What was Flynn doing here? Flynn jumped from the tree nailing one one guard with a stone before he went.

"Hear you've been looking for me, Rytrick." Flynn looked towards the man, his lips tempted with a smile. "Well, here I am. Come and get me if you want, but fair warning, it wont be easy." Flynn turned to run, shifting into a fox.

"What the hell?" Rytrick said before turning to his men, "Well, after him, damn it!" The guards were off with Rytrick besides the two who were left to guard me. Well, if I was going to escape , now was the time. My mind raked through questions, and searched for the answer, when there was a large thunk behind me.

"Hey!" The guards voice was immediately followed by another thunk. The sword tip at my back fell, and I turned to find the guards unconscious on the forest floor. I looked behind me to see Skyler clutching a sturdy branch.

"Skyler, you're safe," I sighed.

"Theo, are you all right?" She bent down, and retrieved the keys off of one of the guards belt.

"I'm fine, just need these chains off. How about you?"

"I'm good," she said unlocking the chains around my chest. "But, once you're free, arm yourself." She unlocked the shackles on my wrists. "Flynn's coming back around, so be prepared."

Flynn darted from a bush, transforming into his natural form. "Ready?" He said panting, the stamped of horses getting louder. I picked up the sword that was once pressed against my back.

"Ready as ever," I replied.

Flynn held a knife at the ready, and the first man who came riding through was greeted with it in their shoulder. This began the fight. I ran in slashing two saddle straps, bring the men to the ground where I could handle them. When I finished, I saw Flynn had taken down the last guard. Rytrick was left on his horse, until Flynn threw a blade that cut the saddle bringing him down. Flynn grabbed the mans shirt, and pushed against a tree.

"How does it feel to be beat by me twice in the past twenty-four hours? When will you learn, you can't beat me."

"Damn you, Fly-" Flynn punched Rytrick hard, knocking him out. Dropping the man's shirt, he turned to me.

"Here's the part where you thank me for saving you."

"Thank you? You're the one who left us there when we were helping you."

"Hey, I'm sorry for thinking you were capable. You have all that muscle, I just thought you knew how to use it."

"Would you like me to demonstrate just how capable I am?" I said through clenched teeth.

Skyler grabbed my arm, "Theo, don't."

"You should listen to her, she seems to know a thing or two. I mean, she's not the one who needed saving." That was it. I walked towards Flynn, and he instantly flashed out a knife with it's tip to my throat. This made me laugh. I had him disarmed and face down in the dirt before he even knew what was happening. He tried to push himself up, but my boot pressed down on his back was too strong.

"Now, Flynn, I would choose my words a bit more carefully from here on out if I were you." I played with his knife in my hand. "So, do you have something to say?" Flynn was silent for a moment till he finally said it.

"I apologize." Flynn muttered in the dirt.

"Excellent choice!" I threw the knife into the dirt above his head, and removed my foot from his back. Flynn turned over, and I offered him a hand. He sighed, the took it. I walked over to Sky who was giving me a look of disapproval.

"A bit dramatic, don't you think?" She said.

I shrugged, "Well, I'm a dramatic person." She huffed a laugh. "Now that that's all over with," I said, "Time to finish this journey once and for all." As the last word exited my mouth, cold realization struck.

"What is it?" Skyler asked.

Flynn walked over dusting a bit of dirt off his arm. I sighed, "The satchel, it's back at the mansion." I looked to really the best person for the job. Flynn understood.

"How important is the bag?" Flynn dropped his eyebrows in annoyance.

"Immensely important."

"Fine," he sighed, "I'll save you from embarrassing yourself again." I reminded myself that Flynn was helping, and that we needed him. "I'll be right back." He said before shifting, and scurrying off.

Suddenly I felt Skyler's arms squeezing my waist, her head pressed against my chest. I froze as a feeling that seemed to be familiarizing it's self with me came bubbling up. For a moment, I let it take control, guiding my hands to Skyler, letting me hold her. I pushed the feeling back where it came from, and retreated my hands. Grabbing Skyler's shoulders, I slightly pushed her away so I could look at her face. "What's wrong, Sky?"

