"Let's end this," my whisper echoes across the chamber.

Hal stares down at me in surprise. "Amelia?"

I touch his face, "They can't do anything about it if you're already my partner. Silvio will have to back down." I plead with him with my eyes.

"It might not be as simple as that," hesitancy shows across his face. But I know there's something more, but he's holding back. Always the gentleman…

"Every thing will turn out," I watch the resolve waver in those ruby eyes. I press my lips to his and he steps closer until there's no more space between us. His mouth captures mine, taking all I can give him. The way his tongue slides across my parted lips nearly undoes me. I tremble as I wrap my arms around his neck, melting into the kiss.

Hal's passionate reply leaves me weak in the knees and panting like a drowning woman desperate for air. We both fall against the door and startle when it thumps rather loudly. We freeze for a moment but there are no other sounds except for our breaths.

Wordlessly, Hal takes my hand and leads me away from the offending object. We stop in front of my canopy bed and stare at each other. The shyness between us has evaporated and become simple wonder and awe.

Hal's fingers tangle into the ties at the back of my dress. Slowly but easily unlacing them. The feeling is strange since usually he tightens them. Not this time. Silk pools at my feet and the chilled air hits my exposed skin. My shift doing little to warm me.

Hal's gaze is fiery as my fingers find the buttons to his vest and shirt. His hand catches mine where it rests against his chest and I look up.

"What's wrong, Hal?"

"Are you sure this is what you want, Amelia? There's no going back after this." his hand is warm over mine. Those ruby orbs smoulder like a burning fire. (No there's no going back. It's far too late.)

"I love you, Hal." his hand releases mine and I conquer his many buttons.

I'm backed until I flail back onto the bed where Hal tumbles on top of me. It's unintentional, but the moment is perfect…

…

Hours later I'm awake before the sun has even risen. I should be tired but I'm wide awake instead.

Everything is so vivid around me even in the darkness it's a distraction. The changes weren't immediate but instead gradual. At first Hal and I noticed nothing different. It began when the coldness in my chest evaporated without a trace. I can't tell you if I have all of my soul back but I don't feel hollow now.

After that we noticed how our eyesight improved in the darkness. Our magic works without incantations. All we need is to think about what we wish and it happens. It's absolutely amazing, but not as amazing as Hal being my partner—or my husband which would be the term from my world. In my opinion I prefer the word 'husband'.

The weight in my chest that'd been holding me down ever since I was pressured to find a partner has lifted. The worrying is over, now we have to announce our bond. I'm not that worried about anyone except for Silvio who definitely will flip his twitch.

A long white ear tickles its way over my face and I grab it unable to resist the fluff.

I watch in glee as it twitches as if trying to get away from my torture. With a jerk, Hal's eyes pop open to playfully glare at me.

I let go of his ear in an instant but it's not fast enough. I'm pinned before I can blink. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry! Mercy." I beg between peals of laughter as he tickles my sides.

"It's much too late for sorry. Touching my ears is unforgivable." his fingers still, deceiving his words. Hal pulls back to gaze down at me.

The emotions swirling around in his eyes are overwhelming to look at. Sunrays peak through the curtains illuminating his white hair into a golden honey. The playful expression gone with the darkness. Hal lands a soft kiss on my mouth. "Are you ready for today?"

(No.) I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous.

"Promise you won't leave my side?" I brush my hand across his face; the contact eases my nerves and I take a deep breath.

"I promise." Hal sits up and pulls me with him. For the next couple of minutes we sit there and watch the sun come up.