T'senri understood he'd been played by their immortals as soon as he set foot in that nook and laid his eyes on his mate. But as he couldn't bring himself to touch Raha until he asked for it – even aware of the compulsion that kept his desire for him under wraps – he understood as well something else… and he couldn't hold that against Ares.

Because seeing vulnerability, fear, and the raw need in crimson irises, as much as his heart wept, at some level, he knew that Raha needed that – that reassurance that no matter what, he could always ask for him and never fear rejection.

While he didn't mind even begging for what he needed – shamelessly whining if necessary to get his mate's attention and affection – he knew his prince was different. He called it bashfulness, but he knew there was more to that.

Though – mostly because of his instinctive possessiveness – he avoided touching Raha's memories concerning any other lover he had before him – but after he truly noticed the neglect his mate suffered in that area of his life… He searched them on purpose and his rage knew no bounds. And… well, he was always more than ready to execute the price others owed.

Back then, his first and only lover – always so caring and considerate – T'senri was too inexperienced to notice certain… uncertainty in Raha's behavior in bed. Or maybe he did – instinctively at least – and that's why it always drove him mad when his lover let go of his leash. When in the heat of the moment he wasn't too unsure or insecure to ask whatever he needed of him – and know that T'senri would love nothing more than to please him.

That was the pattern – he could only guess – that their immortals' 'bet' was a scheme to break.

Because while his Raha was back in that awful, cold city – with nobody to care and protect him – the bitches that had the honor to lay their hands on T'senri's soulmate preyed upon him. Inexperienced and caring by nature – and so painfully neglected – his beautiful Raha let them use him for their own selfishness because he was so starved for anyone to want him that he would settle for any 'affection' he could get.

Use, they did. And one time that his lover stood up for himself and refused the most despicable bitch there was – she ruined his reputation to point of no recovery. Made barely seventeen years old Seeker a laughing stock and a target of less-than-savory advances, turning his already insecure and lonely mate's life into a living hell.

When they set off for this travel – and Ares assured him that when they arrive Damon promised them a list of names of each and every person responsible for his mate's abuse and neglect – he entertained himself by coming up with the ways he'll make them pay while waiting for his lover to ask for him. But that one woman – who thought her position and reputation afforded her something that could be only freely given – oh, for her Warrior had a very, very specific and special punishment waiting.

And he didn't need the confirmation to know – instinctively – that Raha was neither the first nor the last of her victims. Especially since he knew – seeing and himself being the target of such – that predators like that didn't stop. Didn't quit. It took another predator to make them stop. And if she – and others who got away with bullshit like that – thought her position kept her safe… Well, he was Hydealyn's Chosen – and even if in Old Sharlayan his title didn't mean much yet – he spend years, most of his adult life, spilling blood for less. Because in his eyes there was nothing more deserving of punishment than what she did to the love of his life. And more than likely others who didn't have anyone to protect them – or his lover's bravery to refuse her… offer.

Because as seemingly completely unable as his Raha was to acknowledge that – both now and back then – he was a beautiful man. And while his gorgeous, mismatched eyes then had those fools regard him as an oddity – once he hit puberty his body developed into typical for their race athletic form, and his features filled into his beauty – those bitches had the sheer nerve to use his neglect and caring heart against him. Lure him in with the promise of affection he so painfully needed… just to break his heart and confidence.

And that was the reason why when he will set foot in Old Sharlayan… heads will roll.

And perhaps why their immortals set him up to accept their bet – to help Raha rebuild his self-confidence in the fact that he deserved and shouldn't fear asking for whatever his heart and body needed of his lover. That T'senri was as eager to please him as he was to love him. Because his beautiful, kind Raha deserved no less.

And if this whole 'exercise' on Ares's and Damon's behalf lets his lover grow more confident in his devotion and never hesitate to reach for him… well, T'senri would have to remember to thank them for that.

