Fyer had barely fallen asleep when she felt something odd. She looked around at the maze-like castle, wondering if something had changed in the atmosphere. She still felt eyes watching her, but she also felt something touching her. She looked down and brushed her arms off, trying to get rid of the feeling. The walls shimmered and her world began to dissolve. She surfaced from Castle Oblivion and into reality, going from a blinding white to darkness. She blinked and realized she hadn't been imagining the touch.

Fyer jerked away with a cry, but someone held her down. She struggled until she heard a calm voice speak very quietly near her ear.

"Relax, little hearted one. I do not intend on bringing harm to you," Xemnas said in the darkness. One hand was on each shoulder. His voice was impossible to not recognize, but she was still on edge, ready to move away if he let her go. "Go back to sleep. You had only just begun to dream when you woke. I need to watch your dreams."

"You woke me up because you were touching me," Fyer responded quickly, feeling tense. Xemnas said nothing for a moment, and he did not let go of her shoulders. She shifted and his grip tightened enough to keep her still.

"I have to touch you in order to enter your dreams," he said simply. He was being patient, but the thought of him standing there with his hands on her as she slept was unnerving enough to keep her wide awake.

"Why is seeing this place so important?" she asked, wishing she could see him through the darkness. She wondered feebly if he could see her.

"There is something there that could let us reach Kingdom Hearts at last," Xemnas said, stopping there and offering no further details. She heard him shift and felt more pressure on her shoulders, which meant he was leaning directly over her, looking down. They remained silent for a long time, neither moving nor speaking. Fyer searched the darkness for his face.

"Xemnas…?" she asked, wondering if he was listening, or was lost in thought.

"Yes?" he answered quickly, directly above Fyer, as she had suspected. She looked in that direction, blinking in the darkness.

"Why didn't you put me in the sleeping chamber? I...you wouldn't have to go through so much effort to get me to behave," she asked awkwardly, wanting to know. He put out such an iron resolve and cruel front that she didn't see why he treated her differently. She had to know why.

Xemnas made a noise in the darkness that Fyer almost thought sounded like a very quiet laugh. She couldn't tell for sure because she couldn't see his face. The pressure on her shoulders lifted and she heard him move a few steps away.

"I have often wondered this myself. However, when I made the decision to move you to the chamber, my resolve crumbled. I didn't want you in eternal slumber. I wanted you here, so I could come to your room and watch you as you slept; to see you move about with your eyes full of life. I wanted you by my side, not in a glass chamber that silences all but your dreams," Xemnas admitted, sounding meek, if that was possible. She looked up at the ceiling in surprise. She hadn't known what to expect, but this was not on the list of possible things she thought he might say. He wanted her by his side?

"I…why me? Is it my dreams that makes me different from any of the others that you would have put in the sleeping chamber?" Her voice was shaky. She knew she shouldn't be feeling so drawn to him considering the way he had wrecked her life, but she couldn't fight it off.

"I believed it to be your dreams when I first approached you, but it's something more. Every morning as I leave the Castle, I find you in my thoughts. You remain there even as I traverse Castle Oblivion. I find myself desiring to reach out and touch you when you are near. Even when you defy me, I only seek to quell your fear of me. I am a master of myself and Organization 13, but you somehow draw me to you without effort. It is something I cannot explain or understand…but I have no wishes of letting it go," Xemnas mused, his voice thoughtful. She heard him approach again, but didn't flee. She felt him reach out and trace his fingers around her throat; it seemed to be his favorite spot to make contact with her, as if to say he would not harm her despite the vulnerable place he was touching.

Fyer shivered at his gentle touch, but didn't speak. She wasn't sure how to respond. She felt him leaning against the bed, over her as he stroked her neck.

"Sleep, little hearted one. Let your fear go; it has no place here with me," he whispered, voice surprisingly tender. Fyer felt drowsiness overcome her like a tidal wave, and she wondered if it was Xemnas' doing. Unable to fight it, she fell into sleep and wandered the white halls of Castle Oblivion, aware of another pair of eyes watching her.

When Fyer woke again, she was alone. Her door was still closed, leaving her in darkness. She stretched and sat up, looking around curiously at her room. She was on her own today. There wasn't much to do in her room except sit, so she moved to the wall, and touched the switch that turned the lights on. She got changed and straightened her room, which didn't take long. With a sigh, she opened her door and ventured into the hallway.

