Hi guys, how are you all?

To everyone, thanks for all the reviews and for all the patience. And a special thanks to my lovely editor AngeloNight, because let me tell you the attention this chapter needed was above average, so thanks for all the effort!

Chapter 8


January 4th 1643

Endymion was staring at her.

Serenity could feel his heated gaze upon her from where she stood outside the front of the town's only clothing store. Anyone else looking upon her would have assumed that she was staring through the glass window at the elegant cream ball gown, rather than at the image reflected in the glass.

Endymion was across the muddy street, leaning casually against the side of the general store. To any other, he would appear bored as he looked nonchalantly upon the usual small crowd conducting their business in town, but Serenity knew better. He was watching over her, as he had become accustomed to doing, protecting her. He was always watching over her, always protecting her. If she wasn't under her father's protection at home, she was under Endymion's.

Serenity's skin tingled with heated awareness and her were cheeks flushing warm. Her heart was glowing with love and joy, and between her thighs she throbbed with heated desire as she felt herself becoming moist for him. She wanted him in the flesh, she always wanted him now she had tasted the sins of the flesh. But moments in which they could spend such time together unnoticed were fleeting and too far between. Endymion had these past few weeks taken to climbing in through her bedroom window late into the night after her parents had retired so they may be together in flesh as well as heart.

And the thrill of the danger, of being caught, seemed only to heighten the passion, the pleasure. Pleasure that was so sinfully addictive Serenity knew she would never know a time in which she was not in want for him.

Fate was kind to them in keeping their secret, but at any time it could change her sway and they would be discovered before her sixteenth birthday when she could finally ask her father to allow them to marry.

On that day, the entire world would know that she belonged to Endymion and no other.

Only a few more weeks until the celebration of her birth and her true life would begin, her life with Endymion. As she had been born to be. She was his, always and forever, she would never have it any other way. Once they were married then there would be no more need to meet in shadows under a cloak of secrecy and shadows. She would be with him for the rest of their lives, and they would be able to show their affection freely. There would be no one nor any law standing between them.

However, strangely, since she had been marked in the flesh as Endymion's, Serenity had changed, both inside and out. Inside she had become more confident and a part of her childhood innocence and naivety had been lost, surrendered freely to Endymion. She felt more of a woman now than a girl; truly Endymion had made a woman of her. Her body constantly burned for him, for his touch, his kiss, for him to fill her completely as he never failed to do, and her soul and her heart cried out for him so much louder. Being separated from him was nothing less than the worst torture.

And her body was maturing more noticeably even though Serenity could not pinpoint anything specific. Naked she had stood before her mirror and it had been as though she had glanced upon herself for the first time. Her breasts strained more noticeably against the restricting bust of her gowns, her hips more pronounced beneath her skirts and her skin was always glowing. Even her fingers were more skilled with simple tasks such as sewing.

Last week a thought had occurred to her as she had climbed into her bed. Was she with child? She was not so naïve that she did not know that children were granted in the marriage bed, a bed she had prematurely entered, and it had scared her just as greatly as it had excited her. A child, Endymion's child, growing within her womb, how happy she would be should she give Endymion a child! But she had also felt fear because their relations had to remain secret. The symptoms of a child growing in her womb could not be easily hidden. She had been around enough pregnant women to know.

However Serenity had been both disappointed and relieved when her monthly flow had come to pass. She wasn't with child and she had kept the entire episode to herself. She had decided this because of how Endymion was so protective of her; there was no knowing how he would have reacted to the news. And secondly because if she had been wrong, which she had been, she would have greatly disappointed him, and it would have broken her heart to do so.

As it was, her body's rapid changes had not escaped the attention of others. Her mother had commented frequently over the passed few weeks on the woman Serenity was quickly becoming.

However, she was gaining much more unwelcome notice from suitors, both local and strangers passing through. The number of men who were now seeking out her father and asking for her hand was growing, and as so was her overly protective love's irritation and territorial instincts to claim her as his own.

Endymion had not said in words but she had sensed it in him every time he held her, every time he looked at her. With each suitor that went to her father, the more possessive and protective Endymion became, as well as more passionate, hungry and claiming in their kisses and when he came to her bed. This both pleased and worried her. It pleased her because of how much she enjoyed both his passion and hunger for her and the primal way he claimed her when they were alone. She was his as he was hers and they both wanted the whole world to know. But once wed Serenity suspected that Endymion would try his hardest to seal her away from the world and keep all other men far from her.

But Serenity was also worried. Endymion's irritation and fury was growing, and Serenity did not know how much longer he would be able to restrain himself and keep their secret. She feared the harm that may come to him should he leap into battle with a suitor.

Even now Serenity knew that should any hint of danger to her arise, Endymion would forget their public place and charge into any action necessary to protect her. He would remove her from the danger – quietly, if it were possible – and then see her safely home after slipping unnoticed out of town.

Serenity closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath. Soon. Soon Endymion would not have to watch over her from afar. Soon Endymion would be able to stand beside her no matter the situation. Soon the world would know that she was Endymion's.

Soon.

Serenity opened her eyes and drew in a deep breath for calm and for her strained lungs; her gown was tighter in the bust than she was accustomed too. She had best get home and ease the mind of her love. She was done in town for the day; she had brought the flour, salt and thread her mother had sent her to town to buy.

Serenity cast Endymion's reflection one last longing glance, then turned, but realised too late that there was someone standing directly behind her. She found herself in the large hard chest of the monster of a man standing behind her, well within her personal space. It seemed that she had been too deeply buried within her thoughts of Endymion that she had not heard nor sensed the man approach her.

The man, a stranger, raised his arms to catch hold of her shoulders but Serenity quickly retreated back before he could touch her, only to now find herself backed up against the store window.

A feeling of wary unease filled her as she simultaneously realised two things. First, she was very nearly trapped between the window and the stranger who was staring lustfully down at her, or more particularly down into her cleavage, below her locket, which her tight corset made more pronounced than was proper for a young unmarried woman and second, Endymion was watching.

She could not see him pass the large and much older man, but Serenity knew Endymion was there and it would take very little for him to react to the invasion of her personal space.

She could not let Endymion betray their secret.

"Excuse me, sir." Serenity said coolly, making it clear that she did not welcome his invasion of her personal space, and she made a move to side step him.

But his thickly muscled arm flew out and the stranger's hand came to a rest on the window beside her, cutting off her escape.

Fear exploded in her chest. Serenity was accustomed to suitors, but very few became forceful or so brazen in their attentions.

This man was a stranger to her, Serenity was certain that he was not from the area. Most of those who lived in the area knew how protective her father was of her. Not as dangerously overprotective as Endymion, but greatly protective none-the-less.

The stranger moved his gaze from her chest to her face, staring at her as if he had the right to look at her in such a way, the right to stand so close and trap her against a store window in the main street of town. "I have spoken with your father, Miss Serenity. I seek to gain your hand."

Endymion was silently fuming. Serenity still could not see him but she could feel it. She could sense him moving swiftly closer to her, ready to fight this large stranger to protect her. This man was twice Endymion's size, and Serenity worried for him should he engage in combat with him, but she also knew that Endymion could take care of himself. There was more to him that met the eye, something dark and dangerous. Endymion would be ruthless in defending her.

Serenity had to get away from him before Endymion acted.

Moving quickly, Serenity gracefully ducked under the stranger's imprisoning arm and took wide steps back from him, walking backwards and away, keeping her eyes on him.

Endymion stood only a few feet on the other side of the stranger, closing the distance quickly, the expression on his face was cold, dark and murderous.

Serenity had seconds before Endymion acted, her mind raced.

The stranger's attention was focused on her, his back was too Endymion. If this stranger tried anything, Endymion wouldn't hesitate to protect her and he could now do so without her between them but if Endymion lost control of himself he may reveal their secret. Serenity had to try to resolve the situation before Endymion was forced to interfere.

Serenity forced herself not to look at Endymion. She would not alert the stranger to his presence. "My father will give my hand to no man until I am of sixteen. My father loves me dearly, sir. He has sworn to leave the choice of my betrothed to me. You sir, are far too old for me."

The stranger took a step towards her, still leering at her. "You will soon find that you are mistaken in that."

Serenity had never been one to be easily swayed. When she decided something, she was set in her way, stubborn to no end, and she refused to be bullied. Especially not with her overprotective lover watching. There was too much at stake.

"I do not believe such a time shall ever come, Sir." Her voice was unusually authoritative. "Now if you will pardon me, I have chores to attend too."

And Serenity stepped to the side, to walk around him so she could walk pass Endymion in hopes that he would see that she was unharmed and the anger and desire to act would fade from his intensely furious eyes which stared darkly into the back of the stranger.

But the stranger mirrored her movement, blocking her path with his larger body.

Serenity saw something dangerous flash in Endymion's eyes and saw his fists clinch tightly. Endymion shifted his weight, about to take a step forward to interfere.

Serenity quickly took a step back and looked up into the stranger's eyes with fear, fear for Endymion and not herself. This was escalating and Endymion was seconds from acting to defend her. She forced as much authority and resolve into her voice as she was able. "Sir, my father has sworn an oath that my husband is mine to choose and let me promise you this, it will never be you! Now stand clear of my path!"

