(O)(V)(O)To Love a Faithless Woman.(O)(V)(O)
Roger's Place, Wales, England.
At the cliff overlooking Cardigan Bay, nothing seems to move much, except for the blades of grass swaying in the wind, while up on the night sky, the moon bore witness to the lone man who sat at the edge of the cliff. Waves crashed against the rocks below, elemental and fierce, as if echoing the seething voices that torment the soul of the man who sat there.
Above the night sky, Neameeto hangs suspended. The float has set up a platform, in anticipation of the arrival of a god to destroy all that has life. Yuri gazed up at the sky, at Neameeto, wondering for the hundredth time where did he go wrong.
After Alice's betrayal, the only thing that kept him going was the thought that he won't let this Albert Simon destroy the world which his father gave his life to protect. But he had failed to stop the warlock, even now Neameeto floats there as if taunting him just how powerless he really is.
There was a rustle of cloth behind him, and Yuri knew he was not alone anymore.
"It's a fine evening isn't it?" Zhuzhen said as he slowly lowered himself down to sit beside Yuri.
The Fusionist merely grunted a reply. For a moment there was only silence between the two men.
"Did you come here to tear strips off my hide?" Yuri said, glancing at the old man.
Zhuzhen merely looked at him, he wasn't sure what was going on with Yuri and Alice, but whatever it is, it has affected both deeply. The battle with Albert Simon beneath the Nemeton Monastery didn't go as it should. The powerful warlock only initiated that battle so he could send more energy to make Neameeto rise in the air. When Zhuzhen realized Albert's plan, he tried to stop Yuri and the others from fighting. But Yuri deliberately ignored him. He was so intent on finishing Albert Simon.
Zhuzhen knew that the memory of that battle would live forever in his mind. Yuri fought as if there is no tomorrow, no more hope. He hung precariously on a very thin line between sanity and going berserk. The bleakness in his eyes were always there, too painful to see in a man such as Yuri. It was as if he wanted to die, to simply cease to exist.
He just continued on fighting Albert Simon who later fused with Amon.
The fight of the two monstrous beasts was incredible, unstoppable, and powerful that even the air was charged with energy emitting from the two.
Finally Amon went down, but Albert who emerged from the monster's form only smiled at them in triumph. It was already too late, the energy released from Yuri's battle with Amon charged up Neameeto and gave it the power to rise from the ground.
By the time they all rushed outside to see what would happen next, Neameeto floated in the air and sent out a big signal to the sky. Then with the words that god would come down from the skies and destroy earth, Albert Simon flew to Neameeto, intent perhaps on meeting this god he had summoned first hand.
"That is a mistake that can be rectified." Zhuzhen said, rubbing his chin. "It won't be easy but it can be accomplished."
Yuri kept quiet.
Finally, Zhuzhen couldn't stop himself anymore. He didn't come here to talk about Neameeto, but something far more important.
"Look, I don't know what happened between you and Alice, but this got to stop!" He said in an outburst.
"Stay out of this old man." Yuri warned.
"No, I have tried to be patient and wait until you two kids settle your differences. But we don't have the time for that right now."
"I'm fine with the way things are." Yuri shrugged.
"You don't fool me boy! Despite your attempts at poker face, I can still see you are tormenting yourself." Zhuzhen paused and looked at him with compassionate eyes.
"I can see you two are suffering and I can't stand it any longer! Look inside you boy, you are not your old self, it's as if your soul has died."
It has. The day she betrayed me. Yuri thought.
"Once you would never allow anyone to take your place in protecting Alice, but now you act as if you don't care. Why even at that filthy place where we found you, even though a man had made rude advances to Alice, you just sat there with your trollop and pretended not to see what was happening."
Yuri closed his eyes, angered at being reminded of that time when Alice came to Madam Cabot's to convince him to travel with them to Wales. She didn't plead for his forgiveness, nor did she ask anything for the state of their relationship, she only asked that he joins them to go to Wales. Well, with an armful of woman at his side and a bottle of whiskey in the other, he had ordered her to get out and leave him be, that he couldn't bear the sight of her.
Well, yes it was true. He couldn't bear seeing her, because the moment he had spied that silver hair among the crowd, he immediately knew she was there, and emotions he thought he had buried erupted, more powerful than ever, stronger than before.
He could still see her shocked face as she took in the painted woman at his side. For a moment he saw hurt fleet in her eyes but it was gone quickly for him to be sure.
