Disclaimer: Ok everyone, I'm sure you've already heard this a million times, but none of these characters belong to me. They all belong to Tamora Pierce, except for Lillian. Of course, I wrote this chapter, so please don't copy my work without my permission. Thanks!

[A/N: I know you all will hate me after this chapter, but I just HAD to add to the drama, lol. *runs and hides* They WILL get back together! Be patient! It might help if you review…Thanks to all those who do!]

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Daine ran blindly into the cold night, dragging Perin with her. Numair danced with Lillian the whole time, but when I start having fun, he ruins it with his unreasonable jealousy! Daine thought furiously. She collapsed onto a stone bench and sobbed. Warmth enveloped her as Perin wrapped his arms around her trembling body. Daine clung to him and cried for the loss of Numair, cried for the loss of the man she had come to truly love. Finally, her sobs quieted as Perin murmured soothing words to her and stroked her hair. Daine sat up, and looked at Perin. He gazed at her, and he gently brushed away a tear on her face. She was glad to have someone to talk to, someone who cared about her no matter what happened. Perin's face was suddenly very close to hers, and he brought his lips down and pressed them against Daine's full red lips. She kissed him back gently, and Perin tried to deepen the kiss. Daine quickly pushed him away, and expected for him to get angry with her or be hurt. Instead, his face was full of understanding, and she hugged him again, shivering in the winter breeze.

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Numair shook with fury as he watched his beloved wildmage sit on the bench, wrapped in Perin's arms. He had seen their kiss, had seen the momentary happiness on Daine's face. Numair tried to remind himself that Daine had pushed Perin away, but maybe it was only because she didn't want to move too fast in relationships. He walked slowly back to his room, only dimly aware of the stinging pain in his arm. Numair opened his door and flopped onto his bed. If you really love someone, you should let them go. He had heard this many times, but it was so hard when it came to letting Daine go. Maybe he should let his magelet go. She would be happier. For these couple weeks, Ouna had told him that Daine had never smiled until the ball with Perin. All I have caused her is pain, Numair thought sorrowfully. Exausted from his depressing thoughts, he fell asleep, and dreamed of once again running through beautiful meadows with Daine at his side laughing happily.

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Daine didn't know how to begin. She still loved Numair, but didn't want to hurt Perin.

"Perin," she started hesitantly, "I'm really sorry if I led you to think I loved you, but I don't. You are a great friend, and I'll always treasure your friendship. Numair has already occupied the space in my heart, and my heart only has room for one. I hope we can still be friends." Daine looked up, and Perin looked hurt for an instant, but smiled sadly.

"Daine, I know you love Numair, I can see it in your eyes. I'm going to tell you this. I love you, and will always be there for you, even if you don't love me. I want you to be happy." Daine's vision blurred as warm tears slid down her cheeks. She hugged him again gratefully, and he held her for what he knew would be the last time.

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After Perin left, Daine sighed. She didn't know what was wrong with her! How could she have led Perin on like that!? Deep in thought, she didn't notice as men in black hoods covered her mouth and held a hankercheif to her nose. Daine fought against the arms holding her in vain, then everything went black.

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[A/N: *sniff sniff* Isn't that so sad! It's really sappy and cheesy, I know, but if you don't like it, you shouldn't even be reading this fic! It's full of this stuff! OMG! I wrote a cliffie! That's mean huh?! Daine gets captured! I really am torturing you guys aren't I? Hehe, unless of course you don't like Daine and Numair, then you should be throughly enjoying it! The more you review, the sooner I'll update!]

Martini: Hehe, thanks for being enthusiastic after each chapter, I'm glad people continue to read my fic!

Anonymous: You didn't tell me your name! I'm getting all the anonymous people mixed up! Are you one person!? Thanks anyway tho!

Lady Marie: I know, I know, I've heard this a million times already…I AM MEAN!!! Don't worry, NUMAIR AND DAINE WILL GET BACK TOGETHER AGAIN!!!!

Lady Lianna: Thanks for all your support, hehe that's funny. I know I had to make it dramatic that they were both watching each other, I guess they were doing it out of the corners of their eyes…? Yes, Perin does like Daine romantically, as you might have noticed in this chapter, I just have to stir up things so everything is confusing, hehe. I'm finally getting into the INTERESTING part!

Cinereath: lol. Hey, by the way, what's rn? I've always wondered that. Yea, I'm glad Numair jumped Perin, GO NUMAIR! As you probably will find out later, I'm totally supportive of D/N. (Even if it seems like I'm only trying to break them up right now, lol) Thanks for the review!

Horse Hearted: Yay! A new reviewer! I'm glad new people are reading my story! Not that I don't like the people who continue reading it, I luv you guys! Ok, I'm gonna try to keep you hooked on this story..

Anonymous: Ok, I am writing…thanks! They will make up after their million misunderstandings and fights tho..keep reading!!