The stranger made no move to clear her path. Instead anger flashed within his eyes at her impertinence. It was clear that he was not accustomed to women who did not hold their tongue. And she definitely wasn't one. She was not a submissive timid woman. Her father had not raised her to be and Endymion would never ask her to be. The men in her life had always and always would allow her to be strong and wilful.

"How dare you! I will teach you to hold your tongue!" The stranger stepped towards her, menacingly.

In a flash, Endymion was between the stranger and her, standing proud and protective, between her and the man who had just threatened her.

When Endymion spoke, it was clear to Serenity that his fury was barely restrained. He desperately wanted to hurt this stranger who was a threat to her.

"Sir. You speak to a lady, not a scullery maid. Hold your tongue or lose it." Endymion's voice was ice cold but Serenity knew he held dangerous fire in his deep eyes. He stood tense and battle ready, he would fight to defend her without thought or hesitation. "She wishes you to be gone from her sight. A wish I shall enforce myself should you remain where you stand a moment more."

The stranger glared down at Endymion as the stranger stood slightly less than a head taller than him. "Who are you, boy, to speak to me in such a manner, boy?"

Endymion was shaking with effort to restrain his violent urges for the man who had not only looked at his Serenity as though she was one to be taken, but had also threatened her with harm.

It was not often that Endymion was challenged. His father's title usually provided a blanket of protection, not that he needed it. He could win against one stronger and larger than himself. He knew how to defend himself and he had the motivation and the determination to do so.

Serenity could see the effort, even standing behind him, it was taking for him to keep himself from attacking the stranger. He wanted to hurt the man who had threatened what was his but she couldn't let him do that. She couldn't let him get hurt or betray their secret. She couldn't lose him either way.

Subtly glancing over her shoulder, Serenity saw they were getting some attention but the spectators were a good distance away. Being careful to keep her body close to Endymion's so that no one would see, Serenity raised her hand and gently touched her palm to his lower back against his spine, communicating in that one touch what she wanted.

Endymion felt Serenity's touch burn his skin even though the many layers he wore. Her touch set his entire body alight with sensation and awareness. His already tense and aware body burst into life and he felt his anger drain from him, a feeling of peace descending over him, although the driving compulsion to protect and defend what was his remained. Keeping his body tense and battle ready, Endymion turned to logic. If it failed, he would fight for Serenity, but he knew she did not want him to fight.

And Serenity's wish he would always obey.

Endymion glared menacingly into the stranger's eyes, his gaze promising violence should he not heed his words. "My father is the governor of this province. By the word of the king, he has governance over this province. And as such it is his and my own duty to oversee the protection and safety of this town. Including the young woman you have inappropriately advanced upon. Since her father is not here, her protection falls to me. Now be gone before I have you clad in irons."

For a moment that seemed to last forever, Serenity nervously held her breath as the stranger glared darkly down into Endymion's eyes. The large man was not accustomed to being challenged, Serenity could see that. Beneath her hand, still at Endymion's back, she felt his muscle tense and ripple beneath her touch. He was ready to fight for her. He was ready to risk harm for her.

Serenity felt her heart tighten with love, fear and worry. There wasn't a lot Endymion wouldn't do for her, if there was anything at all he wouldn't do for her. And with that knowledge, Serenity prayed to the heavens above that the stranger heeded Endymion's warning and left them alone.

Some force from above must have heard her prayer because with a disgruntled grunt, the stranger turned on his heel and stalked away.

Serenity breathed a sigh of relief and she felt Endymion marginally relax beneath her hand.

"Have you suffered harm, Serenity?" Endymion asked, his voice hard and strained.

Endymion was furious and on a knife's edge of losing control. He was still tense and shaking from the effort of restraining himself. He wanted to fight, he needed to act. He feared so greatly losing her and Serenity knew she must calm him before he acted rashly.

But Serenity could not do what needed to be done in the public eye. She needed to get him alone.

Looking around, Serenity noticed that all who had been watching them were turning away, going about their business before they were discovered in their observations.

"Follow me." Serenity whispered softly so no other but he could hear. She needed to get him to a place where they could be alone and Endymion could calm himself. The closest and safest place was behind the main street, in the thick trees of the woods.

Lifting her skirts, Serenity walked through the soft layer of mud around the side of the store and carefully entered the trees, all the way knowing that Endymion was only a few steps behind her. She could both hear and sense him. She could always sense him, she always knew when he was near. She couldn't begin to explain it, maybe it was her soul recognising her other half.

Serenity didn't stop, not even when the trees concealed them from praying eyes. She didn't stop until they were several hundred metres along a well used animal path in the woods. They wouldn't be overheard this deep in the woods.

The moment Serenity stopped along the path, Endymion could restrain himself no longer. He grabbed hold of her waist, firmly but gently, and spun her around to face him. He claimed her lips with a crushing kiss before she could utter a sound.

His lips covered and claimed her lips mercilessly. A part of Endymion was sorry that his kiss was not gentle. Instead his kisses were demanding and saturated in fear and desperation while fury and possessiveness radiated from his being. Endymion needed to feel her in his arms, he needed to have her respond to his kisses. He needed to know that Serenity was still his, that she wasn't harmed.

He needed her.

Serenity moaned longingly into his kiss as she wrapped his arms around his neck to pull him closer, to press herself harder against him. She felt his arms wrap around her waist and he crushed her to him, but still she could not get close enough to him, still the kiss wasn't deep enough. She wanted more, she always wanted more of him. She wanted to be naked and wet beneath him, she wanted him buried deeply inside of her, making her his own once again and strengthening the bond between them.

Normally Endymion's kisses were far more gentle, passionate and hungry, but filled with love and need. But this time his kisses were desperate and passionate in the extreme, almost carnal. He was a starving man in the middle of the desert and she was food and water in one. She was his salvation, his only salvation and he was never going to let her go.

Endymion's tongue slipped into her mouth and Serenity lost the strength to stand but Endymion only tightened his hold on her, crushing her to him from their lips to their knees. His forceful and devilish tongue in her mouth was exploring every crevice of her mouth, provoking her own tongue to dance wildly with his. She could feel his hardening desire for her pressing demandingly into her belly and she felt herself moistening for him. She wanted him to take her, brand her as his own again and again, right here in the woods. It didn't matter where they were, they were together.

But as much as she wanted such, Serenity knew her dear beloved Endymion would never disrespect her by taking her in the middle of the woods where they may be discovered. He had said that she deserved nothing but the best of everything, she was the most precious thing in the world and he would always see that she was treated as the treasure she was.

Which, Serenity knew, translated into beds and privacy, not the woods in broad daylight.

Oh, how protective Endymion was of her. In every way, in every sense. He needed to protect her, he needed her to be safe and so Serenity allowed him to take from her now what he needed in order to calm himself. To reassure himself, to believe that she was there with him, safe and, as always, his.

As Endymion's tongue explored her mouth, his hands set about in an exploration of their own, running up and down her back, her waist and belly. Then his hands trailed up to caress the flesh of her neck and her shoulders and her arms, as if he were blindly searching her flesh for injury.

Serenity kept her palms pressed flat to his chest while he explored her body. She did not trust herself to allow her hands to roam as her lover did, and with the limited control he had over himself right now she did not want to push him. So she responded to him only when he demanded it of her. She could feel his rapid heartbeat beneath her hands and she focused on it, it was such a beautiful sound.

Endymion had such a strong heart. A heart filled with love and kindness, it was such a shame that so few were able to see it, to feel its love.

Without warning, Endymion abruptly pulled away from his claim of her lips, fury and violent urges still remained in his eyes and within him as he panted deeply, drawing in the air his deprived lungs had been denied. "I should go back and run him through!" He hissed through his teeth, his fists clinched tightly.

Serenity couldn't allow him to do that. She took hold of his face in her hands and forced him to look into her loving and promising eyes, ignoring how tight his hold around her had become. She needed to calm him.

"No! You shall do no such thing." Serenity told him firmly, before she allowed her tone to soften, to become soothing and assuring. "I am here in your arms, I am unharmed and I am yours, my Endymion. As sure as the sun will set and rise again in the morrow, I remain yours. No man can undo what we have between us."

Serenity drew in a deep breath, not daring to look away from his eyes for fear that the loss of the connection would result in the loss of his control.

"Be assured in the knowledge that my father loves me greatly and is a man of honour. He will keep his word to me. He will never force upon me a husband I do not love. The hour I turn sixteen, I will go to my father and announce that I have chosen a husband. You, my dear sweet loving Endymion. With my love for you in my eyes, he will grant you my hand."

Serenity sighed patiently as her love refused to calm, his eyes still held their fire that refused to wane. Endymion loved her so much, and because of that he feared too much. Although, Endymion was too strong willed and proud to ever show it to anyone but her.

"You must calm yourself now. I am here, I am unharmed and I am yours. I love you. You, Endymion. Always and forever. I know it is hard to bear, but until I am your wife, this is the way it must be. I know this, just as I know that I must watch Lady Beryline's flirtations and seductions upon you."

Endymion's fury faded as urgency and fear took its place as he raised his hands to her neck and cupped her there, gently holding her in his large strong but always gentle and caring hands that would face any danger for her. "Serenity, to me she means little-."

