Poor Howard.

Part of Howard's brain had been expecting praise, but he didn't know why. He'd never been praised at school, especially when he'd overcome a problem without resorting to magic. Still, he was half hoping to be told that he'd done well, that the test was over and he was free to go.

He was sorely mistaken.

"Get up, Moon," the grey voice snapped through the crystal ball.

"But I just defeated that yeti thing!"

"And even now the other two doors are opening and releasing beings more terrible and dangerous. Get up."

Howard groaned to his feet, careful not to use his left wrist. He left the ruined spear on the floor and headed back down the black corridor, staring down at the ball and stumbling as he went.

"Why do you stumble, Lord Moon?"

"I'm tired and it's dark," he responded testily. "Hadn't you noticed?"

The hooded figures laughed drily in response.

"You are a sorcerer," one said.

"A sorcerer does not stumble in the dark," said another. "He owns the darkness and sends it fleeing before him."

Howard sighed.

"I always hated those stupid sayings. Why'd you need to talk in riddles?"

"It's hardly a riddle, Howard Moon," the head of the council sneered. "You are a sorcerer, born and bred. Summon your powers and create a light for yourself."

"No."

Howard knew it was mostly just stubbornness. The tunnels were fairly dark, with only occasional ever-burning torches in dirty wall sconces. He could summon a light but he didn't want to. He hadn't used magic for over fifteen years. Even when he was in mild to moderate peril (which was about once a month) he had always found a way out, even if it meant relying on Naboo's magic instead. Using it now just seemed like another way he was giving in to this place.

"No," he repeated, tripping over a broken cobble as he did so.

"Ever the fool, Moon," the hooded figure murmured. "But your powers may be necessary. You cannot expect to close the other two doors with luck and wit alone."

There was some truth to that but Howard didn't want to give in. Vince was in that dungeon with them and they were watching his every move, he could sense it. If he used magic Vince might see and Howard didn't want to see the disappointment in the other man's eyes that such a huge secret had been kept from him for so long.

"I can't."

"Oh, I see," the voice sneered, echoing and bouncing off the dark walls.

"You do not wish your man-wife to know. You have not told him who you really are. That is quite remiss of you, Lord Moon, to bond yourself to a person - and a mortal too - without revealing your true nature. I almost feel sorry for your foul mouthed little Viscountess."

"I haven't-"

Howard wanted to argue but knew he couldn't. He and Vince were bonded, their lives entwined thoroughly, completely. Even if Howard hadn't had the courage to confess his love in words since they'd started their relationship. Even if the ancient family ceremony hadn't been performed. They were bonded and Howard had kept his true nature from his soul mate.

"Where's Vince?" he whispered, stopping where he was and leaning against the soot-stained wall.

"Use your magic, Viscount, and you shall see him."

"No," murmured Howard, feeling suddenly lethargic.

"Then here is your mortal."

The hooded men parted to reveal the same tragic sight of Vince beaten and shackled but this time awake and staring right at the mirror.

"Don't let them bully you, Howard," he yelled as the council descended to the Fire Plate.

"I don't care what you used to be or what they tried to make you. D'you care that I was a pick pocketing foster kid? I care about the man you are now and the man you're trying to be. That's all that matters. I lo- No!"

The last word was screamed at the leader of the council who had reached the dreaded button.

"No! No, please, no? I can't. I-"

But Vince's pleas were ignored and Howard made himself watch again as the Dark Fire forced its way into Vince's body, this time for six agonising seconds.

When it stopped, Vince took a shuddering breath before swearing his tits off at his attackers. He was cut off when the button was held down for another count of six. This time Vince didn't try to speak. Howard watched him hang limp in his chains, chest heaving but awake. The Hooded Council turned as one to face him and Howard knew with a sinking feeling that he would fold. He wasn't as strong as Vince. All he could do was disappoint.

"Summon your powers, Howard Moon. Take the second key and close the middle door. Do it now."