Three Years Later

Every day was the same, there wasn't much change. They hadn't seen or even heard of Jullian in three years. Or DT for that matter. They were allowed more leniencies around the complex as long as their body guard, Dameon was with them. They had received their bodyguard a year before, and he wasn't a thing Randon had expected.

He was largely built and tall, about 6'2. He had chestnut brown hair that fell just below his ears, and fell into his brown eyes once and awhile. He was a quiet man kind and gentle. Something about him reminded her of Tristar. His sweet nature, the way he blushed when you complimented him. At night he slept in the halls, though Randon and Krystal insisted on him staying in the room. He would politely decline, saying it was fine in the halls. Randon and Krystal would glance at each other and shrug.

One day bells rang from all over the complex. Dameon rushed in the room; Krystal had been sewing, Randon had been reading. They both dropped what they had been doing. Randon had heard commotion coming from outside the room, but hadn't though much of it. Now, seeing the alarm on her safe-keepers face, she realized it was something her and Krystal should be aware of.

"Ladies, there is no time to explain here. Follow me quickly and I will tell." Randon jumped up and they followed Dameon down the halls, down, down to the complex's safe house. "Terrible storm. Very strange and unusual for Darkraliy. The master is away on business on Ningunk with the Gunkans. He brought three of his apprentices and his son."

Son! Jullian? "Is his son Jullian?" "I am sorry; I do not know names, Mistress Randon." Randon fell silent and listened, the ringing of the bells still clanging, servants rushing past them to the safe house, and Dameons soft voice, "Everyone is herding themselves to the safe house."

"Is it big enough to hold everyone?" Krystal asked. Dameon looked back at her. "Let's hope so." Randon knew there might not be. She had experienced a storm before, when she was younger and they had to go to the safe house. But it wasn't as severe as this. Randon could hear the wind howling and pressing itself at the complex walls.

They neared the safe house, it was packed. Dameon scanned around, "I will see if there is any-" "There is no more room." An older women servant hissed. "But Ritka," "No Dameon." The safe house doors were shut, and about twenty some servants along with Randon and the other two, were left standing outside it.

"It's not going to be that bad of a storm, will it?" "There has to be some where we can go!" "We're going to die!" "Shut up!" "Where's Sailee?" "It's getting louder!" Flurries of words spewed over.

As everyone argued, Randons mind was churning. "We need to get to a windowless room." No one heard her. She cleared her throat, "Excuse me." She said louder. This time Dameon heard her. He looked down at her then boomed, "Everyone listen up, Mistress Randon has something to say." Randon blinked at him gratefully. The servants turned their gazes to her. "We need to get to a windowless room."

The wind howled. "Now. Follow me." Seemingly grateful to have someone take charge, the servants followed her willingly. Not taking a moment to hesitate they all gathered into the nearest room. Servants clumped into groups, whispering to one another. Randon was the only one left standing when everyone was settled. She sighed and rolled her eyes at all the whimpering people; she hated being cramped up with them. Within minutes though, nothing could be heard over the howling winds and heavy rains.

Dameon touched her hand, she looked down at him. He motion to the ground, he wanted her to sit. She shook her head and stayed standing. After a couple of minutes though, the walls trembled for a split second. Randon went down with a thud, her heart racing. She hadn't been scared before, but now she was freaked.

When the walls trembled again Randon moved closer to Dameon. He leaned her back against his rigid legs. Trembling Randon turned to rest her head on his knees. She wrapped her arms around his legs. He murmured something she could not hear, and put a hand on her arm to remove it from its postion. He shook his head slightly.

Randon blinked sorrowfully at him. For a year now she had liked him. Not the way she loved Kure, but more like the way she was captivated by Tristar. She sat back and hugged herself. She hated the storm, she hated the every now an again scream that was louder then the wind and rain, but most of all she hated being alone in a room full of people.

She hadn't cried since Jullian had been taken. And now, she could feel the tears conjuring up, but she held them back. She brushed her hair so it fell into her eyes, and then squeezed her eyes shut.

She suddenly felt herself being pulled into an embrace. She felt warm breath on her ear. "Randon, don't do this to me." Dameon whispered. Randons heart twisted at the words. She let herself go and slipped her arms around him. She put her mouth to his ear. "Do what?" She breathed. "Taunt me like this." He murmured running his fingers through her hair. "What are you talking about?"

He pushed her hair back and gently kissed her cheek. "Randon, I think I'm in love with you." Randon caught her breath and her head was spinning. Then amidst the storm, Randon put her mouth to her safe-keepers and kissed him. It was a slow drawn out kiss. And at that moment, the lights went out.