"Hush. This I know." Serenity whispered with love and trust in her eyes. She did not need to hear him say it, she knew. In her heart she knew. She would never doubt him, not knowing him as she did. He loved her and was loyal to no end. "I know she is inconsequential to you. I know I am the one with the hold upon your heart. I know you would never betray me. I trust you, as you must now return that trust. So many times you have told me that patience is what I must have. Now I must insist upon you. Only weeks remain, my love. Weeks, not months. Then you can stake your claim to my father and announce to all that I belong to you and you alone. It warms my heart that you protect me so but please, I beseech you, do not forget yourself and reveal our secret. I will have you as my husband and no other. You alone will have me to love and behold."

Endymion drew in a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down and loosen his hold on her, knowing she must be uncomfortable.

Lowering his head, Endymion rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes, breathing deeply of her magical intoxicating scent as his heart filled with the love and happiness and peace only his Serenity could bring to him. "Should I ever lose you-." He didn't even want to think it.

"Hush." Serenity whispered soothingly. "I hold you in my heart, forever and always. No force will ever part us. As long as you want me, I remain yours, by your side, in your bed, for as long as you wish it so."

Endymion opened his eyes and found himself staring into her radiant, endlessly deep and love filled eyes. "A time will never come in which I will not want you in every form. I love you."

"Then I will always be here, with you, loving you. Devoted to you and to you alone." And Serenity rose up onto her toes and claimed his lips once more, this time the kiss was filled with love and burning desire, not desperation.

Behind them in the darkness of the thick woods, a dark shadow retreated silently, unnoticed by the young lovers locked in a passionate embrace.


Serena opened her eyes, this time calmly as the dream faded into her mind. She could still recall every detail, every word spoken, perfectly. This dream from Serenity and Endymion hadn't been filled with pain and death, despite what had occurred, Serena had the sense that it was a memory Serenity treasured. Not the stranger threatening her but how Endymion had defended her, how he had been there watching over her and of course their passionate stolen kisses in the woods afterwards.

At the time Endymion and Serenity had believed that they'd been alone, but they hadn't been. There had been someone, male or female she hadn't been able to tell as they had been hidden in shadow, but there had definitely been someone there.

Had they ever discovered this?

Throwing aside her heavy covers, Serena rose from her warm bed and forced herself to ignore the chilling cold of the early Saturday morning and crossed her room to her dresser where Serenity's chest sat on her dresser. Serenity's locket was still around her neck – she hadn't taken it off since Darien had insisted that she wear it – and with Endymion's wedding ring and Serenity's handkerchief in Darien's procession, only the journal and Serenity's wedding band remained inside.

Darien believed that the locket would help keep her safe, that it would help Serenity and Endymion watch over her, and she hoped the same of Endymion's wedding ring and Serenity's handkerchief.

Taking out Serenity's journal, Serena flicked through until she found the entry for January 4th 1643. The date of the memory. Reading the entry for the second time – the first being the morning they had discovered the chest – Serena knew she wouldn't find what she was looking for, but she'd had to be certain she hadn't missed it.

No. There was no mention of Serenity noticing anyone else there. She would have mentioned if she'd suspected that they'd been discovered.

But they had been. Someone had seen them. Someone had known. Someone had discovered the truth only two weeks before Serenity and Endymion had been murdered. Was this connected? Had this person, who had discovered Serenity and Endymion's secret, had a hand in their deaths?

Finally they had something new but wasn't much to go on. All Serena had been able to make out was a shadow that had retreated while Serenity and Endymion had been preoccupied.

Serena ran her fingers over the locket around her neck, stroking it gently. Serenity had been wearing it in the dream. Serenity had always worn it. Except for the night Serenity had died, it hadn't been around her neck then.

Which was the reason it had survived to be around her neck now. If Serenity had been wearing it that night, it would have been taken from her.

Had Serenity secretly suspected that something terrible was coming? Was that why she hadn't worn it that night, leaving it behind for Endymion to find and bury in the chest?

Frustrated, Serena ended the line of thought, knowing that the answer weren't going to magically appear.

Instead, Serena turned her focus back to what the dream had given her.

This dream had been important, the unknown person who'd witnessed Serenity and Endymion's words of love had to be connected to their murder. Why else would Serenity and Endymion show them this, unless it was the stranger who had caused their downfall? But that seemed so unlikely; the stranger wouldn't have had the sway over the town that was needed to convince the people to murder an innocent young woman without trail.

There was something they were missing, Serena could feel it. She only wished she knew what it was. She had a feeling that whatever it was that she was missing was the key to solving everything and breaking the curse.

They needed to find the truth. Serenity had been murdered, someone had wanted her dead and had spread the belief that she had been a witch.

Why? What had been their motive that had been strong enough to drive them to kill Serenity?

Serena sighed deeply, frustrated and confused. So many questions, but as always, so few answers.


It was a beautiful day, which was unusual for Willowson. The sun was shining brightly in the deep blue sky above, warming the day deliciously. The gentle warm breeze was relaxing and the park around them was in full bloom, from the lush green grass beneath their feet to the flowers of all sizes and colours open to the sun's life-giving rays. Beautiful, healthy, tall trees with leaves dancing in the breeze were scattered around the park, including many species of willow trees, including a beautiful old weeping willow Serena and her boyfriend were nestled beneath, the long swaying weeping branches providing a thick curtain around them, giving them plenty of privacy in a public place.

Serena couldn't remember feeling as happy as she was right now, and not just today but for the past few weeks. Maybe it was because she'd never been in love like this before. She was more than content, more than happy, she felt as though she was glowing. She wanted to purr from the energising sensation of it. She felt so happy, so loved and safe and protected where she sat with Darien practically curled around her. Her head rested against Darien's hard warm chest, just above his heart, her eyes closed as she enjoyed the moment. She could hear and feel his heartbeat beneath her. It was so soothing, like only a mother's loving voice should be.

Darien was sitting comfortably against the trunk of the old willow. His head rested back against the soft bark of the trunk, his legs parted so Serena could sit between them, more laying against him than leaning back against him. His legs were bent at the knees, his feet pulled back towards him, his knees pointed at the canopy above, and his feet resting flat on the ground by her knees. He really did have long, muscled legs and thighs. Matching the rest of him. Serena was resting her arms on his strong toned thighs, like she would on the armrests of an armchair. A hard warm armchair that she loved.

Darien had his strong arms wrapped loosely around her waist, his hands resting limply against her stomach. His hold was loose and relaxed but the way he held her was so possessive and protective, betraying just how much he cherished her, just how much he loved her . . .

If this was what being in love was like, then Serena never wanted to be without it. How had she lived her entire life without knowing this? Simply being in his arms made her feel so peaceful and warm and cherished that nothing in the world, no evil darkness could ever make her feel any other way, as long as she was with him. When Darien touched her, her skin tingled and her heart purred with delight. In Darien's arms, everything was right and perfect and she knew now that she could never again be without this feeling, be without him. He was the centre of her life now, the sun she revolved around which gave her life and light in the surrounding darkness, and she would die without him. It was intense and extreme but no less the truth. If there was such a thing as true love and soulmates then that's what this was, but those words sounded so empty and meaningless in comparison to what she was feeling in her heart. No words could ever describe what she was feeling. It was all warm glowing emotion that blazed with a fierce intensity that could never be overcome. This was the kind of love that all girls dreamed of but so few ever found. This was the kind of love that lasted beyond a single lifetime, into an endless eternity. Let the stars in heaven crumble into time, their love would survive even that.

They had been sitting as they were for over an hour. Early this morning, before her parents or brother was out of bed, he'd picked her up.

After Serena had left a note explaining that she was spending the day with Darien. The last thing she wanted to do was to give her parents just cause to ground her. She suspected that they would jump at any opportunity to keep her away from Darien.

Serena had run through last night's dream, that was still fresh in her mind, so many times since she had woken, searching for what she knew she was missing, but they'd yet to speak of it because they hadn't started with words. No, Darien had, without delay, pulled her close for a passion-filled kiss that left no doubt in her mind that he'd missed her during the long hours of the night they'd been apart and that he wanted her, with a burning desire.

She'd kissed him back just as hungrily. All of this – the love, the need, the sexual hunger – should have felt new to her but it didn't. It felt like she'd been doing this all of her life but at the same time it still held all the excitement of a new love. Maybe it was because of Serenity and Endymion's connection with them or maybe, just maybe, her life hadn't begun until she'd met him.

It had taken Darien a full fifteen minutes of kissing her – he'd kept his hands firmly above her neckline to her great disappointment – until he'd been able to tear himself away from her to start the car.

In the end it had been for the best since they were still parked outside of her parent's house. Tinted windows or not if her parents had woken up, there was no way they'd have reacted positively to the sight of them making out so passionately.

Arriving at the park, Darien had known exactly where he'd wanted to take her. He'd taken her hand gently in his own and had lead her through the park to the most secluded corner and had led her under the canopy of the weeping willow to a place where they would easily have some privacy. Darien had confessed that he hadn't been there since his mother had died. It had been her favourite place in the park.

Now it was hers too.

Darien had pulled her down to sit with him but he hadn't kissed her and she'd been content to just lie in his strong arms and enjoy each other's company.