Later, though… Much, much later…

Because right now, he was busy losing his mind when his mate with such tantalizing eagerness and daring made use of his lips, fisting his hands in his hair and feeding his starved ears with his breathless, desperate whimpers as he held his head in place and fucked his mouth with obvious relief. When his red, fluffy tail coiled around T'senri's neck to leash him in place instinctively for his pleasure, it had the Warrior purr with delight around his lover's engorged flesh and dig his fingers in sweat-dampened skin on Raha's thighs around his shoulders. And as each sound and barely coherent praise left his mate's throat, he couldn't help but rut against the nest under him to try to relieve the painful pressure in his throbbing dick, so unbearably eager for his lover's touch. For his body and his bliss.

But even as his blood boiled and his heartbeat rang deafeningly between his ears, T'senri made sure to keep his purrs steady, gradually increasing their intensity as his ears twitched with anticipation when his lover's whimpers grew a telltale keening edge, his fingers tightened in his hair and his thrusts against his mouth grew in desperation… almost brutal. And when his Raha arched in his grasp with a keening shout of his name, mewling and chanting it breathlessly as thick ropes of his seed shot down T'senri's throat, he swallowed eagerly and hummed with satisfaction at being able to bring his beautiful mate bliss.

And as he spend the last few moons eagerly learning each and every best way to please his love, because nothing felt more powerful and rewarding than Raha's pleasure, T'senri ignored his own body's raging need when he pulled back with a raspy chuckle and let his love enjoy his high, spreading thankful, affectionate kisses over his inner thighs and purring loudly in approval while Raha shakily petted his ears with unnecessary gratitude.

When his shudders subsided, T'senri peered up with a blissed-out grin at his mate's darkly flushed face and adoration shining, oh, so clearly in his expressive, ruby irises.

And seeing him like that, so unbearably beautiful in the glow of his pleasure, he truly could not understand any of those stupid bitches who would not bother to make him look like that. Who would use his caring nature and eagerness to please them and wouldn't return the favor. And even as thankful he was for that at some level – loving the idea that he was the first to see his mate's true beauty as he basked in the afterglow – he still intended to make them pay.

After all, as he told his lover once – he was a firm believer in equal exchange. Equilibrium. What he didn't bother to add was the fact that he relished executing what was owed – especially to those under his care.

He was the Warrior – the protector. But he was also the Weapon – the punisher. And Raha – his beautiful, kind Raha – saw both sides of his nature, the good and the bad, and with a delicate, reassuring kiss stole his heart and devotion for the rest of eternity.

Not because they were meant to be… but because his acceptance and kindness soothed the pain and the beast he hid behind his cheery mask.

So simply admiring his beauty with a silly, lovesick grin, T'senri nuzzled against his mate's inner thigh, drowning in the intoxicating, musky scent of mixed spices.

"More, my lord?" he finally whispered with a hopeful look, wiggling his dark eyebrows playfully. And his Raha's pretty blush went darker and his white teeth sank in his full, bruised, lower lip while his long, dark-red lashes shaded the beauty of his ruby irises and the depths of love and devotion in their expressive light. Well, when the sight of him like this nearly blinded T'senri and set his heart to simply sing in a chorus of love for this unbearably beautiful male… T'senri almost burned alive in the painful need to possess him.

Take him, love him and most of all own him.

Like Raha owned him, to the deepest recesses of his wounded, broken soul. Like he owned his heart – that only ever sang for him.

And when his lover chuckled hoarsely, licked his lips a bit nervously, and smiled at him with, oh, so incredibly adorable blush… it took all of his measly self-control not to simply beg for him. But still, the present hint of vulnerability in crimson eyes had him wait patiently, nuzzling against his hot skin and encouraging his beautiful mate to discard the last of his insecurities and trust – in his love and devotion – fully and without a doubt.

"I t-think…" his deep, soothing voice rang with a hint of uncertainty that had his heart ache, but he pressed a tender, affectionate kiss on his thigh to reassure him and was rewarded with the way that vulnerability melted away to make place for the desire. With a delightfully gentle brush of his palm against T'senri's cheek and a delicately smug tilt to his gorgeous lips, his lover caught his heart in a vice-like grip and his next words took his breath away. "N-no, I want you to take me, my beautiful beast. Claim me, my Snark," he whispered, dragging his fingertips over his cheek to brush them over T'senri's lips.