On her way out, somebody suddenly pulled her on his lap and said. "If that boy doesn't want ye, me little flower, I sure do!" The cad was about to kiss her when she slapped his face. Alice jumped up and looked for Margarete for help, she found that the other woman got problems of her own; it seems the men thought that all women inside the house were trollops, including Alice and Margarete. The man she had slapped clutched his red cheek and gave her a toothy smile.
"I like 'em fiery!" He declared. He was about to lunge for her when all of a sudden his pants were burning. The man squeaked like a giant rat, running all over the place screaming for help. The people present only laughed at him until one finally took pity and doused him with a pail of water. Zhuzhen had come to aid Alice while Keith made short work of the men who accosted Margarete. After scolding the two women for going in such a place, they wanted to see Yuri and give him a trashing down for letting the women to fend for themselves. But the safety of the women came first and reluctantly, they left the bawdy house.
Then only did Yuri rise to walk over to the man who had dared to make a pass at Alice. He could not risk letting her see just how much he still cares. That despite the indifferent mask he wore, inside he seethed with rage. The man looked up at his visage and squeaked in fear, though Yuri didn't say one word, his face spoke volumes. Before the man could escape, Yuri caught him by the hand.
Methodically, ruthlessly, completely without emotions, Yuri broke the man's fingers one by one, as if he was snapping twigs. The sound of bone cracking filled the pin drop silence in the room, punctuated by the man's scream for help. The people could only stare in horror even as the unfortunate man begged Yuri for mercy.
"Touch her again." He hissed in the trembling man's ears. "And I'll make sure Hell becomes your permanent home." He released the mangled hand then looked at each man present, giving them the same warning. Everyone looked away in fear.
He left Madam Cabot's the same night, silently telling himself that he only wanted to protect the world his father died to save, that he didn't want to waste Ben's sacrifice by allowing Albert Simon's plan go unhindered, but he really didn't believe it. The thought that Alice might die fighting this warlock pushed him to go…not that he'd admit it to anyone, most especially to himself.
And so they all traveled to Wales together, they acted like total strangers, never talking, avoided each other, though many times he ached just to hold her hand, to caress that soft face and gaze into violet eyes deep enough to drown in, he never did. Time only seemed to ripen the distance between them, but at least he was near her, to make sure that she's fine. That he was acting the besotted fool, Yuri didn't even dare try to think about.
"It's as if you're looking for a place to die. Snap out of it, I don't know what went between you and Alice but this got to stop!" The old man's voice broke into his thoughts.
A woman has needs too you know. A voice inside taunted him, the words that Christopher wrote.
Memories seared him, making him hurt all over again…Those memories of their times together, when she had burned in his arms and he knew what it was like to be engulfed by fire, to feel that elemental force that all men must have felt before him, when loving and desiring a woman becomes one, single entity, all the more consuming, all the more powerful. Only she was able to uncage the animal within him, but still…he had turned her away, because he wanted their first time to be perfect.
Perfect my ass! Didn't she know how much it has hurt me, costs me to stay away!
But that is beyond the point. It all boils down to one thing; he had neglected her needs, and thereby forced her to seek another man.
If she really loves me she would have waited!
But then, that's the thing, she really didn't love him, does she? Because if she did, she wouldn't be unfaithful, only love can ensure one's fidelity.
"Look inside yourself boy and find the truth." Zhuzhen said. "Whatever wrong she did in the past, does it really matter? Can you not forgive and forget?"
He got no answers. All he knew was that he's a bleeding mass, tormented and desolate. He had bottled up his emotions to keep them from overwhelming him, he tried to bury all his pain and disillusionment beneath a blanket of numbness and living like this felt as if he was a mere husk, a mere lifeless shell of the man he used to be.
Should he go to her and try to rebuild what they have lost? Yes his heart said. No you idiot! Another part of him declared. But can he continue living like this? Pointless, completely without direction? Much as he hated to admit to himself, Alice had become a vital part of him, the essence of his existence, the force that brings life to his being. She is the invisible thread that holds his person in one form, without her he simply fell apart.
She might not be the pure angel of his dreams, but…he cannot live without her either.
Suddenly a feeling of incomprehensible dread filled him. Urgent, and demanding. Somehow he could sense that Alice is in danger.
Abruptly he got up."Where's Alice?" He demanded.
Zhuzhen raised himself and brushed the bits of grass and dust from his robe.
"She left earlier to go back to London, she said she'd check on Koudelka. Keith and Margarete went with her."
