Tom T. Thomson: Yes, she certainly has!

Shiva: Thank you! I try to update as much as I can!

bahamut: I would've liked to write more, but I had all those projects and reports to do. *grumbles* Well, glad you liked the chapter!

Suddenly, I felt an arm being slung across my shoulders. Startled, I looked into Raziel's admiring face. "Marina, you saved me! I didn't know you had telekinesis!"

I winced. "Neither did I. Is that—bad?"

Raziel chuckled. "Hardly. It's a rare powerful gift. Turel and Rahab can do something akin to that, but your power is like…" Raziel broke off. I knew the nature of Raziel's thoughts. I still couldn't derive if it was a good omen or an eventual undoing. Raziel brightened and started again. "Kain should be well pleased."

My train of thought was broken as a human body was thrown into the wood-paneled wall. Laughing a Razielim picked him up by the scruff of his neck and prepared to feed.

"Roland, that's enough," Raziel said sharply. "He's dead."

"Who cares?" an arrogant voice drawled. "They're all dead. Cheer with me, brother!"

Raziel's newfound uncomfortable look encouraged me to speak. "Tis an empty victory."

Zephon rolled his gold eyes. "Marina, don't be such a martyr. With powers like yours, we could win even more battles. Don't be so modest. Trust me, modesty gets you nowhere."

"Oh, I'm sure," I replied coolly.

Zephon stared at me for a moment before his face split into a leering grin. "I was impressed by your performance, Marina. We all were. I think I should keep a better eye on you."

With that, the Zephonim lieutenant turned to join the mad cheering the vampires were eliciting. Not one mortal had survived as far as we could tell with very few casualties on our side. This had been a total victory. Why then, did it feel like such a failure?

Before I knew it, Rahab and Turel were rushing at me, and they appeared rather jubilant. Well, so did every other vampire.

"You see?" Turel said excitedly. "I knew I sensed something special in you. Well done, Marina!"

"We're proud to have you with us," Rahab added. "We'll never forget that you saved Raziel's life."

An odd thought shadowed my mind. I had saved Raziel, this time. Would I be able to save him the next? Nonetheless, I hoped Kain would be in the mood for answering questions because I had quite a few of them.

***

The trudge back to the Sanctuary of the Clans was uneventful for the most part, except for the mob of my comrades all talking at once and congratulating me from time to time, as if I had been the sole agent that had won the war. Triumph was in the air, but how long would that last?

Zephon was jealous. That was evident by the way he narrowed his eyes at me and Raziel would not stop thanking me. It was overwhelming.

He wouldn't be thanking me if he knew what I knew, I thought bitterly. Instead of feeling proud, I felt like I had somehow complicated matters worse. Power came with responsibilities. I needed to rest. Alone preferably. If only everyone would stop praising me. I felt like such a fraud. Were they validating me, or just my new power? I only did what any noble vampire would do. Or maybe that was the problem. Perhaps I was being too noble, and envious enemies were being made as sure as I walking. Hostile creatures akin to the Zephonim, in their eternal quest for domination.

Also, there was another problem to be dealt with. There was a gnawing inside of me and it was neither fear nor hunger. It was loneliness. Kain. I wanted to see him again. To hear the sound of his voice. To know him. If he would let me that is. Then that aching in my chest turned into a pleasant tingle. It was at that moment, I realized I was in love. With Kain. Oh, how naive I was. It was pathetic, or was it possible? Still, if I was so eager to see Kain, why was I so nervous?

We were walking under the stone archways of the Sanctuary of the Clans now. Only Kain's six lieutenants were allowed into the Throne Room in Kain's presence. Including myself. Obviously, my new power came with certain advantages. After all, Kain had mentioned making me a lieutenant, but "good sense" told that he shouldn't. Would this unique situation change his mind?

Our party approached the throne warily. Kain was seated in it, decidedly looking as majestic as always. His eyes betrayed no emotion whatsoever, as we bowed to him each in turn. It was the customary tradition. However, during the entire rite, Kain's gaze was fastened on me.

"Well," Kain began. "Don't keep me in suspense. How did the invasion go? And pray, tell me it's good news."

Raziel beamed and spoke up at once. "It was an utter victory for the vampires, sire. Not a one of the traitors lived."

"They rued the day they were ever born," Turel chimed in happily. "Also, I must respectfully add, my liege, that Marina gave a wonderful performance."

Kain looked amused. "Indeed? Marina, would you care to show me what you learned?"

It was useless to deny Kain. If he wanted to see, it would be revealed, sooner or later. I held my hand out and concentrated my thoughts on it. I felt a charge build up inside me and that's when I released. A white ball escaped my fingers and crashed into a nearby vase, literally making it implode. The explosion sent the porcelain shards scattering.

To my surprise, Kain laughed heartily. "Magnificent demonstration, Marina! You have proven your abilities well."

"Not only that," Turel piped up yet again, "but Marina saved Raziel's life. He was just about going to be shot through the heart with a wooden arrow, until Marina knocked it out of the way in midair!"

Kain grinned in a disturbing manner and turned towards me. At that moment, I really, really wanted to hit Turel.

"At least, Marina, that gift hasn't been given to you in vain. Telekinetic power requires a strong will and a clear purpose, and I can see you are representing both qualities with aplomb." Then, Kain's gaze swept over me in a scrutinizing way as if studying my possible reaction.

It occurred to me the authority I had over Kain at that place and time. I could tell Raziel and his brothers about Kain's possible intentions and ruin everything. I could do it. I had that choice. But where would that leave me? Would the lieutenants even believe me? Probably not. They were in complete awe of their overlord. I decided to keep my little secret and let nothing show. The prediction might be false. It was too risky. I would have to talk to Raziel alone, but I had an impression that operation would be hindered at all costs. Besides, did I really want to condemn Kain without knowing the facts?

