Chapter 7

Rebirth

Elliott awoke at five, like usual. Sariel was still pressed against his body. Her small frame fit perfectly against his right side. Her hair was tousled and she seemed to be sleeping peacefully. Her right arm was draped across his chest and he held her hand with his left.

"Why's it morning already?" Sariel groaned.

"Did I wake you up?" Elliott asked concerned.

Sariel groaned and pressed herself tighter to Elliott's warm body. Her mahogany hair covered her face and she huffed out breath to move it. She beamed when Elliott kissed her forehead.

"No, you didn't. How'd you sleep?" Sariel asked lazily.

"Quite well, all things considered. You?" Elliott replied.

"Best night's sleep in three weeks." Sariel playfully called out.

Sariel shifted in her position and caught the blush creeping up Elliott's cheeks. She momentarily forgot she'd slept in a thong and t-shirt last night. A quick glance revealed her shirt had ridden up and was revealing quite a bit of her upper thigh and rear.

"Mmmm, like what you see?" Sariel taunted.

"You are quite beautiful, Rinn." Elliott replied.

"Thank you." Sariel stated.

Elliott tried to focus his thoughts on anything other than the vivid dreams of Sariel that plagued him last night. He failed at that task miserably. He scrubbed his hand over his face and nearly painfully willed himself to stop thinking of Sariel.

As if in answer to his silent pleas, Sariel withdrew from the bed and very carefully pulled an outfit out of her closet, making sure not to reveal any more of her skin to Elliott. She pulled two fluffy towels from the linen closet and left one of them on the bed.

"I'm going to take a shower, I'd invite you to join me, but I can imagine that wouldn't go well. You're more than welcome to take a shower. Top drawer in the bathroom has unopened, spare toothbrushes in it, if you'd like one. Once I'm done I'll make us some breakfast and coffee. Sweet, sweet coffee." Sariel called out.

Soon the familiar sound of a shower running and the sweet scent of apples and pears filled the air. Steam billowed out from the bathroom. Sariel was gently singing to herself and Elliott was finding it hard not to concentrate on her.

The shower ended and Elliott growled at the thoughts in his head. It was taking every ounce of willpower he had to resist trying to sleep with Sariel. He bit his tongue and, for a moment, the heady thoughts cleared.

Sariel popped out of the bathroom fully dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. Her hair was pulled into a high ponytail that swished with her movements as she walked. She sat on the edge of the bed and pulled on a pair of brown leather boots.

Elliott stood and took the towel with him into the shower and set about trying to relax in the steamy water. The heat piercing his body helped to draw his thoughts from Sariel and soon his willpower returned. He finished the shower and toweled himself off, dressing in his clothes from the previous night. As he was brushing his teeth, the pleasing aroma of freshly brewed coffee permeated his senses.

He quickly towel dried his hair and made his way into the kitchen. Sariel had the radio on and was cooking and dancing quite happily. She stopped what she was doing and sauntered over to Elliott and kissed him deeply. The sweet taste of pomegranate on her lips intrigued the writer.

"Mmm, yep, still really like kissing you." Sariel playfully called out.

Elliott grabbed her and crushed her body against his, kissing her passionately. He growled when she tried to squirm out of his grasp. He broke the intense kiss and focused on her neck. There he left a small, yet noticeable mark where her neck met her collarbone.

"Good morning, Rinn." Elliott purred.

"Shit, Elliott. That's one hell of a greeting." Sariel panted.

"What's on your agenda for today, darling?" Elliott asked as he finally let go of Sariel.

Sariel had turned back to the counter and resumed her work preparing breakfast. The banana and dark chocolate muffins smelled amazing. As Sariel put the last batch into the oven, she turned towards Elliott.

"Blegh, work. Robin's coming by to give me an estimate on re-doing the stables here, and setting up a barn and chicken coop. I've got to water the crops, check in on my parents, check on Lilly, and find someone willing to watch the farm while I'm gone." Sariel recalled.

"Gone?" Elliott asked with a perceptible amount of fear in his voice.

"Ellie, relax. Not leaving you or Pelican Town permanently. I've been here almost a month, I have plans to go back to Zuzu this weekend. I miss Lilly and you seem to really enjoy the coffee she sends me, so I'd like to get you some while I'm there." Sariel spoke softly.

"How long will you be gone?" Elliott asked.

