Author's Note: Hey you! I'd really like to thank you for your comments so far, you guys are amazing. :D That's why I have to apologise for the short chapter. It was supposed to be longer but I deleted some scenes that ruined my main plot so from being 2.153 words it came down to 1.531! Worry not though cause I intend to make this up to you. There will be a double update today since I finished editing Chapter 9 earlier than I expected! Now isn't that great? xD I don't plan on talking further though, so let's move to the chapter!

He was awaken by the loud voice of the captain announcing they would be reaching their next destination in a couple of hours. He rose from the bed, looking outside the cabin's window to see the port of Bildgewater faintly appearing on the horizon. He walked back to the bed, when he took a better look around. He was not in his room and definitely not alone. Last night's events replayed like a movie in his mind, a small smile creeping on his lips. He moved his gaze further to the sleeping form of his lover, her bare back facing him. She looked oddly peaceful and he found it hard to wake her up.

After mustering up enough courage, he leaned towards her, kissing the crook of her neck softly.

" Hmph...what is it? " she asked, her voice barely audible.

" Captain said we will be reaching Bildgewater in less than two hours. I figured I should wake you up and-"

He didn't manage to finish his sentence, as her eyes shot open and she threw the covers off her, running to the bathroom.

" I will need a shower. Feel free to join me. " she smiled seductively at him before pushing the door behind her, leaving it slightly open as an invitation. He sat on the bed for some seconds, debating whether he should take it that far. He was a married man after all. He brushed everything off, deciding he should enjoy these last moments of peace, being well aware that from the moment they stepped on the land, drama and adventure were inevitable.

The familiar scent of the atmosphere around him was relaxing to say the least. His long brown hair flowed in the air as he gazed towards his homeland. Oh, how much he missed this place.

"You spend so much time on the Shadow Islands, someone would say you don't miss your home at all, Tobias. " a familiar elegant voice commented behind him, and the mage turned to face the Warden walking towards him.

" Home is home, Thresh. No matter where I've been, I always find myself coming back here. " he explained, returning his gaze to the horizon, where his home city could be seen.

"You humans and your sentimental bonds. It is always too late when you understand how much they destroy you. All of your species is the same. " he hissed and the mage smiled.

" Always flattering, partner. You seem like you refer to personal experience though. Is it from the time you were human? " TF pressed, noticing the Warden stiffen as memories passed in front of his eyes.

" Let me make something clear, Tobias. Just because I have to tolerate your presence here, doesn't make us 'friends' or anything close to it. I suggest you mind your own business and I will mind mine. " the spectre harshly stated, hoping he would scare the mage away. Oh, how wrong he was.

"Wow. She has taken a toll on you, hasn't she? " he questioned with a smirk.

" What do you mean? " the Warden addressed as rudely as he could.

" The Night Hunter has been proven to be of your taste apparently. You are getting possessive of her and she's not even yours yet. " the Card Master admitted, amused as the Chain Warden's reaction switched to one of confusion.

" Interesting. How could you possibly know though? " he questioned the mage.

" Evelynn filled me up with everything. Did you really think I would go into this process if I was unaware of all these? " he replied in a serious tone.

" I have to admit, I am impressed. But let me ask you, what will you gain from this? Everything comes with a price, right? "

Twisted Fate smiled at the statement, nodding in agreement.

" I have had a secret meeting with the Night Hunter on our first day on the ship. My price was negotiated there. "

Thresh lifted his eyebrows in question as the man started narrating the story.

*Flashback *
" Do you miss her? " A feminine voice called from behind him, making him dart his eyes away from the dark scenery and towards her.

" Are you referring to Evelynn, Lady Vayne? " She nodded smiling as she stood next to him, gazing the sunset.

" Of course. Is there someone else? " she questioned in disbelief.

" No, and that's what scares me. I have never settled down to one person. Yet somehow, she is all I can think about. Love is strange, but wonderful at the same time. " She took in his words, her gaze firmly on the sunset.

" Sounds like something he would say. " The mage turned to look at her, curiosity in his eyes.

" You are referring to Thresh if I am correct. " She agreed, shaking her head affirmatively.

" I am, indeed. But you are here for a reason and so am I so let's get to the serious stuff. Name your price, Tobias. "

The Card Master blinked once, just to be sure he did not misheard. In a matter of seconds, he realised there was more to her than she let out.

