CHAPTER 21:

Celebration

"Stay still" Kaen'Dre said, grabbing Kiara's shoulders.

"How can I? It makes me squeamish" she said, squirming in his grip.

They were bathing together in the chambers two hours prior to the celebration. He was washing her back but she kept squirming whenever he reached the back of her neck and start of her back. She created a splash and his eyes were to ones to suffer.

"It is a bath, Kiara, not an execution" Kaen'Dre said, wrapping an arm around her waist to secure her. "I do not behave this way."

"As I remember, you were squeamish when it came to your lower back yesterday" Kiara pointed out. He groaned. "I have the same feeling in that region you're so keen on to clean as if it were the last thing you were accomplishing before death."

"Good comeback" he commented. Then grinned, "But mines is better, after all."

"Right, just like men think they can be the rulers of everything" Kiara said, complaining while he scrubbed down her back.

"Every time you are annoyed, I see how much of an aggressive side you bring out" Kaen'Dre said, purring into the back of her neck. She quivered at feeling his breath on her skin. "I like it."

"I've seen you angry and I don't find it attractive" Kiara said, and splashed some water with her hand. "Only when you're whiny, you remind me of a child."

Child? A child?, he thought.

"I can assure you I am no child" he purred and bit the nape of her neck softly. She moaned involuntarily at his touch. "It seems your body agrees too."

She tried to turn but he kept her still. Scrubbing the upper region of her back, he ran water down on it afterwards. Letting go of her, she turned to face him. He smiled at seeing her curvy body above and under the water while she glared at him.

"All done, my dear" he grinned.

"I'd throw you in the dirt if we were outdoors but no" she sighed in disdain. "We are in here and I am finding it hard to resist your charms here."

"Then do not resist" Kaen'Dre said, grabbing her into his lap. "Be with me again."

Kiara felt nervous yet attracted to how close they were to each other with their lower regions. Her legs were already parted because of her sitting on his lap, all he had to do was get aroused, lift her slightly, and enter her again. Shaking out of her thoughts, she felt his tongue go over her neck and his hand cup one of her breasts.

"Our sounds would echo through here easily, we cannot" Kiara said, placing her forehead on his chin.

"Then let us head back to your dormitory" he said softly while he caressed her neck.

"They will still hear us" Kiara said, wrapping her arms around his neck to bring him closer. "Everyone is coming in and out of the palace because of today's event."

"You put me in a bind, you know" Kaen'Dre said, giving her a look. She grinned in amusement.

"Then you shouldn't have become attracted to me" Kiara said, leaning over to kiss his face.

"You were hard to resist and still are" he said, smoothly. She smiled at his compliment giving her a confidence boost.

"To be honest, it's hard to resist you with what you wear" she laughed into his neck. "But I can control my urges."

"That is because you're a woman" Kaen'Dre complained. "Males are different when it comes to this. If I had you alone with no one around for miles, I'd be making love to you more than once a day."

Grabbing her bottom in his hands, he lifted her upwards a bit. Leaning down, he placed his mouth over one of her bare breasts and caressed it with his mouth. She arched her body towards his mouth and placed a hand behind his head.

"Once would be enough with your size" Kiara blushed at the thought of making love again with him. "Not that I am complaining."

He sucked on her breast while bending his legs to keep Kiara in the same position. Placing his hand on her other breast, he caressed it softly making her moan softly. Her body was easily aroused by any of his touches on her body that way. His other free hand traced down between her thighs, and slid his finger inside her opening. Her body tensed while slid his finger in and out, making her arch her back to him and hold him closer. He loved hearing her pleased moans which made him aroused easily.

"Not here, Kaen'Dre" she sighed into his neck. "Not today."

He sighed and obeyed her decision. Getting his hand away from between her legs and mouth away from her bosom, he nodded and let go. She cuddled up against him and pressed her face into his chest.

"It doesn't mean I'm rejecting you, I just. . .I'd rather love you when we're really alone" Kiara said, kissing the start of his neck once.

