We arrived midday, taking as few stops as possible so as to arrive as quickly as possible. Of course the sun had to make itself difficult for us, and I felt myself quietly hissing out of habit as I adjusted the hood I wore. The gates swung open, and I was greeted by Beleval, who bowed her head briefly as I walked in, Serana in tow.

It was something, really. The fields were absolutely bustling with activity. A thirty or so hunters were fine tuning their techniques. The axe-wielders were fiercely swinging and twirling their weapons about in unison, like some form of macabre art. Durak stood to the side of a platoon of crossbowmen, his hand raised. As his limb dropped, a barrage of bolts embedded themselves into the line of targets. The Orc called out a command, and a new set of bolts were snapped into the crossbows. Sorine appeared as if from nowhere to whisper something to Durak, which he relayed to his shooters.

There were grumbles of agreement, and yet another bunch of bolts were loaded into their bows. Durak raised his hand, and waited for his hunters to line up their sights. As his hand dropped, the loud crack of a row of firing crossbows rang out. The specialized bolts exploded on contact, sending shards of wood out in random directions. The Dawnguard cheered and clapped for Sorine's development, as she gave a humble bow.

Further towards the castle, I found Gunmar and several of his trolls. The lone frost troll of the batch stood out, being the tallest and most muscular. But like the others, it pounded the ground, and walked around impatiently waiting for a new order. They would find an interesting rock on the ground for one second, then snort at it and toss it away at the next.

As Serana and I got closer to the main door and the trolls, Gunmar turned to greet us with a wide grin.

"Greetings, friends. I'd hightail it to Isran if I were you. He's planning the attack as we speak." The redhead's eyes wandered to the ornate Bow on my back, causing eyes to widen in awe. "You've got Auriel's Bow. This is perfect. Those vampires won't know what hit them."

"We'll find Isran. I want us to end this as soon as we can. Who knows, the damned Volkihar might attack us while we plan." Gunmar nodded his head in agreement as I ascended the stairs, with Serana quietly following.

A battle troll growled in Serana's direction, and took a few menacing steps towards her. She turned around to face the troll with a startled expression.

"Hey, easy now..." She slowly backed up as the troll got closer, murder in its eyes. The beast's predatory growl had Serana chuckling nervously as she ascended the stairs backwards. Before the troll could do any damage, Gunmar drove his fist into the its side, causing it to spin around to face him. He pointed a finger at the troll's face, a stern look on his face.

Gunmar motioned to Serana and I, "Friend." He barked at the troll. The troll bowed submissively and quickly scampered off towards the other trolls. Gunmar gave a brief apologetic look before going back to the trolls.

I could hear Serana's quiet sigh of relief as they left. She faced me, my amused face not going unnoticed.

"Well how would you react if an angry armored troll stared you down?" She asked with mock offense in her tone. Instead of verbally responding, I took her hand with a grin, and led the way into the entrance hall.

The usually quiet hall was bustling with activity. Various hunters were moving about, carrying crates and sacks of different contents. Contents that I imagined ranged from potions to swords. Isran was shouting orders at the men mobilizing around the hall. He was probably having the supplies moved to the wagons we were going to use for travel. This was more or less confirmed when several crates were moved out of the hall.

"Ah, you've returned." Isran took note of our presence and began approaching us. His usually stoic face turned pleased and triumphant at the sight of Auriel's Bow slung on my back. "And you have the Bow. Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. But we can't stop and celebrate just yet. As long as the Volkihar clan stands, and as long as Harkon breathes, Skyrim is not safe."

Isran faced one of the arches, and began walking, waving forward for us to follow. He led us to a map of Haafingar spread out on a small table. Aside from the map, a small assortment of potions, a skull, and a knife rested on the table.

The knife was pinned to the map and the table. Upon closer inspection, it was pinned to an area in the Sea of Ghosts, by a small island. On that island sat Castle Volkihar. I looked up from the map to Isran, who placed one hand behind his back, and another hand on the table.

