Singer of the Dark Heart

by Muse of Scrolls

Kaia is the last being of a race thought to be completely extinct, and is forced to work in a bar. However, things start to look up when a mysterious dark stranger promises her freedom from bondage.

3. Singer of the Dark Heart Part III

Singer of the Dark Heart, Part III

Within a few weeks, Kaia was greeted by Senator Palpatine in the library, to which he asked,

"Would you care to join me in the city, my lady, Kaia?"

"I'm still uncertain on whether I am prepared for the sight outside, Senator," Kaia answered in her nervousness at being greeted by a world devoid of nature.

"Very well, my lady," Palpatine nodded his head. "I will see that the complex is well guarded until I return. I bid you farewell."

"Good day, Senator," Kaia bade him as he turned and walked outside of the reading chambers.

Sighing, Kaia thought that it would have been nice to see other people beyond those that came to Senator Palpatine's complex. Even at those times, she often viewed them from a distance instead of speaking with them. It wasn't easy staying alone inside the complex with just droids and a few of the senator's personal servants. However, she knew she had to deal with this fact no matter what the case.

Rising from her chair in the library, Kaia replaced the book on the shelf before leaving the chamber and making her way towards the garden. But, something made her stop in her swift pace, and as she listened, Kaia heard a noise coming down the corridor. Closing her eyes, Kaia listened more intently and heard music, a soft but meticulous song. 'That can only be coming from my garden,' she thought in surprise. 'I didn't realize that others went into it other than Senator Palpatine or me.'

Quickening her pace, Kaia entered through the entrance doors of the garden. Turning a few different directions, Kaia soon came upon the source, and was shocked when she saw the person by the pool of the waterfall. It was Lord Maul. He wore the same loose tunic pants and belt that Kaia had seen before as well as his boots. At first, she wanted to protest this, but soon noticed the great care and grace with which he avoided treading upon any of the Amusian flowers and plants.

As her eyes moved up, Kaia also realized that Lord Maul wasn't wearing his tunic over his upper body. Red and black tattoos formed jagged marks over his entire body. His torso was beautifully sculpted as he maneuvered the activated light-saber around his body. Still, his movements were very careful to avoid slicing any of the inhabitants of the garden, to which Kaia sighed in relief as she continued to watch him.

In a way, it almost seemed as though Lord Maul were dancing, but only Kaia's ears were trained to hear the music created in this garden by those other than Amusians and Muses. It sounded mostly like the strings of a lyrite, an instrument familiar to a guitar or lyre-like structure. His motions were as graceful as the song created by them, and Kaia almost lost herself in the music…and the sight of Lord Maul.

xXx

Maul noticed the moment that Kaia entered the garden as he trained within the clearing where he had seen her dancing a few days before. He slowed his motions down deliberately so that she might notice his appearance. But, he didn't let her see that he knew she was there. Maul allowed Kaia to remain somewhat hidden until she chose to come forth into the clearing.

Already, he could feel her heart racing by the unknown sounds he created. His master had informed him that this garden was very sensitive to the ears of Muses. Any sound made by rustling through the plants and flowers would be heard by any Muse present inside or near the garden, and Maul knew that Kaia was drawn to him. All Maul had to do was bring her to him willingly, and then she would be his.

Then, Maul raised an eyebrow when he noticed Kaia standing on the very edge of the clearing, the white flowers hanging from the bent branches accentuating her blue hair. Nodding his head enough to acknowledge he saw her, Maul slowly circled the clearing, still continuing in his training motions. Bringing his light-saber around his body, Maul poised the weapon's blade in front of Kaia, and slowly traced an outline just inches away from her body. He thought that this would frighten if not arouse her power, but Kaia stood at ease, her dark green eyes upon him.

Giving her a small smile, Maul made a graceful bow and swung his weapon around to the outside of his body, positioning the saber behind him. Using his hand, he made an inviting gesture towards Kaia, secretly asking her to join in his training/dance. For a moment, it seemed as though she would give in for Kaia took a step closer towards Maul. But, at the last minute, she shook her head before turning and disappearing into the garden once more.

