Word Count: 1651

¬Luella

I lay beside Thought, waiting for him to wake.

I took Stace's deal, knowing that I don't have any other choice. Looking at Thought, I realise that it's all worth it, as he peacefully slumbers, the early morning sun casting a wonderful glow over his complexion. I'm not going to tell him about this, knowing he will try to convince me out of it. I will do anything to protect him, to ensure that Stace will not harm him.

Stace has asked me to use my powers to get into the head of one of the Virtues - Micah, or humility to be specific. I know nothing about him, other than that he was a part of the group that killed a large number of those from Stace's realm. At least that's what he explained to me, and if I'm to believe him, I shouldn't have an issue doing this.

Yet I do...I don't want to get into Micah's head if it means he will die not long after. Stace wants to know his weakness, how best to get to him, and I'm meant to supply him with that information.

Thought's eyes flutter open suddenly, silvery gaze finding me.

"Good morning," I murmur, sitting up slightly. He smiles lazily at me as I run my fingers through his dark curls, watching them fall back around his temples.

"Good morning my beautiful mate," he breathes, sitting up. I look across his bare chest, knowing that he is completely naked underneath the covers. My cheeks flush as I remember what happened last night. It seems like a world away after what happened with Stace. "You okay?"

"Of course. Why?" I ask lightly.

"These dark circles...You look like you didn't get any sleep last night," he murmurs, brushing a thumb under my eyes as he regards me with concern. I flinch back, grabbing a hold of his hand on mine. I didn't get a single hour of sleep last night. Once I returned from seeing Stace, I sat up until dawn, worrying about what I'm going to do.

"I promise I'm okay," I assure him, forcing a smile onto my face. I don't want to appear like there is anything else on my mind than him, even if there is so much more. It's as if I can't escape this craziness. "Shall we go get breakfast?"

"Absolutely. When do you wish to return back to reality?" Thought asks while I step out of the bed, searching for my clothing.

"Not yet..." I murmur quietly, knowing that I can't leave until I'm done doing this for Stace. And then will come the issue of explaining to Thought about how all our problems have suddenly vanished...I mean, Stace vowed to ensure that no immortals will be drawn to me and my abilities as long as I do not use them for bad. After this, I never plan to use them again.

"We will whenever you're ready," he notes, pulling his clothing on. "Although it should be soon. We are giving those who are against us a chance to ready their attack."

"There will be no attacks, Thought," I assure him, although I don't bother explaining myself. I'll leave Thought to assume I'm being optimistic. "Now shall we go?"

He smiles at me, a warmth consuming me at the sight. This is all worth it.

+++

Thought didn't take long to fall asleep tonight. The moment he did, I snuck outside, now standing in the gravel driveway, waiting for Revel to come collect me.

I stare up at the glittering stars above, admiring them. I wish this trip would have been far simpler. I'm not sure what this night holds, but I will do everything Stace desires...

"What are you doing?" a vaguely familiar voice questions from behind me.

I whirl around, seeing Time standing there, hands shoved in his pockets."You scared me...What are you doing?"

"Wondering why you're standing here right now, waiting for a Sin," he says, tilting his head curiously. I wrap my arms around me, and not because of the cold. I'm not sure how Time figured out I was here and who I'm waiting for, but I silently wish he would leave. He will tell everything to Thought the moment he gets the chance, and if that happens...it will all be over.

"How do you know that?" I hiss under my breath, moving further down the driveway and away from the hotel where Thought could wake and look out, only to see his brother and his mate standing there speaking in the middle of the night.

"I know enough," he shrugs. He looks me over, the starlight reflecting off his golden eyes, making them look all the more beautiful. "If you didn't just sleep with him I would be accusing you of cheating on my brother."

I wince. "Wow, you really do know too much."

"Revel can't be trusted," he tells me firmly, grabbing my arm tightly before I can continue walking off. We are sheltered by trees now, but I feel safe enough with Time. With my abilities, none of the pure-bloods are a threat to me, and they all know it. Plus, he wouldn't hurt me considering I'm his brother's mate.

"Noted."

"So you should go," he mutters, his tone firm, like he is demanding me. I push him off when he tries to lead me back toward the hotel. "Shoo."

"Don't you have your own mate to annoy? If you already know so much, you know why I'm here," I growl, resting my hands on my hips. I'm not sure how Time figured this all out, but I have no doubt he has his hands in places I cannot imagine. It doesn't matter to me anyway, this is something that I need to do, and I'm not going to let Time convince me out of it.

"I'll take you back myself," he exasperates, reaching for me, but I quickly dodge his hand, knowing that the moment he touches me, he will transport me right back into the hotel room.

"Don't touch me, or I'll get into your head and walk you off a nearby cliff," I snap.

He narrows his eyes, reaching for me again. "You wouldn't."

"Don't test me. Thought will forgive me if I tell him I sent his brother spirling into a ravine," I note, stepping out of the way of his touch again. Thought probably wouldn't mind, since it wouldn't kill Time, only hurt him...very badly.

"Okay, I believe you," he mutters, rolling his eyes at me. "But you're not going to get into this Virtue's head."

I'm not sure why he's so desperate for me not to trust Revel. I'm smart enough to realise that Revel is the last person I would put my faith in, but he is the vehicle between Stace and I, and a necessary part of this plan. Time is clearly involving himself in this purely because he despises most immortals and wants to see them all fall...at least that's what I'm assuming is going on.

"I don't even know which one it is," I lie. I may not know much about the Virtue, but I at least know his name, and know he is meant to be Humility.

"Believe it or not, he is a good guy," Time says slowly, as if he believes I hate immortals as much as Stace does. The only reason I'm doing this is for Thought. "Stace wants you to get into his head so he can kill him. Do you want that?"

I shake my head. "Of course not. But it's his life or Thoughts."

"There is another way," he insists. He steps toward me, but I match it backward, uneasy about where his hands are. "Think, Luella. Think about Stace's one weakness."

I pause, those words ringing through my mind again. I hadn't thought too deeply into his mate since he seemed so angry when I brought her up last night. He is so protective over her, he would let it cloud his judgment, even stop him from getting revenge on all those immortals that he hates so much. But I would have to be smart about it, or risk making a bigger mess out of this.

"His mate..."

"Yes," Time breathes, a desperation in his eyes that is unexplainable. He is afraid of Stace too, I realise. "Get into Revel's head, figure out who his mate is, because for the life of me I can't figure it out, and threaten her."

"I'm not threatening some girl..." I flinch. She doesn't deserve it...Even if I don't know who it is. She could be mortal for all I know, although I secretly hope her fate isn't that unfortunate. It's hard enough being mated to Thought, let alone someone all immortals fear.

"Threaten her enough to scare him. He doesn't want to be in her life yet, so he will do anything to ensure you don't contact her. There is always another way to get Stace to do what you want," he explains, raising his eyebrows at me.

"I don't know if that will work..." I say, unsure of if I can remain one step ahead of Stace like that. He is smart, even if his weakness is his mate. I could get into her life and make myself know to her, make Stace know that I am more of a threat to him than he realises.

"Think about it," Time encourages, grabbing a hold of my hands. "Trust me."

In a blink, he is gone, leaving me standing there motionless, waiting for Revel to arrive.

💚••💚

Hey guys! If you're enjoying the story, you can head over to RADISH and read THOUGHT ahead of Wattpad!

🎄••🎄

I've officially released Stace's own story on Wattpad now. It's called KISSING DANGER. Check it out!!

~Midika 🐼💜