On her way to the commons room, she heard a noise behind her and glanced back to see Marluxia exiting his room. With a start, she turned away and walked quickly, pretending she hadn't seen him. She reached the commons and saw Saix and Xigbar in the front of the room opening portals. She slowed, not sure where to go then.

"Well, hello Fyer," Marluxia purred. Fyer whirled around and took a step back, hoping to avoid his intoxicating scent. He noticed this and closed the gap before she could blink. She held her breath and breathed very slowly, trying to stay alert. His scent was powerful, and it covered her like a thick blanket. She felt her body grow weaker, and she fought to keep her thoughts in order.

"Good morning, Marluxia," she responded evenly, barely able to say the words. He raised an eyebrow and smiled.

"My, what's the matter? You look flushed. Was your sleep disturbed?" he asked innocently. She looked at him suspiciously. Was it possible he had no idea he had this effect on her?

"It was…no. I'm fine," she said, quickly correcting herself. Something about Xemnas' intrusion last night made her keep her mouth shut. She hadn't figured it out yet, and she didn't want others speculating. She watched Marluxia warily, trying to keep a clear head. He was absolutely beautiful, and the concern he was portraying was only edging it along. He reached out suddenly and brushed his hand through her hair.

"You do not look well, Fyer. Come sit with me," Marluxia urged, continuing to stroke his hands through her hair. Fyer wanted to refuse, but she couldn't speak. She cursed whatever it was he was doing to her. He gently took her arm and led her over to one of the couches. They both sat, and Marluxia moved close, pinning her against one of the arms. He curled an arm around behind her and leaned close. Fyer looked down and closed her eyes, gathering her thoughts back together.

"Marluxia, I don't want-"

"Hush, love. Do not be afraid," he whispered, touching a finger to her lips. She jerked in surprise, her mind clearing for a second. She moved to stand and he gripped her frightening tight, rendering her immobile.

"I only wish to learn more about you, Fyer. Xemnas is keeping you all to himself, and hasn't let you out to play with the others," Marluxia said quietly, and Fyer didn't like the tone he had in his voice. He relented his grip and leaned even closer, his mouth almost touching her ear. "Tell me what your true desires are, Fyer."

Fyer sat in silence, unsure how or what to say. His hand moved over and touched her thigh. She jumped again and he laughed softly.

"Xemnas keeps you to himself like a trophy; only there to look at and covet. He spares only a few moments of his day to look through to your dreams. He is using you; you are but a tool to him. But I…I could give you so much more," Marluxia cooed. Fyer went rigid, thinking she knew where this was going. "You would never have to be alone again."

Fyer couldn't get Marluxia's smell out of her nostrils. She turned her head, but he moved his arm and redirected her toward him. To her surprise, Xemnas came into her mind, and his touch from the night before. She knew suddenly, even if Marluxia meant to help her escape, she trusted Xemnas more. There was something wrong about Marluxia, and it frightened her even as she was unable to willingly walk away. With an extreme amount of willpower, she found her voice.

"My desire is not you," she said shakily. Marluxia leaned back and looked at her, not with surprise, but a terrifyingly empty stare. He released her and stood, a fake smile coming to his face.

"Think on it, love. I do dearly hope you change your mind. If not, it is just the same; nothing is gained without a struggle," Marluxia warned sweetly. His eyes pierced hers like a sword, and he walked silently away. He brushed past Luxord, who seemed to have appeared out of thin air. Fyer hadn't noticed him before and wondered uncomfortably if he had overhead Marluxia.

Luxord had a displeased expression on his face as he looked at Fyer, and she waited quietly as her head finally cleared. Marluxia cast open a dark corridor and went through it without further delay. Luxord walked leisurely over and crossed his arms.

"You don't look well. What did Marluxia say, huh?" Luxord asked, not beating around the bush. His blue eyes narrowed as he waited. Fyer fidgeted.

"He was being…overbearing. He gets too close when he speaks and it messes my head up," Fyer tried to explain. Luxord raised an eyebrow.

"Do his looks render you speechless?" Luxord asked, not a hint of humor in his voice. Fyer shook her head, not wanting to have to explain this.

"He gets close and I can't think straight. I don't know what it is, but it's like I'm trapped and he doesn't even have to touch me," she said, hoping he understood this time. Luxord suddenly nodded.

"I see. He's putting the moves on you, isn't he?" Luxord asked, more of a statement than anything. Fyer titled her head.

