My heart clenched. I thought of May and her messy ponytail and beaming face.

The children we were able to save had been in the early stages of the "experiments." They might have survived with their souls intact, but they had seen enough horrors and abuse for a lifetime as well.

And to relive it all…especially knowing what would happen…

Leif's concerned voice brought me back to the present.

"The Brandy Meeting is tomorrow night, and it could be imperative to Sitian-Ixian peacekeeping. If I leave now, I'll have to have a very good reason why and it could complicate things. And if what we're dealing with is something like Blood magic, we could use Valek on our side."

Leif was quiet for a moment as he considered what I said, "You think it could be Blood magic?" His voice was pained.

"I have a hunch. Whoever this is, they're not doing anything by random. They want something from these people."

Leif nodded. "So I can expect to see you soon then, little sister?"

"I'll leave during the day. We'll meet at my college."

The next day passed slowly with my growing anxiety. After some unsuccessful attempts to read my history assignments and prepare for a quiz from Bain, I began to pace.

I stepped out onto the balcony and leaned out over the banister. My hands gripped the rail. It was this castle. It was Ixia. I had come so far but even with my friends and new position, I would never feel free here.

I continued pacing. But what I really wanted to do was climb a tree. I chuckled: I really was turning into my mother.

Moon Man's voice popped into my mind and I remembered his admonishments about wasting energy fretting. With a groan, I plopped down onto the couch. He was more annoying than ever in death.

I wished Valek would return so that I could talk to him and make contingency plans. Where was that infuriating man? I turned at every small sound, always expecting that cocky rat to try and sneak into my guest suite. My eyes wandered to the open bedroom door and in spite of myself, smirked, already imagining what we'd be doing once we were reacquainted. With all the stress from preparing for the Brandy Meeting compounded on this, I could really use a distraction.

With a sigh, I finally gave up waiting for him in the afternoon and sought out Janco, Ari, and Maren at the training field to tell them about the situation. Ari and Janco were all but running to pack their bags. Laughing, I stopped them so we could finish our conversation in the quiet of the storeroom.

Maren waved her hands, "Wait, wait, wait! So if they can steal their souls with their, whatever, "not magic," why bother kidnapping them? Why not just pop the soul out and run?"

Janco sighed dramatically and face palmed, "Because there's always this ritual thingy they need to do to get the power. Otherwise, the soul goes to the sky or wanders aimlessly until our oh-so-lovely Soulfinder Yelena can guide them there. You need to keep up with the program, girl!"

Maren snorted in annoyance and crossed her arms, "If I'm going to help, then I'd better know what's going on. Otherwise I'm walking."

Always getting directly to the point, Ari promoted, "What do you need?"

I smiled at his loyalty. Even if this was not an Ixian problem, my Northern friends never hesitated to offer their assistance. "With Valek's immunity to magic, we should be fine. Besides, how will we get all three of you out of Ixia? I'm pretty sure the Commander would already be annoyed at me for taking his chief of security away. But to leave the Castle completely unmanaged? …Unless there's a third-in-command protege these days that I'm not aware of?"

Janco crossed his arms and raised a slender eyebrow pointedly. "Oh no. You're not even going to think about trying to pull that again. But if that's what you're really worried about, I'm sure Valek can find someone. Either that or he'll just dress a few people up to pose as us.

Ari nodded in agreement, "The Commander's busy. And there's rarely anything amiss with everything as efficient as it always is. I doubt he'd even notice if we're gone for months at a time."

"Months might be pushing it." I said flatly. I really didn't want to get them in trouble.

Janco smirked, "You better get used to the idea of us coming, whether you like it or not. Evil things always happen when you leave us behind or in the dark, remember?"

I grumbled. After the events surrounding the Fire Warper and especially after all the consequences of my bad decisions, they were never going to let me live any of it down.

"Okay, okay I promise not to go anywhere without any of you."

I looked out of place as the only member of the congregation without a uniform. This was my first meeting and my heart was already pounding from anxiety.

A familiar face caught my eye. She walked over to me and perched on the table before me. I was happy that Dilana was able to spend more time getting to know her new friend.

"Still here?" I asked the Captain.