" You are a smart one, my Lady. " he admitted winking at her while she waved him off.

" Looks like Lady Luck is actually smiling at you today, Tobias. So, like I said, name your price. "

The mage looked at his companion startled. He didn't think of her as a person with a sense of humour.

" It would be gold, milady. My price is the gold you can possibly provide. Knowing your wealth, the price shall not be debatable. " he suggested and she smiled.

" Tell you what. If you help me succeed on this mission, I promise you your weight in gold. If I were you, I would strive to remain healthy. "

His eyes glimmered at her proposal, finding himself immediately agreeing. He watched her as she took a piece of paper and a set of feather and ink from her bag, starting to write something in Demacian. She signed with her monograph at the end of it, folding the paper before she handed it to him.

" After this mission ends, you shall travel to Demacia and seek for Galio to receive your reward. He is currently guarding my mansion. I will send a detailed letter to the gargoyle as soon as we arrive at Bildgewater. " She extended her hand and he gladly shook it, sealing their deal.

"Glad to do business with you, Lady Vayne. " She smiled at his comment and patted his back.

"The feeling is mutual, partner. "

*End of flashback *

Thresh listened to the mage amused as he finished his story.

"I wouldn't have imagined a woman as composed as her to be that generous. Now I can see the reason why you are still here though. " the spectre teased and TF furrowed his brows.

" Screw you mate, I ain't here just for the gold. I am also here because Eve asked me to. " Thresh laughed sarcastically at this. He could tell Evelynn was the mage's sensitive spot and he enjoyed mentally torturing him by using it.

" I'm sure Evelynn, an undead creature who is a self proclaimed Widowmaker just happened to grow feelings out of nowhere for a common human being. How considerate of you to think that, Tobias. " The mage scowled at his comment and didn't miss the chance to diss him back.

"Now I understand why Lucian hates you, sick bastard. "

The moment her black heels stepped to the sandy ground of Bildgewater, she could feel she was somewhere foreign. Everything around the city seemed strange to her. Even the air felt different.

"Feels different, doesn't it? " Vayne nodded, not sparing a glance at the Warden standing next to her. Noticing her negativity, he leaned close to her ear, his breath tickling her neck.

" You can avoid me all you want, love. It does not change the fact I can still read your soul like an open book. You are mine now. " he whispered stroking her hair before walking forward to reach TF.

" What is his problem again? " Lucian asked her, placing his hand behind her back.

" I wish I knew. " was all she answered before walking towards the pair, Lucian followed shortly after. As soon as all four gathered up, the mage began to explain.

" Finding Graves in this city will not be an easy task, given the fact he is constantly on the run. So, I suggest we spend the rest of the evening at the local Inn. Restore your energy and tomorrow we are heading to the center of the town.

"Energy; the perks of being a human. " Thresh mumbled as he walked past them to the entrance of the Inn.

" Someone's in a bad mood. " the mage commented and all three laughed slightly.

" Follow me, Demacians. Tomorrow is going to be eventful for both of you. "

Ugh, I'm still pissed off at how short the chapter is. By the way, I'm sorry I lied on the previous chapter. The action does not happen on chapter 8 but on chapters 9, 10 and 11. I just got a bit confused, sorry for the inconvenience. :( Now, let's head to your comments!

GlowingDoom: Ikr...he is a tease and he will continue being one just to piss Lucian off xD

CupcakeGirl: The Thresh/Vayne scene did get me feeling somehow as well xD Believe it or not I actually imagined Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie on 'Mr and Mrs Smith' when writing this (you know, their tango scene xDDD)!

iHookGirls: Worry not my friend. There will be plenty of Thresh as the chapters move on because I decided I actually value him more than Vayne and Lucian (sorry not sorry xD)

DarkStarVarus: With the double update, the Q&A will now happen next Monday! Exciting, right?

AndHisNameIsCena: Sadly no action in this one bc I'm a freaking idiot and didn't remember I actually referred to the wrong chapter xD

NightBoosted3: Thank you!

crazyLatern: More champion cameos ( and not only ;) )are to be expected soon! About Lucian/Thresh though, you know their actions were pretty expectable. Thresh provoking Lucian to the very end and Lucian finally taking the hint as you said xD

That's all for now! See you in some minutes or 1 hour I'm not certain. Depends on how fast I will finish dinner xD