"With pleasure, my prince," he assured on a rumbling growl, with effort pulling back to rise to his feet and while letting his hungry gaze indulge in the decadent sight his lover made, shamelessly splayed out between crimson and ebony of their nest, T'senri discarded his clothes, enjoying the admiration in ruby eyes as they followed the process. "How do you want me, Raha?" he rasped when finally naked, falling to all fours and barely choking down his impatient growl while his lover's pretty blush went darker and he licked his lips nervously, to moment later blow his mind, rolling over to his stomach under his starved gaze, pulling his legs under him while stretching out his upper body between the pillows and raising his tail in a shameless inviting to claim him in the most sinful, primal way.

Presenting himself like the most beautiful gift and feast to lure his lover's inner predator to the surface – fearless and trusting in the side of him that had others wither and tremble in fear.

And he was more than eager to accept that invitation, growling softly with approval as he almost mindlessly crawled over him, missing any of his usual grace as he covered the smaller frame of his lover, trailing grateful, eager kisses and bites up his spine and drowning in the intoxicating scent of their mixed arousal. Almost shaking in an effort to curb himself in, he pressed against his mate's back tightly, nuzzling against his neck affectionately and thanking the gods in thought for his long arms as without pulling back he could reach outside of the nest to the spot they kept the oil.

While his Raha arched under him with a gasp and choked mewl of arousal, T'senri pulled back just enough to with a quiet hiss spread the oily substance over his throbbing dick, then purred his need, spreading affectionate bites along his mate's neck and shoulders while he carefully nudged his opening, then pressed one finger inside him, working the tight squeeze of muscles loose and cooing soothingly when Raha mewled and pressed back against his touch impatiently. He resisted, preparing his gorgeous body to take him thoughtfully because he knew he had only so much self-control and refused to hurt his generous mate. So with inhumane effort ignoring the way soon inviting purrs and mewls of arousal turned to impatient growls and restless squirming, only when he was absolutely sure of his lover's readiness, T'senri positioned his painful cock against the tight ring of muscles, then with a deliberately slow movement smoothed his hands up his mate's sides to cover him again completely as he stopped them around Raha's wrists. Pinning them down in a display of dominance he knew his lover was asking for, he pacified his impatient growls with a quiet snarl and a sharp bite.

When Raha instantly went plaint under him with a painfully arousing whine of submission, T'senri rolled his hips, whimpering involuntarily into his bite as his dick sank into an almost too-hot squeeze of his mate's insides. And when he was seated inside him up to the hilt and Raha's tail coiled around him in instinctive possessiveness, he rewarded his claim by pulling back to nuzzle against his neck insistently, shuddering violently as he waited for the scalding flesh to adjust to his intrusion.

"Ple-Please, mooove…" his mate mewled breathlessly, eagerly squirming under him. "S-Snark, pleeease…"

"As I s-said, my heart…" he chuckled breathlessly, shakily, pulling back out slowly. "…always at your service," he growled out while slamming into him with purely male aggression and inhumane strength. And when Raha arched with a shout of his name, mewling his bliss, chanting his name between ragged breaths, he snarled as he set a vicious rhythm, fucking him like a beast he asked for.

Drowning in the painful pleasure of staving off his orgasm as too soon it clawed at the base of his spine, answering his lover's gasps and whimpers with his growls and quiet snarls, he pumped his dick inside him with barely contained violence until his Raha whined desperately and came, shuddering under him in almost violent quakes. But as the predator inside him was far from being sated with his sounds – his pleasure – before he even could come down from his height, T'senri freed his arms to push off his back with a choked whine. Straightening, he wrapped his hands around his mate's hips and without slowing down pulled and pushed to fuck his beautiful ass even harder, forcing his body to meet his aggressive strokes while Raha mewled breathlessly in a mix of bliss and overstimulation, scrambling to all fours to take him. To reward his submission, T'senri purred and freed one hand to take hold of his red tail at its base. The almost feral grin bloomed on his face when at mere touch his mate's back arched and a choked whine left his throat. Stroking the sensitive flesh in tandem with his punishing thrusts, he growled with purely male satisfaction when his lover came again, gasping his bliss in tiny whines as he collapsed to his elbows.