"I know, I just wish we could live alone on our own" Kaen'Dre said, leaning his head back against the tub's edge. "So we could do what we like with no worries."

"Like marriage?" she asked, softly.

What is marriage?, he thought. Isn't that what Ani'Twei's family called a mating ceremony?

"Yes, that is husband and wife, correct?" he asked, wondering.

"Of course, you do know that, do you not?" she asked, looking up.

That's odd, how can he not?, she thought.

"Not much. .I have never heard much of that since I am unmarried and tend to be distant from most" Kaen'Dre said, covering his tracks quickly.

"All right, I can understand that somehow" Kiara said, a bit unsure. How could he not know about marriage? Many entities were married. "But would you want to one day?"

Am I going to have to go through her 'marriage' process to get her to be my mate?, he thought. No one said it'd be easy but I love her enough to go through anything.

"Yes, I want you to be my wife" Kaen'Dre whispered. "To be at my side and love me, even to bear my children one day."

"I hope for that too" Kiara said, smiling. "Especially the children part."

She wanted to be his everything to no end and for him to do the same. Every word spoken out of his mouth always made her happy, she knew he was the one for her. Since men were the ones to ask for a woman's hand in marriage, she had to wait.

"It would be hard to marry each other here in your kingdom, I am not exactly. . .normal" Kaen'Dre said, sheepishly.

"You can wear the same outfit that you'll wear today or the other cloaked one" Kiara pointed out. "Or we can create another disguise."

"What would I do without you?" he said, cupping her chin to lift her face in front of his.

"Who knows?" she smiled and kissed his chin. "If I asked you to. .if you'd want to. . .if you'd be able to. .I'd like to marry you before you leave."

What? She wants to?, he thought. Oh, happy day!

"Really? You would, despite the differences?" Kaen'Dre asked, surprised. She nodded. "Then marry me, Kiara, in later days after today. Do you accept?"

She smiled immediately. He really asked her, he did! She felt her whole body get warmed by just that simple question. As a little girl, she'd always wondered who would be the man to ask her to be his wife. Who knew it'd be Kaen'Dre? There was only one obvious choice though.

"Of course, any day you want" Kiara said, happily. "I will be honored to be your wife."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips against his mouth. He parted it and kissed her deeply instantly. Kiara mostly held the dominance there with her overflow of joy and he had no objection. He was happy as well, she'd be his from now on when they did marry. She let go after a bit making him purr.

"With that kiss, I'd be honored to even be near you" Kaen'Dre laughed. "It's harder to resist you with that dominance at times too, but I enjoy it."

He kissed her again while she smiled at his comment. Their little kiss session continued until one of the servants knocked on the door, making them jumpy. But they'd shut the door tightly when they came in so no one would be entering. After the person left, they continued their romantic session.

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"I look . . .odd" Kaen'Dre stated.

He looked at himself in his new garments for today's festivities. They were all white with gold engravings on the chest, sleeves, and end of his robes. She had placed gold bands on his wrists, ankles, and upper arms. His hair was loose while he wore his white cloak over the robes. The robes were sleeveless to reduce the warmth so the cloak would be worn over it to hide his arms and everything else not covered by the long robes. His face would be covered with cloth from his robes, except over his eyes. It reminded her of a clocked nomad. Kiara thought his eyes looked mortal, despite the yellow coloring, so she might as well let him have something free since he was so covered. She had gotten him moccasins to wear to hide his taloned feet and gloves for his hands.

"Well, it's either that or you stay here" Kiara said, crossing her arms.

"Did I say 'odd'? I meant 'great'" Kaen'Dre said, quickly. "No question about it."