"The two of you know this castle better than anyone else. I need your help in planning out this attack." Isran pointed at the castle. "We will be arriving by boat. An estimated twenty will be taking a group of boats. This will be the main attack force. They will storm the gates."

I placed a finger on the map, pointing out the direction they need to come in at. "The boats will have to attack from here. Upon landing, they just need to head straight to breach their defenses."

Isran nodded before turning his attention to Serana, his face uncomfortable. "Uhm... We want you," He glanced at me. "And Mikhael to lead the attack. Serana, you will play a crucial role in this. You know the castle's layout, and we will need you to direct the hunters when we land. And you will need to take Mikhael and I to wherever it is your father is."

Serana nodded stiffly, and Isran noticed her discomfort. "I... Know this might be hard for you. I won't pretend that I understand what you're going through. But, I understand loss." The Redguard paused, and awkwardly shifted from what foot to the other. "I- We, the Dawnguard, appreciate what you're doing."

"Thank you, Isran." Serana's expression lightened, and she offered a toothy smile, purposely flashing her fangs to make Isran all the more uncomfortable. She managed to find joy in Isran's discomfort. "I'll do my best."

He nodded in recognition before turning to me again. "We have a platoon of crossbowmen. And of course Gunmar's trolls. They will ride together on a larger boat. We'll want to keep them under fire while the trolls flank them. And while all that's underway, we are attacking them head on."

"The problem is that we don't have a large boat to transport the trolls and the shooters." Isran rubbed his beard in thought.

An idea came to mind, and I had to hope that my connections in the Imperial Legion were still standing. "I will contact General Tullius and request a barge. Maybe ask for a few archers as well. I will make the letter convincing. We are doing this for a good cause, after all."

"Good. That will simplify matters. Where can the barge land to provide covering fire and unleash the trolls?"

I was about to speak, when Serana beat me to it. "If the boat moves along here," She drew a curvy line on the map with her finger. "And lands on this side of the beach, they can easily flank the vampires."

"Alright, I'll make sure they beach that side. How long would it take to get to Castle Volkihar? Taking into consideration the fact we will probably stop to rest at least twice." Isran turned to me for the answer, and I answered not long after.

"If we make good time, we arrive in three days. We leave now, we arrive at noon for the battle of Castle Volkihar." I answered. Isran frowned and crossed his arms over his chest before speaking.

"Battling at midday would be difficult for you." He then added as afterthought, "And Serana."

"It will also be difficult for the Volkihar. We can bear it, Isran." I assured him.

Impressed somewhat, Isran nodded. "Alright, that wraps it up then. We move out now. I'll speak to the men." He pushed himself off of the table and led us back to the entrance hall, where the last of the supplies were being moved out of the hall. "Double time!" He growled at Agmaer and his companion who carried the final crate.

We followed Isran out of the hall, and once again basked in the sunlight. I bit my tongue to avoid the feral hiss threatening to escape my lips. I adjusted the piece of cloth that barely passed off as a hood. But it didn't do much.

Isran pointed at an idle hunter and ordered him to gather up the rest of the men. It just so happened that a certain blonde Nord was already at the scene.

"I see you've got the Bow!" He called. A deep growl rumbled in the back of my throat. I turned to face Ollrod as he approached me, his head held high. I glanced at Isran, who was too busy instructing Gunmar to notice the events unfolding behind him.

"Indeed I do." I replied flatly, keeping the irritation out of my tone, and hoping he would just turn around and leave.

"So what's next? Are you going to take her blood and put the sun out, just like the Volkihar wants? Because that obviously benefits you as well." Ollrod's accusation was downright absurd, and twice as irritating.

"Ollrod." Came Isran's growl of warning. But that was all that was said before he continued speaking to the troll master. Gunmar's eyes were looking over Isran's shoulder, and at me. There was a different glint in his eye this time. He wasn't telling me to keep a leveled head. Unlike last time.