"I suppose you could put it that way. What should I do? To stop it, I mean?" she asked the blond man. He shrugged.

"Marluxia usually flirts with everyone…and I mean EVERYONE. I don't know what goes through that man's head sometimes. He makes everyone a little uncomfortable here and there. If he starts getting too damn close, you just tell him to back up, like you did when he got up and left. He'll get the picture and just wink at you when you walk by. I wouldn't trust his affection, Fyer, because I'm not sure he's even capable of any," Luxord explained, glancing back at Xigbar. He looked at her again. "Unless of course he starts threatening. Then I'd suggest you get one of us to warn him off, or tell Xemnas. He's got a line for everyone he doesn't want crossed, and it looked to me like Marluxia crossed it pretty far."

Fyer nodded, not sure what she should do. Marluxia hadn't threatened her directly, but it seemed as if he was warning that he would not allow her to refuse him. If that was the case, she was in danger.

"He scares me," Fyer said. Luxord studied her.

"Is there a particular reason he's got you scared of him?" The question should have been simple to answer, but Fyer found herself embarrassed to explain.

"I think he's going to try something on me," she said shortly. Luxord narrowed his eyes.

"If that's the case, you need to get someone to watch you again, like Axel had been doing. Saix has been sending all but a few people out into the field, and it's hard to free someone up. I think if you tell Xemnas when he returns, he'll make sure Marluxia can't get anywhere near you," Luxord instructed. Fyer nodded, unmoving from where Marluxia had left her on the couch. Luxord winked at her and walked off, leaving her alone again. She looked up and watched Saix and Xigbar for a moment, mulling over her options.

She knew when Xemnas returned she would have to try and explain the way Marluxia had been acting toward her. She didn't want to make a big deal out of nothing, though. Luxord had said he would normally flirt and then back away when his advances were rejected, but he had not taken her rejection gracefully. She was afraid she was going to be in deep trouble if something wasn't done.

In the meantime, there was nothing she could do until Xemnas returned. Fyer stood and wandered to the kitchen to see that Demyx was absent, along with everyone else. She went the other way and climbed the spiral staircase to the library. She pushed the door open slowly and moved carefully into darkness. She moved her hand along the wall until her hand touched the switch. A soft glowing emitted from the ceiling and walls, revealing a surprisingly large library to her.

The library was carpeted in green, which was a welcome comfort considering it was absent from all other rooms. The tables were glass, with white stone supports, and the chairs matched the pale couches in the commons area. Books lined the walls, which branched off in every direction into smaller rooms containing yet more books.

The room was silent, but she liked this place. It was comforting and felt safe, and she finally breathed a small sigh. She knew that she couldn't avoid trouble forever, but it felt good to be able to for the time being. Fyer moved about the room aimlessly, snatching glances at titles as she went. It was an odd library. Some sections were in languages she didn't even recognize. Some proclaimed names of places she didn't know either, and she realized they must have come from the other 'worlds'. A small section had many titles about armed combat and magic. She passed healing tomes, historical books, and some that had the Organization's odd insignia printed on the spine.

She reached out and pulled one free, taking care to note where she had gotten it from. She moved over and sat in the chair, flipping the book open to a random page. She scanned the words, finding herself reading about the Castle she was in.

As Fyer read, her mind wandered indefinitely back to Xemnas and Marluxia and their strange behavior. She mulled it over in her mind and wondered if either of them even realized what feelings they were portraying. They may only be acting on basic instinct, not realizing they were displaying vague affection, or in Marluxia's case, lust. She couldn't tell with Xemnas because he was so carefully neutral most of the time. It was only in moments when they were alone when he suddenly started looking at her differently. The way he always seemed to stroke her throat was another thought that made her shiver. She didn't know if it was a very gentle threat, or something completely opposite.

Marluxia on the other hand, was transparent. He showed his interest brazenly, and seemed determined to turn her against Xemnas, if that was even possible. She wasn't on anyone's side, and didn't intend on picking one anytime soon. The way he touched her wasn't anything like Xemnas; he was straightforward and wanted her to know he was after her. The most peculiar thing was the way his scent seemed to intoxicate her to the point where she could barely resist him. She learned today that she could find the willpower to overcome it; but just barely. She wondered how he would act toward her now that she had rejected him.

She continued to ponder as time passed slowly around her, and the book remained untouched before her. One page was frozen in air, in the process of being turned. She gazed up at the shelves, not truly seeing them as he thoughts charged on.