She laughed at his comment and wrapped her arms over his waist from behind. Hopefully he wouldn't feel too hot under the garments later on. Letting him go after a quick hug, she walked to her bed and picked up her gown. Going to her changing room, she changed quick while avoiding her adorned hair and makeup. Fixing the bottom of her white gown, she made sure her dress was wrinkleless afterwards. Picking up her dress from the side, she walked out to find her shoes next to the bed. Placing on the white short heeled sandals, she let go of her dress.

"What do you think of mines?" Kiara asked, turning around to face Kaen'Dre.

He smiled immediately from her glowing radiance. Her gown was long and started in a tube top form like the clothes the yautja females wore. She wore gold clasps over her arms and ankles, bracelets on her wrists, and an emerald necklace. Her hair was held tightly into a bun along with her headdress. Kaen'Dre found her beautiful as always, especially with the way she smiled.

"You look astounding, darling" he smiled at her. She blushed softly. "Don't be shy, you're very beautiful, Kiara."

"Thank you, my love" Kiara said, grateful.

She walked over to him and wrapped her arms over his shoulders. Taking down the cloth that covered the area below his eyes, he leaned down and kissed her. She kissed him back strongly and ran her hands up his back. He let go a bit later after appeasing his need to kiss her and grabbed her hand to lead her to the balcony.

"But there is one thing I think will complete your wardrobe" Kaen'Dre said, walking into the wide balcony.

"What?" she asked, curiously.

"Close your eyes" Kaen'Dre said, placing a finger on her nose.

She grinned and did what he said. She had no idea what he wanted to place on her or do making her nervous yet excited like a child. It didn't take him long to come back to her.

"All right" he said, smiling.

She opened her eyes to find a white gladiolus flower stalk in his hand. She loved the funneled vertical row of adorned flowers that went down the long stalk. These were mostly cultivated in Upper Egypt, the territories past Egypt to the south, and sometimes near Lower Egypt, which surprised her.

"Where did you get this?" Kiara asked, looking up at him.

"I don't mean to sound like a thief but I picked it up from your mother's garden" Kaen'Dre said, sheepishly. "I made sure there were more though, just in case. I thought it looked beautiful with your dress so I scanned the spectrum of light your dress went with and matched it to this flower. I saw many but . . .I think this one makes you more stunning."

She traced her fingertips softly over one of the flowers and leaned over to take in its sweet smell. Her mother collected many flowers and had kept them cultivated well in her own private garden, even some she'd never even seen. She loved Kaen'Dre's wonderful gesture to give her the small gift.

"I love it and I love you, Kaen'Dre" Kiara said, beaming up at him. "This is one of the sweetest things you've ever done for me."

Kaen'Dre smiled happily at seeing her overjoyed face. At first he thought she'd be hesitant since he took it from a garden but she didn't care. He wanted to impress and make her happy with his small token and he did.

"I was thinking it could go in your hair to adorn your crown, princess" Kaen'Dre said, touching her cheek. "But with your beauty and wisdom, it would make you look like a queen."

Kiara blushed and grabbed the stalk from his hand. Walking giddily into her room again, she walked to her mirror. She placed the flowers in front of her crown and tied them into her hair with pins. Raising her crown slightly, the flowers were adorned beautifully under her crown. She saw Kaen'Dre come up behind her while smiling.

"See? Beautiful as always" he said, placing his hands over her waist to bring her close.

"I look as if I were ready to marry" Kiara said, grinning. Looking back, she playfully said, "Do you take me as your wife, Kaen'Dre?"

"Of course I do, do you take me as your spouse?" Kaen'Dre chuckled, following her act.

"Of course, so shall we run away into the horizon?" Kiara joked, grabbing his hands into her own. "Shall we be wandering nomads for all time? Do we create our own kingdom or do we stay here and create our family?"

"I say we run away and never look back" he grinned. "We create our own beautiful children whom will be in perfect reflection of their mother."

She felt her stomach grow warm at his responses. How she wished they could be married now. He would be her perfect husband so well, he protected and loved her to no end as it was. Despite their past arguments, her love would always be strong even after. She leaned back into his arms and placed her cheek into his chest.

