Sophie's POV

The building was cold. Water dripped from leaky pipes on the ceiling. A perfect place for Strigoi to hide.

I hid the stake in my boot as I snaked along the walls. I spotted several guards heading my way and I shrunk behind a corner. As they passed, I tuned into their conversation.

"Did they find the escaped Moroi?" A man with a Russian accent asked.

"No, but the boy will have his fill." A woman with an American accent replied. The boy? They must mean Lok!

"The boy is powerful." Russia stated. "For someone who was human before awakening."

"He was a seeker." America explained. "A strong one at that. Based on the titans he was using when we captured him."

"Ethos seems to find him a great adversary. Perhaps he is right."

"He's here." I said to Dante. "We need to get passed the guards."

"Leave that to me." He took the stake from his coat and took out the guards without a second thought.

"This way." I nodded towards a door at the end of the hall. "That's where they came from."

BmWe ran for the door. Zhalia was just barely keeping up due to mine and Dante's enhanced reflexes.

I stopped in front of the old metal door. My legs refused to move. I knew he was in there. I just couldn't bring myself to see him.

Dante put a reassuring hand on my shoulder. I took a deep breath and opened the door. Not bothering to try and sneak in. I wanted him to see me face to face.

As soon as I saw him. The weight of everything hit me like a ton of bricks. He was there. Still as handsome as ever.

Lok turned towards me and flashed a bloodthirsty smile.

"Sophie," he hissed. "I'm glad you could join us." I couldn't speak. The sight of the deep red in his eyes scared away any strength I had. "You seemed surprised. Don't worry. I won't hurt you. Much."

"I'm sorry I let this happen to you." I whispered. "I should have surrendered myself."

"Don't apologies. I've never been happier with one of your screw ups."

"You don't mean that." I took a step closer to him. "I know you don't."

"Don't tell me what I mean. I've never felt stronger in my life. That scrawny little jerk is gone. I'm perfect."

"You were perfect before."

"I was weak. I wasn't worthy of your love."

"Yes you were. I loved you Lok. I still love you. Let me help you."

"I'm never going back." He stepped closer and took my hand in his. "Join me and we can be together. Forever."

"Never." I pulled my hand away. "You're a monster. I want you back the way you were."

"But I'm so much better now." He pulled me into his arms and pressed me against the wall. "Let me show you how amazing it is." I came up with a plan. All I had to do was play along.

"Then show me." I said sweetly. He flashed a fang-filled smile as my hand found the stake. He was about to bite me when I plunged the stake into his heart. A bright golden light illuminated the room and, when it died down, Lok was on the floor, crying. It worked. He was human.

The stake was lying beside him and the wound was closed. I ran to him.

"Lok." I whispered, pulling him up from the floor. "Are you alright?"

"I'm sorry." He said through the tears. "I'm so so sorry. I don't ever want to hurt you."

"It's alright. Everything's alright Lok."

"It was horrible." He cried.

"You're going to be alright. Don't worry. We can go back to court and everything will be fine."

"I can't Sophie."

"Yes you can. You're not the first to be changed back. Dimitri did it."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure. You'll be fine." I kissed his head. "I meant everything I said. I love you Lok."

"I love you too Sophie."

"Come on. Let's go back." I helped him up and he leaned into me weakly. I grabbed the stake and slid it back into my boot.

"Thank you." Lok whispered.