In that timeless hour, there had been nothing outside of each other and their own private world under the weeping willow. There was no Endymion and Serenity, no curse, no dreams from three hundred and fifty years ago. There was only each other and the bubble of happiness and love that surrounded and consumed them.

In this moment, everything was perfect.

With a happy, feminie purr escaping her lips, Serena stretched pleasurably as she lifted her hands from his thighs and slid them to his forearms. She gently and slowly ran her hands down his arms, feeling the hard toned muscle beneath her delicate fingers. She travelled along his arms until she reached his hands.

Darien lifted his hands from her stomach, caught her hands in his own from above, and he gently entwined her fingers within his own. Serena could feel his finger tips gently stroking the palms of her hands and she found herself leaning back, pressing herself harder against his solid chest.

"I'm in heaven." Serena purred as she opened her eyes and tilted her head to one side so she could look up into his face.

Darien was smiling warmly down at her, his eyes alive with sparkling happiness and an intense emotion that Serena knew was love. He may not have been able to say the words but she knew. He'd told her every other possible way. "Wherever you are, then so am I. So I guess I too am in heaven."

Serena smiled lovingly up at him. He was so charming; her heart never stood a chance against not falling for him. Even if Serenity and Endymion hadn't brought them together, her heart always would've been his. She was certain that he would've found a way to take her heart from her sooner or later. For lack of a better word, this – their being together – was fate.

Instead of answering his words, Serena brought their linked hands to her lips and she tenderly kissed the back of both of his hands as they held her own. His hands were so large, so strong that they could have easily crushed her much smaller, more delicate hands but he was always so gentle with her. They were hands that had twice saved her life and would always protect her, always keep her safe. Whatever was happening around them, Serena truly was unafraid. She honestly believed that as long as he was there with her, nothing ever could or ever would happen to her. She worried for him but she trusted that he'd never leave her and he wouldn't. As long as he had a choice, Darien would be with her. Just as Endymion had been with Serenity until she'd been stolen from him.

Darien, their hands still linked, wrapped both their arms around her as he kissed the top of her head. "You mean so much to me Serena, I-." His voice was thick with emotion and fear.

"I know." Serena whispered softly. He didn't need to say it, she could feel it.

Serena turned her head and pressed her cheek and ear into his chest so she could hear his heart once more. A heart that belonged to her. He didn't need to tell her. It was hard for him to say, she knew, because of his mother, and that was alright with her. She wouldn't make him say the words. "Darien, believe me. I know."

The light, carefree, happy atmosphere around them had faded into something else and Serena knew it was time to turn to other matters that unfortunately did exist outside of their own little world. Things they couldn't ignore forever. They had to return to reality.

Serena knew Darien feared hurting her like his father had hurt his mother. He hadn't said it but she'd gotten the impression that he'd watched his mother slowly die of a broken heart when his father had betrayed her. Darien knew now that his mother had died because of the curse. At least that was what he wanted so desperately to believe. That the curse had made his father unfaithful to his mother.

That was one of the main reasons Darien wanted so desperately to break this curse. He didn't want to repeat his parent's fate with her. If only he believed, as Serena did, that her faith in him, her trust and their love, was so much stronger than what his parent's love and devotion had been.

No curse could ever be stronger than the love they shared.

"Last night-."

"Yeah." Darien cut her off as he drew in a deep breath. He did not release his hold on her in the slightest even though the mood had changed, become grave. "It was just over a week before the willow died. Two weeks before Serenity was murdered." It hadn't been said but they'd known the date.

"Do you think it had anything to do with her murder?" Serena asked him, sadness and empathy for Serenity and Endymion in her tone. She really did feel so close to Serenity and Endymion now, and she felt real burning sorrow for them and the tragedy that had been their story. Their love.

"I don't know if the stranger had anything to do with it." Darien said doubtfully. He'd given the dream a great deal of thought, Serena knew. Darien believed that ending the curse would make her safe. He wouldn't stop until the curse was broken, he wouldn't stop until whatever or whoever was after her was gone.

"The way Endymion defended her so openly and fiercely in public." Darien sounded just as indecisive as she felt, all they had were conclusions and brief flashes of past events. "Maybe someone caught onto them then, or the shadow in the woods was someone who didn't want them to be together. Either way, someone wanted Serenity dead and they tricked the town into believing she was a witch."

"You think someone intentionally set the town against her?" Serena asked, shocked even though she'd considered the same thing herself. Serenity had been so pure and kind it was hard to believe that she'd had serious enemies. Who could possibly have hated Serenity that much that they'd wanted her dead?

"It's possible." Darien said, taking a breath and a moment to think. "Think about it. Endymion was the most sought after man in the entire village. He was the son of the governor and he was set to inherit his family's wealth and title, making him the richest man in hundreds of miles. And then Serenity caught his eye, the daughter of a much poorer man who practically gave her free rein over who she'd marry. If someone saw them and realised they were in love, then maybe they were jealous enough to want to get her out of the way. I don't think they intended for Endymion to die. No matter how close he was to Serenity, he never would've been killed along with her. His father's protection was too strong. Endymion's father may or may not have loved his only son, but Endymion was an only child, the only heir, his father would have made the village pay dearly if they'd killed him too and the village knew it."

The possible – and probable – motive made sense but the dream had given very little clue as to who had been hidden in the shadows watching them. Whoever it was had most likely been the one who'd brought about their tragic fate, but who had hated one or both of them so much? Serenity and Endymion had been so wrapped up in each other, so blind to everything else but each other, that they hadn't noticed they hadn't been alone that day. They hadn't realised their secret had been discovered.

"According to the records we found, Endymion's father moved away after Endymion died, taking his wealth and all the jobs he created with him." Darien went on grimly. "The town barely survived. It nearly destroyed Little Willow. It was generations before the town recovered. And so many suffered."

Tears filled Serena's eyes as she watched Serenity burn while Endymion was forced to watch, fill her vision. She could see it all as clearly as she had in her dreams. "Endymion would have died to save her."

Instantly, Darien's comforting arms tightened around her, offering her comfort by reminding her that he was there with her. "Yes, he would have." He whispered down into her ear as he laid his cheek on the top of her head. "He suffered what no man should have had too. He watched the woman he loved with all his heart die screaming before his eyes, helpless to save her. I can still feel his pain, his agony as my own. The moment he knew she was dead, he wanted to throw himself into the flames to follow her into death. To die with her but he was denied even that."

Darien's arms tightened again around her, this time more noticeably. Any tighter and Serena would have difficulty breathing. She knew Darien was seeing Serenity burn in his mind's eye but it was her face that he was seeing twisted in agony as the flames consumed her. Darien wasn't watching Serenity burn. He was watching her, Serena,burn alive. And the knowledge that he'd already saved her from two freak accidents – that she wouldn't have survived without his intervention – was weighing heavily on his mind.

Darien feared losing her. He feared watching her die as Endymion had watched Serenity die.

Sometimes it was freaky how well she could read him.

Serena gave him what he needed. A moment to reassure himself that she was there in his arms, safe and sound. That she was still there with him and to accept that she wasn't going anywhere.

Serena remained still and silent until she became too uncomfortable. "Darien? I can't feel my fingers."

Instantly Darien released her hands, uncurling his fingers from hers, and loosening his hold on her.

Serena flexed her blotchy red and white fingers as blood once again ran freely through her hands. Once she was sure that she wasn't going to lose any fingers, she folded her legs beneath her and turned in his arms to face him. She raised one hand to rest the centre of his chest, placing it over his heart, and looked up into his eyes, searching the deep emotion-filled depths.

Serena saw his fear. Fear that he was going to lose her, fear that something was going to happen to her that he couldn't save her from. Fear that he would one day hurt her like his father had hurt his mother. There were other emotions displayed in his eyes that she could read as easily as a children's book. There was a resolve in his eyes, a protective resolve, the same that had been there since the Chemistry Lab explosion. He was worried and unsure. And he was in love with her. That she could see above everything else he held in his eyes.

And then, in the blink of an eye, the emotions were gone, hidden from her.

"You won't lose me as Endymion lost Serenity." Serena promised with all the conviction she could summon. She had intended for her voice to sound certain with reassurance and promise but it had come out sounding more like a prayer. "And I know you'll never be your father."

"But if I am?" Darien asked fearfully.

Serena stared deeper into his eyes, as good as Darien was at keeping his emotions from his eyes, he couldn't hide the truth from her. They had a connection between them that she didn't understand and she didn't need too. It was there and it was strong, as steady between them as if it had always been there, since the day they'd been born.

Serena gave him a gentle, reassuring smile. "As long as you want me in your life, as long as I live, I am yours. No matter what happens. Should you betray me, I will forgive you. One time. One betrayal. I am yours but whether or not you are mine is your choice. I won't call you mine if you don't want to be. If you betray me more than once, it'll be clear that you no longer want me."

Serena bit her lip before she went on, unsure as to whether or not she should speak the words left on her tongue. She didn't want to add to his guilt, but at the same time she had to make him understand.

"I thought you'd betrayed me once and it so nearly ended me." Serena whispered emotionally. "To endure that a second time would be unbearable, but a third time would be the death of me for sure."

