A/N Just saying that I've never written 11 chapters of anything, so thanks everyone! Also, I own no one except Ric, Lyra and (Unfortunately) Braun. Also TW for this chapter. Nothing graphic, just Braun victim blaming Lyra, also PTSD things.

Lyra could feel a scream building up in her throat as the voice that had starred in so many of her nightmares (both awake and asleep.) whispered in her ear.

"Let go of me!" Lyra tried to scream.

"Aww, my pretty songbird isn't happy to see me?"

His hand slowly making it's way up her thigh.

"No." she gritted through her teeth.

"Put her down. Now."

Lyra drew a shuttering breath at the venom in her mates voice.

Y-y-you're he-e-e-e-ere.

Of Course. Where else would I be?

Lyra gave a broken sort of laugh

It's wouldn't be the first time I hallucinated your voice when I was freaked out.

Stars, look at me.

Lyra opened her eyes and tilted her head up to look at him.

I love you. I'm not going anywhere.

I love you too.

His mate a little calmer (well as calm as she could be, given the circumstances), The Dark One turned to deal with the cockroach that dared to harm her.

"I won't ask you again, Dearie. Release her." His eye flashed as he brought a fireball in one of his hands. He usually preferred choking, but he couldn't in this instance with his mate in harm's way.

"I'll let her go. If" Here Braun started trailing his (well-Rics) nose up and down Lyra's throat. "if you allow me to place a piece of jewelry on her AND I get a kiss for my efforts."

The piece of jewelry is going to be my necklace.

I figured. What else does he want besides to own you again?

He wants me to pick him over you. You are the one man, besides my sons, I would do anything for, and this frustrates him to no end.

She could feel the smugness wafting off of her Moon.

No one else, huh?

Never.

I can work around the kiss, but not the jewelery.

How can you….

Lyra quirked a brow. You think you're the only one that can use loopholes to her advantage?

"Alright, Braun. I am willing to give you a kiss if you release me and I don't have to wear any enchanted jewelry."

"What about a gift from our homeland?" Here he pulled out a purple lily, one of her favorites.

Manners her mama drilled into her had the words "Thank you" flying out of her mouth before she could stop them.

Braun slid the flower behind her ear before he released her.

"Now, for my kiss?" he asked, with a look that she NEVER wanted to see cross her son's face again.

"Of course" she purred, leaning in, waiting until his eyes closed.

A soft poof of magic had Braun open his eyes.

In front of his face sat a silver wrapped object no bigger than his thumb.

"Whats this?" he sputtered

"In this land, this -here she waves the sliver wrapped object up and down-is called a kiss."

Lyra smiled smugly. " You didn't specify what type of kiss you wanted."

Braun's eyes promised retribution.

"Very well. We'll meet soon, my queen."

With a bow, the coldness seeped out of their bond, filling quickly with warm. Then disgust and self- hatred.

"Ric, it's not your fault." She reached for him, but he sprinted out, quickly shifted into his dragon form.