"I'm leaving Thursday afternoon and I'll be back Sunday evening. It's only a four hour drive from here, shouldn't be too horrible." Sariel replied gently.

"That depends on your definition of horrible." Elliot bemoaned.

"Ell." Sariel stated flatly.

"Yes?" Elliott queried.

"Tell me what's wrong." Sariel prodded.

"Nothing's wrong." Elliott lied.

"You crinkle your nose slightly when you lie. Try again, please." Sariel chuckled.

"I'm going to miss you. I've grown quite used to being able to see you whenever I'd like or call you at night." Elliott lamented.

"Oi. What makes you think you can't call me when I'm gone?" Sariel chided softly.

"Oh. Er. Hrm." Elliott stammered.

"C'mere, Ellie." Sariel said warmly.

He met Sariel's gaze and stepped into her embrace. She hugged him tightly and stroked his back softly. He gently kissed her forehead.

"I like you, Elliott. A lot, in fact. I'm going to be staying with Lilly and Audrey while I'm visiting. I'm literally only a phone call away. I promise that while I'm gone I'll still talk to you every day." Sariel affirmed.

"I really like you, too." Elliott replied.

"Okay, now that that's settled. Better?" Sariel playfully teased.

"I… yes. I worry about you, though. What if Lucian tries something?" Elliott growled.

"Let him. I've fought him off before. I'll make sure I'm never alone, too. I know I'm going shopping while I'm there, so that'll be nice. Lots of public places filled with people. There's a couple of movies out I'd like to see too, and I know for a fact I'm having dinner out with my parents while there." Sariel replied confidently.

"As long as you're sure, darling." Elliott replied.

"Elliott, I broke the man's arm. He's right-handed. That's going to put a damper on things." Sariel shuddered as she recalled last night's events.

"Rinn?" Elliott asked softly.

"Yes?" Sariel replied.

"You aren't the only one capable of defending yourself. You don't have to deal with him alone, you know that, right?" Elliott inquired.

"I don't want to see you get hurt." Sariel lamented.

"Darling, I won't. You aren't the only person in this house that's had martial arts training." Elliott replied softly.

Sariel blinked at him as she processed his words. She was dumbfounded that Elliott would have learned something like martial arts. He was normally so timid and passive.

"White Crane. I also trained in some karate for more attacks." Sariel stated.

"Kung fu? Impressive, Rinn. Wadō-ryū, myself." Elliott replied.

"Very apropos. A style that focuses on harmony, yet not pacifism. Simply the acknowledgment that yielding is sometimes more effective than brute strength." Sariel retorted.

"Indeed. Your own style is to emphasize evasion and attack an opponent's vulnerabilities instead of using physical strength." Elliott replied.

"Would you like to watch me perform my taolu?" Sariel asked gently.

"I am sure that would be remarkable. I'd love to, if you don't mind." Elliott responded.

"I don't. Grab a muffin and meet me outside." Sariel called out as she headed towards her bedroom again.

She quickly doffed her clothing and changed into a sports bra and athletic pants that clung to her like a second skin. She switched her boots for flats and exited the house. Elliott was sitting on the steps and Sariel kissed him gently before making her way to the yard.

She turned and faced him and bowed, bringing her left palm over her right fist. She inhaled and exhaled, loosening her body. She closed her eyes and slowly moved her way through the exceptionally graceful movements of the taolu.

As she worked through the motions of the fighting style she felt her stresses and tensions release. In that solitary moment, she forgot how pleasant it felt to work through the taolu and to practice her form. She finished the motions and returned to a bowed position.

"Rinn, that was beautiful. Your movement is so fluid." Elliott stated as he stood up.

"Thanks, Ell. Years of practice will do that to you." Sariel replied, blushing.

Elliott undid his shirt and handed it to Sariel. He took her place and moved through his own powerful kata. Each motion was perfect, direct, well-practiced. The strength in his motions was extraordinary.

"Woah. That's… wow." Sariel stammered.

"Thank you, darling." Elliott replied.

Sariel glanced at her watch and saw it was nearly 8 already. She rolled her shoulders back and shook the last dredges of tension from her muscles. She tightened her ponytail and resolved to get to work.

"Ellie, you're more than welcome to stay here all day, if you'd like. It shouldn't take me all that long to get done with work today." Sariel called out.