"We look like we're ready to go to the temple to be wed, you know" Kiara said, softly. "I wish it were so, you and me, in our own eternal bliss."

"I will marry you before I leave, Kiara" Kaen'Dre whispered and held her close. "You will be mines and I will be yours."

I can't wait to be married to you, she thought.

"Just the way I want it to be" Kiara said, smiling.

Hearing a bang outside the door, Aziza called, "Kiara, time to go!"

"Coming!" she called back while Kaen'Dre cringed from the noise. To him, she said, "Sorry."

"It's quite all right, it's just my hearing after all" Kaen'Dre sighed, making her laugh.

Giving herself a last look in the mirror, she extended her hand to Kaen'Dre.

"Ready to come, my lord?" Kiara smiled. "Ready to spend all day with me as my partner or soon-to-be husband?"

"As long as your parents do not chase me out" Kaen'Dre laughed and grabbed her hand.

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The celebration had been running smoothly so far. Music blared throughout the kingdom from the instrumentalists and people crowded many streets near the palace. Kiara had gone to the celebration with Kaen'Dre quietly but her parents had found her so she had to leave him. Since the royal family had to begin the celebration, Kiara had stayed only as long as she needed to and then had gone to find Kaen'Dre at the meeting place they had both designated. She'd seen him looking at performers in costumes and the food being set on the table for the feast later on. Amused, she had gotten him and went to see some of the musical performances making him happy.

They had walked through a lot of the festival when the food was served. Kiara and Kaen'Dre had served themselves but they sneaked away to eat in a secluded area. If he decided to eat at the feast, many people could've seen him so they took precautions. Luckily, he enjoyed the variety of foods he served himself making Kiara sigh in relief that he wouldn't be cranky. Getting back to the party, Atem had found her which made her bump Kaen'Dre a bit away. Atem took her away to present her to the kingdom. She'd been a bit shy but she found Kaen'Dre in the crowd and focused on him to make her comfortable.

Since her performance was to sing, she sang a song that proclaimed her love for him. The entire kingdom loved it and wondered who was the person who had claimed their princess's love. Kaen'Dre, on the other hand, was beaming in happiness for the song she had sung to him. She'd even mentioned his name in the song, 'My life is yours, Kaen'Dre, till my dying days.' Her voice was very soothing to his ears and was surprised oomans could actually use their voices like that. When she finished, he couldn't wait to have her in his arms.

Now, they walked at the edges of the crowd arm-in-arm. The cool air made their bodies feel good from all the heat of the festivities. Kiara wondered if he was hot under all of his garments but he assured her he wasn't.

"I'm glad you persuaded me to let you come" Kiara said, smiling. "I am having a great time with you."

"See? And you thought it'd be bad" Kaen'Dre said, amusingly.

"Do you think the gods will like it?" she asked, holding his arm close.

"Yes, they would be wrong not to" he said, nodding.

"We should've invited your friends, they may have liked it" Kiara said, looking at him.

Kaen'Dre imagined if they would've come. Kwei'De would've run off the minute he entered the party and would've probably picked off all the food, not allowing anyone else to get near it. Ani'Twei would've been wary of what to do and would've probably stayed close to Kaen'Dre while hoping not to get picked out by a human to dance. Thinking about all that made him stifle a laugh.

"One would've eaten everything, the other one would've stayed in one spot" Kaen'Dre smiled. "But next time we can."

"They seem nice, you are fortunate to have some that look over you" she said, kindly. "I hope they keep you well when you return."

"They always have, they're like my brothers" he said, nodding. "I wish I had siblings, but I got the next best thing."

"Because you are lucky, love" Kiara said, chuckling. "You will always be looked over."

"I've been lucky enough to find you again and have your love" Kaen'Dre said, leaning down to place his forehead over the top of her head. "Marry you soon and one day father your firstborn?"

Aww, so sweet, she thought.

