I know I should have seen dark hair, broad shoulders, and red armor, but his hair was blonde, his shoulders narrower, and he wore brown leather.

"LEO!" I cried out, as my horse leapt into a full gallop.

The grey stallion's legs moved at a dangerous speed. One of my hands gripped his black mane with bone chilling desperation, while the other held an agiel that struck mercilessly at the rotting souls around us.

Suddenly a giant of a man came out of nowhere, ramming his elephant size shoulder into the stallion. With an enraged scream both the horse and I went down, our momentum carrying us several yards forward.

Rage boiled red hot, chasing away the fear I had just let rule me. I was on my feet and facing the bane-ling just as he reached a meaty hand toward my neck.

I stabbed my agiel into the middle of the giant's palm, withdrawing my second agiel at the same time. A second hand came at me. This hand hit me across the face with enough force to send me flying.

My agiels disappeared into the bloody mess of bodies that had already started to pile up around me. Rolling onto my back I saw the man walking slowly toward me. Stupid man, I though, yanking my dagger out. With a simple flick of my wrist the blade embedded itself into the man's chest. But the bane-ling seemed barely phased.

Now defenseless, I tried to run, but the man grabbed me around the throat. My body was raised into the air, feet dangling. Desperately I lashed out at the man. But my efforts proved fruitless.

My lungs had started to burn, and my struggles had weakened, when the man spoke, "Lord Rahl told me to remind you his offer still stands."

With that his eyes bulged and a broad sword emerged from his chest. The monstrous hand released my throat and I choked in precious air as I fell to the ground. For a moment I just laid there- breathing. Slowly I turned my head to look at the person who had just saved me.

To my surprise it was Adam. I no longer saw Leo in his place. Adam was at my side in an instant, helping me up and not releasing me until my balance was back. He was so gentle and so, but it only took one look at his expression to know something was wrong.

"Who is Leo?"

A chill ran down my back, although I don't know if it was because of the name or the look on Adam's face. Adam's features held no hint to whatever emotion he was feeling at the moment. And that put me more on my guard than anyone else's unchecked fury could have.

"I don't know who you're talking about." I stated weakly, still recovering from the effect of oxygen deprivation. Or so I told myself.

"When you saw the bane-lings attacking you called out to me, but you didn't say my name. You said Leo." He argued, his face finally showing the anger he felt.

I didn't try to lie again, I could tell it only offended Adam, "He is dead. So it is none of your concern."

Adam's eyes softened in understanding, "You loved him."

I expected my temper to flare, waited for it even, and I felt no anger at his observation. My body didn't tense, or even flinch.

"Yes I did."

Adam took a step forward, turning his gaze from me to the grey stallion that had come to stand beside me, "He seems to like you."

Adam's shoulder came up to my eyes I suddenly noticed. I had never realized he was that tall. But standing in front of me he actually made me feel short. Normally that would have put me on guard, the fact I wasn't as much as another person. But I didn't feel like I needed to be worried in the least. In fact, I felt… relaxed. Adam looked ready to defend me from anything

"We should go back to Richard." I said trying to control my wondering mind.

Quietly I mounted, ignoring how intently Adam watched my face. A sudden warmth shot up my leg, dismissing any thought of just riding away. Adam's hand held my thigh, his face back to its usual openness.

"Cara I never meant to… "Adam paused and tried to start again, "This morning I…"

Adam's inability to explain his feelings reminded me of myself. It was amusing that he had such trouble in expressing his feelings, while I barley allowed mine.

"Cara I really-" leaning down I silenced him with a kiss.

I kissed Adam because I longed to be free from my past. I kissed him because my soul craved the small taste of love I had experienced with Leo. I kissed him because I wanted to.

And I stopped kissing him when a slow heat started deep in my chest, reminding me of the ache that could replace it in an instant.

Sitting up I gathered my composure, "I understand what you are trying to say, but you need to find somebody else. I'd be better off becoming a bane-ling again before falling in love again."

Turning the horse around I looked straight into Richard's astonished eyes.