London eh? Why? To meet your lover? Does she itch so much for a man that she cannot wait to finish this battle with Simon? Yuri thought as jealous rage filled him again. He longed to find Christopher and shred him to bits, but he couldn't find the swine.
Suddenly all his instincts screamed for him to follow her. Not knowing the reason, whether jealousy or fear for her safety pushed him to go, Yuri closed his eyes to fuse into Amon.
Then without further ado, he flew off leaving Zhuzhen who grumbled about the poor manners of youth today. But he hoped that Yuri did what he really ought to, go to Alice.
(O(o)O)
London.
Alice left the hotel alone. Margarete and Keith wanted to accompany her, but she insisted on going by herself. She wanted to see if Charlotte or Christopher is back, what she plans to tell them, Alice wasn't sure. But, if they think she'll be meek and forgiving, they are bound to be disappointed.
The blood of the ancient Celts runs true in her veins, and like those ancient women before her, Alice has unbound her hair like a witch on a quest. A healer cannot kill, but there are things worse than death.
The two storey apartment that serves as Charlotte's townhouse was located in distance away from the hustle and bustle of London's busy streets. The place was charming and serene. But for the young woman who stood before its door, rage as never before experienced seethed within.
She entered the house when no one answered the door. The interior was stylishly decorated in white, gold and royal blue. But she has no time to admire the delicate fripperies.
Alice opened the door at the end of the hallway, the sight that met her eyes froze her on the spot. The room was an unholy mess, blood splattered the walls, the curtains, furniture…and on the center of the floor lies a crumpled heap of bits of clothing, flesh and more blood. A lock of unstained brown hair at the side gave away the identity of the 'mass'. Judging from the state of the blood, the crime happened very recently. The culprit might be still hiding in the house.
Suddenly a voice spoke. "It's so thoughtful of you to drop by. Saves me time."
Alice turned at the familiar hoarse voice. "Olga!"
"So you remember me eh?"
"What are you doi— You killed Charlotte?" Alice gasped.
Olga shrugged her ancient shoulders. "That girl heard me talking with Master Simon, she knew the reason why I wanted to get revenge on you, so now she must go…besides I have no more use for her."
"You planned all this? You wanted Yuri to hate me?" Alice asked in disbelief. She had thought that poor Charlotte only wanted to cause mischief as she was wont to do in their school days, but being manipulated by Olga…Charlotte had never been bullied into submission. And now she's dead. As much as Alice was angry with her old school mate, she didn't wish for her to die.
"Yes. Seeing that man and you hurt each other brought a measure of satisfaction for me. But nothing will satisfy me more than your own death!"
Then, Olga transformed into a more hideous being that was hooded in black and had beak-like appendages jutting from her featureless face.
It would be a long and hard battle, for Olga was well versed with many types of magic, she may be old but her age only loaned her wisdom and knowledge.
With a silent prayer for protection, Alice prepared herself for battle.
She cringed inside as she realized that she was low on supplies. She didn't come here intent on fighting, nor did she expect to see Olga in Charlotte's apartment…but there's no turning back now.
Olga has changed her technique. She cast various elemental attacks that caused severe damage on her opponent. Alice knew that such a sorceress exist, empowered with all elemental affinities, but it was her first time to encounter one. And the old witch was even capable of exhausting the mind, thereby weakening Alice's spells.
Her mana supplies quickly depleted, Alice wasn't able to cast anymore magic. Left with no other option, Alice closed her Bible and used it as a weapon to bludgeon the witch. But the cunning old woman floated higher in the air, and Alice was only able to hit her legs, if the witch got legs beneath that black cloth.
On and on the fight ensues, but it was clear who got the upper hand. Olga laughed as she prolonged what has become a game for her. Alice was soon exhausted, has sustained too much injury from Olga's elemental magic attacks. With no healing supplies to revive her and too mentally exhausted to cast even cure, Alice knew her end is near. Just one more hit, and she's surely done for.
As if from a distance she heard Olga chant another magic attack. Deciding to face her death head on, Alice stood there bravely, and closed her eyes.
If she got any regrets dying this way, it was the thought of passing away without seeing his face again.
Goodbye Yuri…may God be with you, for I no longer can…no matter what you think of me, this simple truth remains…I love you…
Vaguely she heard Olga cast Rock Storm. Alice clutched her Bible closer to her body, squeezing her eyes tightly shut, praying that her death would be swift and less painful than the death Charlotte suffered, knowing that she has no way to block the huge shafts of stone that would soon penetrate her and end her life.
The earth trembled as huge splinters of rock emerged from the ground, then like homing missiles, the big pieces of stone hurled their way towards her.