"Of course, you also forgot living together" she reminded. Then cheerfully, "I just got an idea. I know it may sound crazy but. . .let's marry tonight! We can go to the temple and secretly marry."

She sounds serious, but if we can be together, of course I'll do anything!, he thought.

"Beautiful, it is not crazy" Kaen'Dre purred in her ear. She smiled. "If you want to marry tonight, I will."

Kiara smiled immediately at his answer. He wanted to marry her and if they could have a ceremony, they could be bonded for life. Grabbing him by the hand, she led him in the direction of the kingdom's temple. Kaen'Dre ran behind his happy beloved and wondered where she was taking him now. Running through the thinning crowd, he saw her stop in front of a sandstone structure with gold decorations. She was about to run up the stairs but heard familiar voices calling her. Turning around, she spotted her two friends and brother. She placed herself in front of Kaen'Dre so she'd face them.

Oh dear, how do I get out of this?, she thought.

"Hi, you three" Kiara said, nervously. "What're you doing here?"

"Set needed to pick up some things, you?" Atem said, pointing to him.

"Who's your friend there?" Aziza grinned, looking over at Kaen'Dre.

He looked down and tried to look hidden behind her. He knew he couldn't because of his height, but he needed to cover any piece of skin besides his eyes that could look suspicious. He didn't care if they would've been nobody's but since they knew Kiara, he had to caution himself. They mostly looked at him, making him nervous. He would've shown off to Set since he was with Kiara but he could hold that till another day.

"He's my companion to the festival" Kiara said, smiling weakly.

"And he is?" Aziza asked, motioning a hand towards him.

"I am Kaen'Dre" he said, in his smoothest voice. "And you might be?"

My, his voice sounds so smooth, Kiara thought surprised.

"I'm Aziza, her best friend" Aziza grinned. "He's Atem, her brother, and Set, the grouch."

"I am no grouch, I am the soon-to-be High Priest" Set said, raising his chin.

"Yes, when camels fly" Aziza mumbled. Then happily, "She mentioned you in her song, are you two courting somehow because she's never spoken of you."

"We've never seen you either" Set said, suspiciously.

Trying to interrogate me, eh Set?, Kaen'Dre thought.

"Well, Set, we are engaged" Kaen'Dre said, firmly. "I am from another kingdom so I have only seen her secretly when I come or when she comes to me. We've known each other since we were small and I have asked for her hand in marriage as of today in the morning."

"You accepted?" Atem asked his sister. He was surprised his sister had actually hidden all this.

"Yes, I did" Kiara said, nodding. "Is something wrong?"

"You didn't tell me" Aziza said, immediately. The others agreed.

"I do not like being public with these things" she said, shrugging. "Anything else?"

"Where are you from?" Set asked Kaen'Dre.

"Sharp, aren't you? I am from. . ." Kaen'Dre said, thinking.

"Armana, he's from my mother's kingdom" Kiara said, quickly.

"Yes, I do not know how long I will stay but I am at one of the inns" Kaen'Dre said, wrapping an arm over Kiara's shoulders. "I've missed my beloved for a while so I will be staying for as long as she likes."

"But not more than 3 weeks, you have your career" she said, smiling up at him. "I was going to show him the temple but I guess you three caught us."

"How sweet" Aziza said, happily. Set rolled his eyes while Atem grinned. "But I am still mad at you."

"We will talk later about anything you ask" Kiara assured her friend. Aziza smiled.

"You will have some explaining to do with our parents" Atem said, crossing his arms. "Even my sister's engaged faster than me."

Kiara smiled at her brother and then sighed mentally. Yes, she would have to explain a lot. But right now, she just cared about marrying Kaen'Dre.

"Yes, and I am very happy" Kiara said, smiling. "We love each other very much and intend to spend our lives together. We don't know when we'll marry but who knows what the gods have-"

"FIRE!" the crowds started yelling.