"Nothing, it's just that I've been needing to get that out of my system, and I wanted to wait for a moment away from Flynn. Don't want to encourage his comments."

"What comments?"

"The less you know the better." This sparked my curiosity. What has Flynn been saying to her.

"Okay..."

Her expression change with furrowed eyebrows. She touched my jaw, her thumb ever so gently brushing across my skin. "You're bruised." She said. Something caught my eye, and I wondered how I hadn't seen it earlier. I grabbed Skyler's arm and looked at her wrist, a shackle still clung to it, and the chain dangling down broken.

"You broke the chain when you escaped. How did you break it?"

"I just pulled and they broke."

"No, really, how did you break them?"

"Seriously, I just pulled."

"Alright, keep your secrets." I picked up the keys and unlocked the cuffs on her hands.

"Why don't you believe me?"

"Come on Sky, that takes strength you don't have."

"Maybe I've just got some hidden strength you don't know about."

I squeezed her bicep, "Well it's certainly not here."

She gave me an annoyed look, and I smiled. Teasing her was one of the simple pleasures of life.

We waited there till Flynn returned holding the satchel. He held it out to me than snatched it away before I could grab it.

"What do you say?" He said.

"Thank you." I replied dryly, but here he had earned my thanks. I looked through the bag, and found everything still there. After putting on the wold traveling bracelet, I pulled out the syringe and looked to Flynn. "Now, time to get back to the real business."

Flynn looked at the syringe and backed away. "And what do you plan to do with that?"

"You promised to come with us if we helped you. So now it's time to go."

"And what is that suppose to do?"

"It helps your body handle traveling between worlds."

"Right..." Flynn said slowly. He was going to make a run for it, but I stopped him, and pressed the syringe into his arm. After I removed it, he backed away, then looked incredulously at the hologram I was setting the coordinates of Almera in. "What the hell..." he whispered.

"Sky, hold on. We're going." Once Skyler was holding onto my side, I grabbed Flynn's shoulder and pressed the button that made the world spin. Everything shifted into the familiar sight of Almera, then settled into normality. My body tingled, but I'd traveled enough, I could hold my ground. I grabbed Skyler before her legs collapsed, while Flynn just fell to his knees. His face was pale and frozen, dead set on staring at nothing in particular. "You alright?" I asked.

"You guys weren't kidding." He said softly. It was a moment before he finally snapped out of shock, and stood up.

We stood at the base of Almera, and I led the others up to a tower that was an entry into the haven. First thing to do was check in with Mariah. We found her in her study, her attention shifted from a book to us.

"Took you long enough," she said. "And you must be Flynn." She walked over and offered Flynn a hand. "I'm Mariah, Lady of Almera."

"How do you know my name?"

"I've been searching for you for quite some time. You were on Yaris, I didn't suspect your father would take you there."

Flynn stiffened as she finished her sentence. "You know my father?"

"Yes, there was actually a time when we were quite close, but haven't seen him in years. He always had knack for disappearing."

Flynn replied with a stale laugh.

"How is your father, by the way?"

"I wouldn't know."

Mariah gave him an understanding look. "Well, it was nice to finally meet you Flynn, and I hope you find your stay in Almera comfortable. And Theo, I would like to speak with you for a moment."

"Sky, take Flynn to the kitchen, I'll be with you in a second." Flynn and Skyler left the room.

Mariah looked at me with concern written on her face. "Hope you didn't get beat up too bad while you were out there."

"Nothing I couldn't handle. There was really only one major injury."

She laughed, "Only one? Goodness Theo, you were gone less than a week, how much trouble did you run into out there?"

"Not too much, though there was something you should know. The grievers, they seem to be evolving."

Her eyebrows drew together. "How so?"

"Well, apart from the standard grievers, we encountered a new kind in Mendrick, and another in a small village out. Also in Velberis, according to Skyler, there were two new kinds."

"According to Skyler? Were you not with her?"

"Well, no, I was. I just may have received a minor concussion."

Mariah laughed, "You may be pushing yourself a little too hard."

"I am not."

"You're not strong enough to handle everything. Keep saying that, and one day you might just break."

"I promise you that day is far away."