Alice heard the sickening sound of skin and flesh tearing, waited in dread for the moment her body would scream in agony and pain. But the anticipated feeling never came. What? Is it over already? Is she dead? But she can still hear the lab dub of her heart beating…she can still feel herself draw air to breathe…
Confused to be still alive, Alice opened her eyes. The sight that met her almost made her faint. Amon stood before her, the Fusion Monster Yuri received after that battle with Albert Simonbeneath Nemeton Monastery. Amon was breathing raggedly, its wings enfolded her body without touching, like a cocoon. Alice could only gape as the situation sank in; the monster had shielded her with his own body. Even as she watched, Amon pulled out the shards of rock that sank in his flesh.
Blood rushed out of the gaping wounds, he was bleeding profusely, but Alice couldn't do anything to heal him. But he merely motioned for her to stay behind, and then rushed to tackle the old witch who was surprised to see him as much as Alice.
The old hag applied the same tactics to Amon, only she gravely miscalculated. Amon's Demon ray which shoots beams of non-elemental light, almost depleted her strength. Olga used her signature Mind Assault to exhausts the mental power of her opponent, and it certainly prevented him from using Demon rays again. But then, she never anticipated that though Amon was not able to perform special attacks, his claws were just as deadly accurate and lethal. No matter how much she tried to poison him, petrify him or paralyze the monster, he was simply too quick for such big feet. Olga only sustained more damage each time.
Soon the vile witch was exhausted, too exhausted to even escape. She had used all of her mental power to finish him off, but the monster was too great, she hadn't counted on that. A fatal mistake.
What the hell! Yuri was supposed to hate the Elliot girl, so now why is he protecting her? Angry, desolate and miserable that her life would end soon without even the satisfaction that she had set the lovers apart, Olga cursed in despair.
Then, unthinkably Amon transformed back to his human form. Olga lifted her tired head to see what the Fusionist was up to. But before she could even take note of Yuri's state of undress, he had rushed towards her to deliver the final blow.
"This is for hurting my girl…" Yuri hissed against the foul face of Olga, or what was left of the witch's face as Yuri smashed his claws deep in her head, instantly killing Arcane Olga for good.
Breathing hard, Yuri stared at the dead woman who slowly disintegrated on the floor, then he slowly collapsed. He had lost too much blood.
Alice rushed to his side. "Yuri!" She cried, cradling his bloodied head in her lap, her tears pelted his face even as she tried to stop them.
Yuri weakly lifted a hand to touch her face, he caressed her jaw lightly, saw that he had stained her soft skin and tried to pull away, but Alice held his hand, kept it pressed to her. He gave her the lopsided grin that has always made butterflies dance in her belly.
"Hey Baby…you okay?" He said, then he passed out.
(O(o)O)
When he finally came to, the first thing that greeted him was the white ceiling of the hotel room. Disoriented for a moment and wondering where he was, Yuri looked around the dimly lit room. Seeking her slight form.
He saw her blond head lying on top of her folded arms at his side. Alice slept sitting beside the bed, yet she had clasped his hand as if even in sleep she couldn't bear not to touch him.
Alice must have cared for him while he was unconscious.
Then, unbidden, he remembered all those times she had taken care of him, like in that smuggler boat from Dalian port, when he was so seasick he could barely hold his head…she had been so gentle, so caring.
Then that night she risked her life in Keith's castle to bring him back…and all the small things she had done for him—washed his clothes, prepared his meals, arranged his bed roll…Yuri smiled as he remembered how she always made sure he brushes his teeth before going to bed, she would come near him to sniff his breath that he was too embarrassed to forget brushing his teeth afterwards. Shewould cuthis fingernails and trim his hair, reminded him to change underwear daily and bathe, that most of all…why every time they got the chance, all the supplies she'd buy would be all for personal hygiene, a total waste of money for him, but he never had the heart to tease her attempts to civilize him.
But what he loves the most about her, was the way she looks up at him whenever they have the time to be together, soft and tender and undemanding…The way she'd kiss every hurt in his hands before healing him whenever he gets into battle, the way she'd cup her face in his palm and tell him she didn't mind the rough calluses against her skin, the way she would massage his tired muscles until he falls asleep…
Oh God! Yuri groaned. How could he have forgotten all those things? It was so easy to see the bad and forget the good. So damn easy!
Yuri ached to caress the beloved head, then the memory of how she stood there in that hellish apartment, waiting for her death made him shudder.