"Mmhmm." Annie nodded, folding her arms, "The snow cat problem is really getting out of hand. It makes sense to bring someone along from the front lines to help the case. We can't just keep feeding them, no matter what they say. People are already going hungry from the effort."

"Do you have any better suggestions?" I asked.

Her brown eyes narrowed as she considered me. Did she think I was mocking her? When she did speak, her voice was filled with steely resolve. "Feeding them will never solve anything. It's just a bandage on an infected, seeping wound. Food won't make them leave us alone. It only encourages them to make dens closer to us and breed like rabbits. We need to find a way to kill them."

I gasped. Only the Commander has ever been known to do that. I voiced the fact aloud.

"Yes but he was alone. We have teams and those teams have soldiers every bit as dedicated to defending their homes and loved ones. Well the voluntary ones anyways. The criminals have little choice but we could most certainly use them for live bait."

Her calculating ruthlessness that she didn't bother to hide unsettled me. But on the other hand, her entire mind was geared towards the welfare of her people. Did good intentions and ends always justify the means?

"The snow cats aren't normal game. They aren't fish you can bait with petty prey."

"I know they're not." Her voice was impatient. "But we want permission to do our own research and find a weakness that we can use. Don't misconstrue me, liaison. I'm not looking to exterminate an entire species. I want to teach those creatures to fear us, to know that we're not there to give or be food for them. If we can do that, then our problems would be minimal."

Annie made me think about the Stormdancers and how easily they could help with the snow storms in the North. Then their problems would really be minimal.

At that moment, Valek entered in his dress uniform. The peevish look over having to wear it was still there and I couldn't help but smile. Our eyes met and his face lit with delight and anticipation. At the same time, there was a tension in his muscles that always indicated trouble.

The Commander pounded his gavel. The Brandy Meeting had begun.

The brandy was passed around generously, even to me. But the last thing I needed was to be drunk tonight. Yet I could still remember how delicious they all were and refraining from tasting anything proved difficult. If I drank from one glass, I'd have to taste them all or it'd be considered an insult to the General. And out of the corner of my eye I could see Valek watching my abstinence and stifling a laugh. He better make it up to me tonight.

General Kitivian had the floor. He stood to talk about the snow cat problem, prompting the old groans from the other Generals.

It wasn't working. In spite of his prepared points with the pointed inputs of his Captain, no one wanted to hear about the same malady meeting after meeting. And their newest proposition was being met with derision and endless criticism. Annie watched me intently and I realized she wanted me to advocate for them.

"If I may, Commander," I willed myself to speak. When the Commander nodded, I continued, "The General raises a good point. As someone has told me, feeding the snow cats is 'putting a bandage over an infected, seeping wound.' It doesn't solve anything and the lives of your people are still in danger."

"Your point is well noted, Liaison Yelena." The Commander said, "However, there is no known, reliable way to kill a snow cat. How would you account for all the lives that will be lost if I order such an expedition?"

I counted my points with my fingers to emphasize my points. "One, they would be volunteers. Captain Annie has given the impression that she can organize a squadron who are willing to take this risk and to follow her lead with steadfast loyalty. Two, they would not be going in blind: To bring this to your attention at a time like this clearly indicates that they have thought about this for a long time. And third, we all have to admit that this is the only truly comprehensive solution. If you don't address this tonight, you will have to do so eventually. Lives will still be lost in the meantime."

The Commander nodded his approval. "You make a very good argument." He proceeded to rule in favor of the proposition.

General Chenzo of MD-2 stood in outrage and sputtered, "But sir! We don't know anything about these creatures! We can't just stop feeding them!"

"I'm not ordering anyone to stop feeding them. Nor am I ordering anyone to take part in this experiment. But I am giving my permission to volunteer. If you want your jurisdiction to not participate and to continue feeding them, I will still leave that up to your discretion."

Annie was smiling widely at me but I could have kicked myself. Snake spit, what have I done to myself? Now everyone will expect me to actually pay attention to everything else – including General Tesso's speech about corn!

The Generals of MD-2 and MD-3 barely contained their chagrin at the end of the meeting, especially with their inhibitions lowered from the alcohol. They muttered under their breaths and aggressively shoved papers into their briefcases.

But Kitivian was thrilled. He and his procession in tow made their way out of the war room. All save for one.

