Disclaimer: Black Magician trilogy belongs to Trudi Canavan

As Cery refilled Savara's glass, she stiffened and stared into the distance.

"What is it?" he asked.

She blinked, her eyes focusing on his face.

"Your Guild has made its first good decision."

"Oh, really?"

She smiled.

"Orders to stop speaking mind to mind."

Cery drained his glass.

"Will that do them much good?"

"It might have, had they done it a week ago," she shrugged and picked up her glass. "But it is good the Ichani won't learn about the Guild's plans now."

"Neither will you."

She shrugged.

"No, but it doesn't matter anymore."

Cery considered her. She had put on a gloriously well-fitting dress made of soft, delicate material that left nothing to imagination. He followed the neckline with his eyes and sighed wistfully. He knew she was leaving, but it wouldn't be easy.

"Savara…"

Her eyes flashed up to meet his, her mouth a thin line.

"I cannot stay, Cery," she cut him off. "I must go. I must obey my people."

"I just…"

"No, stop, Cery," she interrupted. She stood up and began pacing the room. "I wish it wasn't so, but I must go. I delayed enough."

"Hai," Cery raised his hands to keep her silent. "Let me get a word in!"

Savara stopped pacing. She stared at him with weary eyes.

"I wish you could stay, but I will not ask you to stay," he told her, a worried frown creased his forehead. "We both have responsibilities to our people and our feelings cannot direct our actions."

She blinked, and nodded. Obviously, she was surprised at his maturity.

"I will miss you, Cerini of the Thieves," she told him, her throat tight.

"I'll miss you, too, Savara," he replied in a level voice.

They locked gazes and remained thusly for some time. Savara was the first to break eye contact. She looked at the floor.

"Well," she sighed dramatically. "I do not much like travelling by moon light."

Cery narrowed his eyes. A grin was threatening to break across his face.

"Few people enjoy that," he remarked, nodding.

Her mouth stretched into an alluring smile.

"It wouldn't hurt if I left a day late," she said.

Snorting with amusement, Cery climbed on his toes to kiss her. She bowed her head to make it easier for him. As they broke apart, he took her hand and led her into his bedroom.

"That gives me more time to thank you for your help," he told her on the way.

"Really?" she smiled slyly. "And how will you do that?"

Cery gave her a mischievous smile.

"You will just have to wait and see," he pulled the door closed behind them. "I don't want to ruin the surprise."

Cery was watching Savara, tracing her lips with his fingertip, so he immediately noticed the change of her expression. Her eyes flew open, wide and staring, and her features twisted with loathing.

"What is it?" he asked.

Savara put her hand over his mouth to keep him silent. Cery stared at her face, registering the horror and disgust there. Feeling sick and worried, he waited for her explanation.

For full ten minutes, Savara absorbed some unknown monstrosity, and he waited for her to recover. Finally, she heaved a shuddering breath and closed her eyes. They were wet.

"What is it?" he asked again.

She didn't reply. He waited, his stomach was fluttering uncomfortably.

"Savara?"

She swallowed hard.

"Parika," she whispered.

Cery blinked, uncomprehending.

"Who?"

Savara's eyes focused on his face at last. They were full of pity.

"An Ichani," she said unwillingly. "He captured her."

Cery felt chills run down his spine as he understood her meaning. Sonea…

Thank you for your reviews. I cannot say if there are chances for a happy ending. Firstly, I'd ruin the story for you, and secondly, I have no clue. Yet. I can kind of see how the killing-off might be necessary to keep the story going. Enjoy reading. I'll update soon.