*3 months later*

"Kel…" I heard a voice call with a warning tone.

I sighed in frustration as Dom's smirking self pulled me away from the practice courts. "You know you can't, not yet."

I felt horribly lazy. All I had been doing the past few months was eating, sleeping, exercising, and taking walks (typically with Dom). I had also been helping Shinko with her wedding plans. The peaceful calm was frustrating to me because I knew Coalife and Ralphus would return. I wanted to be ready to be strong when they returned.

I was scared.

Dom and I talked about it. He knew my fear and I knew he feared leaving me alone. We had become incredibly dependent on each other; for strength, comfort, and company.

We talked of his promotion, of Neal and Yuki's wedding, the peace talks, my rescue but the most important thing we talked about was after he returned from his mission three months ago…

…FLASHBACK…

I sat with my brother Inness and Tobe watching Conol and Avinar spar. It was my first trip outside since I arrived in Corus.

Dom had been gone for 2 weeks. Since he had left Tobe had taken his place as my constant companion. I did not mind having someone with me all the time. Actually I felt safer knowing I was not alone. I did miss Dom's company, however, he was always there trying to help me heal. I missed him.

Which is why I sat watching my brother spar; I had to distract myself. I smiled as Avinar fell, tripping over a rock. Avy was most defiantly a mage not a fighter.

"Huh… looks like Conol and that rock make a great team" a teasing voice whispered behind me. I quickly turned to see a smirking Dom. I smiled brightly as I took in his dirty uniform.

"Yes Captain," Tobe answered. Anders greeted Dom warmly greetings that Dom returned.

"How was your mission Dom?" I asked the haggard looking man.

"Exhausting" he laughed, "It was fine, rather dirty as you can see." His smile faltered as he looked at me, "Feeling better Kel?"

I nodded as I fiddled with my long shredded hair and returned my gaze to the match.

"You're okay to be up?" He seemed worried and shocked to see that I was out of my room.

"Neal thought some fresh air would help my appetite. Tobe and Anders helped me down." I informed Dom.

"I see…" He said as he shifted his feet looking entirely uncomfortably.

"Did you want something Dom?" I asked smirking as his startled look.

"Uh… you want to go for a walk Kel?"

"Okay" I was eager to move, and like I said I'd missed Dom… we had to catch up. Dom helped me as we strolled to a courtyard.

"What have you been up to since I've been gone?" Dom asked as he sat me on a bench.

"My sisters, mother, Yuki, Lalassa, Shinko and I sewed my new wardrobe. I slept. I have begun eating and the King has me writing my report on the events that occurred while I was Meo's captive. How is life being a Captain?"

"Time consuming. I hate paperwork, I keep finding ink everywhere. The men laughed at me all day until I realized my eyes had ink surrounding them. Have you had any more headaches or flashbacks?"

"I've had a few headaches, mostly in the mornings."

We fell into a deafening silence in which Dom stared at me, and I stared at my folded hands that rested in my lap.

He suddenly cleared his throat and placed a hand over mine. "I know I should not say anything but I've missed you so much Kel."

"I've missed you too."

"Not just these past two weeks but these past 5 months. I've missed your smile, your laughter, and our jokes… your beautiful eyes." I looked up in fear and apprehension. Maybe this was Meo and I was just falling into her trap. I felt my heart twist in pain anticipating awakening to the dank cell, alone.

"Dom?" I whispered in a surprisingly scared voice.

He did not appear to have heard me as he continued talking.

"I've known for a while now, but when you so stupidly gave yourself up I realized just how strong my feelings truly are. Kel, Keladry I love yo…" The tears that had been gathering in my eyes fell furiously.

I could not take it I was overwhelmed and broken. It was Meo! This whole time; I thought I was safe and protected but this one reoccurring torture proved it was Meo. I sobbed and hugged myself as the tears flooded down my face.

"Stop… please, I beg you…It hurts too much. No more" I gasped out between sobs. I closed my eyes to block out Meo's false world and lifted my hand. I slapped myself hard when the fake world did not vanish I repeated my action. My eyes flung open when my hand was caught and I found myself wrapped tightly in someone's arms. I sobbed in defeat, "No more Meo… please" I hated hearing my voice crack but I know that Meo won't end the torture until I begged for mercy.

"Shh love, your okay. Meo is not here. I've got you. Calm down, shh your safe." Dom's voice soothed, repeating his mantra as he stroked my hair and I sobbed in agony.

"Not real" I muttered to myself trying not to let 'Dom' get to me, "It's not real"

"It is Kel, please…" Dom's voice begged as I was lifted into his arms, "This is real sweetie. Please you're going to make yourself sick, calm down."

"Stop…" I moaned at the false comfort. 'Dom' continued to try to comfort me offering false sentiments and it torn my heart apart that I would never hear the real Dom speak to me in such a loving tone, "Just leave me alone, please."

Dom's voice was strong and frightened, "Not until you see, this is real Kel. You're not with Meo, I do truly love you. This is real." I shook my head in denial only for my head to be stopped by one of 'Dom's' hands. "Look at me, I'm real Kel." I stared into the sapphire blue eyes that tormented me.

"Dom…" I whispered brokenly as white spots filled my vision. The lights expanded blinding me as the burning pain, I was so familiar, with filled my head. The headache pierced any thought from my head and I let out a cry of pain grasping my head as 'Dom's' frightened voice informed me he was taking me to Neal.