Darien wanted so desperately to assure her that he'd never betray her but how could he? He wouldn't lie to her. He didn't know what his future held and he was his father's son, how much so he didn't know. His father had loved his mother, at least at one time, Darien couldn't deny that. And yet his father had so effortlessly betrayed his mother so horribly that his betrayal had cost her life. The last thing Darien wanted to do was to betray Serena, to hurt her in any way, shape or form, let alone to hurt her like that, to break her heart, but the curse over the town had already shown its pull.

Darien had no doubt that it had been the curse that had brought Serena and her family back to Willowson, although he had yet to speak his beliefs to Serena. He didn't want her to find out that her father's near fatal accident may have been because of the curse.

The curse had already destroyed his family, taken his mother's life, Darien wasn't going to let that happen to Serena's family. He knew how much Serena loved her parents and her brother and he would assure that nothing happened to something so precious to her. He would break the curse before anything could happen to Serena or her family or anyone else she loved.

Darien quickly turned his thoughts back to the words Serena had said before she caught wind of his thoughts through his eyes. She had a way of reading his thoughts through his eyes.

"I will always want you." Darien cupped her cheek quickly as firm conviction filled his hardening eyes. "I will always be yours. I won't betray you. I can't risk losing you again. It would kill me too to lose you."

Her smile widened, becoming more cheerful. "Then what is there to worry about?"

For a long moment Darien only stared into her eyes, searching, for what Serena assumed was any doubt in her words but he would find none because she felt none.

Before Darien could think about it too deeply, Serena changed the subject. As delightful as it was to sit here all day with him, doing nothing but basking in each other's arms, they had actually come here to do something other than make out – even though they hadn't technically gotten around to that. Yet.

"So, do you have any idea how to break this curse?"

Darien knew what she was doing. Serena didn't want him doubting her promise to him because she didn't. He wanted so much in that moment to tell her how much he loved her but the words always became stuck in his throat. He didn't doubt that he loved her but there was something that was stopping him from saying the words. Maybe it was his parents and the soul deep fear he carried that he'd curse her with his mother's fate by telling her how much he loved her.

But right now, as hard as it was for him, they had to focus on the curse. They had to break it so they could be together without the fear of betrayal hanging over them.

And considering all the resources they had, it was surprising that they didn't know much about the curse at all. They, in part, knew what had happened all those years ago, what had began it but they didn't know any of the specifics of the curse other than it made lovers unfaithful and that no one could leave the town for long without dying or coming into serious danger of dying.

Serenity and Endymion had showed them why the curse had been cast over the town but they had no clue exactly how the curse had been cast and the magic behind it. They knew the exact date Serenity had been murdered and Endymion had taken his life. They knew that the town had suffered afterwards and had tried to cover it up, and they had almost succeeded, if Endymion hadn't hidden Serenity's journal. It was the one piece of evidence that could reveal the truth but would that be enough to end the curse?

What they needed was to find out the exact specifics of the curse, but how? It wasn't like they had been required to submit any paperwork to the town authorities in order to cast the curse.

"No." Darien told her softly, disappointed and frustrated. "I have no idea. Maybe we have no choice but to wait until Endymion and Serenity give us some more clues. We know what the curse does but there's nothing that I can find that can help us figure out how to break it. As far as I can tell, Endymion was the one who was responsible for the curse, but he doesn't mention any specific way to break it."

"'But I grant this one mercy in Serenity's name, should an end be earned with the proclamation of the truth, then let it only end where it began'." Serena repeated Endymion's words from Serenity's journal from memory. "'A proclamation of truth'."

"I think it means the truth has to be revealed, but how? We know the truth, but it doesn't seem to be enough." Darien mumbled, thinking aloud rather than addressing her. "'And let it only end where it began'. Where what began exactly?"

"Could it be the clearing?" Serena suggested. "Maybe it means where Endymion and Serenity's love began. In the clearing that was their sanctuary."

"It could be anywhere." Darien told her dejectedly. "Until we know what it was that Endymion meant when he said 'where it had begun'. We need more information."

"So there's nothing we can do until they give it to us."

Darien knew that Serena was right but he didn't like it one bit. Every second it took them to solve this was another second that Serena was in danger. Something wanted her gone, and he sensed that whatever it was wasn't going away and wasn't going to give up. He needed to end this, he needed to break the curse but Serena had been right when she'd said that there was nothing they could do until Endymion and Serenity gave them more to go on.

They knew that in the 1600's Serenity and Endymion had fallen in love and had kept their love a secret until a few weeks before Serenity's sixteenth birthday when someone had seen them together. Two weeks later Serenity had been taken from her bed in the middle of the night and burned alive for the crime of witchcraft for which she had been innocent. Unable to live without her, Endymion had taken his own life but not before burying a chest filled with the treasures that had been important to him and Serenity. With his dying wish Endymion had somehow cast a curse over Little Willow, that no lovers would ever remain faithful to love. After Endymion's suicide, his father had moved away from Little Willow and the town had suffered financially. It had very nearly destroyed the cursed town.

And now the spirits of Endymion and Serenity were reaching out to them from beyond the grave for help. Help to bring the truth that had been buried so long ago, to light and finally break the curse over the town.

And Darien had to break the curse before Serena lost her life, just as Serenity had centuries ago. He wasn't going to watch Serena die as Endymion had watched Serenity die. He had to do something, but what? He still had no idea how to break this curse. Endymion had written in Serenity's journal that the truth had to be known and it had to be put to an end where it had begun. Where what had begun? And what had to happen in the place that it had begun?

It was confusing and frustrating! He needed to end this now! It was dragging on too long! It was almost as if whatever evil was after Serena was just waiting for him to let down his guard so it could get passed him to get to her.

And Darien couldn't let that happen. He wouldn't let that happen. He loved her too much. He couldn't lose her, he wouldn't lose her, not for anything.

"Darien!" Serena squeaked breathlessly. "Can't breathe!"

Darien blinked dumbly, snapped out of his thoughts by Serena's struggling in his arms. He looked down at her and it hit him like a slap in the face that he was holding her around the waist too tightly.

Darien released his hold on her completely and Serena drew in a much needed deep breath into her deprived lungs before she turned and looked into his concerned eyes.

Serena's chest ached a little from the lack of oxygen when Darien's hold around her had become to constricting but she ignored it. She was fine and much more concerned about Darien. What had he been thinking that had consumed him so completely that he hadn't noticed that he was squeezing the breath out of her?

"What in God's name were you thinking about?" Serena asked, searching his eyes for the answer.

Darien stared into her eyes for a long time, the emotions in his eyes too chaotic for Serena to identity, before he turned away from her and drew in a deep breath. "I'd better get you home."

And Darien gently pushed her away from him enough for him to rise to his feet and step away from her.

Serena watched, studying him. Whatever Darien had been thinking, he didn't want her to know about it. Whatever it was, it had been intense and had filled him with hard determination. The way he'd zoned out and had tightened his hold around her had to be either anger or fierce determination and Serena was sure that she hadn't seen anger in his eyes.

Serena watched as Darien, who now stood over her, extended his hands to her to help her to her feet, but instead of putting her hands into his, Serena looked up until she found his eyes. As always, his love her for her was there, but what had been there seconds before was now gone, carefully concealed from her.

She'd been right. There was something he didn't want her to know. And that was alright. Serena trusted him as much as she loved him. Darien would never do anything that would hurt her in any way and that made it so easy to trust him. Putting her hands in his, Serena let him gently pull her to her feet.

Being with him today had been so wonderful, so peaceful, so perfect. Things had changed between them since they'd slept together. Everything had seemed to settle into place. There were no doubts or uncertainties about their relationship anymore and the sexual burning heat was still as hot and as painfully yearning as ever, but it seemed to be far more manageable now. She'd been right in that everything between them was cemented and now that it was, there was no need for doubts or insecurities.

It was just them.

The thought brought a smile to her lips. It felt so liberating, so safe and so right. It was just them.

Serena raised her hand to his chest and fiddled with a button on his shirt, her smile taking on a suggestive tone as she turned her attention to the always boiling sexual awareness between them. She always wanted him now and she had no qualms around making him aware of that fact. Being with him felt so right, so natural, that she had no hesitations about jumping into bed with him now.

"You know, I don't have to be home for another few hours." Serena whispered silkily.

Serena couldn't help but feel a little smug – among other things – as she watched the irises of Darien's eyes expand and his breathing pick up a little.

It seemed that Darien had gotten her point.


It was enormous.

That was the first thing that came to mind when she first saw Darien's home. Serena knew Darien's family had money – how much didn't matter to her – but she hadn't guessed that he was this wealthy!

It was a mansion; the term 'house' just didn't suit what she was staring up at. Four stories high – plus more than enough room for an attic – and at least ten times as wide as her own home. It should have seemed out of place in the middle of the gloomy woods, but somehow it wasn't. Neat and well-kept gardens surrounded the house, the lawn vast and without imperfection; the thick dark woods kept far away from the house. The white with dark brown trimmings and roof were so grand that the house should've been the home of the president or someone equally famous and rich, not Darien.

It wasn't until her door opened that Serena realised Darien had not only turned off the engine, but had gotten out of the car and had opened her door. She'd been in such awe of the house that she'd become oblivious to everything else.