The way his insides quivered and clenched around him was too much to bear this time and the pressure at the base of his spine snapped, sending wave after wave of insane heat through his body. Groaning and gasping his pleasure as he rutted into his lover's tight heat on gradually slowing down thrusts, shudders jerked his muscles as his lover's satisfied, sated purrs had his heart stutter and swell with unbearably sweet, powerful emotion.

Only his beautiful, brave Raha could take all of him – light and dark – and not fear the beast, but relish in its claim. Even as he submitted his gorgeous body to its hunger at the same time he dominated its soul.

That was the reason why T'senri's devotion to him knew no bounds or reason. The reason why if anyone would attempt to take his mate from him… oh, but the gods would tremble to see his punishment for such sacrilege.

Raha was his – to protect and cherish and avenge – from the moment he tamed the beast with his kind heart until its very last breath.


Simply basking in the blissful haze of the afterglow, G'raha purred his pleasure while Senri sagged against his back, pinning him down with his incredible heat but carefully keeping his weight off him when he set to nuzzle against his neck affectionately with near-deafening purrs. Tilting his head, he grinned his stupid, lovesick grin when his Warrior's bigger hands – so rough from years of holding the sword – delicately and, oh, so tenderly laced with his around him. He tightened his fingers around Senri's with reassurance and for a long, long moment he let himself simply enjoy.

The heat of his lover's body, their mixed scents, and mind-blowing pleasure still forcing his muscles to tremble in aftershocks. And especially the way his heart simply sang in the chorus of love and devotion so deafening it took him a while to come down from the high it send his soul at. And even when it did… his insecurity and worries that ever plagued his unconsciousness seemed to melt away in the heat of his lover's devotion, bathed and cleansed in the surface of his very own Sun.

That tiny, lonely part of his soul was soothed and claimed by the beautiful beast hidden beneath the skin of the only man that ever only made him feel safe and wanted in his possession of his body and heart. And though at some level he knew that it wasn't gone for good, somehow he felt so much lighter and… freed of its cold grasp.

G'raha closed his eyes with a content hum when Senri laughed softly, then rolled them over to the side and coiled their still-connected arms around him in a tight, possessive embrace, snuggling tightly against his back and nipping on his neck in small, affectionate bites.

But despite how much he would love nothing more than simply fall asleep like this – surrounded by his lover's scent, heat and affection – soon the reality crept into the blissed-out haze and had his lips tilt into a petulant pout.

"We have to go back before anyone notices our absence," he finally whispered with a soft sigh. With all of their friends gathered on that ship and the crowd of the co-passengers, it was bound to raise suspicions if they were gone too long. Not to mention if they really could travel like the Ascians – well, it looked and sounded too characteristically to let anyone else witness their appearance.

"Mhmm, I know," his lover hummed but his arms only tightened around him possessively. "But before we do… I must confess something to you, my heart."

"Huh?" he frowned slightly at the definitely… guilty note in his mate's deep voice.

"I… well, the last few days…" Senri murmured, nuzzling apologetically against his neck. "…I cheated, Raha. Ares put a compulsion on my… our body to make it resistant to the… pull between us."

G'raha blinked rapidly at that, then gasped softly and bit his lip with uncertainty.

"Why?" he finally asked quietly.