"Oh, no. You don't plan on doing that do you?" Ollrod continued in a mocking tone. I clenched my fists, weary of where he was taking this conversation. I gulped, and attempted to keep my cool as I replied.

"No, not at all." Was what I managed to say through gritted teeth. Over Ollrod's shoulder, I could see the bulk of the hunters making their way towards us, ready to hear Isran speak. And here we were, beginning to make a scene.

"Mikhael." Serana whispered in warning. I didn't need to turn around and look at her to picture her worried face. I knew it all too well.

"Aha, that makes sense. You'd rather screw your little vampire whore over there than kill her for the Volkihar." Ollrod was grinning in satisfaction at the look on my face, as if he just won. And that just about did it.

I snapped forward and dug my fist into his nose, feeling a satisfying crack under my knuckles. Ollrod stumbled a step back and I followed up, throwing my elbow forward with all my might, eliciting a louder crack. Ollrod dropped to the ground, clutching his bleeding, broken nose, but I didn't stop there. I dropped to one knee, clutching his neck as I drove my fist into his face again. And again. And yet again. With each blow, I deformed his face more and more, my dragon scale gauntlets and powerful vampiric strength adding to the hell I was dealing to his face. All I could see was red.

I could keep my calm. I didn't lose it when Delphine yelled at me as I walked out, refusing to kill Paarthurnax. I was calm when I hunted Mercer down for his treachery. I kept cool when I was led into that trap by the Penitus Oculatus. I dealt with Ancano calmly when he nearly murdered everyone in the College over the Eye of Magnus. I didn't snap when I cranked Isran's mind open to see Serana and I's usefulness to the cause.

But this son of a bitch crossed the line.

A strong pair of arms grabbed my shoulders, and Isran's gruff voice came, ordering me to get off of him. I simply shook him off and continued beating on his face. He was getting every bit of punishment he deserved since I met him weeks ago.

He should have seen this coming.

Another pair of hands came. They were gentle, and snaked around my midsection. They were paired with a soft voice, whispering that he had enough. That he wasn't worth the trouble. I paused, and looked at the bloody mess I made. I beat him beyond recognition. Everything was swollen and bloody. He looked as good as dead. But of course he was just unconscious. If I wanted to kill him, he would have been dead before he hit the floor.

I let Serana pull me up, and I found myself in front of the entire Dawnguard, staring at me, shock being the most common expression on their faces. There was Durak, who looked irritable. One less man to fight the Volkihar, he probably thought. Gunmar and Sorine stood side by side now. Sorine looked unsure, and uncomfortable, whereas Gunmar had his arms crossed over his chest, an inconspicuous thumb up in approval. Agmaer, the young lad, looked as confused as ever. Beleval, who was acquainted with Ollrod to some degree, had her face in her hand and was shaking her head. Isran stood next to me, grumbling something under his breath, but mostly looking indifferent.

Then there was Serana, who stood in front of me, and held my hand. Her face was the very image of worry, and I could see her lip bleeding from biting it too much. Her striking eyes spoke volumes. I could hear her appreciation for defending her. Yet I could hear her scolding for acting brash.

Before anyone could begin questioning the scene before them, Isran stepped in front of us and took the stage. What a lifesaver he was.

"Brothers and sisters! My hunters! Today, we move out, and rip the vampires out at their roots: Castle Volkihar!" I had to admit, Isran had a thing for theatrics.

"Mikhael, Serana, and I will lead the main attack. We will take several boats and land at the front of the beach. We will storm the gates. The bowmen and the trolls take another boat, and are to flank the Volkihar. The attack will serve to effectively pin them against their castle. Executed correctly, the outside fighting will end in minutes. Then we will enter the castle, and eradicate every single one of them!"

Isran was greeted with several eager battle cries. "But we must exercise caution when fighting in these confined spaces. We can only imagine what horrors they may have prepared for us."

There were more cries and cheers from the hunters, but they were silenced when Isran raised a hand up.

