Will was bored. Being grounded was not fun. She could see where her mother's doubts were coming from, but it also put their relationship in a tumultuous state. Even the girls avoided her because of how tense everything became after their argument. Was it her fault? With the confusing lies in her life, she wasn't sure. So there she was, lazing around on her bed, doing absolutely nothing. Too much time to contemplate and wonder what might have been. Will did not know when everything went wrong, or perhaps she did but was afraid to admit it to herself. She wanted to fix things but wasn't sure how. Her mother was the first issue. The easiest way would be to tell her the truth. The problem was, her mom would never allow her to continue being a Guardian, or believe anything about magic in general. The second problem was the girls. Will had long been aware of Cornelia's envy and the personality conflicts within their group. Yet, getting Taranee angry was a shocking and upsetting development. Why did she blame her? It wasn't like Will had purposefully forgotten about Nigel. The girls had been acting strangely throughout the entire week without apparent reason. Even though Will did not believe she was doing anything wrong, she considered apologizing because it was the right thing to do. Taranee, however, ignored her. Others were divided. Hay Lin and Irma did not choose a side, though Cornelia supported Taranee, as expected. They left her alone and while being grounded, she was isolated. Again. Phobos was the third and biggest problem. Oh, God, could she sink any lower? Because their meetings were so complicated, Will struggled to figure out how to untangle their relationship. But she wanted, and yearned for the freedom to love, even though everyone would condemn her for doing so. Will was aware of it with every second they spent together.

Phobos was by no means a person one should fall in love with. She was doomed to heartache, wasn't she? With Matt, it would have been so easy. A simple schoolgirl's crush with shallow feelings, looking from afar and imagining them together. Now she burned and longed, knowing perfectly well she shouldn't. It will hurt not only her but those closest to her. And no matter how much Will resisted, it seemed the universe kept trying to bring them together. She wished to get to know him better and explore what was beneath his icy exterior. The glimpses of his true feelings made her giddy and unprepared for the onslaught of confusion they provided. Will dove into the deep, dark lake like a young woman with no experience. Was it wise? No, not even close. Yet she plunged anyway and could not find her way back to the surface.

Will groaned and punched her pillow, completely lost. No matter how long she mulled over things, the results were never satisfactory. She sighed, rising from the bed and turning on the table lamp, finally having time to complete her homework. Maybe it will help in getting her grades up. That was the one good thing that came out of being grounded. She finally had time to prepare for school as everyone else did. Will pulled the math book out of the backpack and opened it, preparing to do some revision while distracting her mind with dull numbers.

The wind howled, knocking on the window and rustling the tree branches. The curtains moved, but Will was sure her window was closed. As the green cloth began to sway, she stood up to inspect it and was startled when a strong gust of wind pushed the glass frame inside with a loud bang, causing the papers on the table to fly in all directions. Will wrestled with the window, unable to close it and stilling after hearing giggling in the air.

'What the heck?' she swore as the wind began to mess with her hair.

'I need to meet with you. I need to meet with you. I need to meet with you.' The line was repeated by the silent voice. Then it vanished like a sliver of her imagination, leaving the room freezing from the cold air.

This voice was familiar to her. How could she forget? The seductive whisper made her blush as it played in her dreams, bringing forth the most vivid fantasies. Will bit her lower lip as she glanced at the clock. It was late enough that no one would notice her absence. She hoped her mother didn't hear all the racket caused by the wind. Deciding to answer the message Will listened for any noise in the quiet apartment. She made a dummy under the blanket with the pillows in the bed before turning out the light. Calling for the Heart of Kandrakar, she transformed, feeling the power surge through her body and making it in tune with the magic. Clutching the glowing orb in her palms and praying, Will whispered her wish, closing her eyes as the energy gathered around. It tingled, followed by a familiar sensation of suddenly missing a step on the stairs. Soon, the surrounding space vanished.