The slight movement was enough to wake her.
For a moment, he could only gaze at her beautiful amethyst eyes.
The bedside lamp gave her skin a rosy glow, tenderly he rubbed her lower lip with his thumb. He drank in her exquisite beauty, realizing just how much he had really missed her.
"Are you hungry?" Alice asked breaking into his thoughts. He longed to hold her exactly where she is, but…
Alice stood from the bed and walked to a small dining table near the balcony door. She picked up the bed tray and came back to him. "It's cold, do you want me to warm it up?"
Yeah baby and while you're up to it, would you warm me up too?
Aloud he said. "No. It's fine."
She sat beside him on the bed while he ate in silence. Both wanted to speak, to ask questions they were afraid to voice, but reluctant to break the peace between them that had been absent for too long, they kept quiet.
Yuri smiled as he saw the toothbrush and paste and a bar of soap on top of a neatly folded towel stacked on the bedside drawer. Still insisting on hygiene eh?
Not having the heart to tease her right now, Yuri finished his meal and meekly gave her her wish.
When he emerged from the bathroom, Yuri hesitated on the threshold of the door. He could sense the tension in the air. This was the first time in a long, long while that they had the oppurtunity to be alone.
Alice sat on the bed, nervously clutching her hands.
She knew the moment has come for them to face their problem, and she still doesn't know what to say.
Go for it honey girl! Margarete's voice spoke to her. Go to your man and kiss him senseless and before he could protest, measure the bulge in his pants with your palm. When he has grown beyond the reach of your fingers, unzip him and measure what you can with your mouth. But be careful, make sure your teeth won't hit him.
Are you sure he'll like that?
Yes! Didn't you know that it was Cleopatra's most powerful weapon of seduction? That caused the downfall of Mark Antony and Caesar?
But…
What's the matter honey? Do you find it disgusting?
No. Yuri could never disgust me…it's just…
It would be all right honey child. Trust me, he will warm up to you in no time, then he will finally realize that he got no reason to distrust you…
"How are you feeling?" Alice asked in a soft voice, the things that Maragarete suggested made her face flush in embarrassment, she didn't know if she had enough courage to do those things.
Yuri scratched his head. "Oh as chipper as a graveyard butterfly I guess…"
Then there was silence.
Yuri didn't want to relive the moment he had seen her standing there waiting for the blow that would end her life. Christ! He was so close to losing her. But now that she is safe, he could finally face the terror that has been his that terrible moment, he wanted to face it and then bury it, so it would no longer have the power to torment him.
When he arrived in London, Yuri came just in time to see her walk away from the hotel. She was all alone, and the thought that she would be seeing her lover again, almost made him howl in rage, but forcing himself to be calm, Yuri decided to follow her, intent on catching her red handed.
Then perhaps, his heart would simply shrivel and die, and he won't hurt anymore. He had waited outside the townhouse, waited for her to walk out with Christopher, what his intentions were once he caught them together, even Yuri couldn't say. Nor does he have the strength to burst through that door and find her in the arms of another man.
His instincts urged him to go to her, but he fought against them, not wanting to see just how unfaithful she can be. Well, since their break up, he had relinquished all claims on her, so this isn't exactly being unfaithful to him, but...inexplicably, Yuri still felt that only he should have the right to call her his...
When he couldn't stand the urgent demand of his senses, Yuri kicked the door of the townhouse, braced himself at what he would find...saw her standing there, her clothes in tatters, waiting for the blow that would end her life. God! He almost came too late!
"You know… when I saw that old hag cast those rocks at you, intent on killing you…I was so afraid." He confessed brokenly. His eyes close in torment.
"I could have lost you…" He whispered hoarsely, "You could have been killed…" He couldn't bear the thought, he was aware of the sting of tears in his own eyes but ignored them.
"I said to myself there and then, that if you lived, I would make it up to you…if you'll give me another chance." Now that he had began, there was no stopping the words from flowing out.
He no longer cared that she sees just how much he still loves her, that he would gladly lay down his life just to keep her safe…he had thought he'd learned all about pain and bleakness in life, but nothing could prepare him at that blackest moment of his life when he thought she would die in front of him. And he knew in that moment that whatever she had done, her betrayal, her faithlessness, none of them mattered anymore…all he wanted was another chance to be with her, for as long as he would live.
He never wanted to feel that way again, as if every fiber of his being cried out in agony, begging God to give him another chance. The God he had turned his back on, ever since his mother died in front of him long time ago.
