For six days Sophie did not return. And for those six long days, Howl remained confined to his room. Markl often pleaded at his door, begging the wizard to at least eat something. But Howl always turned down the offer violently.

Both Markl and Calcifer knew that only Sophie's return would tempt Howl out of his chamber. And with each passing day, their concern mounted. If Sophie never came back to the castle, that meant they'd lose both their housekeeper and their master. They either had to make Howl forget the girl he loved, or bring her back by persuasion or force.

Day six of this madness, Calcifer feared that Howl would starve to death if this went on much longer. He was about to send Markl up with the means of forcing the lock on Howl's bedroom door. But before he could request this, the doorbell ring. Pulling on his disguise, Markl answered it.

There, in the doorway, stood Sophie Hatter, though Calcifer and Markl could hardly recognize her. She looked better than ever with a breezy green sun dress, a new ring on her finger, and an emerald pendant glittering on a silver chain around her neck. Her silvery hair was pinned up in a tight bun with a number of jeweled ornaments. Her eyes shone with the same intensity of the gems, her every feature radiating happiness.

"Markl!" She exclaimed, scooping the little boy up into a captivating hug, "I've missed you all so!"

"It seems your prince is spoiling you," Calcifer remarked in bitter greeting, narrowing his eyes into glaring slits.

Sophie blushed and placed a stunned-looking Markl on the floor. "I suppose," she muttered in reply as her fingers brushed over her pendant. She glanced about quickly. "Where's Howl?"

"In his room," Markl answered, bending down to scratch Heen behind his ears.

"Where he has been for six days," Calcifer finished, his voice ironically cold for a fire demon.

The joyful gleam in Sophie's eyes quickly morphed to a shine of worried distress. "Six days?" she repeated in disbelief. A moment later she was racing up the stairs, and in a flash she was rapping her knuckles against the door.

"Howl!" she called urgently, "It's Sophie! Please let me in."

She heard the lock click and instant later. Carefully she pushed the door open, afraid of what she would find.

At first glance, Sophie was sure the room was empty. But sure enough, through the darkness, she soon was able to make out a figure slumped against the wall. She approached slowly, and Howl's form became more clear with each step. His head was rested in his hand, pale fingers laced through dark hair. His elbow was propped against his knee, which kept his head from falling forward in an even more pathetically hopeless slump.

"Howl," Sophie said his name softly, kneeling in front of him. His blue eyes remained hidden behind his bangs. She gently arrested his free hand between both of her own, shocked at how thin it felt. "Howl," she spoke again, "I'm so sorry."

His hand twitched between hers, and a nearby candle flickered to life. Howl raised his head, meeting her gaze with his sunken, bloodshot eyes. These grief-clouded eyes studied her, and he opened his mouth to speak. But instead, he fell forward, leaning his head against Sophie's shoulder.

Sophie remained perfectly still as his hand slid up her arm, then her neck, until it reached her head. Silently she allowed him to free the pins from her hair one by one and drop them to the floor. When her silver tresses finally cascaded freely down the back of her neck, he knotted his fingers in it, clutching the back of her head. He pulled his other hand out of hers and looped it around her waist, pressing her body close against his.

He pulled his head up once more and met her eyes again. His dry lips parted, and his voice came in a whisper. "Sophie," his breath smelled sweet and intoxicating, "I think I may be in love with you."

Without waiting for her response, he pushed her mouth against his in a forceful, yet surprisingly gentle kiss. She squirmed for a moment in protest before giving in. She slid her hands up over his shoulders and around his neck, moving her body fo it fit perfectly with his,

This kiss was unlike the friendly one they had exchanged on the balcony. There was a shared passion in this kiss, pulsing intensely within both hearts and both mouths. Howl gently slid his tongue over the crevice between Sophie's lis. She parted them eagerly, allowing his tongue to become lovingly entangled with hers. His hand slid slowly up over her ribs, exploring her body with his fingertips.

She pulled back with a gasp as his hand brushed softly over her chest. "Stop," she breathed airily, pushing against his chest with her palms, "I can't. I'm engaged."

Howl gazed at Sophie longingly, but tore his eyes away after only a few moments. He dropped his hands to his sides, releasing her. She did not flee as he feared she would. Rather, she remained where she sat, still pressed into him.

"Howl, I love you, too," she admitted, brushing his hair out of his eyes, "But I've agreed to wed Prince Justin. The wedding is in a month." She leaned her head against Howl's chest, listening to his heart beating, "I want to be with you, but I can't go back on my word."

"Why not?" Howl pleaded, wrapping his arms around her again, "Just tell him you changed your mind."

"Howl, I have my family to think about," Sophie argued, "I can support my sisters now. Since the war ended, it's been so difficult for them to find work."

"Then what shall I do?" he inquired, his tone overflowing with sorrow and distress. A long silence filled the room. Then, Sophie spoke very softly.

"I'll return," she promised, "I pledge my word. I'll keep returning. No matter what, I'll always come back to you."

"Being unfaithful to the prince?" Howl questioned skeptically, "Isn't that dangerous? He may try to hurt you if he found out."

"I'm willing to risk it if you are," Sophie offered, tilting her head up to kiss Howl's jaw. He pondered this for a moment before the corner of his mouth turned up in a half-smile.

"I'll connect one of the castle doorways to your closet door," Howl promised with a nod, gently stroking her hair, "Just knock when you're sure you're alone. I'll be there whenever you need me."

"Thank you," Sophie whispered, "I'll try to knock every night after I retire for bed. I love you."

"I love you, my Sophie."

Their lips met again in another passionate kiss. This time when Howl caressed her body, Sophie allowed it. She obliged when he unbuttoned her dress and slid it away, did not flee when he brought her to the bed, and willingly became one with him.