Something was not right. The usual travel between the worlds felt like an instant. It made no difference whether she was transferred by a mirror, water, or anything else. This time, it was like swimming through molasses. The resistance was persistent, as if something was hindering the crossing. Will screamed, pushing forward, bouncing around the invisible barrier, and then she fell.

In the darkness, she landed on something soft. The air was knocked out of her lungs, and Will did not have time to recover as she was spun around and pinned beneath a hard, solid body. She was pushed into the soft fabric with her hands pinned and the cold sting of steel pressed down on her throat. The stranger growled in her ear, his deep voice reverberating down to her bones.

'Who are you? How did you get here?' The male hissed, driving the blade deeper into her skin. Will froze for a brief moment before instantly recognizing the speaker. She did not intend to find herself in such a precarious situation. It seemed like she never managed to convey the wishes properly, or the Heart just liked messing with her.

'Speak now or you will perish!' A warm trail of blood ran down her neck from where the dagger had cut. In a moment of panic, Will was unable to find her voice, just whimpering.

'You are hurting me…'

The figure above her stilled, and Will could feel the tight grip on her hands slightly loosen. He leaned back as far as the space allowed, slowly removing the dagger.

'Lights!' The deep voice commanded, and the magical orbs were illuminated. Will closed her eyes as the light filled the room. Blinking away the tears from the sudden brightness, she was left breathless by the view. The fear was quickly forgotten. He was coiled tingly above her, all muscles and lithe lines. With long hair escaping from the messy braid framing his face, and so much skin exposed to her wandering eyes. Will blushed, suddenly embarrassed.

'Hi… You wanted to see me?' She became acutely aware of the body pressing against her and the position they were in. Will could see him swallow and grit his teeth when the tendons in his neck moved, and his eyes followed every movement she made. Her breathing became rapid, and her squirms in an attempt to flee only brought them closer. When their eyes locked, there was a fire in his gaze. But Phobos took a deep breath and eased his body, releasing her from his grip. Will scrambled to sit up, only to realize she was tangled in the bed covers. Huffing, she flung it away and stood, trying to get as much space between them as possible. Her body was ablaze and her mouth grew dry as the tension filled the room. Every interaction they had was tainted by the underlying desire, like the magnetic pull of two poles.

Phobos rose from the bed and put on the light blue bathrobe that he had taken from the nearby armchair. He frowned as he examined her, noticing the red trail on her skin.

'It appears that I am constantly trying to harm you… I originally did it to frighten you away, but now I have no justification...' He said, slowly reaching out. Will took an unintentional step back, and Phobos lowered his hand in disappointment.

'This scratch is insignificant. It is already healing. I'm not scared of you. Yet, I am at fault, so I must apologize.' Will raised her head and said, 'I am sorry for intruding. Just when I crossed over, something went wrong. Like a barrier stopped me midway' She attempted to justify herself.

'It was either the Veil or the castle wards and my bedroom is heavily shielded from a simple intrusion. The fact that you were able to trespass is both concerning and unbelievable.' Phobos frowned in concentration, examining the security measures in his room.

Will followed him with her eyes, finally observing her surroundings. The bedroom appeared opulent while remaining intimate. Mossy green wallpaper with gold filigree covered the walls. The columns on the king-size, four-poster wooden bed were carved with ivy leaves and flowers. After their tumble, the dark brown silk bedcovers and pillows were tossed in a heap. For maximum light, a few curvy lounge chairs and tables were carefully arranged by the windows. She could not see what was outside because the glass was covered with heavy emerald-colored curtains. On the walls, paintings and tapestries depicting forest scenes with animals and trees were hung. Overall, the room was tastefully decorated in gold, brown, and green tones. It created a magnificent yet cozy atmosphere. It was the first time Will realized how far apart their positions were. She had never been in such a luxurious setting. Phobos was a prince, and she was just a simple girl from another world. Feeling self-conscious, Will hugged herself, realizing how out of place she appeared. Sensing the magic stirring in the air, Will noticed Phobos tending to the wards and the colorful spider-like web that glowed beneath his hands.