"I'm so sorry…so damned sorry…I would take each hurtful word I've said to you if I could, I never meant any of them…Alice…I…love you…I have never stopped loving you…" Then he opened his eyes, revealing the tears he shed.
Alice felt her heart lurch in her chest. Life has been hard on a man like Yuri, orphaned, left all alone to fend for himself in a world that knows only teeth and claws. He grew up tough, and hard…but to draw tears from a man such as him…
She didn't know that she had rushed to his side and enfolded him in her embrace. The hot sting of tears that wet the front of her nightgown startled Alice, she didn't know if they were hers or his, she couldn't see his face through the veil of her own tears. He bent to kiss her, softly, tentatively as if asking for permission.
"Does this mean you forgive me?" He asked.
That brought more tears in her eyes. "There's nothing to forgive."
When she drew her arms around his neck and pulled him close, something gave in within him. Hungrily, with all the pent up longings inside him bursting like a dam, Yuri kissed her. And she kissed him back just as passionately, not caring that he was bruising her lips nor that his tongue was almost rough in his eagerness to reclaim her again.
Breathlessly he pulled away, making her protest the sudden loss of his warmth. "No. Baby, I've come too close to seeing you die to trust my control tonight…"
She looked up at him not understanding what he meant.
With aching tenderness he traced her red lips, gently caressed her jaw, her soft cheeks.
"After this battle with Albert Simon, we'll talk. Then we'd get married. I'd never let you go again." His old possessiveness returning, Yuri clasped her close.
"Marry?" Alice asked breathlessly.
"Yes. Then you can rant at me and tear me up to strips for neglecting you and then we'd make up and talk about babies."
"I'd like that." Alice whispered, leaning her head against his bare chest, inhaling his warm sandalwood scent, rubbing her cheek against the thud of his heart. Yuri bent to drop a kiss on her head, inhaling the sweet scent that was uniquely hers. Letting the moment heal him, fill the cold emptiness of his soul. He no longer cared that she had betrayed him in the past, no longer cared that he was walking into the trap with his eyes open, shackling himself to a faithless woman would no doubt be the death of him. But if he could hold her like this for the rest of his life, he would be content.
(O(o)O)
Roger's house, Wales, England.
Alice was not satisfied with the way things are between them, somehow she knew that she had broken him, reduced him to this man who was so afraid of losing her that he'd do anything to please her. She want the Yuri of old back, the foul mouthed, hot tempered man who had dared to steal kisses from her and touch her without consent. He has lost confidence in himself as far as she is concerned. He doesn't believe that I love him. Alice thought in frustration. She could still see, in his unguarded moments the torment that lurked in his eyes, but it was quickly hidden the moment he realizes that she was looking. He was such a master over his emotions that he could keep a straight face and convince everyone that he is fine, everyone but Alice. She knew that deep down he is still in anguish.
He was still afraid that she'd leave him. The thought of how much he is tormenting himself made her eyes smart, her heart went out to him. He would accept all the caring and cosseting from her as if it would be the last time, yet he never demanded more than what she would give. He was endlessly loving, tender and so sweet that her heart would weep each time.
He loves her enough to humble his pride like this, loves her despite believing she was a faithless woman who would dump him when she gets tired of him.
How can she make him see that she loves him too? That she loves him enough to sacrifice her very soul, despite all the religious teachings that had been instilled in her from birth?
God Yuri! She thought in anguish. What must I do to make you believe I'd never leave you for another man?
But Alice knew that the time would come for her to leave him, only not in the way he thought.
The curse of the Four Masks.
She knew they were coming for her.
Tonight.
I cannot go without him knowing how much I love him. Alice thought defiantly. Yuri, the man of my life…I cannot die knowing that you still don't believe in my love. She'll show him, her chin a stubborn set as she made up her mind. She'll show him just how mistaken he was.
He wanted to wait for marriage, because he was afraid she'd dump him if he failed to meet her expectations, the stubborn fool! And yet he refused to talk about Christopher, claimed that his wounds are still too raw to face it.
She wanted to give him the time he asked for him to come to accept it, but she has little time left. The Masks would come for her, soon.
Once again her conscience preached about the sins of fornication, but Alice snuffed them out. God who has come to earth and took the form of a man surely would understand. That though the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak…and she could no longer bear to see the sadness beneath Yuri's smile, the pain in the depths of his eyes he tried to hide.
She would come to him tonight. Love him as she had always yearned to do, to surrender body and soul and show him that despite the things he had seen, the things he believed about her, her love is true and deep.
To be continued…