A feral growl rumbling from his throat, Maul didn't let it discourage him that she refused. Kaia was in the complex and would remain so until some decision was made to move her elsewhere. Still, it was hard to force himself from not pursuing her. The power that emitted from Kaia drove Maul to the point of insanity. However, as a Sith lord, he was very patient, and so knew he could wait. Shaking her from his mind, Maul continued in his training.

xXx

After she left the garden, Kaia had to catch her breath, for Lord Maul had appeared too inviting in his dance. Her body almost went to him by sheer instinct because that was how Muses joined with Amusian warriors. The Muses not already promised to a warrior would choose the one that she wanted to dance with and stand beside him as his promised bride.

Lord Maul was very striking in appearance even if that appearance had shocked her the first time she saw him. But, Kaia was still unsure about his own distinct feelings for her. From his dance, he seemed to want her to be with him, but Kaia wasn't certain for how long. Muses usually tried to choose warriors that would stay with them for life. But, Lord Maul wasn't an Amusian warrior, and so the Muse empress wanted to be certain of him before going forth. Still, his dance was very intriguing to her, and Kaia could still see his figure dancing within her mind.

xXx

Upon returning to the complex, Lord Sidious felt the presence of his apprentice as Lord Maul trained vigorously inside one of the exercise chambers. Entering the room, Sidious inquired with a smirk,

"Did she refuse you, my apprentice?"

"Master, it is as you said," Maul replied as he rose from his stance with a sharp glare of his golden eyes.

"Did I not tell you that she would not come so easily?" Sidious questioned.

"Yes, my master," Maul answered, clenching his jaw at having to listen to his master gloat.

"Perhaps you should try at another time, Lord Maul," Sidious suggested, still holding his smirk. "Then, she might come to you much more willingly."

Kneeling before Sidious, Maul stated,

"Perhaps so, Master Sidious."

"I shall be going into the city once more within a few days," Sidious informed Maul. "I trust…that should give you time."

Bowing his head, Maul agreed silently as Sidious took his leave of his apprentice.

xXx

Days later...

Before departing, Senator Palpatine found Kaia inside the garden staring into the pool of the waterfall. Walking and stopping beside where she sat, Palpatine smiled and said,

"Lady Kaia, I must go into the city again, this time upon business. Would you care to accompany me this time?"

Shaking her head once more, Kaia politely replied,

"I'm sorry, Senator, but I'm still not ready to venture forth outside of the complex. The city surrounds it and all I can see is the unnatural lack of nature of this planet when I look outside my window. It saddens me greatly."

"I apologize, my lady, for having brought you here," Palpatine told her with a sad bow of his head. "I know this isn't one of the best planets for one of your people, but it is the best we can do."

"Oh, forgive me, if I sound ungrateful," she reprimanded her words. "I appreciate what you and…Lord Maul have done for me and Celiuun. The city outside is merely a new thing for me to accustom to. I will go outside eventually…just not now."

"I understand, my lady," Palpatine nodded with another smile. "I will take my leave and return within a few days' time."

With that said, the senator strode outside of the garden leaving Kaia to return her gaze to the water as the energy flowed around her. Slowly blinking her eyes, the water's surface rippled as though drops of liquid had disturbed it. Smiling, Kaia knew that she was growing steadily stronger in Ela'neit lau sha'ani as even the power of water was slowly moving along with her. 'Now, in order to complete my training, I must be able to bring forth flame from the very air around me,' she thought in her mind.

Holding her hand, palm up, Kaia closed her eyes and felt the air energy swirling around her hand and wrist. Mixed along with the silver streaks were bright red energy beams that circled her wrist at a slower pace. Within moments, a small ball of fiery red energy had formed inside her palm. Opening her eyes, Kaia could barely believe the sight as a small, bright energy ball was hovering just above her hand.