"I'd like that, though I should head back to the cabin so I can get some writing done." Elliott lamented.

"Mmkay. If you get busy this week, I'd really like to see you Thursday before I leave." Sariel replied.

"I would enjoy that. I'll call you as soon as I make it to the cabin. Please feel free to contact me throughout the day." Elliott stated.

He closed the distance between them and gently captured her mouth with his. His heart fluttered when Sariel pulled him closer and his hands grazed the bare flesh of her lower back. He could feel his heart thumping in his chest.

Sariel handed Elliott his shirt and watched as he walked away from her. When he was finally out of view, her heart sank and she missed his presence already. She turned her attention towards the work at hand and lost herself in her thoughts.

Four hours passed and Robin arrived for the quotes on the work for the farm. The stable was going to cost a little over ten grand to completely remodel, but it would be worth it. The Coop and Barn were going to set Sariel back an additional ten grand. Adding a Silo to the farm would be a little over a thousand, but necessary.

Sariel sat inside the house drinking lemonade while looking through her financials. She'd made decent money at Joja Corporation and thanks to her parents and Lilly she'd invested it wisely. She stared at the documents in front of her. She was relieved when she figured out she could comfortably afford to install all of the buildings on the farm. She quickly called Robin and made the arrangements. The work would be done over several weeks.

Next, she stared at her phone and called Lilly. Her normally cheerful friend sounded far less happy today. Sariel's heart sank and she too lost the cheer in her voice.

"Hey Lilly." Sariel stated.

"Hi Rinn. How are you?" Lilly asked gently.

"I've been better. Way better, in fact." Sariel replied.

"Oh? Did something happen between you and Elliott?" Lilly inquired.

"No. Lucian showed up last night." Sariel stated with tears in her eyes.

"Oh my god?! RINN! Are you okay? Is Elliott? The house?! Do I need to come see you?" Lilly screamed.

"Woah, slow down, Lilly. I'm okay. Elliott is okay. The house is fine. I'll be there in four days." Sariel replied.

"Oh Yoba! You were on a date with Elliott last night! Please, please, please tell me Lucian didn't crash it." Lilly stammered.

"If I did, I'd be lying. The date went really well. Honestly. I foresee a third date in my future. Lucian called and I stupidly answered the phone. He barged into the Saloon here and tried to stab me. I broke his arm." Sariel stated confidently.

"Damn girl! Good job! Are our plans still a-go for this weekend?" Lilly asked excitedly.

"You bet your ass they are. I need some time with my bestie. If you're up to it, I'd like to stop by the cemetery, too." Sariel lamented softly.

"Drake would be proud of you, Sariel. I thought for the longest time he was going to make a move on you, but he never did. I know you loved him, though." Lilly replied.

"I didn't know until he was gone, Lilly. I realized it at the funeral. I blame myself for it every day." Sariel choked out.

"Oh Rinn. Drake wouldn't want that and you know it. It hurt us all deeply. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you sad." Lilly apologized.

"It's fine. I'll be getting a new Lotus plant for him while I'm visiting. The moonflowers could probably use some pruning too." Sariel stated.

"Hey, Rinn?" Lilly asked.

"Yeah?" Sariel replied.

"I love you like you're my own sister." Lilly affirmed.

"I love you too, Lilly. How are you and Audrey?" Sariel asked.

"Uhm, amazing. The Cafe has been doing great too, so we're bringing in a little more money now." Lilly stated warmly.

"Awesome! Oh, please, please tell me you're gonna have my cupcakes this weekend?" Sariel asked."

"Got the supplies for them today. I'll send you home with a batch, too." Lilly chortled.

"Yay! I love your Gingerbread cupcakes." Sariel exclaimed.

The second line on Sariel's phone chirruped at her and she rolled her eyes when she saw it was her mother calling. She exhaled forcefully and frowned. She tried to ignore the incessant ringing and failed.

"Lilly, I have to go. Mom's calling me. I'll text you later, okay?" Sariel asked.

"Of course. Give mom my love. Bye!" Lilly exclaimed.

Sariel quickly answered the second call and prepared herself for the coming questions. Her resolve never wavered. She kept her thoughts cool and focused.

"Hi Mom. Lilly sends her love." Sariel stated.

"Sariel Lia Shade! Just when were you going to tell us Lucian saw you last night?" Evynne asked with concern thick in her voice.