Fyer felt her eyes droop as she sat before the open book, and could barely resist the tug of sleep on her racing mind. The library was calm and soothing, and she found herself completely at ease as she folded her arms on the table. She rested her head on her arms and let sleep pull her in without a fight.

Fyer picked herself up off the floor and glanced around, disoriented for a moment. She recognized the brilliant white walls and realized she was in Castle Oblivion. She had never visited her dreams as frequently as today, but she shrugged. The day would pass quicker as she wandered these endless halls in slumber.

Fyer moved down white hallways and through doors, humming softly to herself as she recalled one of her favorite songs from her world. She touched her hand to the wall as she walked, marveling at its smoothness. Her footsteps echoed dully in the emptiness, and she continued on mindlessly. She did this nightly, never knowing where she had begun, or where she was going. It was as though her dreams had been pushed aside and this was all that existed for her when she closed her eyes. Trapped, just like in reality.

Fyer heard something behind her and stopped mid-stride. She was always alone; there was never another in these halls. She gingerly glanced back, seeing nothing behind her. She waited a moment longer, then continued on. She must have imagined it.

She heard it again and whirled around, heart fluttering frantically. She knew it was only a dream, but she had no idea how to wake from it; Castle Oblivion only released her when it was through with her, or someone from the outside shook her violently awake. Her eyes scoured the long hallway behind her, searching for the disturbance. A door suddenly swung closed, having blended in with the hallway. Now, standing in line with her, was Xemnas.

They stared at each other for a long time, neither speaking. Xemnas had no expression as usual as he studied her. He was about twenty feet away, and decided it was too far. He started toward her. She didn't know whether she should run or stay. Her fear of him and curiosity clashed furiously, immobilizing her. Her fear was slowly being pushed away by the other part of her that believed she saw a caring man behind the shell. Xemnas stopped suddenly, far out of reach.

"What are you?" he asked flatly, gazing straight at her. She blinked in surprise, wondering what exactly he saw. She looked down at herself, but she looked normal. She looked up again.

"It's me…Fyer," she answered, confused. Xemnas tilted his head and was going to speak when something stopped him. He then decided to close the distance, and stopped less than an arms length away, looking down at her.

"I can see you now. Your spirit was hiding you until you proclaimed yourself. You were but a glowing form. It is odd how you are here as though you travelled here with me. Are you dreaming?" he asked her. If it was possible, Fyer imagined him to be a little pleased to see her. It was a lonely place to traverse all day, and she wondered if he was glad to see someone else.

"I fell asleep in the library," she answered, knowing how lazy that sounded. He tilted his head.

"Is your bed not adequate?" he asked, not a hint of sarcasm carrying in his voice. Fyer looked down.

"It's not that; I simply grew tired as I was reading and fell asleep in the library," she explained. He was silent for a moment.

"Do you desire a different bed?" Xemnas asked, brow furrowed. Fyer shook her head quickly.

"No, mine is fine. I sleep fine in my bed. I just had many things on my mind and fell asleep, that's all. I didn't sleep very restfully for some reason," Fyer admitted, realizing a second later what she had said.

"I see. I disturbed your sleep last night, unintentionally," Xemnas responded, not missing a thing. Fyer looked down awkwardly as the silence stretched between them. He made no move to leave, and she couldn't simply disappear.

"I…umm," she stammered, not sure what to say. She looked up and he was watching her steadily, not taking his eyes off her. She then remembered what he had said about memories vanishing when one left Castle Oblivion. "Will you forget that you saw me when you leave?"

"No. Only memories of the castle itself will vanish. I will remember this with clarity; I simply will not remember where I was," he answered, giving her an odd look. She knew he was wondering why she had asked, but it had been out of mere curiosity. She looked down, then knew what she needed to speak to him about.

"Xemnas," she began, looking up. He was looking at her, but he wasn't listening anymore. He was gazing at her throat, the look of longing back in his eyes. She took an instinctive step back and his eyes refocused on her. She didn't understand his obsession with her throat, and she wasn't sure she should trust him with his hand around her neck anytime soon. "I…wanted to tell you something."

He took a step closer and reached out to her. She tensed up as he placed his hand gently on the left side of her face, his thumb touching the corner of her mouth.

"Why must you always back away from me? Have I not proven to you that I will not hurt you?" he asked softly, taking her by surprise. She couldn't speak for a long moment. He moved his thumb, stroking her cheek.

