With her thoughts and emotions still in turmoil from last night's events, Sonea returned from the Baths and crept into the Residence quietly. Although it was clear Akkarin was no longer angry with her, she still had no intention of running into him so early in the morning. She tiptoed up the stairs to the second floor and dashed into her room. She didn't even notice the robed figure standing in her room and stuck her head into her pillow. The pillow sheet dampened as her tears streamed down her face. It was over. He had brought her hopes up high with that moment of hesitation, then sent it plummeting the moment he left with an expressionless mask.

"Sonea." Akkarin sat beside her on her bed, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. Instinctively, she jerked away the moment he touched her and had both her hands up in defense. Then she paled and averted her eyes.

"Sorry, High Lord."

Akkarin entered her mind in that moment and felt a multitude of emotions. Regret, that she had disobeyed him. Anger, that she was forbidden to go. Satisfaction, that she had made it there and back. Confusion, that he had stopped his lecture after seeing her tears. Relief that he had survived. Worry, that she would never know if he was safe. Longing that he had left her alone last night. Sorrow that her feelings for him were not reciprocated. Then he saw her memory of him saying goodnight and walking out just as she asked for him to stay. Akkarin pulled away quickly, unable to comprehend what he had just experienced in that split second.

"I have forgiven you for what you did last night already," he said simply, masking his emotions.

"I know that. Can you just go away, please. I want some time alone. I don't want company, let alone yours!" There was hurt in her words. Sonea had felt a brief presence in her mind just a few seconds ago and knew it was Akkarin. But she had no clue how much he now knew, and was not planning to say anything about it.

"And last night I thought you wanted me to stay," he said quietly.

Sonea gasped. "How did.. I thought.. you didn't hear me..."

"I did, but-"

"Why didn't you stay then?!" she spat out angrily.

"I'm sorry, Sonea. Perhaps excusing you of lessons today will help?"

Sonea stared at him in shock. The High Lord had just apologized to her angry remark and suggested to excuse her from her lessons for the day. And... his expression was one she had never seen, nor expected him to show her.

Akkarin put a hand over one of Sonea's gently. "Sonea, there are many things I haven't told you. There have been many times when I have hurt you, I believe. And.. I ask for your forgiveness." He had to choke out the last few words. Almost right away, the cold, calculating part of him screamed at him for being a foolish, undisciplined man. Akkarin felt her pulse accelerate, and noticed the way her chest clearly showed the nervousness and tension in her.

Sonea had never done this before since Akkarin taught her, but she could not restrain herself. Seeking Akkarin's mind through their touching hands, she slipped by his mental barriers and searched his feelings and thoughts.

- Sonea! Stop this right now!

- You entered my mind, and now I will enter yours.

Sonea withdrew after she said that and looked at Akkarin.

"You loved me... since the night you showed me the truth.. but you hid your feelings.." she whispered. "Last night... you understood what I meant... but..." Her eyes glistened with new tears as she gazed out into the distance.

"Sonea..." Akkarin drew her into his arms and hugged her tightly. All the barriers he had put up to stop something like this happening had begun to crumble last night, and they melted away completely when he saw her in tears again.

"High Lo-"

"No, Akkarin..." he murmured.

Sonea crumpled against his broad chest and sobbed quietly into his robes. She gripped his black robes tightly and Akkarin rested his cheek on her head.

When Sonea stopped crying, she peered up at the magician whom she had once gladly hated and feared. This was not the High Lord. This was...

"Akkarin..."

His heart throbbed when his name fluttered from her lips.

"Sshh..." He cupped her face in his hands and leaned in to press his lips against hers. He hesitated just before his lips touched hers when he felt her breath catch. Sonea's breath caught again when Akkarin looked into her eyes, obviously wondering if he should continue. They were so close she could feel the heat from his breath on her lips. His lips tasted of sweet, sweet wine, she thought, as she gripped his shoulders tightly and leaned forwards to press her lips against his.

- Sonea, I was terrified when I saw you at the slums. The Ichani was much more dangerous than the ones before. I was afraid.

- But I survived, High- Akkarin...

- You still should never have gone there.

- And I would have had better nights knowing that you were out there, alone, fighting black magicians stronger than yourself?

Akkarin gently pulled away and smiled. This was the brave, foolish Sonea he loved, who never failed for a witty retort.

Sonea wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder. "And to think what Rothen would say of this. And that you were the person I once loathed so much."

Akkarin's face darkened and his eyes clouded. The High Lord was back. "Sonea don't. Don't remind me of my cursed past." He pulled away from her, pain in his eyes. "It is nearly time for your lessons. Go." He stood up, straightened his robes and reached for the door.

"Akkarin..."

"No. This should never have happened, had I not had any wine this morning. You will speak of this to no one, and I expect you to be here right after your lessons. You are expected to dine with me tonight." He turned abruptly, leaving the door swinging, and Sonea confused and broken.