"For too long we've allowed these vampires to poison the night and kill our people! Now we finally have the means to strike back! We now have Auriel's Bow." Isran pointed at Serana and I. "With the combined efforts of Mikhael and Serana, this would not be possible."

"The gods themselves have favored us and we must answer with action! The time has come to finally put an end to Harkon and his unholy prophecy! We will march on their lair and destroy those wretched abominations so they can no longer corrupt our world! This is our fight, and this is our fate. This is the time of the Dawnguard!" Isran raised his mighty warhammer into the air, and in response, the hunters drew their weapons, and held them high.

"For Skyrim!"

"For Skyrim!" They called back in unison.

"While we march to Castle Volkihar, we need some to stay and guard the fort." There were very quiet grumbles of disappointment.

"I suppose Ollrod's staying to guard the base." Serana muttered to me.

Isran listed about ten hunters, who separated themselves from the crowd, and stood by, waiting for their orders.

"The rest of you get onto your respective wagons at once! We move out now!" He called out, and the Dawnguard scrambled out to do as told.

The Redguard took a moment to order the remaining hunters to guard the fort at all costs. When he was done, he turned to Serana and I, and pointed at a wagon, whose only occupants were Sorine and Agmaer. This one was bringing up the rear of the convoy. I climbed into the carriage before offering Serana a hand. She smiled, and accepted my assistance. I pulled her up and into the wagon. We sat ourselves side by side at the front and across Agmaer, near the carriage driver.

Isran pulled himself up next, and sat next to Agmaer, who fidgeted nervously. Next came Gunmar, who chained his small army of battle trolls to the wagon before sitting across Sorine.

"The trolls will sense danger a mile away! They will be of great help." Gunmar grinned enthusiastically.

"Good to know." Isran muttered, before raising his voice to address the lead of the convoy, who I believe was Durak. "Onward!"

With that, the wheels of the wagons began turning, and we began the journey to Castle Volkihar.

Serana placed her head on my shoulder and intertwined our fingers. It was amusing how Isran seemed to be looking anywhere but the two of us. I shifted slightly to get more comfortable. It was a long road ahead, after all.

It was loud thunder paired with blinding lightning that broke our kiss. And woke up the other occupants of the wagon. It was the second night of our travel, and Isran decided it was time we stopped for the night. He called to Durak at the head of the column of carriages. Within moments, the carriages were moved to the side of the road and by the tree line, so as to not block the path of any other travelers.

The rain had been on us for a few hours, but was really getting worse now. It pounded the ground with a fury, and had a way of really setting the downcast mood. It was a small storm by the looks of it. It also limited the visibility. I also bet that it dampened the trolls' sharp senses. But they were still undoubtedly going to be the first ones to pick up the scent of trouble if it headed our way. Many of the hunters were getting anxious, and wanted to simply get the journey over with. The sooner we got to the castle, the sooner we put an end to Harkon.

The other hunters were also getting paranoid, and restless. Isran was naturally one of them. He was drifting in and out of sleep on the wagon, since he didn't get a wink of sleep the previous night. He joined the night guards while the others slept.

It was a good thing that I wrote and sent my letter to Tullius before the rain came in. Now I just had to wait for the carrier pigeon to make it back with the general's response.

Isran stood up and hopped off the cart, Agmaer following. He began barking orders over the deafening rain. The hunters began disembarking from their carriages, carrying their crates and sacks with them. Here you could see another distinction between hunters and common soldiers. My time serving with the legion taught me that the average grunt did not know how to assemble a tent, and couldn't cook to save his life.

On the other hand, the hunters could assemble a tent in a matter of minutes, and could prepare a decent meal. This was proved firsthand when the first few tents were erected in no time. Gunmar got off next, assisting Sorine as he did.

The pathetic excuse of a hood I wore was thoroughly soaked, as was the rest of me. Serana was undoubtedly the same. The whole Dawnguard probably was. It added to the sour mood most of the hunters had. We still had another day of travel, and to top it off, we were drenched to the bone. The tents were looking better and better by the second.