'It is peculiar. The shields are still intact. Nothing is out of place, and yet you just slipped right through them.' He muttered in concentration. 'Although I should be concerned, I don't believe anyone else would attempt to break into my quarters.' He smirked, turning around.

'I already said I was sorry.' Will covered her face in embarrassment.

'It is appreciated, but perhaps we should continue this conversation in a more formal setting?' Phobos stated, opening the only door she could see and holding it for her.

'After you.' He said, motioning to the other room. 'And you can feel at ease here, so let go of your transformation. I know how you look underneath it. I promise you that no harm will befall your person, not even from me.'

Will stepped into the other room, once again astounded by the luxury around her. It was a sitting room with tall windows, cream walls, and furniture made of carved wood scattered all over the space. The couches and chairs were plush with velvet, and on tables stood crystal vases full of bouquets of fresh flowers. The rich fabrics were embellished with embroidery. The furnishings were lavishly decorated. Even the walls were ornately carved with filigree. She appeared to be in a setting only found in castles or museums on Earth. Nonetheless, the room was lived in. There were books haphazardly strewn on tables, a blanket falling from the chair, and even a half-empty glass on the small stand by the flowers. Such small details made the environment a little cluttered, though it made no difference in the grand view. Will debated whether she should be shocked or astounded by the luxury so carelessly displayed. Her modern sensibilities could not reconcile with old-fashioned ones in such a brief period, especially after seeing how other Meridian residents lived. Was she entitled to pass judgment? No, not without a comprehensive picture. Will shook her head while biting her tongue, concluding that it would be hypocritical of her to express an opinion about something she couldn't rightly understand.

'I'd like to, but I am not dressed for an audience with a prince.' She responded snidely, feeling foolish for not giving enough thought to her destination. Underneath the magic, Will was barefoot and dressed in shabby pajamas. This wasn't the best way to present herself to the most powerful person she had ever met. He saw her in a worse state. However, Will didn't want to look like a poor street rat, so she refused to remove the magical armor.

'Suit yourself…' Phobos shrugged, lounging on the elegant chaise sofa with his feet comfortably up. 'Be my guest, sit. '

Will huffed, feeling out of her depth. Flopping herself on a plush velvet chair, she tried not to stare too long at the relaxed man on the other side.

'Color me surprised, but I did not anticipate getting in touch with you so soon after sending the message. Especially since our meetings always fall under such unfortunate circumstances. At least once, I wanted to satisfy my selfish desire to meet with you without unnecessary interruptions. However, I do have a reason for this invitation, albeit an unfortunate one.' Phobos fixed his gaze on her, giving Will his full attention. She fidgeted from the intense stare, aware that this was the first time they were truly alone and without their responsibilities barging in at every turn. Will took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down while also wanting to enjoy the moment and forget about her duties. However, it was not the appropriate time.

'What do you mean?' she inquired.

'A situation arose, and I was forced to make a decision that will have an impact on your Guardian duties. The capital is overrun with refugees seeking shelter. With such a large influx of people, everyone is struggling to survive, and I am powerless to help.' Phobos winced, feeling guilty but also ashamed and helpless that he could not do anything. Not with his reputation and not with dwindling resources and the crisis the population faced. Frequent droughts and unpredictable weather caused crop failure, and corruption exacerbated the situation. No matter how much he worked behind the scenes, there was not much he could provide because they were trapped under the Veil and had to be self-sufficient. There would be no more trade from other kingdoms in their time of need, as there was in the past. People regarded him as a tyrant and usurper of power, expecting the worst and refusing to accept help. He cultivated this persona. It was his armor and strength because the greedy, wealthy lords and ladies would eat him alive if he appeared weak. Trying to explain it to the Guardian felt like a disgrace, especially given how lavish this room was. He wanted to try but could not find the right words. Phobos continued, gritting his teeth in irritation.