"Thank you, Lord Kain," I said graciously. "I shall use my gift well."

Kain appeared stunned at first and then…rather relieved. "My sons, please leave Marina and I alone for a moment. I wish to talk to her privately."

"Of course," Raziel replied with a smile and marched away. Turel and Rahab each exchanged questioning glances at me before they followed Raziel. Zephon and Melchiah did likewise, wearing masks of undisguised suspicion. The steel doors slid shut; bringing the two halves of the mural of the Soul Reaver adorning them back together.

Kain sighed and got up from his throne and walked over to me. He was staring at the floor so far. I stood straighter and prepared myself for whatever was to happen. Does he really want to talk about that with him right outside?

Finally, Kain did look at me. And his amber eyes were glowing. He grabbed my waist and bent his head ever so slowly… It wasn't a demanding or possessive move; it was speculative…seeking… I couldn't resist. Kain had missed my company just as I had longed for his. I met his lips with mine and we shared such a soft, tender kiss, it was a wonder the polished marble floor beneath us didn't melt.

I couldn't pull away. I was so relaxed there. It just seemed so natural. We held each other for a long moment before Kain finally stepped back. I could see that even he was reluctant to do so.

"I missed you," he said faintly. "Although, I never doubted you would make it out alive."

I missed you. Twice Kain had uttered it. And twice that gentle sweetness rushed through me. This is where I belonged. Hadn't Fate already brought me here? But the romantic, idealistic picture shattered when rationality returned. Yes, and he's also a killer. If he could kill his son, he could easily kill you.

I forced that thought out of my mind, something I still could control, if not my muddled emotions. I needed to blot it out to stay sane.

"How do you like your new power?" Kain asked smoothly.

Every word I could think of seemed elementary. Finally, I just decided to play it safe. "It's…indescribable," I replied.

Kain frowned slightly. "Could you elaborate? Indescribable how?"

"It's so—assertive. Potent," I answered truthfully.

"But you musn't let it control you," Kain put in quickly. "I gave that gift to you for a reason, Marina. Don't waste it."

"You have already given me so much…" I trailed off.

"Yes. I realize that. Shelter. A position. Power," Kain ticked off. "But only for you to use to your best advantage."

"Why?" I asked softly.

Kain stiffened. "Because I want to."

I was going into familiar territory that was very perilous territory indeed. Kain didn't like to be questioned. Why was I pressing the topic?

"I have given nothing to you," I explained carefully. I just feel the need to repay you. I know that nothing is free."

My words sent a change through Kain. A new light shone in his eyes, as if he was drinking me in for the first time, and there was something like respect glittering there.

"All that I ask is that you remain faithful to me. No matter what happens in the future," he replied evenly.

What did Kain mean exactly? That I remain loyal to him as a general or as something more?  Well, Dumah's hopes were in vain if that were the case. And as for the future… Kain was silently telegraphing something to me. He looked like a pained father, apologizing for some future event. I could only guess what that might be.

Kain regained his composure and fixed me with his eyes. "I hope you appreciate all I have given you, Marina. Because gifts can be returned."

And there it was. A conversation that began in earnest ended with a threat. Whenever Kain softened, that hard shell had to grow over him again. I supposed that was to be expected. Kain was reminding me who was still ruler and that he was someone not to cross. I suspected that Kain was silently begging me not to make him do anything he would regret. Had this happened before? With another woman? I knew better than to ask.

"You are dismissed, Marina. You can go wherever you wish—in the Sanctuary of the Clans," Kain finished. So. I wasn't totally free to visit anyplace in Nosgoth I wished. Facts be known, I would've been very comfortable to stay here, but obviously, Kain had other business to attend to.

I bowed and swiftly walked in the direction of the doors. "Marina, wait," Kain's voice called over my shoulder.

I turned back expectantly and saw the strain on Kain's face. He seemed to be on the edge of something monumental. Ask me to stay, I pleaded. Please.

Kain swallowed. "Send my sons in now."

I had the faint realization that was not Kain meant to say, but I wasn't going to explore the issue. I charged through the doors and found the five lieutenants huddled by the opening. They'd obviously been eavesdropping, and unfortunately for them, I could no longer mask my anger, nor my vague disappointment anymore.

"Lord Kain wishes to see you now," I snapped.

Melchiah seemed as guilty as Rahab. Zephon simply tittered. But it was Turel who spoke. "Sorry, Marina. We couldn't help ourselves. Raziel begged us not to."

"And it's not as if we heard much. The doors are too thick," Zephon broke in with a malicious grin.

"I apologize for my brothers' actions. Sometimes, they act worse than fledglings." Raziel appeared embarrassed.

I gave him a curt nod and turned away. Raziel. The model vampire. The first lieutenant. The noble, righteous leader. Why did he have to be so damned perfect?

I went out to the courtyard to get some fresh air. The sun shouldn't be up yet. I just needed to get out. Away. The situation of both Kain and Raziel were wearing on me. And this new ability of telekinesis wasn't helping the current state of affairs.

I located the Iron Gate that led out to the courtyard and pulled it open. As, I did so a cold wind blew over me. Well, it certainly was a radiant night. The moon was full and bathed the battlements in a silver, otherworldly glow. However beautiful the evening was, it seemed to have a certain "final" atmosphere to it. As I gazed up at the stars, those luminous balls of light, they gave the impression they could converse with one another. They appeared to be larger and pulse all the more vigorously. Discussing the destiny of both man and vampire.