"Hmm..." She examined me with something I couldn't tell was a smile or not. "Well," she continued on, "Train hard, and prepare yourself. I know where the final Arikan is, but it will be difficult."

"Really, where!?"

"I've actually known for quite a while, but the the Princess of Cathyious is a tricky one to get."

"Princess of Cathyious? You've got to be joking."

Mariah sighed, "No, and I'm afraid her mother is not willing to let her go. Well, I suggest you get rested, and prepare your team. Also, by the end of today, leave a report of those grievers on my desk."

I left Mariah's study, and headed towards the kitchen. Mary welcomed me upon my arrival with a plate of food. Skyler and Flynn were sitting by one another, an amused grin on Flynn's face and an annoyed frown on Skylers. When Skyler saw that I had entered the room, she kick Flynn in the shin while he was in mid sentence. He cocked an eyebrow at me, that grin still on his face. I sat next to Skyler with the plate of food.

"What was that about?" I asked.

She cleared her throat, "Oh, nothing."

I brought my gaze to Flynn and narrowed my eyes, but he was more concerned with his food than me. A thought of trouble tingled at the back of my mind when I thought about Flynn. Speaking of trouble and Flynn, "Flynn, would you like to explain your little stunt back at the mansion?"

Flynn stopped the bite of food going towards his mouth, and looked sideways at me. "Well, when you go around talking about other worl-" Skyler put her hand over Flynn's mouth, stopping the next word out of his mouth.

"Not around other people." She whispered, glancing at the back of Mary. Flynn gave her a look of understanding, and Skyler lowered her hand.

"Well," he continued, "The claims you were making were clearly insane, but I decided to take the risk. I left you two there to keep you off my trail."

"And what about the faulty map?" I asked.

"What do you mean?"

"One of the rooms you marked as sure to be empty was occupied."

"What? Which one and by who?"

"Some old lady in-" Flynn's laugh cut me off.

"I'm sorry about that one, honestly I thought she was dead. Now, any other complaints you would like to make?"

"No, I think that's it." Skyler said. "So, how do you feel about the change, now that you found out that we're not crazy?"

"Who says I don't think you two are crazy? For all I know, I could just be crazy too. But aside from that, you two helped me with one adventure, and I'm curious as to see where this might lead me. And as for adjusting, well you don't have to worry about that."

"Speaking of future adventures," I began, "We have another one soon. You know how I told you about a fourth member?" Flynn nodded at the memory. "Well, we know where she is."

"Already?" Skyler said.

"Yes, but there's a problem." I lowered my voice, "She's royalty."

Flynn chuckled, "This should be interesting."

"We have work to do, that's for sure, and it starts tomorrow. Come on Flynn, I'll give a tour."

Skyler and I gave Flynn a tour of Almera, we showed him his room, and then let him be.

"Sky, I need you to help me with something. Mariah wanted a report on the grievers we saw." I took her to my room, and flipped a piece of paper onto the desk. Sitting down, I dipped the end of the quill into ink. Skyler leaned against the desk looking down at what I was doing, with a small smile.

"What?" I asked

"You have an ink and quill." She nodded thoughtfully.

"Yes, yes Skyler, I do."

Her smile moved from the quill to me. "Can I borrow it some time?"

"Should I be worried?"

"What no, why would you say that?"

"You're just giving my quill some strange looks."

"Now that I know of it's existence, I have plans, big plans for it."

I laughed, "Alright then, you can use it some time, but right now I need you to describe to me the grievers we fought in Velberis."

Skyler had finished giving her report and then left me to finish up. I finished the report and left it on Mariah's desk, relieving me of all my duties for the rest of the night. First thing to do was take a bath.

I sunk into the hot water, stinging the cuts on my body. Large bruises decorated my torso, and the wound I'd received in Velberis was nearly gone. Sighing, I let the water wash away the past few days. The conversation with Mariah came into mind, that almost smile. She's been the one to look after me for most of my life. I don't think she'll ever stop worrying about me.

My mind wandered around until it finally decided to settle on something. Skyler. Thoughts of her came with that feeling that pulled me towards her. There was a moment of calm where the invisible chain reeled me in, before I fought back, resisting its pull. I tried to clear my mind of her, but found myself unsuccessful.