Darien reached inside, took hold of Serena's delicate hand and helped her from the car as she continued to stare, open-mouthed, up at the house. He'd been – and still was – nervous about bringing her to his house. Not because of what they'd soon be doing inside the house but because he'd had no idea how she was going to react to the sight of it. He'd never brought any girl here before; he didn't even like bringing Andrew here.

Yes, the house was the largest and grandest in the area but it hadn't felt like home in a long time and he was worried how Serena's opinion of him was going to change. She'd had a vague idea of how expensive his car was but seeing the house really made it clear as to just how much money his family had. Serena didn't care about money, that he knew, but was this going to intimidate her or was she going to want to see everything because she'd never seen anything like this before?

Darien had no idea how Serena was going to react to seeing his 'home'.

It took another minute for the amazement to pass, but once it did, Serena started to see more than just a grand mansion. She slowly became aware of something that she was feeling, she couldn't put a name to it but it wasn't a happy emotion. It felt cold and unwelcoming.

Darien kept his hold on her hand as he walked them to the door. Serena didn't miss the deep breath Darien exhaled before he opened the door and stepped back to let her enter first.

He was nervous. Why, Serena couldn't understand.

Feeling Darien release her hand so she could enter, Serena turned her attention to what was in front of her. At first, all she saw was darkness but gradually her eyes adjusted to dim light.

Slowly, Serena stepped inside.

It was so beautiful. Everything was dark varnished wood – what kind she didn't know, she wasn't that kind of smart – the floor, the walls, the ceiling, the staircase, even the furniture spread around the outside of the room was made of the same dark texture. Under her feet lay a heavy, dark red rug with golden patterns reaching out in every direction. Carpeting, the same shade of dark red as the rug under her feet, layered both grand staircases that bracketed the foyer. Paintings works of art, that looked old, neatly littered the walls.

Two stories above their heads, a chandelier hung low from the ceiling and dim wall lights lined the walls all around the room.

Even with all the lights, the room was still dim and filled with shadows, as if it were night instead of late afternoon.

Serena had the feeling that day or night, this was how the mansion always was. Dark, dreary and empty. Now she understood what the feeling had been that she'd felt outside. Sadness. This place was filled with sadness and the longing of happy times long since past. Ghosts of memories hung heavily in the air, long forgotten but greatly missed.

This wasn't a home. It was a house. There were no signs of warmth or even any sign of any female presence in the room, and most probably the rest of the house would be the same, Serena knew. The awe and wonder that had first taken hold of her at the sight of the house was gone and now only sadness and a dreary sense of loneliness that radiated the house remained.

This was where Darien lived? Suddenly Serena understood a whole lot more who Darien had been before she'd come into his life. She understood now why he'd been the way he'd been. He'd been lonely and unhappy and afraid, but he'd learned to hide it well, more than likely at a young age.

"Well, this is home." Darien said awkwardly, as if it were something to be ashamed of.

At his tone, Serena turned and looked up into his eyes. Darien wasn't looking at her but he wasn't hiding his eyes from her either. The way he was standing wasn't with his usual pride, strength and confidence. That air he carried around him that screamed that nothing could touch him was gone. Instead Darien's shoulders drooped as if in defeat and there was vulnerability radiating from him.

It broke her heart. What was it about this house that changed him from a strong, determined solider to a little, awkward boy who didn't have any faith or confidence in himself? Was this the boy he'd once been? Was this the boy, the part of him that had lost his mother so suddenly at such a young age?

Serena wanted so much to heal him, to take away his pain, but she couldn't think of the right thing to say. He knew that she loved him and he knew that she'd never leave him, at least not while she had any say in the matter, what else was there that she could do to bring back the strong Darien and rid him of this pain?

The silent seconds passed as they stared into each other's eyes, until eventually Serena gave up trying to find the words to say and she reached for his hand, wrapping her tiny fingers around his larger ones.

There was strength in him, inside and out, but right now it seemed that his physical strength was much stronger than his inner strength. He didn't realise it, but it was his pain and his loss that had made him so strong in all respects. He felt fear, like anyone else, but for her he'd overcome it. He'd risked his life – twice – to save her life without any thought for himself and he'd been strong enough to push back his fear and allow himself to fall in love with her.

The tragedy was that Serena didn't think that Darien even realised just how strong he was, just how deserving of her he was.

Darien could see it in her eyes, as he'd feared he would. Serena hadn't been taken in by the splendour and size of his house and his father's obvious wealth, at least not for long. It had only taken her a few minutes to see past the icing and see what really lay beneath.

A dark empty house that he felt no attachment to.

But Darien saw no pity in her eyes, as he'd expected. Instead he saw sadness, understanding and love. He could see it in her eyes. She didn't pity him but she was feeling the sadness he'd carried with him for most of his life, the sadness that was trapped inside this house. And she wanted to help him, to take it away from him, she just didn't know how.

And Darien felt it again. The urge, the need, to tell her that he loved her with all his heart. To tell her that he loved her for everything that she was and everything she wasn't. That he loved her kindness and her smile; that he loved the way she loved him and that he loved her for not pitying him. He loved her for not wanting him only for the money he'd one day inherit.

But again something was stopping him from saying the words out loud. What was it? Darien could sense it inside of him, and it was strong. It was made up of fear and something else he didn't have a hope of putting a name to. He wanted to say it and she deserved to hear it. She deserved so much, the least of which was to hear the words, to know that he loved her more than anything else, more than should be possible.

Sighing in defeat, Darien carefully hid everything he was feeling and displaying in his eyes and he pulled her towards the stairs to the left that would lead them to his bedroom on the third floor. The same bedroom he'd had his entire life.

Serena followed silently behind him, never letting go of his hand.

As they ascended the staircase leading from the second to the third floor, Serena trusted Darien to guide her safely while she looked around. The house was so much the same to what she'd already seen. Grand and expensive, and cold, dark and empty.

How could anyone live in a house like this? She couldn't understand it. All her middle class life, her home had been a home. No matter what house it had been in, it had been a home filled with light and colour and life. It had been a place to laugh, play and be creative. Where her mother had tried to teach her to cook and her father had read her stories before she'd gone to bed. A place where she could feel safe and truly be herself. A place where she could always find a shoulder to cry on and have her tears wiped away.

It seemed that Darien hadn't had that after his mother had died. This house still mourned her death.

"This is my room." Serena heard Darien say softly, just as grim and awkward as he'd sounded down stairs.

Serena turned her attention to what was ahead of them in time to see Darien open a set of double doors and step into the room. She followed a second behind, stepping into the room just as Darien flicked on the bedside and wall lamps.

The style of the room was identical to the rest of the house. Dark varnished floors, walls and ceiling, with plush dark rugs on the floors, but the feeling was different. It felt like Darien, it was Darien. Dark and magnificent, but safe and warm. It felt as if this room had known happiness and love once upon a time and it hadn't been completely forgotten.

Physically, the room was enormous and so was everything in it. Darien's bed was the largest she'd ever seen, easily able to hold five people comfortably. The main rug in the centre of the room covered nearly a quarter of the floor and there even appeared to be a balcony or terrace on the other side of the room. Large, arched French glass doors allowed a little natural light into the room. Heavy deep red drapes framed the doors and windows.

And that was when Serena saw the painting, a portrait.

Instantly drawn to it, Serena walked to it, unable to take her eyes off of it. It wasn't the mastery or skill or even the vibrant colours that drew her to it. It was the image that the artist had captured so flawlessly.

Serena stared into the beautiful face of the portrait and saw Darien's familiar warm eyes staring back at her, looking at her with love and happiness within them.

Truly Darien had his mother's eyes, and that was not all he had of his mother. The woman in the portrait had thick black hair that lay on her shoulders and wisped down to the top of her bust. She was so beautiful, as beautiful as Darien was handsome. As she stared down from the portrait, Serena could feel the love and caring the woman had carried within her that the artist had achieved at capturing the best it could be on paper.

Darien had loved his mother dearly, from that Serena knew that the woman in the portrait had been a wonderful and loving mother, but looking at her image now, Serena could finally understand just how much Darien had lost when his mother had died.

Serena also understood just how much Darien needed her. There had been a time when Darien had been young that he'd known unconditional love and caring, but he'd lost that when he'd lost his mother. After her death, he had pretended, for a long time, that he didn't need anyone in his life who loved him. Who cared for him. He had pretended to believe it until he'd actually come to believe it.

And then she had come into his life. She had returned to his life what he'd lost the day his mother had died. He loved and cared for her, but he needed her as well. Needed her in a way similar to the way he'd needed his mother. He needed someone who loved him unconditionally and devotedly. He needed to know that someone would miss him if he were gone, someone who would remember him as more than the handsome son of a wealthy man.

And even more Darien needed a reason to live, not just exist.

Serena sensed movement behind her a moment before Darien's arms wrapped around her waist from behind and she was pulled back against his solid form. Instantly Serena relaxed into him.

Darien feared and believed that he'd betray her, that he'd fall to the sway of the curse and be unfaithful, but he didn't understand what she did. She understood how much he loved and how much he needed her. She understood that he was incapable of ever betraying her. She had faith and trust in him but she would have to teach him to have faith and trust in himself. Darien was the only one who didn't trust him.

"What do you think?" Darien whispered into her ear, his warm breath gently tickling her ear and the side of her face.

Serena pondered the question for a silent moment before she answered. "I know you need me in more ways than even you know."