"Because…" his lover hesitated, then chuckled sheepishly. "…because I wanted you to a-ask for me. I know it's silly how I complain about your self-control, my mate," Senri whispered and something almost painfully… vulnerable rang in his sudden uncertainty. "But… I love it when you show you want me as much as I want you, Raha," surprising shyness of his usually such shameless lover had his heart stutter painfully when he closed his eyes and tightened his fingers around Senri's in gentle reassurance. "When you… ah, are as eager as me. And some… sometimes it feels so… lonely when you don't. And I get it, I do… There's a place and time for… such. And there are places and times to… behave. And I know… I don't EVER want to make you uncomfortable… about us. But I would really, really…" he swallowed audibly then sighed and again nuzzled against his neck. "…want you to remember… no, to know that… I need and want you so much… and that… I'm always yours, Raha. So when I… feel that you need me but you wouldn't reach for me… it hurts. Because I really want….no, need to please you, my heart."

"Senri…" he gasped, feeling his throat tighten painfully and his eyes burn under the closed eyelids.

"N-no, let me finish…" his Warrior chuckled sadly, freeing one hand to delicately place it over G'raha's mouth. "I know I can be… childish and overbearing. Spoiled, as you said… and I know that sometimes… it can get annoying. Too much… and all. But I… It makes me so unbearably happy, Raha, when I can… do something for you. You're so… smart and strong… and so incredibly talented… it always blew my mind. I wish, so hard, that you could see yourself the way I see you, my heart. Because you're so… beautiful inside and out… your heart is so kind and selfless… it humbles me that you would agree to be mine," his Warrior's breath hitched and G'raha's heart stuttered painfully, ready to burst out of his chest. "So if you would… well, ask for more of m-me… Let me care for you… It would make me so incredibly happy, Raha. That's all…" he trailed off with a quiet sigh, then pressed an affectionate kiss on his shoulder and freed him, sitting up behind him. Like he didn't just break and healed his heart at the same time. "Shower, and then let's go…?"

"First…" G'raha cleared his throat, then rolled to his back, peering at his lover's unbearably beautiful smile through his lashes before he reached out his arms toward him with a small, shy smile. "…come here and kiss me, my Snark?"

And the bright, goofy grin he received in return was a reward in itself, but when his lover growled playfully and leaned over him, eagerly falling in his arms… His heart's aching song grew deafening when his mate… no, his soulmate took his mouth in a slow, infinitely tender kiss, purring his bliss at the request and enticing his tongue to play. And he answered in kind, open and eager as he sank his hand in ink-black strands, gently massaging his lover's sensitive ear, hypnotized by the push and pull of the kiss, delighting in the maddening flavor filling his mouth with every stroke of Senri's tongue against his, shivering at every delicate bite on his lips. And when inevitably, really, the kiss heated up and grew more aggressive and hungry… he relished in that, too.

"Keep it up…" his Warrior breathed against his lips after a long, long moment, mere ilm apart as his ice-blue irises shone with a mix of humor and lust. "…and I'll have to take you again, my heart."

"Oh, really…?" he let his bruised lips tilt into a teasing smirk and his hand close into a fist in the dark hair. When he pulled on them, the insanely arousing mewl of pleasure that teased his mouth and the way his lover's cock throbbed with renewed interest against his skin had his smirk grow into a full-blown grin of happiness that made him feel close to bursting at the seams. "…and if I say I want to take you, my beautiful beast?"

"Well…" a slow, eager grin on Senri's handsome face made it so heartbreakingly beautiful looking at him hurt… and had his dick weep and ache for him. "…I'd say again… I'm ever at your service, my prince."

"Good boy," he purred, then in a blink of an eye rolled them over. When that had Senri laugh brilliantly, then wrap his arms around him, G'raha put his hands around his beautiful face and pressed a tender, loving kiss on his almost too-pretty lips then leaned away with a playful smirk. "You're always such a good boy for me, my Snark. My beautiful, fierce Warrior… Now, let me reward you properly, my beast," he cooed shamelessly and grinned when Senri's ice-blue irises filled with pleasure at the praise and hunger at the claim before he took his mouth in a deep, delicious kiss and set to fulfill the promise of those words with the boundless enthusiasm.


