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: This part of the plot sort of resembles a TV show called Meteor Garden. I have to give a little credit to them. If you haven't heard of it, don't worry about it. Well, I updated since I left you all on an evil cliffhanger! *ducks and tries to hide* This is starting to get more interesting…]

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Numair awoke with a start to hear paper rustling. There was something sliding under his door! He ran to the door and opened it, hoping it was Daine. No one was there!? The mage looked around suspiciously, then picked up a note left on the ground. In big black letters were the words: GO TO THE WOODS, THEN FOLLOW THE BLUE FLAGS. IF YOU TELL ANYONE, YOUR PRECIOUS LOVER WILL DIE! I WARN YOU, COME ALONE. IF THERE IS ANY SIGN THAT SOMEONE IS FOLLOWING YOU, DAINE WILL DIE. HER LIFE IS IN YOUR HANDS. Numair took a sharp intake of breath. Who had captured Daine? His heartbeat quickened as he thought of the dangers she might be in right now. Numair wanted to cry with frustration. He dashed out of the tower as fast as he could, his heart pounding in his ears.

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The earth was moving, something was standing in front of her. The world was a blur, she felt sick. Daine vomited, then her head began to clear. She blinked and looked around her in confusion. Where was she? Suddenly, the wildmage realized that someone was watching her. Daine looked over to see Ozorne. She gasped, "How did you come back to life?" Daine managed to stutter. Ozorne smiled and the smile chilled Daine's bones. He walked over to her.

"Well my dear girl, lets just say that I have my ways.." Ozorne reached out towards Daine and touched her face with a shiny steel feather. A thin cut opened, and Daine winced.

"Lillian did a nice job, too bad I had to finish her," He laughed maliciously, and Daine shivered.

"What do you want with me," She demanded, terrified of the answer.

"I want to use you to get Numair. He has to come alone to save you, and then I can kill him," Ozorne shrugged as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"No!! You can't use me do get Numair," Daine cried out desperately, "He doesn't love me anymore, he loves Lillian!" Ozorne smiled again, "Poor Daine, you still don't get it do you, I've been watching, poor Numair is more than in love with you, you are the center of his world." Then he began explaining everything to Daine. By the end, she was sobbing, and glared at Ozorne though her tears.

"How could you do this!" Daine yelled, her voice trembling, "Numair will never be killed by you, he won't allow it."

"Well that's what you're here for," Ozorne sneered, "As long as you're here, Numair won't dare even touch me!" Daine suddenly realized what was about to happen. She sank down onto the ground and cold fear followed through her. Quickly, she tried to change into an animal, but found that glowing chains on her arms were preventing that option. Then Daine knew what she had to do. If she were dead, then Numair would be able to kill Ozorne without hesitation. She bent down and reached for the dagger in her belt. Ozorne grabbed her wrist fiercely, and Daine cried out in pain.
"Oh no you don't," Ozorne taunted, "I am not going to let Numair get here only to find that his love is dead." Hatred boiled inside Daine, but she was helpless. Then, she heard a rustle. Daine looked behind Ozorne, and saw a guard pushing a tall man with chains on his wrists. The man looked up, and Daine's heart fell to her stomach. It was Numair.

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[A/N: I know, I know, that was a really horrible and boring chapter, the next will be better. Another cliffhanger! Now at least Daine knows Numair loves her. Next chapter will get dramatic. You have to keep reading! Please review, it makes me write faster. *wink wink*]

Alanna of Collins: Thanks Alanna! Lol, I heard your song on the radio yesterday, it was kewl. Well, ok, I will call u.

Anonymous: I know, aren't I mean, I happen to love cliffhangers…unless they're on a story I'm hooked on..lol.

Daine: I still have to think on what I should do to Lillian..How should she die…hm…

Clarylissa: Thanks for reviewing again, sorry I posted when u were offline. Lol. Yea, well your frustration should be over soon cuz I'm starting to FINALLY get into my main plot. The climax is coming soon, and it's not just fluff. I think some of you will appreciate that. ^_^ Keep reading and see what's going to happen next!

Anonymous: hehe, ok, I did continue, be proud of me! ^_^