For a brief moment, Darien tensed behind her in reaction to her words, but then he relaxed and his hold around her tightened slightly, transforming the embrace from intimate to possessive. He brushed his lips against her throat, forcing her to suppress a moan of pleasure and wanting.

"I need you always, in every conceivable way." Darien whispered against the delicate sensitive flesh of her neck.

'I know.' Serena whispered silently to herself. She wanted to say the words aloud but Darien had to learn them for himself. He needed to trust in his love and loyalty to her. There was so much fear in him, fear that he'd betray her and she'd leave him. He didn't believe that she loved and needed him as much as he did her, or that he was strong enough to resist the pull of the curse. But one day he would. One day he would trust himself and what they had. He'd saved her life and in return she would save him, in every way she possibly could. "Your mother was so beautiful." Serena whispered, meaning to change the subject.

Darien was silent for a long time as he stared up at the portrait of his mother. "Yes, she was."

"You have her eyes." Serena told him as she stared into the familiar eyes of the portrait, focusing only on her eyes. "Filled with so much love that they sparkle with the intensity of it."

Darien was silent, but his sadness was deafening. Her words had made him sad as his mind once again became saturated with the pain of his past. Serena could feel it. He missed his mother so much. He'd loved her very much and he'd needed her. A part of him still needed her.

This wasn't a pain she could take away so easily, instead Serena decided to change the subject. "Your home is so-."

"This isn't my home." Darien cut her off with a resolute tone. "My home is wherever you are. I could have not a single cent to my name and I'd still be the richest man in the world because I have you."

And he meant it, that Serena knew without a doubt as her heart swelled and raced with love, love for him. He cared for nothing in this world the way he cared for her. He would give up all else for her and that touched her in a way that was beyond any description that could be portrayed by words.

Serena turned in his arms and looked up into the eyes he'd inherited from his beloved mother. She owed the world to Serenity and Endymion for bringing them together, for helping them fall in love. Things would have certainly been different if Serenity and Endymion hadn't interfered. Darien was not someone who loved easily. He never would've put himself – emotionally anyway – on the line to be with her without their encouragement, but what they were feeling now was theirs and theirs alone. It was too strong, too intense and too personal to belong to someone else. What she was feeling was hers and it was for Darien, not for Endymion.

Darien was leaning down towards her, intent to kiss her but before his lips could cover hers, Serena stepped back, pulling out of his embrace. Like the gentle and always devoted man he was, he released her.

Darien looked down at her, troubled and worried, Serena could see it on his face. He did not understand why she'd pulled away from him. It wasn't often that she refused a kiss from him. In fact, had she ever? Well, since they'd started dating at least.

With a mischievous grin on her lips and love in her eyes, Serena turned her back to him and walked away from him towards his bed, swaying her hips enticingly. Without looking back at him, Serena crawled into the middle of his huge soft bed; the smooth velvet bedspread caressed her heated sensitive skin. She could even feel the sensation through her clothing as the two fabrics rubbed against one another. It felt so sensuous, so sexy, and all because she knew Darien wanted her with a fiery passion that was burning her from the inside out.

As seductively as she was able, with her limit experience, Serena gracefully and sensually – she hoped – rolled onto her back and laid her small body down on the soft bed.

Through heavy thick lashes, Serena gave him an inviting look, issuing an age old invitation that she'd only recently become acquainted with.

Darien's mouth watered, suspenseful for the sweet taste of her, her skin, and her lips, as well as other places . . .

Darien's entire body was rigid and painfully agonisingly hard. He wanted, he ached, to go to her, to sink deeply into her luscious, tight, heavenly body and let her take away the pain of his past, but he hesitated and it was taking everything in him to hold himself back, to keep still. He clinched his fists as his hands began to shake against the need to go to her and the pain from denying his need.

Right now, Darien wanted to look at her, to engrave the sight of her on his bed into his memory, the kind of memory that would last life times. She was so beautiful and she was all his. He had no idea what it was about him that had made him worthy of such a gift but now that he had her he wasn't going to waste any more time worrying about whether or not he was worthy of her. She'd chosen him and he was done with questioning why. If he wasn't worthy of her then he'd spend the rest of his days doing whatever it took to become worthy. He'd keep her safe, he'd give her everything her heart desired and he'd love her as she deserved to be loved.

But as beautiful was Serena was, as much as Darien wanted her, they couldn't do this. He had only taken her for the first time not twenty-four hours ago, which had been her first time. She had to still be sore. He wanted her more than anything but her wellbeing came first. He'd been so distracted with the fact that she was seeing where he lived the first time, and he'd been more nervous than he'd ever admit, even to her, that it hadn't crossed his mind. Serena was the first girl he'd ever brought to the mansion and there were reasons for that, but Serena had defied them all.

"Serena -."

Serena read what Darien was going to say in his expression and she rose up onto her elbows and gave him a warning look. "Don't even think about it, buddy! You are so not backing out on me!"

"After yesterday baby, you have to be sore-."

"I'm fine." Serena said the last word through her teeth. She loved that he was so protective and considerate of her but at times, like this one, it was downright frustrating. She was a little sore but it was nothing she couldn't handle. She wouldn't be here, on his bed inviting him to join her, if she was too sore. Sometimes, Darien was just too overprotective.

But Serena knew how to get him to come around to her way of thinking.

"Oh, well." Serena sighed with mock disappointment and fell back onto the bed. "I guess I'm going to have to do this on my own."

She was bluffing. Serena had never done this before and she had no idea how far she would go with it, even if it was for Darien, but that didn't mean she wasn't going to see how far she could push him.

Keeping the sweet, dreamy expression on her face, Serena closed her eyes and moving slowly, inch by inch, she raised her hand and lowered it to her flat stomach. The only question now was who was going to break first.

And Serena was going to try her best to assure that it wasn't her.

She was hiding it from him, but Serena was really nervous and she had no idea what she was doing. All she had to go on was the talk and gossip of other high school girls, one sex dream and one sexual encounter.

But Darien didn't know that.

Darien had stopped breathing. What had she just said? What was she doing? Because right now it looked like Serena was slowly and sensually stroking her stomach through the material of her shirt.

And now it looked like she was pulling up her shirt and was stroking what he knew was the very soft silky smooth skin of her stomach.

And the next thing Darien knew, his pants felt three sizes too small.

Serena wanted to break him and she was going to break him. Soon. If that hand moved any lower he'd fall to his knees and beg for forgiveness if that's what it took to reissue her invitation.

Darien closed his eyes. And there it went, along with any semblance of his sanity.

Surprisingly, Serena found the sensation of running her own hand along her own sensitive skin, while Darien was watching, extremely exciting. She could feel his gaze on her and it was deliciously arousing.

It only took her a minute to work up enough courage to slowly, timidly, move her hand lower to the waist band of her pants.

And two seconds later Serena felt the bed shift almost violently beneath her and a large hand closed around her wrist with an iron grip. It took everything she had to keep the triumphant grin from spreading across her lips.

Serena opened her eyes and found herself looking up into Darien's intensely blazing dark eyes. He was on his hands and knees, towering over her, trapping her beneath him. But she wasn't afraid of the intensity radiating from him in waves, he'd never hurt her or make her do something she didn't want to do.

"Can I help you?" Serena asked him casually.

Darien said nothing, just continued to stare down at her, stare into her, as the seconds passed, but if she wasn't mistaken, she could've sworn that he was growling low in the back of his throat.

And in the blink of an eye, Darien was kissing her passionately, hungrily, almost roughly and Serena was once again floating above the clouds of heaven.

Darien was lost, her kisses were the sweetest, most addictive thing he'd ever known, ecstasy, heroin, were nothing compared to the addiction of her kisses. The power she and her kisses held over him was absolute and unbreakable. He didn't know why he tried to deny her; it was within her power to bend him to her will, to make him do anything she wished him too. Who was he to deny her? He was only mortal and she was a goddess, a siren, she was temptation itself.

Darien lowered his body onto hers, settling himself over her, while carefully assuring that he was supporting most of his own weight. Before he was completely lost to her, Darien took a brief moment to bask in the emotions that only came to him when he was with her, but when they were together in body as well as in heart and mind, he knew joy and peace that only she could bring to him. There was nothing wrong in the world, nothing but Serena and the love and happiness that flowed back and forth between them, a constant never-ending flow.

When he was with her it felt like he was coming home.

At last.


Everything in Darien screamed that it was wrong, that he should turn his powerful sleek Aston Martin Vanquish around and go back to her. Serena was safe at home, where he'd left her. It had been on the tip of his tongue to ask her to stay the night – to sleep, making love once a day was enough for a 'beginner' – but she was young and she had a family waiting for her at home.

And her parents would skin him five ways from Sunday if she was one minute late for her curfew. Serena hadn't said anything but something was up with her parents. The way they'd looked at him and Serena had held meaning that he hadn't been beyond comprehending. They didn't like their daughter dating him and it seemed that they'd made that clear to Serena, but judging by the look she'd given them in return – and the fact that she was still allowed out of the house for a date with him – she'd fought against them and hadn't lost her ground. The curfew had remained the same and there hadn't been gunfire when he'd given her a quick kiss goodbye outside her house, so either they hadn't wanted to push Serena too far or Serena had done something on the brink of drastic to keep them from interfering in her love life.