A week into their travel across the Empty toward the Old Sharlayan, under the merciless glare of the sun that bathed the vessel at noon, G'raha found himself simply fuming internally and fighting with himself for the shred of self-control as he strived to keep a polite demeanor despite the circumstances.

Leaning against the railing at the starboard side of the ship and behind his back clenching his fingers around the metal surface to keep himself in check, he hoped his smile was less fake than it felt – though the women that accosted him mere moments earlier with a poorly hidden hunger asking of his lover's interests and preferences – as he seriously started to consider murder.

There were three of them, two blond Elzen looking so similar they had to be related and dark-haired Hyur – all taller than him and making him feel crowded and caged against the railing. And while they chattered, praising his mate's beauty and fame – and he fought the urge to tear their heads off, the rescue came from the source he less expected.

"G'raha, if I can have a word?" his eyes shot toward the gruff voice with surprise he barely stopped from showing on his face – meeting the cold blue of Estinien's eyes above the heads of the 'ladies.'

"Yes, of course!" he replied eagerly then sent a schooled, polite smile toward the bitc… women. "If you excuse me," he bowed his head, then broke through their ranks and followed the Dragoon as he almost carelessly headed down the deck. Out of the earshot, he finally exhaled slowly in relief and smiled with uncertainty at the man. "Thank you."

"You do well to avoid being cornered," the Elzen replied with a slight shrug, avoiding his gaze, then sighed and stopped at the railing at a safe distance from anyone else. At the moment at least. "But I did wish to have a word with you if you do not mind."

"Oh…? I m-mean, of course," he said, leaning against the railing next to him. "How can I help you?"

"I am not the best at reading people, I admit," the Dragoon said slowly, finally looking toward him with a frown. "So it took me a while to figure out… why were you so… let us say not comfortable with my presence. You do know… don't you?"

"…of you and Senri, you mean?" he asked softly, raising his eyebrows just slightly. But seeing the flash of uncertainty in blue eyes and a slight nod, he hummed with consideration and leaned back against the railing, looking up toward the blaring sunlight. "I do, obviously. And to be frank, I can only offer my apologies for my previous… behavior, especially if it made you uncomfortable. It was… unseemly and won't happen again…"

"It's not what I meant," Estinien sighed, drawing his surprised gaze. "If anything… I more than deserved that," he shifted uncomfortably and avoided his gaze again. "At the time… I knew he was beyond miserable. I had no idea of the reasons behind it – and somewhat naively assumed they were similar to mine. He was always a great friend… And when drunk, he slipped with his… preferences and the mysterious statement that the only man he ever wanted left him… I thought the worst of you, I admit, though I did not know the circumstances or reasons behind it," he cleared his throat uncomfortably and looked up. "I've… had someone who I… cared for and thought unreachable. And at the time – with the liquid courage, though I would not shame myself blaming that… slip on that alone – I thought… it a good way to move on. But the sheer… terror, and shame on his face before he bolted… I more than deserved it. He needed a friend… and I thought to use him to forget someone else – and that… I can never take back," he sighed tiredly, meeting G'raha's gaze again.

And seeing too-familiar regret in those eyes, he could only sigh and smile with gentle reassurance.

"I think," he said quietly. "You should tell him that, no matter how uncomfortable it may feel. I know he seems like a… happy-go-lucky type of man – and seemingly takes everything in stride… But I really think he needs to hear it more than me," he chuckled, crossing his arms over his chest. "And I can't help but notice the past tense with that… unreachable person. Would it be presumptuous of me to offer my congratulations, then?"

The way the famed Azure Dragoon colored on that visibly and his gaze darted away from his smirk – almost had him snort a laugh, only confirming his suspicions.

What saved him – maybe a bit ironic considering the topic – was Senri, strolling seemingly carelessly toward them with his trademark grin.

"There you are," his lover chuckled with a slight roll of his beautiful eyes then nodded slightly toward Estinien, stopping in front of them. "Rare sight to see you two alone," he commented with a slightly suspicious lilt to his deep voice.