Annie had walked across the room to my side and tucked a piece of paper into my hand with urgency, "I'd give it to her myself but I wouldn't even have time in the morning to say goodbye. This is my full name, district number, and place of residence. I figured that if I wrote it down, Dilana might more likely remember to write me."

I tucked the paper safely within my pocket, "Don't worry. She'd never be able to forget someone like you. I know I certainly wouldn't."

Annie beamed. "You must promise to visit me in MD-1 someday. I know we're not exactly the best place for vacations but the General's house can be rather comfortable. We can have tea and hearty meals in the parlor."

"Anabella, come." Kitivian's insistent voice came from across the room.

An old ire filled her face as she growled, "Not this again. I've told you before, General, it's Annie. Or even Anne. Anything but that atrocious name."

"Annabella, you use the name 'Annabella' for any official documentation and the like, Annabella." The General sounded so petulant that I half expected him to stick his tongue out for added effect.

She gave me one last wave and stalked her way to his side, muttering, "…Because my father was a complete idiot..."

"Your first meeting and I already have complaints over potential foul play." The Commander said as Valek and I followed him to the suites. "Do you really get such a kick out of upsetting important people?"

"But you haven't ordered anyone to do anything. And I don't remember being banned from weighing in on difficult issues with good points."

The Commander assessed me with his sharp eyes. To this day, they still made me flinch. "It wasn't their idea and that's what annoys them the most. Playing favorites won't help you win any favors from the Northern generals. If you want to make any progress with Sitian negotiations, you'll have to stop sawing my war room in half when you're here. They're already questioning the legitimacy of your position."

"With all due respect, that would mean they're questioning your judgment, sir." But his lecture stuck.

He gave me another one of his rare smiles. "Well Yelena, it seems that I should have been more insistent with my offer to make you my adviser."

My hand flew to my chest in mock horror, "But then I wouldn't be able to play favorites!"

The Commander laughed and opened his door. He turned to Valek and the smile faded. "I expect a full report by tomorrow." He was still annoyed with his tardiness.

"Yes, sir." Valek barely contained his amusement at our exchange.

With a nod, the Commander entered his suite and closed the door behind him.

Once the door closed behind us in Valek's suite, we turned to each other and simultaneously said, "What's wrong?"

Laughing, we tried again. "I'll go first!" We both offered without hesitation.

We grinned at each other and both shook our heads in amazement. In spite of our "soul mate status," old habits died hard. A few years ago, we would still be dodging, albeit playfully, the question and stalling. Then someone would seduce the other into bed and whatever communication problem we had would never be resolved, or worse, would have to be coerced out of the other. The worst part is that we'd have to fight eventually, and sometimes bitterly, over our trust issues.

And now we wouldn't hesitate to tell the other confidential, classified information, knowing that we'd be better off if we did.

Valek fingered a lock of my hair. "I made you wait all day. You go first. Tell me what's wrong, love."

I stepped back toward the couch playfully, "Well I made you wait two seasons."

But I promptly informed him of the situation and my bad hunch about Blood Magic being involved.

Valek considered the new information carefully. He removed his jacket and began to pace. "It's uncanny because I found similar developments in MD-5."

A shudder swept through me as my thoughts instantly went to Carra and the other people who were left behind. While Irys and I had been able to save several children, there were some who couldn't be helped. And moving them only agitated them. I had gone back several times before but had never been able to restore their souls. Having been robbed of all their magic, they had essentially died.

Valek must have seen my expression because his face was laced with concern. But I gestured for him to continue.

He nodded. "Someone has been targeting sexual assault survivors. They're going down the list of 'alleged' victims and disappearances have been reported." He sat next to me and kneaded his temples. "The worst part was having to deal with all the advisers and incompetent security – victim blaming galore. And they still ask why MD-5 has the highest rate of sexual abuse crimes."

Anger burned in me as I recalled the General "voicing" his concern without appearing to make much effort to amend it. While the promotion was great, he was not too thrilled over inheriting a district with such a reputation. But that was all he seemed to care about. "What's the point of all these laws then?" I already regretted not pressing the issue harder at the Brandy Meeting.

Valek smiled sadly at me. "I can make a good case on the basis of homeland security and tranquility. But when it comes to policy, it seems you'll have to be the one to lead that, love."

