Space Toaster: Thanks! *takes cookie*

Tom T. Thomson: We need more Kain romances. But, I'm glad you like this one!

sylvanon: Zephon's a little bugger indeed! It's mainly jealousy.

Shiwolf: Zephon likes to make trouble and that's part of the reason he doesn't like Marina. All the other lieutenants like her though. And Kain's about to fall—hard. ;)

Charcomet: Marina is nice, isn't she? Not like some of those other vamps…

DarKittie: Thanks for reviewing! Here it is!

I woke in the evening and was extremely well rested. Part of me was excited and part of me felt an irrational sense of dread of what this night might bring. Then, there came a knock on the door. It had to be Kain. It must be. But when I opened the door, I saw the appearance of Melchiah, not the master of the household.

Melchiah smiled warmly. "Our lord wants your presence at dinner tonight. You would do him and us lieutenants a great honor by attending."

My heart gladdened immediately when I heard this. Melchiah was so pleasant, as pleasant as Raziel. Maybe my own doubts and fears were exaggerating the situation at hand. Maybe all would be fine.

"Of course," I replied swiftly with a smile of my own. And then I followed him down the wide corridor. He led me to a magnificent dining room that resembled more of a great hall than a room. The floor was covered by red velvet carpets. Sparkling chandeliers—three of them—hung in a row on the ceiling. The cool marble walls had jewels embedded in them. Emeralds. Diamonds. And especially, rubies. Such finery. Kain's mansion was more lavish than my former home could ever be. Gleaming white columns stood on each side of the dining hall, framing a polished oak table. At the head of it was Kain, naturally. I saw Raziel seated at his right and Turel at his left. Melchiah took his seat next to Dumah on the right side. There was only one seat left and it was across from Kain at the other end of the table. The seat of honor. For the distinguished guest.

Hastily, I took it, knowing full well that all eyes were on me. Maybe this new arrangement was a mistake…

I glanced up to see that I was seated with Melchiah on my right and Rahab on my left. Raziel. I wanted to sit next to Raziel. At least, I felt safe around him. But, I suppose I wasn't high enough in rank.

Rahab cleared his throat. "Marina. Was that your human name or a name given to you?"

"I know nothing of my mortal life," I explained. "I've always been called Marina. I like it. It feels right."

Rahab nodded knowingly. "Indeed. Your name has something to do with the ocean, yes? Do you miss the water?"

"As a matter of fact, I do," I replied. "I wish that I could just let my hands play in a fountain or swim in a clear lake." Then I stopped. I didn't mean to get so wistful about it. Perhaps Brianna was right. Maybe I did have too much humanity.

But Rahab wasn't fazed in the least. "One day, I shall swim in the waves again. One day, you shall see."

"And one day you shall see Rahab burst into flames." Zephon howled with laughter.

I cringed inwardly. Zephon's cruel laugh cut me like razor blades. Turel smirked a bit and Dumah chuckled. Raziel and Melchiah remained grave, as did I. Kain simply settled back into his chair and casually examined his talons in the candlelight. Perhaps, Kain didn't make conversation at the dinner table.

"So, you're a good fighter would you say?" Dumah cut in.

I glowered unhappily. I didn't much care for all this conversation being aimed at me.

"I think so," I answered truthfully.

"You think so?" Zephon hissed. You better not just think so. Not if you wish to survive with the strongest vampires in Nosgoth."

"I know so," Kain interrupted. "I've seen her fight. She's a remarkable warrior, much like me at a younger age on the battlefield. One day, you shall see that too, Zephon."

I was shocked. Kain compared me to himself? That was quite a compliment. Again, I couldn't help feeling that chill of apprehension steal over me again that clearly asked the question: What will happen to me should Kain be wrong?

On a lighter note, I admired how skillfully Kain had shushed Zephon. Now, Rahab was clearly enjoying his own brand of revenge and was smiling profusely about it.

"Perhaps, one day we can train together, and you can show me," wandered Dumah.

"Perhaps," Kain agreed.

Perhaps. There was a multitude of that word.

Kain clapped his hands and the doors to the dining room flew open. Mortal servants streamed in, trembling, bearing golden trays with glinting gold goblets upon them. We had mortal servants as well in my "other" life, but it has never ceased my pity for them. I wondered how it felt to bring in goblets of blood as it coursed through your own veins. At any time, these servants' lives might be taken. But this moment of humanity passed and I began to think with a vampiric rationality. How else would we vampires live if we didn't consume human blood?

The servants left as quickly as they came in. Swiftly, Kain rose from the table and raised his goblet high. "To Marina," he proclaimed. "May we toast to her glorious future here in our noble presence."

Everyone stood up, some more reluctantly than others. They all toasted me and then sipped from their own goblets. I answered the toast and drank from my own goblet as well.  As I did do, I couldn't help but notice that curious little sneer on Zephon's face. It didn't fade all through dinner.

* * *

The dinner was a success; save for Zephon's interruptions. Kain wasn't sure he could really trust Marina, but he had to admit he thought about her. Like right now. It had been around two weeks since she first arrived. She was making fast friends with Raziel to his delight, and Melchiah, Rahab, and Dumah seemed to have taken a liking to her, but sadly Turel remained unreadable on the subject and Zephon's disdain for her grew with each passing night. He couldn't see why, unless of course, Zephon suspected Marina of something he did not.