Everyone looked to where the people were running to. She saw some heading to the right and some to the left so they had no idea where it was. Atem ran down the steps and went into the sandy path to look where there was a trace of smoke. Noticing it behind the temple and houses, he pointed it out.

"Over there, come on!" Atem yelled.

"So much for the celebration" Aziza sighed.

Set and Aziza ran down after him. Kiara did to but Kaen'Dre stopped her making her look back.

"I have to go!" she said, instantly.

"I'm going with you then" he said, firmly. "I am not leaving you alone where there's fire."

"But what if someone spots you?" Kiara questioned.

"I'd rather get caught than let you get hurt" he said, strongly.

What do I do? I can't let him get spotted but he doesn't want me hurt, she thought. But I have to help.

"Fine, come with me" Kiara sighed in defeat. "But be careful."

He nodded and she ran down the stone steps. She didn't spot her friends but remembering where Atem said it was, she went down the path to go behind the temple.

"Kaen'Dre, can you spot any fire near here?" she asked him. His sight could come in handy.

"Yes, this way!" he answered after a bit.

He yanked her down the same path they were. Running through the crowd, Kiara spotted the fire near a residential area. Worrying if anyone was hurt, she ran as quickly as she could down the street even faster than Kaen'Dre. Picking up the bottom of his robes, he ran after her and tried not to knock down anyone. Arriving at the fiery area, he saw there were about 8 residential homes on fire. Kiara had met up with her brother and friends while looking in shock at how many homes were burning. They saw officials from the palace carrying buckets of water to diminish the fire somehow.

"How did this happen?" Atem asked one of them.

"We don't know, everyone was at the festival until one of the residents came to tell us" a crimson robed official told him. "Stay back, prince, the flames are very hot and can spread."

"Is anyone hurt?" Kiara asked, immediately.

"No, only their belongings are inside as far as we know" the man answered.

She felt the heat from the flames on her skin and she hoped they wouldn't spread. The wind was flowing softly but hopefully they could put out most of it before it spread. The officials were throwing water over the roofs of the homes and some residents were helping by getting water from one of the city's wells. Set helped the officials take out the fire with water while Atem stomped out the flames on the floor with dirt. Aziza went to comfort the families whose houses were on fire. Kiara just wondered who could've done this or if it happened accidentally. Feeling someone wrap an arm around her, she saw Kaen'Dre.

"Oh love, how could this happen?" Kiara said, upset.

"They will take out the fire, I will go help them" Kaen'Dre said, embracing her quick.

"No! They could see you" she whispered firmly.

"I don't care, I'd rather help save those families homes than just watch them burn" Kaen'Dre said, firmly.

"Oh darling" Kiara said, touching his covered cheeks. "I love you and be careful."

She watched him go help the officers throw water over the homes. His strength was more powerful than any of theirs so hopefully it could reach over the flames and reach inside the homes to stop them. Kiara went over to the families Aziza was with.

"Are all of you all right?" Kiara asked, wiping her brow from the heat. "If you have any injuries, don't be afraid to speak."

"No, we are fine" one of the families said. Two others nodded.

Kiara saw another talking with an official frantically. Running over to them, she heard an argument between them.

"What is wrong?" Kiara asked, quickly.

"My two daughters are in there!" the mother said, afraid. "They didn't go to the festival and stayed. They aren't outside with the rest of the children!"

The mother cried into her husband's arms. Their son stood at their side wondering what was happening and where were his sisters. Kiara looked into the high flames that made everyone sweat even from a distance. She couldn't imagine what those little girls must be feeling at this moment.

Looking at the official, she said, "How long has the fire stood?"

"It started about ten minutes ago, the fumes alone can kill you in minutes" the official told her.

"How long can you survive inside?" Kiara asked, instantly.

"About 2 minutes without any gear to cover your face" the official answered. "Why, princess?"

"Which house is it?" she asked the man. Then to the family, "Which room are your daughters in?"

"Their rooms are at the back on the left side" the father responded instantly. "Isn't there a way to save them?"