"Mom, calm down. I'm okay. I had a long night. Elliott stayed with me to make sure I was okay. Last I checked Lucian was still in the hospital here." Sariel spat out.

"You'd be wrong then, darling. He stopped by the house this morning. He's not pleased that you hurt him. We're damn proud of you though. Glad to see all those expensive lessons paid off." Evynne stated.

"Thanks Mom. Are you guys okay?" Sariel asked trepidatiously.

"Yeah, baby, we are. I threatened to shoot him if he came around again." Peter stated.

"Phew, that's a relief. Glad you guys are okay, Dad." Sariel replied earnestly.

"You're still visiting this weekend, yeah?" Peter asked.

"That is the plan, yes. I'm leaving Thursday afternoon, and coming back Sunday. Lilly's offering me their guest bed, so I'll stay there." Sariel replied happily.

"Great. We have plans at the Peachtree for dinner Friday. Lilly and Audrey are invited of course." Evynne replied.

"Great! I'll let them know! I love you guys." Sariel stated.

"We love you too, darling. We'll see you Thursday?" Evynne asked.

"Yep! I'll call you guys once I've made it to the city." Sariel replied.

"Okay, darling. We'll see you soon. Have a good evening." Sariel's parents stated.

"You too!" Sariel exclaimed.

She disconnected the phone and tossed it on the table. A few moments later her phone buzzed and she cast a sideways glance at the device and smiled. Elliott had sent her a text.

"Dinner was amazing last night. I apologize for the informality of a text. I'm still on the way to the cabin. I've been detained by Leah and Emily for questioning." Elliott's message read.

"Ellie, never apologize for that. As for the girls, anything I can help with? Shall I come rescue you?" Sariel quickly replied.

"Please. We're at the pond behind your house. Hurry." Elliott responded quickly.

Sariel looked at her watch, it was just a bit past one. She smiled and tucked the phone into her pocket and traded her flats for a pair of tennis shoes. She slid the spare set of house keys into the small pocket and darted out the door as it locked behind her.

She drew in deep, powerful breaths of air and launched herself forward. Her running form was like that of a gazelle. She'd run for as long as she could remember. It was one of her favored forms of exercise. She bounded along the dirty trails of the farm and entered the clearing for the forest.

She followed the trail as it led from her farm and curved right. She saw Elliott sitting on the dock, basking in the shade while she could only assume he was being assaulted by questions from Leah and Emily. Sariel tugged her earbuds from her other pocket and put them in to give the appearance she was just out for a jog.

As she crested near the dock, Elliott looked up at her and smiled brightly. He waved to her and she slowed her pace and walked up to the trio. She removed her ear buds and sat down on the dock and stretched.

"Hey!" Sariel exclaimed.

"Hello Sariel. Good run?" Elliott asked.

"Eh. Was a bit short. I'll probably go for a longer one this evening. Anyone want to join me?" Sariel laughed.

"Uh, no. Hiking, yes. Running not so much." Leah chortled.

"I'm afraid I'll have to pass too. Not very good at running either."

"I wonder if I could beat you?" Elliott defiantly challenged.

"I dunno. A boring writer that stays cooped up in a cabin all the time? How fast can you run?" Sariel taunted.

"Let me come with you tonight and you'll find out." Elliott fired back.

"Oh ho! Looks like he wants a chase, Sariel." Leah exclaimed.

"I'm not afraid of you, Elliott. I bet that I can beat you in a race, fair and square." Sariel announced.

"It's a challenge then. Feel up to the race now? Through town or the forest?" Elliott asked.

"Town. Starting from the bridge to the beach. Right towards the museum, up towards Joja Mart, across the bridge to Pierre's then back down towards the bridge to the beach. First one back wins." Sariel called out.

"What do I win if I beat you?" Elliott asked.

"You decide." Sariel stated flippantly.

"You." Elliott stated boldly.

"Me? What do you mean?" Sariel asked.

"You. Exclusively you. For you to officially be my girlfriend. Also, one intimate date on a day of my choosing." Elliott taunted seductively.

Sariel gulped. She bore her gaze onto Elliott's and smiled at the sparkle in his eyes. He was ever so slightly smiling mischievously.

"I get to draw you, if I win." Sariel stated.

"Draw me? You've already done that." Elliott replied.