Flaring her eyes, the ball exploded into a tiny flame before extinguishing completely. Sitting back against a tree, Kaia inhaled slowly as she felt some of the energy drain out of her body. She realized that even living within the elements, one had to build up their stamina before truly mastering the arts of Ela'neit lau sha'ani. It wasn't an easy task, but Kaia knew that she had the ability to succeed.

After resting for a moment, Kaia felt the air and earth energy replenish her drained strength, and stood up to bow her head to the atmosphere. Having had enough training, she scanned around the garden, almost expecting someone to come forth. She had sensed a life force enter the garden along with Senator Palpatine, but it was somewhere else.

Then, she saw him; Lord Maul stood on the edge of the clearing where she had stood days before. Inside, Kaia wondered if he had watched her training session and seen what she was able to do. She suddenly felt the urge to dance and sing for Lord Maul, for she had never done so before.

Curtsying towards Lord Maul, Kaia stretched out her arms and arched her back as she slowly circled her arms through the air. Pointing her toes, she stretched one leg into the air, balancing on the other with perfect poise. As she danced slowly, Kaia could hear the music created just from her body touching the surrounding atmosphere. It sounded so serene, yet with another emotion hidden within. She couldn't quite place it, but she had felt this emotion before…and it had only appeared after she had met Lord Maul.

xXx

Sensing Kaia searching for him in the garden, Maul had decided to join with her in the clearing. There was something that made him curious about why she wanted to see him. After emerging from the garden, Maul stood in awe of her. Kaia wore a midnight-colored, fitted dress that reached her ankles. It flowed gracefully down her body with slits up to the top of her lean thighs while the bodice hugged her torso tightly. The sleeves merely cupped her slender arms and revealed her shoulders. The dress really made her blue mane seem much lighter than it was.

As he watched her curtsy towards him, Maul was surprised when Kaia began dancing for him. It was a little odd…but beautiful… all that a Muse's dance should be. The music that sang in his ears entranced Maul, but he prevented himself from giving in completely. He knew that it would spell disaster if he should try to take her.

Then, Maul noticed Kaia pause slightly, and so, decided to join her…in a manner of speaking. Rather than the actual dance she was doing, Maul began his own form of training, this time without his light-saber. Instead of going to Kaia, Maul merely trained opposite from where she danced or moved. As the two moved in a circle, Maul would always remain on the other end of the circle.

xXx

Kaia was amazed once more by his movements, his grace and his strength. Her own arms arced through the air as she slowly pivoted on one foot, bringing the other around and pointing towards the ground in a curtsy. Then, her eyes flicked towards Maul where he had stopped and bowed in a most courtly manner. He had extended his right hand to her, offering to have them dance together.

Blinking, Kaia was once again drawn to him, the power he held within him, but she was still a little uncertain of his intentions. Then, looking into his fiery golden eyes, she saw once more the emotion she had felt. Loneliness and longing were held within the depth of his strong gaze, and it moved her to know one other who felt the emptiness she did.

Moving towards him in several strides, Kaia slowly placed her hand into his. She inhaled sharply for his grasp was strong, yet gentle and very warm. He placed his other hand along her side and swept her around the garden. Kaia held her skirt up enough to keep it out of the way, though she really did this out of tradition than fear of tripping.

xXx

Maul was a little surprised when Kaia accepted his offer to dance, but he knew she would have eventually given in to him. Slowly moving through the clearing, he inhaled her scent, so sweet and innocent, as they danced. It made his insides flare as he held her as close as she had ever allowed him. Gazing into her green eyes, Maul saw wisdom and power beyond her years. It was easy to see how she would be named the Amusian empress, even if she had not been of royal birth.

