The location where Cobra wanted them to cast the spell turned out to be a small cottage about half a day's journey from town. They arrived just before sunset.

"This reminds me of my childhood home," said Aaron. He walked around the building, inspecting it from the outside.

Lucy remembered the cabin that she and Natsu had explored in Zeref's memories. He was right; this was a similar home—small and rustic.

"This actually was my childhood home for a few years," said Cobra. "We used to live in a grand castle with red towers and large gardens, but after my mom and I left, this was all she could afford. I haven't been back here in years."

Lucy remembered Zeref's first castle and its unique red towers. She felt a little sick realizing the connection.

They ate a small dinner and went to bed early. There were two small bedrooms in the cabin so Lucy slept in one and the two men shared the other.

Her wrists were tied to the bedpost and the mattress was made of straw so it was next to impossible to get comfortable. She feigned sleep when Aaron entered her room and sat on the edge of her bed.

He sat there for a while. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft and reflexive.

"So you are in love with the Dragon King Natsu?"

She paused, not sure if she wanted to reveal that she was in fact—awake. However, she had been hoping for a chance to talk to Aaron without Cobra nearby and this would probably be her last chance.

"Yes."

"In the dungeon, the poison dragon slayer said that Natsu tried to rape you. Is that true?"

She swallowed. "Yes."

"But you forgave him? Why?"

Lucy thought about it for a moment. "Well, because I know that Natsu wouldn't ever really do something like that under normal circumstances. I think his personality was altered by the Dragon King's curse."

"I wonder if that's true," he said softly. "It's been so long since I was human. It's hard to remember but… I don't think I was the type of man who would kill a person."

His head dropped as if he were looking at his hands. "The things I've done—they're starting to upset me. I'm starting to wonder if it's better that I end my life."

"It's normal to feel regret. Now that you recognize that you've done something wrong, you can try to atone for it… as a human. I know you've committed atrocities that can't be undone, but maybe there is hope for redemption."

"Redemption? Do you honestly think a miserable being such as me can be redeemed?"

"Perhaps. I think you could be in your brother's eyes at least," she said.

"My brother said that you were special to him. What did he mean?"

Lucy shifted. Her arms were sore from being restrained for so long. "I've only known your brother a short time, but we… got close quickly."

"Were you romantically involved?"

She decided to be honest, even if it was uncomfortable to admit. "There was something between us, but I'm in love with Natsu."

Aaron shook his head as if he was confirming something. "The poison dragon slayer is trying to convince me to turn you into a Dragon King as well."

"What!?" Lucy forgot to speak in a hushed tone and tried to sit up. "Why would he do something like that?"

"I was upset last night. Seeing the young man who we rescued from the canal made me realize how precious a human life can be. I began to doubt that I should become a Dragon King. As I was pacing in the bedroom, that man—Cobra entered and began to tell me things—things that I wanted to hear but deep down, I knew weren't true. He told me that if I made you a Dragon King, we would be together and you would keep the darkness away."

"He's probably trying to find another way to hurt your brother. I don't think having another Dragon King around would prevent you from killing again."

He nodded. "Possibly—that seems to be what motivates him. The thing is… I almost believed him. I've been so alone these last 400 years. There was no one to talk to. It was so easy to forget my humanity and be consumed by primal instincts. Turning you into a Dragon King was a very appealing idea." He turned around and his eyes looked tired. "But then I remembered what my brother said to me. He said you were important to him. I don't want to hurt him anymore than I already have."

He reached to his side and pulled out a knife.

Lucy's body tensed. "Please don't" she said.

Aaron lifted the knife towards her wrists. "Relax—I'm letting you go." He cut through the rope and Lucy tentatively stood up.

"Thank you," she said.

He nodded. "I don't have the key for your cuffs but I'm sure my brother will be able to help you get those off. I'm sure he's looking for you now. It won't be hard to find him."

Lucy hesitated, and then gave him a small hug. He seemed so sad; in another lifetime she would try to help him but right now, she had to help herself. She glanced at the bedroom's window. That would probably be the best way to leave—she was getting pretty good at climbing out windows anyways.

She took a step towards the window and was suddenly overcome with the urge to sleep. Why was her body so lethargic all of a sudden?

Aaron's eyes widened. "What's that smell?"

"Wha-at do you mean?" Lucy swayed. She was actually feeling a little drunk.

Aaron pulled his collar up over his nose. "There's something in the air. We're being poisoned!"

She slumped to the ground.

Aaron took a couple steps to the window and tried to open it. He managed to unfasten one of the locks before he stumbled to the ground.

At that moment, Cobra stepped into the room. "You shouldn't have gone against me," he said as he looked down at Aaron.

It was the last thing Lucy saw before she lost consciousness.