"What do you truly want from me, Xemnas?" she asked, her voice barely loud enough to hear. He thought for a long moment. His eyes wandered around her face.

"I know not, Fyer…I know not what I want from you. All I know is that I want you," Xemnas answered, golden eyes piercing hers. "I want you with me."

Fyer woke with a cry, leaping back and tripping over the chair. She fell with a crash and groaned, sleep still numbing her senses. She pulled herself up into a sitting position and rubbed her pounding head. Then she noticed Zexion standing next to the table where she had been sitting, staring at her blankly. She stood quickly, pulling the chair back into its original position.

"I'm sorry, I was startled, that's all," she explained without being prompted, embarrassed. Zexion closed her book and tucked it under her arm.

"Startled is one word. I have never seen someone come out of sleep like that with one touch to the arm," Zexion retorted, raking a hand absently through his hair. He paused a moment, then looked her over. "Are you alright?"

"I-I'm fine," she replied, fixing her rumpled shirt. Zexion nodded noncommittally and walked away toward the bookshelves. After a another awkward moment, Fyer turned and left.

When she entered the commons room, Demyx and Xigbar were on the couches, arguing loudly about something. Just as she arrived, Two portals disappeared and Luxord turned around.

"Dammit to hell, why don't you idiots go have your word war somewhere else other than here? I can't concentrate with your voices violating my ears," Luxord cried in frustration. Demyx and Xigbar only grinned.

"Alright, alright. Don't be so sensitive, we're off," Xigbar exclaimed, grabbing Demyx's shoulder. "Come on, guitar man, we've got rules to straighten out." Fyer approached as they stood, and Luxord returned to where Saix was, readying himself to open portals again.

"Hey Fyer. Wow, you look a little worse for wear," Xigbar said, looking her over with his good eye. Fyer laughed meekly.

"I overslept," she explained simply. Demyx grinned widely.

"I know all about that, my friend. But in my case, I don't think you can ever get enough sleep," Demyx chuckled, giving Fyer a smile.

"You're just in time to help with kitchen duties, Fyer! Xemnas has ordered a family dinner tonight, so we have to make sure all the food is ready at that time when everyone shows up," Xigbar laughed, seeming far too enthused about the concept. Demyx rolled his eyes.

"What he means is Xemnas told us this morning that everyone will be dining together tonight. He says it's to give our group time to be around each other since we're usually paired off on missions, but I think he just wants to observe us for a bit. He tends to figure out a lot when he watches us," Demyx explained, shivering. "Anyways, we've got a few hours to get everything ready, if you want to help. Shouldn't take too terribly long." Fyer smiled and nodded, ready to shake off her dream. She wondered if it could have somehow been only a dream.

"And, we're off!" Xigbar cried, ushering them both into the kitchen. Fyer and Xigbar looked through the books and called out things to be fixed while Demyx gathered all the ingredients together. After that, the three attempted to coordinate in preparing things separately, but ended up only getting in each other's way and making a huge mess. They were laughing in defeat when Axel showed up. He leaned on the doorway, raising an eyebrow.

"You guys look like you're being productive," Axel said, unable to hide a smile. Demyx seemed to get an idea.

"Good! You're here! You can help!" he said, dragging his friend in Axel protested, but finally gave in as they plead with him. They spread out again and were able to finish without any accidents. They carried everything into the dining hall, which Fyer found to be remarkable. There were three long tables surrounded by tall white chairs. One small table sat nearby, bearing only four chairs. One was slightly more ornate than the rest, and Fyer imagined Xemnas sat there.

Demyx and Xigbar sat down to wait, dredging up the argument they had cut off earlier as Axel and Fyer headed toward the commons room. Axel bumped her with his elbow.

"Hey, what's got you so worried?" Axel asked, cutting through her thoughts like a razor. She looked up in surprise; was she that easy to read?

"I'm worried about the way…others are acting around me," Fyer said, not sure she wanted to mention Xemnas' name. Axel watched her with green eyes.

"You know you can come to me, right?" he asked. She blinked. He laughed and looked down as if in embarrassment. "I mean, you know, if something or someone is bothering you. Or you need someone to protect you. I..I got your back." Fyer could tell it took a lot for him to say that, and she smiled at him.

"Thank you, Axel. I'll definitely remember that." They paused in the commons area, where several others were milling about.