Releasing her side, Maul slowly turned Kaia in several circles as she pivoted on the ball of one foot. Her hair swirled behind her, creating interesting but pleasing musical notes to Maul's ear. Then, he drew her closer to him, pressing against her as they once more moved around the garden.

xXx

Eyes widening a little at the even greater intimate closeness, Kaia felt Maul pull her against his strong form. Feeling him so close in different regions of her body made her inhale sharply, and she swallowed. He leaned in toward her, and Kaia couldn't help but stare into those fiery eyes that danced like twin flames. 'Oh, by the gods…what did I miss when I first saw him at the Kiratua?' she asked herself, closing her eyes.

Then, Kaia thought something brushed against her bare shoulder, but when she opened her eyes, Maul was not any closer than before. Still, it had almost felt like…a kiss. Shaking her head slightly, Kaia tried to put it out of her mind.

xXx

Gradually, they were slowing in their dance, and Maul stepped back into another deep bow, still holding Kaia's hand. He brought his forehead to the back of her hand and rose to his full height. When she didn't pull her hand back, Maul brought it up to his lips, kissing it. Then, slowly turning her arm over, he kissed the inside of her wrist, lingering on the taste of her.

xXx

Gasping, Kaia could not believe what thoughts entered her mind with his kiss on a sensitive part of her body. Lying on a soft bed…with Maul beside her, his powerful form illuminated by firelight. She could almost feel the blood shuddering in her veins as Maul finally released her hand. He stared intensely at her before nodding his head and disappearing into the garden. Her mouth was slightly open as she tried to still her breathing. How could one kiss cause such…things to happen?

Kaia slipped to the ground on her knees as she tried to fathom what Maul had made her feel…and envision.

xXx

Maul smiled to himself as he left the garden. She was practically his in that moment…but he held off this time. The goal would be all the sweeter if he made her wait as she had him. He could still sense the swift pounding of her heart as he continued down the corridor.

xXx

Later during the evening...

Watching the sun set from her balcony, Kaia felt the calm of night taking over all of Coruscant. The darkness hid the ominous buildings from her, and Kaia took great comfort in the descending mantle of black every night. It was also on several evenings recently that Kaia watched Lord Maul leave the complex and disappear into the city streets. At first, she thought he was running errands for Senator Palpatine…but he always seemed to go in the same direction. It puzzled her, but Kaia never thought much about it.

Someone knocked on her door, and Kaia looked up to see one of the protocol droids enter her room. It bowed to her, saying, "My lady, my gracious lord asks if you would care to accompany him into the city tonight?"

Raising an eyebrow, Kaia thought, 'Isn't the senator already there?'

The droid waved its arms about as he added, "Forgive me, my lady, but I am referring to my second gracious lord, Lord Maul."

Both of her eyebrows rose at that comment, and Kaia wondered what Lord Maul had in mind. Granted the city seemed less threatening at night, but there were still dangers. Of course, with Lord Maul, there wouldn't be any concern for other dangers…at least not beyond him. She turned to the droid, saying, "I'm not sure whether I should go…"

"If you do decide to go, my gracious lord will be waiting on the second level," the droid stated before slowly leaving the room.

After the droid departed, Kaia's gaze returned to the night skyline where the stars gradually appeared in the deep blue sky. She looked down into the streets, watching people milling about the city. They seemed to relish in the night, and Kaia wondered why she shouldn't join them? It would be a shift from the walls of the complex.

Walking back inside and closing the glass balcony doors, Kaia gazed about her room and slowly strode to one of the closets. She went through many of her garments and passed them up without a second thought. If she was to go into the city, she shouldn't wear anything formal or that of a royal. Something long and flowing would also hinder their transportation if Lord Maul was going to use his speeder.

Then, her hand closed on a short, black dress. It was strapless and definitely…form-complimentary to one with her curves. And it was something like what she saw most women wear while strolling the streets after dark. Slipping off her current dress, Kaia pulled the black one over her hips and zipped up the side zipper, adjusting the bodice of the dress. Then, she pulled on a pair of calf-high black boots.

