Chapter thirteen

I am sorry for the delay of this chapter. Life has been in the way, school's started once again and this year I have some rather hard courses, and I haven't had much will to write these past few weeks…

And by the way, the site's being updated regularly, and I would seriously appreciate it if you popped in and signed my guestbook, as well as check back for updates (Which should occur every Saturday or Sunday). The address is in my Profile.

Anyway, here you are. Chapter thirteen.

Lina couldn't help but hum as she skipped down the halls of the palace, her feet tapping lightly on the surface. On her way to see Zelgadis, she had stopped only once that morning to drop in with Sylphiel and fill her in on the details of the night before. She was eager to re-read the book. She had quickly skimmed through it the night before, and had memorized the spell once again, but she still wanted to read it.

It was rather late in the day, almost noon, and she hadn't even had breakfast yet. But food, for once, was the farthest thing from her mind. She was so close to ending the past seven years of pain she had been forced into. She and Zelgadis were finally on good terms; one could even call them friends again.

Lina was so wrapped up in her train of thought that she didn't register the faint, but distinctive, feeling of being watched. For a moment, she paused in her step and her cheerful face turned serious, feeling a sudden shudder make it's way up her spine. She turned around, but found nothing but the empty hall behind her.

Still uneasy, she began to make her way back towards Zel's room. Her arms stayed crossed around her chest as her face chose an expression of discomfort. She didn't see the two blaring amber eyes glaring at her from one o the darker corners of the room, nor did she see the sudden flash of darkness as the figure sprinted forward and then vanished. She didn't notice the glimmer of light against a hard covered book with a red rose imprinted on it as the figure carried it with them.

As she approached Zelgadis' door, she let out a sigh and realized just how tired she really was. Last night took its toll on me, I guess… She thought, allowing her eyes to close and rest for a moment before she knocked on his door.

She didn't expect an answer on the first try. In fact, she was fairly certain that she would have to break the door in and drag him by the ear into the fountain to wake him up. But even after the night before, him not answering after her fifth or sixth call was odd. After a moment, she took a deep breath and, a faint blush on her cheeks, twisted the knob and slid open the door.

"Zel?" she called softly, looking around the room. His room was dark, with his blinds drawn, probably to allow him to sleep, and she couldn't see at all. With a sigh, she slowly made her away around the room, arms outstretched to avoid any walls.

About half way through the room, she stumbled over some large mass and cursed under her breath. Just what was Zelgadis dumping on his floor?

Finally, after what seemed like several minutes of stumbling, Lina found where the window was hidden. It really wasn't hidden, and Lina could clearly see the outline of light against cloth from where she was, getting to it was a real adventure. There were many things scattered across the floor, making Lina wonder briefly if Xellos had popped in for a brief visit.

Ina quick motion, she ripped back the curtains and turned, "Okay, Zel, you've slept long en-" she broke off as she saw the scene before.

Very short, I know. And another cliffhanger. But this is just to get me back on track for the moment. Please review!

Samanda Sammy-chan, I'm sorry I've been putting so much pressure on you lately;; I'm trying to get back into the swing of writing again, though.

Lina-Marie Ahhhhh, you finally understand? Good! Let's keep it that way!

:) Oh my… I'm so sorry if I disappointed you this time… I've been having a rough time, though…

Irusta And last, but not least, Irusta, my devoted fan. Thanks for the reviews, Hun, you're encouragement is really appreciated. Love you!