I began to push myself up, when Serana tightened her hold on my arm, snuggling into my neck as she did.

"I'm content here." She muttered with a smile.

"Come on, it's drier in the tents." I was responded with a stubborn huff of disagreement. Seeing no other choice, I quickly scooped her up, causing her to yelp in surprise. The yelp turned into a short fit of giggles as I stepped off the wagon. I put Serana back on her feet as Isran walked by, giving me a scolding look as he passed.

We entered a vacant tent and two bedrolls were handed to me not five seconds after. Whoever the hunter was quickly left, and I saw him dragging a sack along, taking bedrolls out and tossing them into the tents as he went. You had to admire how fast they moved when setting up camp. The tents were small, but many. There were probably fifteen or so tents set up along the tree line. In between some of the tents, I could see thick sheets of cloth being set up with wooden poles. Under the makeshift canopies, the hunters started preparing meals.

Being a vampire, food was no longer a necessity. But since I was only recently turned, I still enjoyed a fine meal.

The sound of a wet splotch caused me to look behind me. Serana discarded the hood, and was feebly trying to dry her hair. I tossed my own soaked hood to the ground before peaking my head out between the flaps of the tent. Isran and Agmaer's tent wasn't far away.

"I'll be back, Serana." I stepped out of the tent and back into the cold rain.

"Don't take long." Was the somber reply.

I walked along the row of tents with my head held low. The rain was really setting the gloomy mood. Despite the glee we managed to find, whether it be from the occasional joke, or the quick kisses while nobody was looking, the atmosphere was undoubtedly tense and downcast. The brief joy would quickly shift back to a heavy silence.

Several times already, during the ride and while resting at camp, I asked Serana what was wrong. She would deny that anything was wrong, and steer the topic away from her, or lapse into silence. It was beginning to worry me.

I really should talk to her when I get back to the tent. Playing a major part in killing her own father has obviously shaken her. Can't blame her. When Isran mentioned it days ago, I think that's when it really clicked into Serana's head that we were really going to do that deed. And it was only a matter of days until we did. Evil psychopathic vampire or not, he was still her father.

Serana's conversation with Valerica in the Soul Cairn was still fresh in my mind. Even today, there's little I can do to ease her mind, and erase the guilt that weighed on her conscience. I know it's next to impossible. And I'm no scholar who studied the humanities. I'm not a genius when it came to women. That's why the best I hoped to accomplish is to just be there for her, and be someone that she can talk to about her inner demons.

That being said, what could I accomplish if I tried to talk to her? Or perhaps I could get her to let it all out?

"Mikhael," Isran's voice got my attention, and I belatedly realized I was already at his tent. "Why are you just standing there? Come in."

How long was I stuck in thought?

I stepped into Isran's tent. It was slightly bigger than that of the other hunters, but that was probably so that it could fit the table in the center. Laid out was the map of Skyrim, and resting on the corner was the map of Haafingar. To the left of the table was Agmaer, already sound asleep.

"I just wanted to check how our progress is looking." I informed him. Isran hunched over the map and traced our path with a finger, before stopping at a certain point.

"We just crossed the border of Whiterun. We've entered Hjaalmarch. It is only a few hours to Haafingar, and the beach where we board the boats. If it weren't for the damn mountains by Dragon Bridge adding hours to maneuver around, we could finish the trip tonight and set up camp by the beach." Isran finished with a touch of irritation.

"But progress is good enough. Some of the men are restless though. I'm sure you've already noticed that." I nodded at this. "Our plan is solid, though. I expect nothing short of victory tomorrow."

"Let's hope it goes smoothly."

Before Isran could reply, a series of loud growls rang out around the camp. Trolls' growls. Isran and I exchanged a look before darting out of the dry, warm tent and into the relentless rain. We were by Gunmar's side in moments, as he and Sorine yanked on the trolls' chain leashes, except one. He allowed the large frost troll to continue snarling.