Walking over to a mirror, Kaia looked at her appearance. The dress reminded her of what she would have most likely worn while performing at the Kiratua, so it wasn't too much of a difference to her. Running her fingers through her blue hair, Kaia held part of it up and twisted her head up and to the side. With a sigh, she released the part in her hands and settled for brushing it until the waves looked much less choppy, and then pulled it away from her face with a clip. Biting her lips, Kaia watched as they turned a darker shade of pink.

After she was somewhat satisfied with her new look, Kaia took a deep breath and headed for her door. Then, she stopped. Walking back to her dresser, Kaia pulled out the necklace from Celiuun that Lord Maul had given her as proof of his intentions. 'No one has seen a Muse or an Amusian warrior in many years. I doubt any of them would know about the symbols on my necklace,' she thought as she put it around her neck before leaving her chamber and walking toward the elevator.

Pressing the code for the second level, Kaia's stomach lurched a little with the drop of the elevator. She swallowed, a little nervous at what she was about to undertake. But there was no turning back as the elevator slowed to a stop on the second level and the doors slid open.

As she left the elevator, Kaia saw Lord Maul leaning against the wall near the corridor leading to the hangar. The hood of his long black cloak covered his head, but Kaia could still see the contrasting red of his skin as he turned to watch her approach.

xXx

Maul had sent the droid up to Kaia's chamber almost an hour ago, but even with the time slipping by, he knew she would come. He had known her decision even before she made it…all because of what happened within the garden hours before. The look within her eyes told him so much more than words ever could express.

He heard the elevator come to a stop, and his eyes moved toward the doors. Then, he saw her…the pallor of her skin contrasted well with the short ebony dress she wore. And a rather interesting dress it was. His eyes followed the curve of her side into her hip and down her bare, limber legs. Inhaling silently, he knew Kaia was still a sight to behold…just as she was at the Kiratua.

Turning to face her, he watched as Kaia stopped in front of him, her arms hidden behind her back. The corners of his mouth twitched at her shy posture, and he bowed deeply, saying, "You look very…lovely, Empress."

xXx

Kaia tried not to appear nervous and ended up having to clasp her hands behind her. At first her eyes were on Lord Maul, slipping to the floor when he bowed to her.

"You look very…lovely, Empress."

She could feel the heat bloom on her cheeks as he complimented her using her formal term. Swallowing, Kaia lowered her head a little, almost whispering, "You don't have to be so formal…especially with what we're doing tonight. So please…don't refer to me by…that term."

Then, several gloved fingers slipped under her chin, lifting her eyes to look into his fiery gaze as he said, "As you wish…Kaia."

"I thank you…my lord," she replied hesitantly, trying not to stare and failing rather well.

Finally, he broke their gaze and retrieved a long cloak, wrapping it about her shoulders. Kaia fastened the clasp at her neck with a sigh, thinking, 'Just like before…I suppose it is a way of protecting my identity.' While she lifted the hood over her hair, she heard Lord Maul's voice whisper close to her ear, "It gets rather cold at night on Coruscant."

"Thank you," Kaia told him, her eyes turning in that direction where they once again met his golden stare.

With a gesture, Lord Maul motioned her down the corridor toward the hangar. Kaia felt his palm softly against her back as he guided her, and her face grew warm once again.

xXx

As he led her down the corridor, Maul's lips curled up as he sensed Kaia's slight nervousness. It seemed as though her breath stilled for a moment when he laid his hand on her back. Although it amused him, he didn't want to startle her too much this evening…not with what he had in mind.

Inside the hangar, Maul and Kaia approached his speeder. Swinging a leg over and settling down, Maul scooted forward to allow Kaia some room. She moved into a comfortable position, placing her hands on his sides. Starting the speeder, Maul gunned the engine a few times before kicking off and out the hangar opening. Once outside, the speeder went into a slight drop, and he felt Kaia's arms encircle his waist. He grinned to himself while gunning the speeder again and headed for one of the routes with less traffic.