'However, there is one solution. You should know by now that the rebels send people to your world in small groups whenever possible. This is where you come into play. Being a Guardian, you have to defend your realm from intruders, but I will ask you not to. I gave Cedric an order to transport large groups of people to Earth. As a prince and a ruler, I am asking... No, I beg you not to intervene... I know some folks on your side are assisting with refugee assimilation. I hope they find a better life on your side... Please...' Phobos silently lowered his head, requesting a favor. It was a humbling experience to ask for something instead of simply taking it away.

Will was overcome by conflicting emotions. A powerful prince sought her assistance, but she was filled with dread. What's the point of approaching her? Even as an official leader, Will had no authority over what the Guardians did. Everything was usually resolved by all the girls together. She didn't think her friends would even listen to her reasoning right now. Even though the cause was worthy, Cedric was involved. Did she have any right to keep the portals open when Kandrakar said they should remain shut?

'I do not understand. Why? Why do you ask for help in the first place? Why Earth? Is this some kind of plot to bring your soldiers to my world? I cannot trust Cedric, not after what he's done to me or the girls... I don't want to be responsible for this. Others won't listen to me unless they know from where I obtained the information, and if the portal opens up, we will be called to close it. Do you want me to abandon my duty and play with people's fates? Please do not ask this of me... ' Will struggled to comprehend the situation. She shrank into herself, covering her face and trying to hold on to her convictions but failing to decide what to do. Will felt rather than saw Phobos move as he knelt beside the chair, and took her palms away, cradling them together in a warm hold. She lifted her head, looking into his face just an inch away.

'I swear on my magic I am not lying to you while answering these questions.' Both of their hands tingled as Phobos spoke, and the Heart of Kandrakar began to blink in agreement.

'This is not a ruse. There will be women, children, and elderly people in the groups. The majority of them look like vagrants and have fallen on hard times. I would not have asked for this if the situation were not dire. Famine is ravaging the land, and not much can be done, given our predicament. Also, the closest planet to us is Earth, making interplanetary travel much easier than it would be elsewhere in the far universe. I believe Kandrakar made it simpler to reach your world by assuring it would be protected by the Guardians. Cedric… Well, he is a slippery bastard, but as long as his principles align with mine, I can put my trust in him. I do not have control over him as an individual, so he always interprets my orders in his own way. I am sorry for that. I know he hurt you. I delivered his punishments myself, so Cedric will not step out of line for some time. I am not asking for you to trust him. I just want you to avoid him as much as possible. Even though I am aware you are enemies, I would regret losing him as an aide.' Phobos fingers played on her wrist, just where the skin was visible beneath the sleeve of her uniform. 'You will not abandon your duty but look the other way, turn a blind eye and ignore it.'

Will studied his clear blue eyes, looking for signs of deception but finding none. Her heart thudded in her chest like a caged bird, and his small touches raised goosebumps on her skin.

'I'll think about it. I won't make any promises...' Will felt as if she had just made a deal with the devil. She was on the verge of betraying everything the Guardians stood for. However, if what he said was true, who was she to play with other people's lives? Caleb did the same thing, using portals to transport people or goods to the other side. Given that it was her power that closed the portals shut, would it be so bad if she did it a few minutes late, allowing more people to pass through? Will's thoughts were interrupted when his fingers left her wrist and gently pushed strands of hair behind her ear.

'It is more than I expected. I understand how difficult this must be for you because I have experienced similar feelings. Duty and logic take precedence over emotions. It's a battle I have to fight every day.'

Will sighed, exhausted by the responsibilities placed upon her. It made her life difficult. For a brief moment, she decided to throw away her hesitation and seize the opportunity. Taking a deep breath she rested her head on Phobos' shoulder, wanting to forget everything and just be close to someone. After a few moments, Will attempted to withdraw but was stopped by an arm wrapped around her waist. As he pulled her down, she heard him chuckle. The next thing she knew, they were both sprawled out on the plush carpet.