"Where?" Gunmar asked the beast. He must have trained the things well, because the troll responded by jerking its head towards the tree line, and proceeded to roar. We all turned to the dark, shady trees. Looking into the tree line and looking for a threat was difficult, vampiric eyesight or not. The damned crooked, shadowy trees looked like beasts lying in wake.

But then we spotted a glint of fiery gold in the darkness. "There!" Isran growled.

Sorine drew and fired a bolt into the shadows before anyone else could act. I couldn't see if the bolt landed, but the glint of gold faded with a blurry wave. The vampire turned invisible. Whether to attack or to retreat, I couldn't say.

Isran held a hand up when I made a move to inspect the shadows. "Stay here and watch our backs." He ordered me, before motioning for Gunmar to follow him. He tossed a ball of magic candlelight into the darkness, and slowly entered the rows of trees, dagger poised to strike.

The damned vampires were either planning on striking at us while we rested, or were scouting. I had the feeling it was the latter, as several hunters would be dead by now had they wished it.

Gunmar made it out first, with a cloak in one hand and Sorine's bolt in the other. Isran followed shortly, still scanning the darkness with wary eyes.

"You pinned his cloak to a tree, but he got away. I think we know what clan this belongs to." Gunmar raised the embroidered clasp for us to see. Naturally, the Volkihar clan's insignia was engraved into it.

"Scouts," Isran continued in a growl. "No doubt he's on his way to Harkon right now. They'll be ready for us."

"This is what happens when we travel as a huge convoy. No way to cover up our tracks or go unnoticed." Sorine muttered, more to herself than to us.

"Well, it was this or we moved at our own pace in separate groups, easy prey to ambushes. Not to mention with every day that passes, the more Harkon's numbers grow." Isran turned to look at the tree line once again, hands on his hips. He was looking up at the dark sky now.

"Stendarr preserve us." Isran whispered. He faced us, tone as determined as ever. "This is the hand we've been dealt. So now we rest up, and march up to their lair and end this. It's going to be a hard fight, but what other choice do we have?"

"Isran is correct. This won't change things much. We just have to be more vigilant." Gunmar nodded along. We slipped into a short silence after this, which was broken by Isran walking away, muttering about assigning guards for the night.

"I'll get going before Serana starts worrying." I started towards the direction of my tent. Sorine nodded in understanding, and smiled knowingly. Gunmar on the other hand laughed outright and patted me on the back as I passed him.

I raked a hand through my soaked hair several times before parting the tent's flap and taking a step inside. A candle sat in one corner, and just barely lit the tent up. It cast dark, dramatic shadows over Serana's bedroll. Was she already asleep?

I quickly took my boots off, and placed them by the entrance. As quietly as possible, I approached Serana, and leaned over to check if she was sleeping.

The bedroll was empty.

I straightened up immediately, my unbeating heart leaping my chest. "SER-"

One hand clasped over my mouth, and the other slid over my chest. "I'm right here, Mikhael." Came the sultry voice.

Serana removed her hand from my mouth, and allowed me to turn around to face her. She was grinning at me, but that wasn't what I noticed first. She was in her smallclothes, and her usual attire was discarded on the floor behind me. My face heated up when I caught sight of her body. She was perfection given form. From her fine shaped chest, her curvy waist, and her petite little feet.

I tried not to stare, but that was so much easier said than done. I set my gaze on her neck, avoided looking down, and ordered my mind to focus. But did I really need to do it? Even if I got her to speak up about her fears, what good would it do?

She can get it off her chest and feel better in the long run.

I was surprised to find that Serana had unclasped the chest piece of my armor without me noticing. Before I could protest, she yanked my armor off, and let it clatter to the ground, leaving me in my armored breeches. Her hands made their way to my hair, and her lips to my neck. I bit back a groan as she left a trail of kisses leading to my collar bone.

"Serana," The vampire in question slid her fangs across the sensitive flesh of my neck, causing the authority in my voice to leave. Instead, it came out about as breathless as could be, and encouraged her all the more.

I gently took her arms and held them in front of me. Serana looked at me quizzically, but didn't speak.