Then, Maul sensed Kaia near his left shoulder, and he gently brushed her thoughts. Her slight anxiety had given way to exhilaration with the wind in her face and the thrill of the ride. And her excitement fueled him as he sped faster through the route before dropping down and turning down an alley. Then, Maul slowed the speeder down before coming to a stop in front of a building labeled 'Terracer Momentume'.

xXx

Looking up at the sign, Kaia's eyes lowered to the door where a rather large, green-haired humanoid stood with his arms crossed. His arms were so large with muscle, it was any wonder he could cross them at all. She leaned close to Maul's face, whispering, "What is this place? That man looks ready to take down a rogue bantha."

Maul chuckled lightly, saying, "This is one of the clubs of Coruscant. It's rather…fascinating watching the masses entertain themselves. And that man is there to make sure no one who could…cause trouble enters the club."

Smiling a little, Kaia thought about a comment involving trouble but decided against it. However, he apparently caught the thought because Maul said, "Don't worry. He is familiar with me…at least enough to know I'm more likely to prevent trouble rather than cause it."

Dismounting from the speeder, Maul held out a hand for Kaia to help her step over the seat. She took his hand and swung her leg over the speeder bike, stumbling a little with the high boots. Fortunately, Maul's hands steadied her enough to regain her balance. "A little nervous?" he asked.

"What makes you say that?"

"You are a very graceful person, Kaia." His voice murmured inside her ear, very low, soft. "To watch someone like you stumble…is a rather odd sight."

"I assure you, Lord Maul, I am fine," she declared, pulling the cloak around her.

"Very well. Shall we go inside?" He motioned to the door and placed his free hand on her back. Kaia cleared her throat and allowed him to lead her into the club. The humanoid guard took their cloaks after letting them through the door.

Inside, the place was packed with people, all of them either lining the bars or moving on the floor to the music coming from the band. The music was rather fast and hard, making it quite an interesting sight as Kaia watched the humanoids bumping into each other. After watching it for awhile, it seemed as though the contact was purposeful, and it puzzled the Muse to see such a display.

Feeling a touch on her shoulder, Kaia turned to face Maul as he led her to two empty seats at the bar. The tender, a Rodian, came over and asked what the two newcomers wanted. Maul ordered them fresh water, and Kaia took the glass he handed her. Drinking from the glass, she found herself staring again at the odd dance display as the mass seemed to move as one.

Quite suddenly, Kaia heard Maul's low voice rather close to her. "A rather unusual presentation of dance. Wouldn't you agree, Kaia?"

"It's like nothing I've ever seen before," she stated, turning her head just slightly to meet his gaze. He seemed quite intrigued by the mass dancing, and Kaia wondered if this was the reason he came here.

A new song began, slightly slower in tempo, but it still had a good bass beat. Kaia found her head nodding in time with the music, and Maul suggested, "Perhaps you would like to try it."

"What?" she asked, looking at him. "No, I don't think I could…not like them."

Getting up from his seat, Maul took the glass of water from her hand and set it on the counter. Then, he grasped her hand gently but firmly, saying, "It's no different than how you danced at the Kiratua. Come…dance with me."

As she looked at him, Kaia once again felt herself drawn to Maul, and she slowly rose from the seat. He pulled her onto the dance floor into a clearing, and she began to feel a little uncertain again. Then, his voice whispered in her mind, 'Just feel the music as you always do, Kaia.' The rhythm flowed through her, and Kaia found her body swaying from side to side in time with the music.

xXx

Smiling, Maul watched Kaia slowly loosen the tension within her body as she danced to the fast-paced music. He joined her in moving to the rhythm, still holding her hand. Then, he released her as she turned, facing her back to him and rocking her hips slightly. Placing his hands along her hips, Maul moved closer to Kaia as his hands wandered in front and along her stomach.

Despite the din, Maul heard Kaia gasp, and he felt her hands slowly cover his, holding them against her. He drew her body further into his embrace as they moved as one. It amazed Maul to see her relax as she did even within this crowd of people. He could feel the music pulsing through her and into him, and the sith lord lowered his face to her blue hair. Inhaling, her scent filled his nostrils with a pleasant sweetness.