"Ah, I had the honor of the Azure Dragoon saving me from some of your overly too-excited fans," G'raha chuckled sheepishly, dropping his arms and pushing off the railing. "Now that I'm… saved, I'll leave you in search of Alisaie, if you don't mind," and when Senri opened his mouth to protest instantly, he narrowed his eyes ever-so-slightly in a warning. "I'll find you later, Snark," he bowed his head to both with a smile, turned, and walked off toward the door leading down below the deck.

Hoping, they clear the air – both apparently bothered by guilt over no more than reaching out for the heat of another in a moment of weakness.


Maren Naylor was a beautiful, kind, and incredibly intelligent woman. Or at least that was her reputation around the Old Sharlayan.

At first a student, then a professor of aetheric arts in Studium, she rose to the position of member of the Forum with dignity and rare gratitude between her peers – sharing her sage advice and opinions always with a kind – some would call haughty, perhaps – smile and unrivaled patience.

But as much as Maren enjoyed the prestige and the respect that came with her position – she found that there were few more pleasant things in life than using it for her… side activities. Busy as she always was with her studies and the graceful ascent to her position – she never married and never regretted that – finding the thought of sharing her status and wealth with anyone beneath her.

Now, nearing fifty years of age – but still thanks to her Elzen heritage enjoying the much younger looks – whenever she found herself in a need of male companionship, she had a pick of several of the most beautiful men available to fit her needs or mood. That most of them weren't so… willing at first sometimes – hardly mattered. That she had a preference toward much, much younger students filling this glorious city of knowledge only made picking out her entertainment easier.

There were precise few who would dare to refuse her favor – and she was more than skilled after years of practice with picking those most… susceptible.

She only made a mistake once, trusting the word of another woman too easily.

But when her near lifetime long friend, whom she met near off the boat after arriving inside the city as a mere student, fawned over the skills of her newest prey – a famous by his unique eyes protégé of Gulaf Baldesion – she let her envy cloud her judgment and grew interested in the boy.

At first, he seemed no less naïve than all of her usual targets – and according to her friend's words, oh, so eager to please – so she didn't expect any troubles. Her friend, Katla, as well never minded when she 'borrowed' her toys. But when the moron had the sheer nerve to refuse her – apparently stupidly believing himself to be in a relationship – she might have overreacted… a little.

But since her ambition wouldn't suffer the idiot bragging to anyone that she approached him and he rejected her favor – carefully spreading the rumors of the boy's less-than-perfect morals was the best option in her mind. After all, if any would dare question her on that – she could always use the excuse of the rumors leading her to do something like that – and who would ever believe then that the moron rejected her…?

She was almost surprised at how easy it was – only made easier by the boy's reputation of eccentricity. And bored between their classes and other activities – both students and professors enjoyed gossiping to spice up the conversation. That Katla with flourish added oil to the fire easily confirming the rumors… well, they had a good laugh about it and soon moved on to more interesting activities.

Maren forgot all about it by the time she accidentally heard a gossip circulating the city, that the famed members of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn were heading toward Old Sharlayan. With even more famous Warrior of Light among them – a man said to be of extreme beauty.

Both more than curious of the gossip, she and Katla choose to 'accidentally' pick the moment of the ship's arrival to stroll through the harbor – pretending they weren't as interested as the many students that filled the massive area, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Warrior and his companions. And while their outfits betrayed their position, none dared to stand in their way – which only worked to make their efforts easier.

It took a while that they spent commenting on the new arrivals leaving the customs area until some student in the crowd exclaimed with excitement the title of the man who spiked the interest of the present.

When she finally laid her eyes on the unusually tall Seeker of the Sun with black hair and incredibly pale eyes from afar – she had to reluctantly admit that the rumors were more than true. More, he was beyond beautiful – especially when he grinned toward one of his companions… Thaliak, but he took her breath away!