"Alright, everyone, it's ready," Axel said simply, waving an arm. The members moved on past them, and Xemnas appeared around a corner. He took one look at Axel, and Axel nodded to Fyer before walking quickly away. He turned his gaze to Fyer as the last few moved past.

"I trust you…slept well?" he asked, confirming that their meeting earlier had not been a dream. She looked down, not sure what to say. He only waited a second. "Come."

Fyer followed him into the dining hall, where everyone else already was seated. He led her to the smaller table, where Saix already sat, watching one of the members dully. She sat gingerly beside him and looked out meekly at the other members. They were all watching. After scanning the room, she noticed a member she hadn't previously seen. He had long, straight blond hair and green eyes. He had a calculating gaze, as though he were analyzing her as she sat there. She knew it had to be Vexen, the one whose lab she was advised to avoid. He looked off, seeming completely uninterested in anything that was going on. Axel winked at her, and Marluxia met her gaze as soon as she looked at him. It wasn't hostile, but it was frightening all the same. He smiled darkly, eyes holding a shadow within them.

Fyer looked down as Xemnas waved dismissively at them, giving them permission to begin. Fyer ate sparingly as Xemnas spoke softly to Saix about the Heartless that had been slain recently. She was extremely uncomfortable, aware of eyes watching her at all times. Every time she looked up, Marluxia was watching with extreme interest, seeming ready to get up and pounce at any section. To her surprise, she found herself shaking. She lost her appetite and sat motionlessly, looking down at her lap where her hands lay.

Xemnas' ungloved hand suddenly reached over and grasped her forearm gently. His hands were large and lithe, but surprisingly soft. She looked up to see him turned and watching her.

"Why do you shiver so? What ails you?" he asked quietly. Fyer could only look at him, painfully aware of the entire room watching now.

"It-It's nothing," she whispered, looking down. His grip tightened slightly, but not painfully. Without saying it aloud, his grip told her he knew she was lying. Instead of releasing her, his hand remained on her arm as he watched the members of the Organization. After a while, Fyer looked up carefully. Marluxia was no longer watching her, seeming to have lost interest. Axel's eyebrows were raised in shock, and he looked at her in question. She had no idea what Xemnas intended either, so she merely sat without protesting.

Finally, Xemnas nodded.

"Dismissed," he called, and it was as though an invisible blanket had been pulled away, giving everyone room to breathe. The dining hall emptied quickly, and Xemnas nodded to Saix. "Continue on as usual."

Saix nodded and left, leaving only Xemnas and Fyer alone in the dining hall. He stood, finally releasing her arm. She followed suit wordlessly, trailing behind him as they moved across the room.

"Your tension eased away after I touched you. However…I sense it was not me who truly eased you. Is there a member of the Organization whose presence frightens you?" he asked bluntly. There was a hint of bitterness in his tone, but Fyer didn't look at him. She didn't think it was possible for Xemnas to be disappointed that she didn't revel at his touch. She was only beginning to be used to his presence, and with every day he seemed to be changing his attitude toward her.

"Marluxia," she stated, knowing she would have no other chance to bring him into this subject. He closed the doors to the dining hall and they moved toward where the rooms were.

"What has he done?" he asked, a dark undercurrent to his tone. Fyer shook her head.

"Nothing. But he speaks to me strangely, as though he…desires me. And it frightens me," she answered, hoping it didn't sound as bad to him as it did to her. She sounded like a child. Xemnas looked down at her with golden eyes.

"He pretends his emotions. He knows better than to defy me," Xemnas commented, expression unreadable. "He will be warned to stop his actions. If he does not, there will be dire consequences for disobeying me." Fyer nodded, surprised that she was displeased with his reaction. He seemed more concerned about his orders being broken, and not about Fyer. She realized with a jolt that she wanted him to be protective of her. She shook her head, wondering why she wanted such a thing. Regardless, it was there, and she could not ignore it.

They were at her door and it took Fyer a second to notice it.

"And you," he said suddenly. He reached out and grasped her neck, gently as he always did. She waited breathlessly as his fingers stroked her throat. "He may desire you…but he cannot have you. You are mine. Dream, little hearted one. Dream for me."

Then he walked away, leaving Fyer alone in the hallway, thoughts askew and emotions confused. But regardless of how jumbled her thoughts were, she realized one thing for sure; somehow, out of the darkness of her new existence, however faint, she had feelings for the Superior of Organization 13.