Darien had to wonder how long it would last.

He didn't want to lose her – he couldn't lose her – but at the same time he wasn't going to ask her to choose between him and her family. It would hurt her badly to have to lose her family that she loved so much. Would he be strong enough – or even able – to let her go if it came down to it?

He honestly didn't know if he could ever let her go.

Darien sighed deeply as he pulled up into his car garage and turned off the engine. Darkness fell around him but he didn't move to get out of the car. Instead he drew in a deep calming breath to soothe the knot his worries had created in his stomach. He closed his eyes and leaned back against the black leather seat, needing a silent, calm moment before he went back into the dark empty mansion that hadn't felt like home to him in so long.

So much had happened and it had long since caught up with him but now it was starting to take its toll on him, physically and mentally.

What was he going to do? There was so much he had to sort out, starting with Serena and how serious their relationship had become and where it was going, not to mention that if her parents found out just how serious their relationship had become, his life wouldn't be worth living. And then there was Serenity and Endymion and whoever – or whatever – was trying to murder Serena, not to mention the curse he somehow had to break but had no idea how to even begin. On top of that, it was becoming nearly impossible to leave her, even if it was at home. There was a growing urgency, a fear, within him that he didn't understand. He had no idea where it was coming from but it warned him that something big was coming and if he wasn't ready he would lose what was most important to him.

Serena.

And he'd never let that happen. He would die by inches before he'd let anything happen to a single hair on her head. It was his responsibility, his duty, to protect her, to keep her safe and he'd do whatever it took to do that.

But exactly what was he protecting her from? The curse?

Maybe.

But something was after Serena and Darien had no idea what it was. At first he'd believed that the attempt on Serena's life in the Chemistry Lab might have been Beryl – he'd put nothing past her – but then there'd been the building that had nearly crushed them both and he just couldn't bring himself to believe that a human – even one such as Beryl – could cause that. There was something else going on here, but he couldn't figure out what. And if he did figure out what it was, then how was the going to fight it? Endymion and Serenity had given him very little clue to what it was that they were facing. He needed their help and he needed it soon, he needed to know what was hunting Serena so he could keep her safe from it.

But there was something else, something he felt that he was barely missing, but he had no clue what it was. It felt like it was right in front of him, he just wasn't seeing it and it was frustrating the hell out of him.

At least he had Serena to give him some peace. While he was with her. When he wasn't, everything came flooding back without mercy.

But despite that and everything else, today had been one of the best days of his life. He couldn't remember one day before Serena had come into his life that he'd actually wanted to come to an end. Spending the day in the park with Serena just holding her and then coming back to his bed where he'd held her again, only in a much more intimate way, had been bliss.

The memory played in Darien's mind's eye. Her beautiful naked body with skin as soft as the skin of a newborn, as smooth as still water and the curves of a goddess. Her lips, naturally deep red that tasted sweeter than anything heaven could provide. Her soft deep moans of pleasure as he thrust into her tight wet channel, her breasts bouncing enticingly in rhythm with his thrusts. The look of pure, unadulterated love in her eyes as she came. The completely sated look on her face as she fell asleep naked in his arms. The soft peaceful breathing and sighs in her sleep as she hugged him like a giant teddy bear.

He'd let her sleep for an hour before they'd come too close to her curfew. It had been hard to wake her, to break their peace, their moment in time together but he'd had too. He'd gotten her home with only minutes to spare.

Finally, Darien sighed deeply again and went inside the large, but always empty mansion. He needed to get some sleep, if he was going to be dreaming of Endymion and Serenity tonight then he'd need what sleep he could get before he was woken by it.

Only his father, and five days a week, the housekeeper, Mrs Kellerman, ever entered the mansion anymore. Not even the gardener stepped inside the house. He said it was too depressing and Darien didn't blame him. It was much more than depressing, it was gloomy and in no way a home. The housekeeper kept the house clean and stocked with food and so on, but she didn't stay longer than she had too and she didn't want to get involved with either of the mansion's residence. Darien didn't blame her either; his father's reputation had long since preceded him.

And since his father was always away on business trips or working late in town, it wasn't often that they saw each other, not that Darien wanted too. Interactions with his father were never pleasant. His father carried out his obligations to his son in ways of food, clothing, money, a roof and an education but it went no further than that. His father showed no interest in his life or in him at all.

His father had been that way ever since he caused the death of his wife and Darien's mother.

Darien was no shrink, but he knew he had father issues. He didn't need the overpriced head doctor his father wanted him to see to tell him that he blamed his father for the death of his mother and a whole lot of other things too. He didn't know whether or not it was the curse that had caused his father to cheat on his mother and break her heart, therefore taking away her will to live, but either way it had been his father's fault. He'd betrayed her, no one else. It had been his choice and his alone and because of his father's choices, Darien had lost the mother who'd loved him to no end.

After stepping through the front door, it took only seconds to learn that his father had returned from his business trip. He'd been gone nearly two weeks this time, a short trip compared to most. Ever since Darien had learned how easily he could drive off the nannies his father had hired, and since he'd become old enough to take care of himself, his father had no worries with leaving him alone for as long as a month with only the house keeper to check in on him occasionally.

Darien was in no mood for his father, he just wanted to go straight to bed and dream of Serena and what they'd done less than a few hours ago.

"Where have you been?" A stern cold voice asked him.

Damn, he'd almost made it to the stairs. With an annoyed breath, Darien turned to see his father standing in the doorway on the other side of the room, staring at him through uncaring dark hollow eyes. "Since when do you care?" Darien asked in a voice equally as cold and hard.

"I'm leaving for Tokyo in the morning." He said without any emotion what so ever. "I don't know how long I'll be gone. I put ten thousand in your account and as usual Mrs Kellerman has her instructions for the care of the mansion."

Money. His father's alternative to being a parent. It was strange, before Serena had come into his life, his father's behaviour had been long past bothering him, but now it was, even though he was careful to hide it from his father behind his indifference and annoyance.

If his father had his way, he'd be at a private school on the other side of the country, but Darien had refused to leave the place that his mother had loved, that had been the only home he'd ever known. It wasn't hard to get kicked out of a place you didn't want to be, a few missed curfews, some pranks on the headmaster and a small fire or two and he was sent right back.

Darien had long ago accepted that his father would never love him, so why was he suddenly feeling anger towards his father? It seemed that Serena was bringing even more changes into his life. He'd witnessed how her parents loved her, he saw it in the way they looked at him and in her curfew, something he'd never had. He saw it in their rules and in the way they protected her so diligently. And a part of him wanted to know, to remember what it felt like to have a loving parent who cared and set rules and boundaries because of that love.

Why did his father find it so difficult to show any kind of positive or warm emotion towards him? What crime had he committed in his father's eyes that made his father keep his distance? He knew he looked a great deal like his mother, but what father would hold that against him for life?

The moment he graduated high school, Darien was going to leave forever. He was going to take Serena far away from here and they were going to be happy. They'd leave this town and everything in it behind; all of the pain of the past would be distant memories.

And he would leave his father here alone, just as he wanted to be, and maybe one day his father would realise the mistakes he'd made towards his son, but by then it would be too late.

"I called George about pulling some strings to get you into Harvard next year." His father stated offhandedly.

Darien gritted his teeth and fought against the rage that threatened to boil over inside of him. His father had always made it abundantly clear that he wanted his son to go to a top business or law school and take over his companies, but Darien had no interest in that at all.

And he had no intention of ever walking down that path and his father knew it but still he pushed and persisted.

Before Serena, Darien would've argued but he'd never sounded serious, against his father he'd always sounded like a little boy refusing to eat his carrots, but for the first time in his life, he was serious. He knew what he wanted and he wasn't going to be talked out of it. Nothing could talk him away from Serena. "I'm not going to Harvard or anywhere else unless it's what I choose. I don't want to be you."

Anger flashed in his father's eyes, the only emotion that he had no problem showing towards his son. "Then just what are you going to do after high school?"

Darien had never had an answer to the question his father had always thrown at him, but now he did. Because of Serena. "I don't know what career I'm going to choose and I don't care if its minium wage for the rest of my life, because I'd rather have a family than money and an empty mansion."

And with that Darien turned his back to the father he'd finally stood up too and he walked calmly up the stairs, heading for his bedroom.

Today had been a busy day and he was exhausted. Darien wanted to sleep and dream of Serena and their future together. Deep down, for the first time outside of Serena's presence, he felt a sense of peace. More and more he was looking forward to the future, a future he would share with Serena. He didn't care what they did or where they went, as long as he had her everything would always be perfect.

Minutes later, after a quick shower, Darien's head finally hit the pillow, only tonight his bed didn't carry his scent, this time it carried Serena's. Her sweet, intoxicating, calming scent filled his senses as memories of her filled his mind and a wave of true peace washed over him.

"Goodnight Serena." Darien whispered into the pillows as he closed his eyes, wrapped his arms around the pillows and hugged them to him, pretending that the soft fluffy pillow was his soft Serena.

Hugging the pillow to him and breathing in the sweet scent of the woman he loved, Darien quickly drifted into a heavy blanket of peaceful sleep.


Chapter 9 will be up next week, thats a promise!