Being in an underground cavern was never a delight for the Fae. No, they wished for sunlight. This constant hiding would be taking a toll on them. Moss was growing in their tribal markings, causing them to grow sick.

Maleagant leaned back in his seat. The torches flickered around him, causing his eyes to shimmer. Water dripped from somewhere within the cavernous room.

He smirked to himself, his thoughts turning towards Kiara. Such defiance was a delicious treat, in his eyes. Defiance could be broken. He had already broken some. It was only a matter of time before he would have complete control over her.

"My lord," greeted a Fae, entering the room.

"Yes," he asked, sighing. "What is it?"

He stepped forward, holding out a letter. "He sent a message."

The Fae leader took the letter, skimming through it. His one brow rose, as he set it on the desk in front of him.

"Well, well," he said. "He is coming for a 'visit', so he calls it."

The other Fae glanced at the letter and then back at Maleagant. "If I may be so bold, my lord… why do we keep the Aos Sí alive? She is the last… and could breed half-breeds, if she found a mate."

He leaned further back in his seat, his leather-covered feet propped up on the desk. "You do not know the most pleasant game of torture, my friend. King Eldon betrayed me to the Ogres, do you not recall? I may have attempted to… mm, seduce his beautiful wife… on a few occasions. However, that is no reason to throw an ally to the wolves."

The Fae's eyes narrowed. "Our people were Aos Sí allies?"

He smiled, chuckling. "No. They would not stoop to that level. I was raised by Aos Sí… which has proved quite beneficial in destroying their very race."

Slowly, the lower Fae nodded.

"Well then," said Maleagant, standing. "Let us prepare for our guest."


"Nuada."

Nuada could feel his eyes growing lighter and thought he heard the gentle call of his name. The fresh smell of flowers was in the air. Something soft and delicate was touching his face.

Ever so slowly, his eyes opened.

Sunlight was revealed to him, creating a glowing halo around a beautiful, long-haired figure. Her eyes were so strange… and yet, so gentle. A sweet smile spread on her lips.

"Nuada," she whispered.

He felt confused. Who was this beauty? There was something so familiar about her. It was almost as if she was of some importance… to him.

She continued to touch his cheek, smiling down at him. When he did not respond, she cocked her head.

"Do you not remember me?"

Nuada thought he had seen that particular gesture before. Now he knew that he knew her. She had a name. It was a beautiful name. It was so smooth and gentle…

"Kiara," he breathed.

She seemed to glow even brighter. Her eyes sparkled with a new light. Her thumb came to rest on his lower lip, touching it. He looked up at her, finding that his breath was shaky. She was looking at his lips, swallowing.

She started to move slowly over him, her eyes never leaving his. He couldn't help himself and touched her hair. She felt so real. She was there with him. She was living, breathing and warm.

"I love you."

He couldn't believe he said it. He didn't know what came over him. She stopped, staring at him.

All of the sudden, her eyes were filled with sadness. Tears began to pour from her, as she pulled herself away from him. Darkness was descending around them and the smell of flowers was fading.

Kiara shook her head, a tear resting on her lip. "No, you don't."

Nuada sat up, trying to stop her. He only faced a cave wall.

"Sire," asked Wink, sitting beside the fire. "Are you well?"

His breath came to him again, allowing him to take in what had happened. He lay back down, nodding.

"It was only a dream."


Author's Note; What do you think? This is the first real "romantic" scene for Nuada. In the his dream, he is surrounded by his emotions, allowing him to see that he has true feelings for her. Will he accept them?

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