Things were very calm the next several days. Jack's shoulder no longer hurt, but the bruise seemed to get worse. Chase worried for him, but he reassured Chase it was normal for him. Chase was currently in a secret part of the garden that he allowed no one to enter, other than the eager youth that he had his head resting on their lap. With gentle hands, he stroked Chase's hair amazed by its feel and that the demi-god allowed him such affections as these.
"Jack, do you know you are the only person I have ever allowed to enter here?" Chase asked, his eyes closed, enjoying the boy's strokes and the feel of the sun on his face.
"No, I didn't. Why do you allow me?" Jack asked, momentarily stopping to think, but soon abandoned any guesses he may have had and continued.
"I had this place built for one very special person and I feel I can trust you with its secrets." Chase explained. "I had it built for the one who made me a demi-god and freed me from Damon."
"Who was it?"
"Calma, the goddess of love. She also prophesied my ruin hoping to free me of my curse. I owe her everything."
"Does she still see you?"
"We meet here, but you can't tell the others. Alright?"
"Never." Jack said leaning down and sealing it with a kiss.
Chase smiled enjoying it a moment more when a horrid noise came from the small gate at the entrance of this beautiful place. Chase and Jack hurried to see what it was. Chase was there first and saw one of the other servants by the name of Sesmar. He was in a slight panic.
"What is it?" Chase asked as he and Jack left their private paradise.
"Master Chase, there are armed men in the courtyard demanding to see you and Jack." Sesmar reported, obviously nervous.
Chase and Jack hurried to the courtyard, as soon as they entered Jack felt some one grab onto his arm and pull him away from Chase. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Chase staring down the point of a sword. Jack tried to get to Chase, but more people pulled him further away.
"No, let go of me! Chase!" Jack screamed, trying desperately to help him.
"Calm down, Jack. No one here is going to hurt you." Said the man holding the sword. Jack looked at him for the longest time. He seemed familiar. Jack's eyes went wide with recognition.
"Erik? What are you doing?!" Jack cried, straining against the friends and suitors that had come along with him.
"You're coming home with us. Far from here and this monster which hurts you." He said as he and the others started on their way out, dragging Jack along with them.
"No! Chase! Stop! Please!" Jack pleaded with them, but to no avail. "No! I don't want to go! Chase! Please! Don't let them take me! No!"
Chase watched them take Jack away. He promised himself that it was no different than other times, but he could feel his heart already starting to break. No matter how much the dragon in him said he would get over it soon, he knew he would never be able to move on from this spot while Jack was gone.