'If you wanted a hug, all you had to do was ask,' he whispered into her hair, tightly clutching her body. Her face was pressed into the crook of his neck and Will smelled the most delectable scent and felt herself flush. This scent was distinctively his, with a hint of spice and delicious dark sweetness. She unintentionally pressed her nose against his jaw and her mouth began to dry, as her lips were only millimeters away from tasting his skin. Phobos shuddered and tightened his grip, but as soon as she moved to get closer, he pushed her away.

'How much time do you have?' He asked in a strained voice, helping her to stand.

'I don't know. The time difference between our worlds always confuses me.' Will replied, looking out the window and catching glimpses of dawn on the horizon. Trying to appear as if the last few seconds did not fry her brain.

'It is early morning. There is still time before I am needed. Let's get more comfortable.' Phobos said as he steered her to a wide, cushy windowsill stacked with a dozen pillows. He leaned against the wall, spreading his legs and pulling her to sit between them. 'Enjoy the moment, Guardian...' He hummed, capturing her in his embrace. Will tensed, then yawned in response to the warmth emanating from his body, acutely aware of how close they fit together.

'Can you tell me about your world?' Phobos' voice vibrated down her back, breaking the silence.

'What exactly do you want to know?' Will exhaled, finally relaxing into his hold.

'Everything… I want to know everything about you...' He muttered into her skin.

They discussed various topics. Will described the people and places visited and her experiences there, never feeling silly or undervalued because Phobos was an excellent and intelligent listener. The conversation flowed both ways until she became weary. Her eyes felt heavy, and Will melted into the warmth, slowly succumbing to sleep.

Phobos felt her body relax and breathed a sigh of relief as he lowered the sleeping woman onto the pillows. He closed his eyes, trying to center himself. The Guardian had no idea how she affected him, and feeling her supple body slumber in his embrace was a battle of wills. The entire evening was almost his undoing from the moment she fell into his bed. It was a pleasure to be able to speak to and touch Will without interruption. Listening to her describe the planet she lived on made him realize how much he wished he could visit other worlds. Or how he wanted to accompany her out of this prison to see what was beyond the Veil. Phobos was relieved Will had missed all the signs of twisted feelings she made him feel. They overpowered his sanity. From rage to overwhelming lust to gratitude or simply being content with her company. She was beautiful, nestled inside the crook of his arm, her red hair splayed in all directions and her rosy lips taking soft breaths. He wanted to devour them, make them flush with blood and open with breathy moans. Phobos bit his tongue, forcing his mind to picture anything else. He kept his gaze fixed on the horizon, watching the sun break through the clouds and paint the sky with various colors. It was time. With regret, he gently shook the woman in his arms, watching her stir.

'Will, you must depart.' Phobos spoke softly, wanting to prolong the moment.

Will groaned, refusing to wake up. Her bed was soft and smelled good. When it began to tremble with suppressed laughter, she yawned and sat up. Looking around, Will paled, then blushed. She had dozed off. What an embarrassment.

'I didn't mean to nap on you…' she was flustered.

'I did not mind. However, you do have to go.' Phobos shrugged.

'Yeah, well… I guess I'll see you later…' Will slipped out of his grasp and stood up, fidgeting nervously. She was unsure of how to respond to their conversation and the nature of their meeting.

It felt good to see him, except with them everything always started with misunderstandings or something worse.

'Wait... We will see each other again, I promise' Phobos looked into her eyes and briefly placed a small kiss on her brow. 'Now go, while I'll still letting you…'

Will nodded, and with slightly shaking hands, took the Hearth of Kandrakar into her palms. 'Bring me home…' the command was given, and she vanished as if she had never been there in the first place. Like a dream...

I don't know where this story is going, but when I get there you will know :D Since I write without a destination in mind or any plan, just various plot points, it is slow going. I just like my characters to suffer and the drama it creates :D LOL :D I would be happy to receive any reviews and comments. I'm still looking for a beta reader...