"Ah, I have. But I mean naked. In whatever pose I choose." Sariel stated seductively.

Leah and Emily blushed furiously. Elliott stared into Sariel's face and saw the slightest smirk on her lips. He took Sariel's hand in his when she stretched towards him.

"You're an artist too, Sariel?" Leah asked gently.

"Yep. Computer Programmer by day, artist by night." Sariel stated.

"She's multi-talented, I'm quite impressed by her." Elliott said calmly.

"You just like me because I'm pretty." Sariel quipped.

"Well, that among other things." Elliott replied, smiling.

"Sariel, last night, how'd you do that?" Emily asked cautiously.

"You mean Lucian?" Sariel replied.

"Ah, yes." Emily stated.

"Years of practice. I do mean years, too. I started learning when I was 16. Finished training when I was 23. That was last year. I hold a second level black belt in Fujian White Crane Kung fu. I'd be more than happy to teach you both some basic moves sometime." Sariel stated.

"You moved so quickly!" Emily exclaimed.

"Eh, not quickly enough, unfortunately." Sariel stated as she rested a hand above the slice on her abdomen.

"Are you feeling okay, darling?" Elliott asked with concern in his voice.

"Right as rain! Really, it doesn't hurt. I probably don't need the bandage anymore either." Sariel replied.

"You know, my sister was devastated last night." Emily stated.

"Why for?" Leah asked.

"Elliott's not single anymore, are you?" Emily directed her question towards Elliott.

"No, I do not believe that I am. Rinn, your opinion on the matter?" Elliott queried.

Sariel replied by scooting towards Elliott and kissing him passionately in front of the two women. She moaned when he wrapped his arms around her and deepened the kiss. She threaded her fingers through his long hair and whimpered against him.

"That answer the question?" Sariel playfully retorted.

"A most excellent opinion to hold regarding my romantic availability. But I'm not sure they're thoroughly convinced." Elliott taunted.

"I mean, I'm not sure how else to convince them. I could strip naked and let you have your way with me, but splinters, you know." Sariel fired back.

All three of the others hung their heads and blushed furiously. Elliott's tan cheeks blazed a beautiful shade of crimson. Sariel spied the growing problem he had and laughed slightly.

"Ah, you wound my soul, Rinn." Elliott cried out.

"Eh, come join me in the water! You'll feel better." Sariel called out.

She stood and dumped her phone and keys from her pocket and kicked off her shoes and socks. She positioned herself and bolted into a dead run. She made a beautiful leaping dive into the pond and came up to the surface.

"Oh my god. The water is awesome!" Sariel exclaimed.

Leah stood and jogged back to her cabin and returned wearing a swimsuit. She too jumped in the water. She squealed at how cool the water was on her skin and laughed when Sariel splashed her.

"I think I'll watch you guys swim. I don't have a suit with me and I am not swimming in the nude or my underwear." Emily stated flatly.

Elliott stood and tugged his shirt free from his belt. He stripped down to his boxers and dove off the end of the dock. He expertly held his breath underwater and could hear Sariel calling out for him.

She dove beneath the surface and tackled him, bringing him back up with her. His long hair plastered itself to his neck. Sariel was gently treading water and looked positively happy.

Elliott pulled her close to him and kissed her deeply. He tilted her head upwards and bit along her throat. He growled when she whimpered and mewled beneath his touch. He was thankful the water was cold as it was aiding in clearing his thoughts of all the things he wanted to do to Sariel.

"Okay you two, get a room." Leah called out playfully.

Sariel responded by splashing her and diving under the water. She swore she could feel Elliott staring at her as she swam beneath the surface. She stayed under for what seemed like forever. When her lungs finally burned to the point of needing reprieve, she powerfully surged to the surface and drew in a strong breath of air.

"All right, so you can play the violin masterfully, you can cook, you're a master of Kung fu, you're a trained computer programmer, you can draw, and you can swim like a fish?" Emily cried out.

"Yes ma'am. Was on the high school swim team. Made Captain my freshman year." Sariel beamed brightly.

"Great Yoba. I think Elliott has finally met his match." Leah exclaimed.

"I hope so." Elliott replied lovingly.

"Me too. I'm going to miss you this weekend, Ell." Sariel replied sadly.

"And I, you, darling. Have you any idea on who you'd like to ask to watch the farm?" Elliott asked.

"Watch the farm?" Leah asked tentatively.