"The flames are too high, sir" the official responded. "We're doing the best we can."

"Damn it! Which house is it!" Kiara yelled at the official. He pointed to the one they stood at in the front.

Looking into the flames, the fire seemed to spread mostly over the back of the roof. If she could get to the back quickly, the front wouldn't be too hard to get through on the way out. Making a quick decision, she grabbed the bottom of her gown and tied it into a knot on the side of her knees.

"Just two girls, right?" Kiara asked the worried parents.

"Yes, one is five months and the other is 7 years" the mother said, nodding.

"Give me ten minutes at the most, if not, don't send anyone after me" Kiara ordered the official.

"But princess-" he started.

"I will bring your daughters back" Kiara told the parents. "Do not despair."

Kiara ran to get one of the buckets of water that was on the ground. Pouring half of it over herself so the fire wouldn't catch onto her, she took the bucket to the flaming house. Pouring it into the front entrance of the house, she threw the bucket and ran through the path. The flames tingled her skin but she kicked open the door with all her strength and went inside.

I hope I can do this, she thought.

On the outside, Kaen'Dre wondered where she was. He couldn't see her anywhere so he decided to ask while still helping. The fire didn't sting his skin at all so he could withstand to help for a long time unlike human bodies.

"Where is your sister?" he asked Atem.

"I don't know, I saw her over there!" Atem responded and pointed to an official with a family.

Kaen'Dre nodded and went quickly over to where Atem pointed. He saw an official and a family of three.

"Have any of you seen Princess Kiara?" he asked, quickly.

"She went inside to save two children" the official responded and pointed to the burning house.

"May the gods protect them" the father of the family said.

What? What was she thinking?, he thought quickly.

"What! What do you mean she's inside! How long ago did she go!" Kaen'Dre yelled at the official.

"She's been inside for over a minute looking for two girls, I could do nothing to stop her" the man said, placing a hand on his forehead. "She was very determined."

"Damn it, Kiara" he muttered.

Looking into the flames of the burning house, he couldn't see anything inside. How he wished he had his mask. His mind wandered in worry and frustration over her.

"What in the world were you thinking?" Kaen'Dre whispered to himself. "Your skin can't resist that."

"Which house did she head into?" he demanded from the official.

The man pointed to the one in front. Kaen'Dre nodded and ran in the house's direction. No way was he going to let her do this on her own. Her skin and respiratory system was weaker than his and she would need his help, despite she may not want it. The flames felt like wind while he ran down the grassy front of the house. Kicking the door open, he searched for Kiara immediately.

"Kiara!" he called out.

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End of Chapter 21. Hope everyone liked it! Thanks to those who read and review this chapter! And thanks for last chapter's reviewers: Monarque Myste, Irish, Predatordragonfreak, Cittygurl, and Nightmare Alchemist.

To Monarque Myste: I'm glad you liked the chapter and there will be a lot more suspense in the later chapters, especially between Kiara and Kaen'Dre. By the way, great work on your story so far! Poor Bakuub. makes a sad face

To Irish: As long as you read the story and like it, I'm pleased!

To Predatordragonfreak: I'm trying to update as much as I can, especially since I started another story. I do hope you're having fun on your camping trips, as long as you don't get lost, we need you alive for you to continue your wonderful story, which I'm waiting for to be updated. So don't keep us in suspense for too long, hehe.

To Cittygurl: I'm glad your friend liked my story, tell her thanks. And thank you for reviewing your thoughts, I'm loved! author hugs herself

To Nightmare Alchemist: Yeah, their emotional development was a bit fast but when you're spending every minute together in a room and outside for more than a week, something can happen grins. I'm glad you like the humor between Kaen'Dre and his friends, I try to make Kwei'De as hilarious as I possibly can. Even I start laughing when I remember writing how fast he got his plate of food from Chap. 19. My parents think I'm mental every time I laugh alone anyways, so you're not alone.