As for Kain himself, he had a quite a few civil exchanges with her, but he kept his true feelings hidden. He always had. It was easier and sometimes better to just put on a mask of indifference that everyone recognizes and knows you to be. Hell, it was even more productive.

But Marina wouldn't do that. She remained true to herself. He found that quality admirable and it drew him to her even more. She was as emotional as a human, but as strong and dignified as a vampire. Such a rare thing to behold.

So now, Kain sat at his chestnut desk, glossy with a high sheen. Mostly to think, even though he had been supposed to be working, such as writing in his ledgers and checking his maps of Nosgoth, looking at any territories or areas that may have a rebellion brewing. But every time, he opened a book, he saw Marina's face. Kain was fighting his affections for her—and losing. But would Marina ever feel the same way about him?

All of a sudden, there came a rap at the door. Startled, Kain stood up and threw open the door once he reached it.

Kain was angered when he saw who was standing there. "Zephon? What do you want? I'm very busy!"

Zephon looked regretful. "Sire," he whispered. "I have heard many rumors about Marina. I wanted you to judge for yourself if they might be true."

* * *

 It had been quite a theraputic time for me at Kain's mansion, to my surprise. I was learning everything, I needed to know. Most of my education came from Kain's own library. From the dusty volumes and tomes, I had learned about Nosgothian history, the Pillars, and the Elements that controlled them. I was particularly interested in the Water Element that governed the Pillars of States and Death. Of course, they were corrupted now. Rahab served as a sort of tutor while Raziel and Dumah improved my fighting tactics with our training sessions.

I was in Kain's library at that very moment, although I was alone. I got so absorbed in my research, I didn't hear or see Raziel come in. Raziel looked intensely worried.

"Raziel," I gasped. "What is wrong?"

"Your presence is required in the Throne room. Immediately."

"But, Raziel what has happened?" I asked warily.

"Don't ask too many questions," begged Raziel. "He's just confused at the moment. I'm sure it's nothing. Follow me."

I had no choice but to follow Raziel to that opulent Throne room. Raziel led me to the center of it and then took his own position with the other lieutenants who were standing off to the side. Everyone looked tense. Kain was seated in his throne already looking like he was passing judgement. On me.

"Come here," Kain grated.

I knew better than to disobey. I walked over to Kain trying to remain calm.

As soon as I reached Kain, he hissed another sharp command. "Kneel."

            I did so and had the queer feeling that something disastrous was about to happen. "Kain," I began.

            "Silence," Kain hissed.  

            So, I knelt there in front of him; my head bowed. I could see the Soul Reaver glittering in Kain's grasp. It trembled slightly as he gripped the hilt, but I knew he would use it. Especially, if he felt threatened. By anyone, even by me. But, what had brought this change around? Someone must have been telling lies about me, even going as far to say I was a traitor. And judging by this scene, Kain must have believed it. And that someone was standing in this very room.     

            I thought about calling out names, but I knew this would just make me even guiltier in Kain's eyes. I remained silent.

            "Sire?" A voice rang out and it was Raziel's.

            "Silence," Kain repeated again, harsher than before.

            I watched as Kain's gripped more tightly around the Reaver. I closed my eyes. I did not want to watch. I wanted this to end for me mercifully quick. I was a fool to have though I would ever be welcome here.

            So, stretched my neck out ever so slightly, like one would do who was about to be beheaded. Everyone murmured and whispered. I had decided to be righteous and accept my inevitable fate. Now, Kain was the one caught off guard. He hesitated. I couldn't take this anymore…

            I began to sob. I did not care if I was crying in front of the most powerful vampire in Nosgoth. Not anymore. I was completely numb.

            Then, I felt Kain's hand come up and tilt my chin so I could look into his eyes. I thought I saw a flash of pity in them—just for a second.

            "Go," Kain ordered. "Just go."

            So, I ran out of the Throne room, still weeping.

* * *

Kain instantly regretted what he had done. He dismissed his lieutenants, and marched across the Throne room to the pale corridors beyond. For the first time in his life, Kain felt ashamed of what he had done and was doubting his decisions. How could he ever have suspected Marina of treachery? Zephon would be taught a hefty lesson for making up those falsehoods he "claimed" came from another source.

At last, he approached Marina's door. That's where she would be. He could feel her. Quietly he tried the brass doorknob. It was left unlocked.

And there she was, lying face down on the bed crying into her silk-covered pillow. She had lost so much and he was making it even worse for her.

Carefully, Kain made his way over to her and lightly placed his hand on her back. She shuddered, which was understandable. Maybe he would always be a—monster. But, he couldn't leave her like this.

Before Kain could stop himself, he got onto the bed and took Marina in his arms and laid down beside her. He didn't speak and neither did she. Words were useless now. Besides they couldn't begin to describe this.

Marina's weeping stopped some and she relaxed against him. Kain ran his fingers through the dark threads of her hair and soon she fell asleep. Kain then resolved to get up and attend to his other duties, but he couldn't bear to. Instead, against all probability, he fell asleep too.