He glanced at me quickly and, energized, said, "I know that look though. You'll change this system yet. And I'll help you."

I smiled, already thinking about the future. But we still had this situation to take care of. "If these two plots are connected, then it would make sense to look for victims in MD-5 because of the convenient location. It's right next to the Southern border, so they wouldn't have to worry about moving large distances."

Valek seemed to follow my train of logic. "I briefly visited MD-7 and there have been no reports or suspicions of any unusual amount of border crossing."

"They could be using magic to deflect the border guards. Or disguising the prisoners as trade goods in crates." My last run in with Starr was still fresh in my mind.

"Then Sitia would be the best place to go. What were you planning?"

"We're going to meet Leif at my Featherstone cottage. He's still doing some investigating. And…" I sighed in annoyance, "Ari, Janco, and Maren all want to come…because evil things will happen if we leave them behind. But how will you cover for everyone?"

Valek snorted in amusement. "The Commander will have to know I'm gone. And no leaving me behind was never going to be an option. He'll easily grant permission when I tell him that his people are getting kidnapped and dragged across the border. Ari, Janco, and Maren, however…it'll be difficult. Then again, we could use all the help we can get."

"None of them would take no for an answer."

Valek grinned. "Well that put that debate to rest then. I get a feeling that if we leave them behind, they'll be sneaking along anyways. And besides, I can always send one of them back early in case there's trouble."

For the next hour, we mapped out our journey: the schedule and the supplies that we would need.

When we were finally done with work, we all but fell into each other's arms and kissed with passion that we had to suppress all night.
He began nuzzling my neck and my voice came out breathless, "You know something funny, Valek?"

"What?" He placed a trail of kisses down my neck and tugged at my shirt.

"I've never seen your bedroom."

He laughed and taking my hand in his, eagerly led me up the stairs to the door with the elaborate hunting scene.

The suites that he and the Commander occupied were the most elaborate and expansive of the castle. Naturally, they had belonged to the King and Queen of Ixia prior to the takeover. It was truly a fitting end.

Unlike the common areas of the suite, Valek's bedroom was far more minimalist. A stout bed with an ebony headboard and frame was placed in the middle of the room with a matching bedroom bench at the foot of it. The rest of the chamber comprised of a wardrobe in a discreet corner and a carved desk and chair on the other side.

I spotted the intricately designed double glass doors next. They led to an elaborate balcony and I stepped out, eager to see what view he'd have from this room. I breathed in the cold night air and leaned out over the banister. A gentle breeze swept through me as the moonlight bathed the castle grounds in its complete stillness. The gardens were a small distance away, giving the occupant of this room a most peaceful and calming sight to wake up to each morning.

Valek chuckled at my curiosity and began to turn the covers down. It was a habit of his that I loved: making sure that I would never be cold.

When I finally turned back to face him, he reclined on the bed, head propped up on one elbow, and waiting patiently for me. His inviting smile drew me closer.

I perched on the side of the bed closest to the balcony, intimately naming it mine, and began to remove my boots. Valek's gentle and deft fingers began to untie my hair from behind. His hand lingered in the strands as I turned to kiss him.

In another moment, the weapons we always tied so securely to ourselves fell to the ground with a satisfying thud.

~Valek~

"This bed is so comfortable." Yelena yawned.

Valek couldn't help but smile at the way she relaxed deeper beneath the covers, preparing to fall asleep. But even as she lay securely nestled in his arms, the dull ache for her wouldn't go away. He had chalked it up to having to lose her twice but the rationale never made him feel any better.

"It's a different experience when there's someone in it with you. And lavender is a soothing scent to fall asleep to." He had meant to sound casual. But the longing from his heart had inevitably snuck into his voice.

Yelena shifted so that she could see his face. Her perceptive eyes – ones that his vulnerabilities and weaknesses could never hide from – pushed his stony guise aside with ease. "We won't go to sleep yet."

...And yet she would never use any of it against him. When he spoke, his voice was hoarse. "I love you."

Long, long chapter I know. I hope it wasn't too overwhelming. I considered cutting it in half but then it was like "nah I'd rather they finish the day (and night!) in one go...all the way up to couple time." And like I said, a good deal of this has already been written so updates will be coming like candy. :)

Review please! Your kind words really do make my heart soar.