When Kaia turned around in his arms, Maul saw her glancing at the others in the crowd and mimicking some of their moves. She moved to where her hips brushed against his and swayed her body in his direction. Lifting an eyebrow, Maul pressed into her, slightly grinding his hips against hers. To feel her so close was almost too much, but he had waited so far. He could wait just a little longer.

The song slowly faded, and a new one began with a much slower tempo. Glancing just over Kaia's head, Maul noticed the crowd forming pairs, and he gazed down at the Muse before him. She had stopped when the next song began and sort of froze, watching the crowd dancing in a slower, more intimate way.

Coming to her aid, Maul stepped closer and grasped her hands, placing them on his shoulders. Then, he positioned his hands along Kaia's waist and slowly began dancing with her. He moved her around in their own small circle of the floor, keeping his gaze locked with hers.

xXx

When the slow song began, Kaia wasn't sure what she should do. She had watched the others in the crowd pair off, and she became a little nervous about mimicking them this time. During the faster song, she had felt the heat rise within her while pressing closer to Maul. It seemed as though intimacy was proudly displayed through any type of dance…not that she minded. Feeling Maul's hands on her had made her feel so alive, and she desired so much more. She ached to feel his touch all over her.

Now, with her hands on his solid shoulders, Kaia stared into Maul's heated gaze. His fierce visage had become something so beautiful, she found her eyes tracing along the markings. She stopped at the points along his lips, swallowing slightly at the memory of his kiss on her wrist. Such a gentle kiss which brought about thoughts she couldn't keep from her mind.

Slowly, Kaia moved her hands higher, wrapping her arms around his neck. Doing so made her shift nearer to him, and she turned her head to keep from staring so closely. Even dancing in close quarters, Kaia knew Maul was graceful, making sure not to strike any of the other couples.

A low humming came from in front of her, and Kaia turned to look at Maul. His mouth soon slowly formed words, singing softly with the music to where only she could hear him. It was such a low tone, it coursed through her lower body. Although she couldn't understand the words, Kaia felt herself drowning in his voice.

"Your voice…I've never heard anything like it, Maul," she murmured, staring at him. "What do the words mean?"

The corners of his mouth curled up as he answered, "It is an ancient text long lost to the masses. It isn't a song so much as it is lesson in verse; 'Surrender to passion, for within it you will find strength. Reveal your inner need for it shall ignite forceful fire. When it seems as though your heart is uncertain or afraid, remember this lesson and you shall learn…what you desire.'"

'What you desire…' she repeated the words in her mind. Staring into his fire-filled eyes, Kaia leaned closer to Maul, asking, "Have you learned from the verse?"

"I learn from all that is taught," he replied, inhaling softly.

"So do I." Slowly, Kaia tilted her head up, pressing her lips against his in a gentle kiss.

xXx

Her lips were so soft and tasted so sweet, and Maul closed his eyes as he leaned into Kaia. Bringing a hand behind her head, he gently ran his tongue against her mouth. Kaia slowly parted her lips enough for him to slide his tongue inside, tasting all of her and mingling with hers. Wanting to test her a little, Maul pulled out of their kiss, and she gazed at him before rubbing her face against his, nuzzling his cheek.

Feeling her silky hair, the sith lord shuddered inside as he brought his lips to her forehead, trailing soft kisses down to her jaw. Kaia leaned her head against his shoulder, exposing her neck to him, and Maul caressed her skin with his lips. His fingers kneaded her back, drawing her closer to him, and he felt her fingers slide along the nape of his neck.

A low growl rumbled from his throat, making him look up and kiss her fiercely. She moaned into his mouth and leaned into Maul even more, pressing her chest against him. Touching her forehead with his, Maul said within her mind, 'Perhaps we should go somewhere…more private.'

When she raised her head to look into his eyes, Kaia nodded, and Maul wrapped an arm around her waist, leading her off the dance floor.

xXx