But she wasn't stupid and the confidence and lethal grace this man exhumed with every movement told her easily that this man was, oh, so far beyond reach. So very far from any of her usual targets. So when their group walked past the spot she and her friend took, she was more than stunned to suddenly find her gaze caged by the ice-blue irises. While his companions discussed something around him, too far for her ears to hear, his eyes were locked on her – or so it seemed – and for some inexplicable reason, despite the pleasant enough smile on the handsome face, she felt a cold shiver slither down her spine.

Only when one of his friends apparently distracted him by calling his attention, she realized she was holding her breath when it left her with a huff. Unnerved by the experience and considering her curiosity sated, she led reluctant Katla back toward Rostra. And if she was feeling a phantom gaze on her back while leaving – she put it to her imagination going rampant.


T'senri pushed the massive window open, then leaned against the low railing behind it with a quiet hum, looking up at the starlit sky.

Old Sharlayan so far didn't disappoint in its beauty. And after the tour received from his lover with the addition of Krile's dry humor – he was almost distracted from his plans… almost…

"Here," the quiet voice behind his back had him back away from the window – leaving it open – and head toward his companion, with a thankful grin taking a piece of paper from his hand before catching that hand in his and placing a delicate kiss on top of it.

"Thank you, Damon," he hummed, watching the spark of amusement flare in the crimson irises. "Now if you could, please, make sure that Raha doesn't notice my absence…?"

"Are you sure of this, Senri?" the immortal freed his hand from his and stood up from the chair in which he sat preparing a list of his prey. "What you plan, in this city can endanger your title or the position of the Scions if you're discovered. And I will take a guess that you'll need the approval of your peers when dealing with the Forum."

"Do not worry," he said with a smile, running his eyes over the list, then hiding it in the hidden pocket of his black outfit. "None will be able to track it back to me or our friends… or endanger our goals here, you have my word for that."

"I do not doubt your creativity in delivering punishment, my boy," Damon chuckled fondly, then grew serious and placed his hand against T'senri's cheek. "But do not do anything that may cost you more than you can afford, Senri."

Surprisingly catching his meaning instantly, the Warrior put his hand over the immortal's and grinned reassuringly.

"It is my soul's greatest pleasure to bring equilibrium to the world around me," he admitted with another grin. "Take from those who taken and give to those who given… And I do believe it can only serve to quiet the beast inside me that rages for those who think themselves above reproach as they prey on vulnerable. That some of them had the honor to touch what's mine – and didn't pay a proper tribute… Or dared to harm him… Well, I'll teach them a lesson they'll never forget. By your leave," he bowed his head politely, then turned around and headed toward the window again.

"Good luck, boy," Damon sighed behind him, settling inside the makeshift nest prepared for them by Krile for their stay.

"I don't need luck," he sent him a wink and a grin over his shoulder before focusing briefly and teleporting to the top of the Rostra. The highest point in the city. Falling to half seat and looking around the quiet paths between the buildings, he pulled the hood of his outfit over his head and put the specially prepared for this occasion mask on his face.

I'm not sure how I feel about you using my people for your means, commented Ares dryly, making him snort a laugh involuntarily.

"Like Ascians are really your people," he snarked playfully, standing up after choosing the first path to his first target.

True, the immortal chortled.

"And who's better to take the blame for the rampage than Fandaniel?" he chuckled. "The famously insane sworn enemy of the Scions…?"

As I said before, my boy, I do like your style, Ares hummed with amusement, then settled back to observe.

"I do live to please," T'senri gave a theatrical bow to his Ascian's entertainment then pretending to be one, teleported to his first prey of the night while his grin took on a bloodthirsty edge.

By dawn, blood and madness to the wicked, as the new predator was set loose upon the city.


Notes:

Hope you had fun and don't hesitate to let me know! :3

Anyways, sadly, this is the last day of my vacation [T.T] so the release of upcoming chapters is going to slow down considerably, most likely. Especially, since it's a seasonally busy period at the company I work at - so I'm bound to have less time and what's more important: energy.

But still, see you the next time o/