I got dressed, and went back to my room. The sun was setting, and I was tired. Maybe sleep would clear my mind, hide the chain from sight. After laying there for a moment, I had a moment of weakness, and decided to check up on Skyler before any other warnings had time to find there way into my mind. With a knock, I was admitted entry.

Skyler sat on her bed, her hair damp, and the scent of soap lingering from her body.

"Yeah Theo?" My mind went blank. I wanted to speak to her, but what the hell about!?

The first words that drifted into my mind were the ones to exit my mouth. "You ready to tell me how you broke that chain?"

"Really?" she said dryly, "I already told you."

"Oh, right, that hidden strength of yours." This conversation sparked something in my mind. "By the way are you okay?"

"Yeah, why do you ask?"

"That hug you gave me," I sat on the bed beside her, "It just seemed like something was up." Skyler sighed, signaling that I had hit something.

"It's just the entire journey... never mind, you don't want to hear it."

"Skyler, if you have something you need to get off your chest, I'm here to listen."

She looked into my eyes. "Alright, but no laughing and teasing. Promise me that."

"Okay, I promise, now what's been on your mind."

"So this journey was far from anything I'd ever done before. It made me feel vulnerable, frightened at times. But then there was you. You made me feel safe, and comfortable. When we got captured and separated, it felt worse knowing I didn't have you to fall back on. I guess that hug was me saying thank you."

The chains were back, and when I looked into Skyler's eyes, it seemed like she felt their pull too.

I gently squeezed her shoulder. "Skyler, I want you to remember that you can always fall back on me, and if I'm not there, I'll always return."

"Thank you." Skyler leaned in and hugged me, her presences intense, and burning brighter by the moment. She pulled away enough to look up at me. Her glossy eyes luring me in, tugging at the chain. Her head tilted up at exposing long smooth neck. Her pink lips slightly parted telling me she was ready. She was waiting.

There was dangers and warnings that ran through my head, but they fell lost in the mists of my mind before they could make there claim. I've always had control. I could always pull them out of the white fog, but not this time. All thoughts of "no" had vanished, instead it replaced with the chain, and a growing erge to find its end. It felt like it was there, telling me to restore something, but what?

There was something there that seemed to dance along the lines of my memory, taunting me. Every time I reached for it, it fell like sand through my fingers, leaving Skyler in my grasp. I wanted it, I needed it, and it was with Skyler.

"Theo?" Skyler's voice came through locking the chains that bound me to her, leaving me defenseless. Powerless. Helpless.

"Skyler," I whispered her name before locking her lips to mine. She accepted me growing the kiss, and pressed her body against mine. My hands became familiar with her face and neck, while hers dared to explore under my shirt; her finger tips climbing the goosebumps on my back. Leaving her mouth, my lips trailed down her neck, and I pulled her on to my lap. She pulled way for a moment only to dig her fingers into my hair, pulling me back on to her lips.

The wheels of time turned apart from us. Everything seemed to blur into our minor infinity, but when I caught a glimpse of her weary eyes, I knew it had to end.

I picked her up and gently placed her on the bed. Her lips resisted leave, but I managed to trail mine to her ear. "Goodnight, Sky." I moved away slowly, waiting for an excuse not to leave.

Skyler grabbed my wrist, and pulled me back in with one word, "Stay." I kicked off my boots, and laid beside her. She pulled herself close to me, resting her head in my chest, and I hugged her tight. It wasn't long before I was lost in sleep.

Morning came too soon. The mountains had the light of a nearing sun, and as much as I wanted to lay there in bed with Skyler, I knew I couldn't. If Mariah came looking for me, I did not want her to find me here. I sighed and lifted myself off the bed. Skyler's eyes fluttered open at my movement.

"Leaving so soon?" She muttered sleepily.

"I need to go," I crawled back onto the bed and cupped her cheek. "Go back to sleep Sky." Kissing her forehead, I pulled away. I picked up my boots from the floor, and headed towards the door.

A/N: Please remember to vote, and thanks for reading!