Prologue

The wind whispered across the empty street as a tall, young woman walked atop the pavement. Her high-heeled boots clicked against the small pebbles under her as she made her way back to her apartment a few blocks away. As the dark-haired woman turned down a narrow alleyway, a large man jumped out from behind a dumpster, a penknife clenched tightly in his fist.

Alarmed, the woman retreated a step back but stood her ground, having a pretty good idea of what this man was about to do. Her piercing green eyes surveyed the area, searching for everyday objects that could be used as a weapon. Before she could do anything, the stranger came closer with the knife, gripping it tighter. With a cursory once over, the woman could tell that this man was strong, but she wasn't worried about his physique.

"Come on over here, honey," the man said, holding out his free hand. "I won't hurt 'cha." When she stepped back, shaking her head, the man made a lunge for him.

Perfect, the woman thought, and she quickly grabbed a hold of his arm. As fast as lighting, she released her control and let her magic flow through her, she let it burst through the glass wall she kept it behind. Like thunder without sound, magic rippled through the woman and into the man, his clear grey eyes swirling into darkness. The woman closed her eyes and released the stranger, her head a bit fuzzy. In an instant, the man was down on his knees and pulling on the ends of the woman's sweater, gazing lovingly into her eyes.

"Command me, mistress."

A few minutes earlier…

A petite, young blonde was taking a kickboxing class at the local gym. At first, she was appalled at the idea of exercising with six other women, but the blonde had grown used to it. She couldn't practice fighting on people like she used to, so a gym would have to suffice. As another woman walked past, the blonde couldn't help but notice how in shape she was. She also noticed the wedding ring on her hand, so the blonde left her alone. The young woman's attention was ripped away from the attractive gym-going woman when the instructor called her name.

"Cara, focus. I want you to really concentrate on what you're doing," the instructor told the blonde, and Cara raised an eyebrow in protest. With a smug smirk, she punched the bag so hard that the instructor fell over. Just as she was about to not help the annoying woman, Cara's phone rang. Knowing that only one person ever calls her, the blonde raised the phone to her ear.

"Kahlan," she breathed. "What's up?"

"Oh nothing. I just wanted to tell you that I got the job! I'll be home in a few minutes," Kahlan said on the other end, Cara could tell she was excited and just let her roommate talk. She loved the way Kahlan could go on and on about something for hours, and it was alright because Cara was never a fan of contributing to conversations to begin with.

"… and the boss is really nice, and I think he likes me. I have to thank you for telling me about Shorty. He really helped me get this job," Kahlan said, and Cara chuckled.

"Well, when you've never been to college, it's nice to have a fake degree."

Kahlan laughed. "I've never really understood college… I'm glad we never had to go."

"As am I… hey, do you mind picking up some beer on your way home? I'm at the gym at the moment."

"Sure sweetie. Are you being nice to Megan?"

"Who's Megan… oh, yes yes, I'm on my best behavior," Cara lied. "See you soon."

"Bye," Kahlan said, and the blonde hung up.