"Yeah, I'm travelling back to Zuzu City for the weekend. I'd like to see my best friend. It's… kind of an important date for us this weekend." Sariel replied apprehensively.

"A date? Are you in a relationship with her?" Emily asked.

"Oh heaven's no. I am bi, if that's what you're asking, but I've always preferred men. Uhm, how do I say this?" Sariel bit her lip.

"Saturday marks the remembrance of the passage of Sariel's friend's brother, Drake." Elliott answered for her.

"Drake Granger? The actor?" Emily asked exasperated.

"One and the same. Lilly is my best friend. I… was in love with Drake for a long time. I denied it until after he was gone. The three of us were inseparable. Drake… was murdered because of me." Sariel spat out, the fury in her eyes burned.

"Lucian Reid killed him, right? I remember seeing it on the news when it happened." Emily stated softly.

"That's correct. Drake died protecting me. I've never forgiven myself for that. He shouldn't have died. If it's all right, I'd like to change the subject to something else." Sariel lamented.

"Of course. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to stir up anything." Emily stated sadly.

"It's okay. I've come to terms with most of it. Seeing Lucian again though has brought it all back. He shouldn't have been here. I'm praying to Yoba he takes a hint and leaves me alone for good this time."

Elliott climbed out of the water and used his shirt to dry off his wet skin. He assisted Leah and Sariel with exiting the pond and smiled when Sariel wrung the water from her ponytail. He caught himself staring at her every curve when she moved. She was exceptionally well toned and defined, from what he could assume was a result of years of physical training and exercise.

He beckoned to the women to follow him and they all made their way back into town. He bade them farewell at the bridge to the beach and left to go change. He returned twenty minutes later wearing a white tank top and grey lounge pants. He was wearing a pair of black tennis shoes. His hair was bound in a ponytail and he smiled brightly at Sariel.

"Did you forget about the race?" Elliott taunted.

"Never. I'm ready whenever you are." Sariel replied.

Elliott bent and stretched his powerful muscles. He caught a glimpse of Sariel as she was staring at his defined musculature. The pleased look on her face made him happy.

"Okay, you remember where you're going? Starting here. Right towards the museum, up towards Joja Mart, across the bridge to Pierre's then south towards here. First one back wins." Leah called out.

Elliott and Sariel both nodded. They glanced at each other fondly. Sariel reached up and kissed Elliott on the cheek. He stood for a moment staring at her.

"On your mark, get set…. GO!" Emily cried.

Like a blast from a gun, Sariel was off. Her powerful legs carried her forward. Each surging stride propelled her faster than the last. She rounded the exit from the bridge and waved to Alex. She spied Elliott out of the corner of her eye. He'd taken the inner route, staying close to the water's edge.

Sariel burst ahead of him and cut him off as she careened across the bridge. The sound of their footfalls on the cobblestone echoed out around them. She bore a large smile on her face.

"I think you can catch me, Ellie. You just like the view too much!" Sariel taunted.

"It is quite pleasant." Elliott replied.

He focused on Sariel and urged himself further. He had been holding back just to see what she was capable of. He quickly overpowered her and managed to beat her back to the bridge just a few moments before she arrived.

"Well damn. You held back!" Sariel stated breathlessly.

"You did too. You could have easily beaten me." Elliott replied.

"Mm, the view at the end was worth it." Sariel playfully teased.

"May I claim my prize, ladies?" Elliott asked Leah and Emily.

"You should ask your prize, not us." The both replied.

"You may." Sariel replied.

Elliott hefted her into the air with ease and passionately kissed her. The deep growl that escaped his lips when she tightened her legs around his waist sent shivers down her spine. He moaned when she shifted her weight slightly and pressed against the hardness in his pants.

"You. Exclusively you. Do you promise?" Elliott panted out when he broke the kiss.

"Yes, Elliott. Let it be known that we are now, truly, officially dating. Happy?" Sariel asked.

"Very." Elliott replied.

He sat her down and quickly kissed her on her forehead. He lovingly stroked her right cheek. He knew, without a doubt he was in love with Sariel, he just wasn't sure if she felt the same way.

They made their farewells and that night Sariel's dreams turned towards Elliott. They were frenzied and passionate. She panted and whimpered all night long. She felt a fever burn in her soul and the only person who could quell the flames was Elliott.