"We need to talk." She looked all the more confused at this.

"There's always time to talk, Mikhael. I'm sure it can wait." Serana's arms snaked around me, and her lips went to my tingling neck yet again. I tried craning my head away from her hungry lips, but she was very persistent.

"This can't, Serana." I could hear a grunt of disagreement between kisses. The longer she kept it up, the more I felt my willpower draining. The fact that she was barely clothed and was pressing into me didn't help either.

Her hands reached the buckles and the clasps of my breeches. I grabbed her hands and held them up to my straight face. Under any other circumstances, I would gladly allow her to continue. But not tonight. Not when I needed to let her release that sadness she kept hidden.

"Damnit, Mikhael! What could possibly be the matter?" Serana hissed, her mood obviously ruined.

"You need to speak up. About your father." She avoided my gaze as I said this, and her frown deepened.

"There's nothing to talk about." Serana replied flatly.

"You shouldn't keep this all bottled up to yourself, Serana. It isn't good for you." She released an irritated grunt and freed her arms from my grip.

"What do you want me to say?" There was a moment of silence before she looked at me again, conflict on her face.

"Everything on your mind."

She sighed.

"I'm scared. Okay? Tomorrow we're going to the castle and we're killing my father! Isn't that fun?" She started off, dripping with sarcasm. "So maybe I'm upset that this is how it's going to end. I know he wants to control the sun. I know there's no redemption for him. I know, okay?"

Serana began pacing now. "But he's the only father I've ever known, even if we were never that close. I just want us to be a family again. You heard this in the Cairn and you're hearing it again. He means a lot to me, Mikhael. I know it's hard to picture, but before Molag Bal came into the picture, they were really good people."

Her teary eyes found my own. "Accepting his coming death at our hands is like," she visibly gulped, and wiped at her eyes. "It's like accepting that I never really had a father. That there's never going to be a second chance. It means letting go of the hope that we can be a family like we used to."

I wrapped my arms her small figure, and she openly returned the embrace. "I know I have to accept it, Mikhael. And I will. I just need some time."

"Then you had to come along!" She smacked my shoulder, causing me to only tighten the hug.

"You showed up and made me feel things I never thought I could feel for another person. You listened to me, and that alone is so much more than others have done for me throughout the years."

"We've only known each other for weeks and now I don't know what in Oblivion I'd do without you! You've just come to mean so damn much to me. That's the other thing I'm afraid of."

Puzzled, I asked, "Afraid of caring for me?"

"No, you idiot. I'm scared of losing you. After everything we've been through, after you made me fall head over heels for you! Why do you think I was all over you all of a sudden? I don't think I can carry on if you don't make it out of the castle tomorrow." The last part came out muffled, due to her face being buried into the side of my neck.

"I don't want to lose you or my father, but I know if it comes down to it, I'd rather mourn him than you."

"Who says I'm not making it out alive tomorrow, anyway?" I smiled as I nudged her gently.

"I've killed the God of Destruction, Serana. I think I'm beyond death now." For this, I was slapped.

"Don't get cocky, Mikhael. Just... Just be careful tomorrow." Serana whispered, rubbing my cheek as she did.

"For you, always."

My answer seemed to satisfy Serana, because she removed herself from my chest and looked up at me. Her bright eyes were the calmest since the day I first laid eyes on her. And in that moment, I knew I made the right decision in bringing this up.

"We talked. Are you happy now?" Serana gave a small smile.

"Do you feel better?"

"A bit. Yeah"

"Then yes."

A/N: Heeeeey guys. Sorry for the late update, things have been hectic over here. Aaaand they may get worse. But no worries. I will try to keep updates consistent.

I hope the contents of this chapter make up for the lateness, be it Ollrod getting what was coming to him, or the ending scene. And I hope that last part played out well enough. Not the best at it, but I think I pulled it off pretty good. Tell me if you liked it :)

Next chapter's gonna be action packed.

Have a good day, folks.