Dinner was comforting in a way. It reminded me of normalcy that was truly lacking. My mother seemed delighted that the Outer senshi had joined us, and most of the conversations surrounding the dinner table were how everyone was doing. My mother always had an uncanny way of lifting everyone's' spirits during potential disaster. I forced myself to eat, trying to subdue those horrible butterflies. I noticed that there was an empty seat; Ilias had not joined us. I asked one of the servants why he wasn't with us. She said he had not left his room the last few hours. Maybe I'll check on him before I fight, I thought. Only a few hours before it's time…

I excused myself early to get mentally prepared for the upcoming battle. I requested to be left alone so I could focus easier. I crept down the hallway, careful not to disturb Ilias if he were asleep in his room. As my hands grazed the marble doorknob, I held my breath. Slowly, I opened the door and peeked through the crack. I saw that his bed was clean and empty. I exhaled and fully opened the door. No one was in the room. "Ilias?" I called out. No answer. Where did he go? I thought to myself as I further entered the room. Something seemed off.

"Get out, Maiden!" I heard Pegasus's voice call out to me.

"What?" I whispered before I felt hands grab my arm from behind. I jumped and saw Ilias smiling warmly at me.

"I'm sorry, Princess. I seem to be doing that a lot to you today." His velvety voice soothed my nerves. "Were you looking for me?"

"Ye…yes, I was. I wanted to make sure you were alright. You didn't come down to dinner…" I gasped as my pounding heart started to slow. He chuckled a little and let go of my arm.

"I apologize. I was not hungry. I went to sleep and just recently woke up. I heard a voice calling for dinner, but I wasn't very interested."

"Where were you just now?" I inquired, reminding myself of the made bed behind us.

"I was looking at the beautiful artwork in your hallways. I went searching for a restroom a few moments ago and upon my return, I was struck by the beauty of it all. Your kingdom is very glorious, Princess." His voice was making me melt again inside. What was with this unnatural power he had over me? My sudden suspicions began to disappear. Why had Pegasus warned me to leave? Ilias was so innocent.

"But the art and architecture of this kingdom fails in comparison to you, Princess." His voice became almost sultry as he took my hand, similarly to earlier.

"Ilias…there's no need for flattery." I said sharply. His hand was warm against mind, making those butterflies feel like they were at ware within my gut. His crimson eyes pierced right through me. My breathing hastened.

"I'm not trying to flatter you. I am merely stating the truth. I have never seen such a radiant beauty in all my years. I can sense how lonely you feel inside, because I feel that way, too."

"Lonely…" I said softly, lost in his eyes. I did feel lonely. It seemed like everyone had someone at their side. The inner senshi all had significant; the Asteroid senshi had each other through their strong friendships, Neptune and Uranus had each other, and my parents had each other. I was alone.

"The moment my eyes fell on you, I felt a longing in my heart. Something I never felt before. Knowing that you saved me from what would have been a terrible death made me feel it all the stronger…" His hand squeezed mine. "I want to help you through this battle you must face. We can fight together. I may not be as powerful as you, but…." His face drew closer to mine. I was frozen; his eyes making my body petrify with their beauty. "I can give you the support you really need." What was happening? I should move. Something really wasn't right. How did he know I was going to fight? I could feel his hot breath brush against my nose and lips. I started to feel a strange longing. A want. A need.

Move, you idiot! Move! My mind screamed at itself. But none of my bones or nerves reacted. Part of me wanted to stay frozen. The butterflies in my stomach froze. I closed my eyes, awaiting the inevitable. "Let me be at your side, Princess…"

"No! Don't let him do this!" Pegasus pleaded within my head. My eyes shot open and I felt my body regain its mobility. I broke away from Ilias's hold before his lips could touch mine. His face twisted into that of anger as I stepped back.

"Look, Ilias. I don't know what you think you're doing, but I don't even know you. We've just met and I have more important matters to worry about." I felt a little guilty for sounding so rude, but it had to be done. "By the way, how did you know I had to fight?" His angry expression changed into a calm one as he let out a loud laugh.

"I really thought I had you. No one has rejected my charm before. I should not have underestimated you." His eyes seemed to glow, making my butterflies come back tenfold.

"What..?" I was utterly confused.

"No matter. I'll still get what I want!" He growled unnaturally and lunged towards me. I screamed and turned to run. His hands grabbed at my dress, tearing it at my lower back.

"Maiden!" I heard Pegasus's cry. Without hesitation, I screamed again.

"PEGASUS!" My voice shrilled into the wind from the balcony doors as they burst open. A loud neigh flowed from outside as the magnificent horse appeared. Tears ran down my cheeks as I scrambled towards it. I heard Ilias gasp in surprise; his hold on me loosening. I screamed again as I pulled myself away, leaving part of my gown with my attacker as I ran to my savior. I jumped as quickly as I could, landing gracefully on Pegasus's back. I glanced back into the room, hearing my friend's voices ringing my name as they neared. Ilias growled in anger as the Asteroid senshi appeared in the room. He snarled at them and clapped his hands together, disappearing in a billow of fog that appeared around his body. Everything happened so fast that I felt lightheaded.

"Hold on to me, I'll keep you safe, Maiden." Pegasus's voice felt so safe. I closed my eyes and leaned my head against its mane as we flew into the air.

I'm sorry, everyone…I thought as I slipped into unconsciousness.