Cornelia sat on the crate beside the carriage observing local people. They were busy loading things into the carts preparing for travel to the capital city disguised as the street merchants. She and the girls got crude sturdy clothes and capes with a cowl to hide their unique features and uniforms. Others too were dressed modestly but with leather armor underneath, placing their weapons into the double bottom secret holes under the carriages. Caleb was in the middle of the organized chaos, directing people, giving orders, swiftly completing the tasks, and taking other ones. She wanted to move to do something, but rebels required preparation, and almost two frantic hours passed as they left Will with the old healer. Watching how Hay Lin and Irma helped to move baskets and boxes joking around with the men Cornelia frowned. Did they not understand the situation? If Taranee was not rescued, they likely would lose Will too. It would end everything… Her mouth dried, how could Elyon do this to her friends? Did that word mean anything to her, or their fond memories were just an illusion? Nevertheless, she hoped deep in her heart that Elyon was not a potential enemy just misguided by them. Phobos was as cunning and charming, as he was ruthless and powerful, he could have achieved that. Cornelia felt tears gathering in her eyes, but did not allow them to fall. She couldn't, not when everything hung on the knife edge. Putting the hood on to conceal her anxious face from everyone she stared at the dirt under the purple boots. She should be helping with preparations, but her hands shook trying to wrestle nerves away. Cornelia jumped as the calloused hand landed on her shoulder.

'You okay?' Caleb asked crouching down to look under the hood, his brilliant eyes were warm and green like the summer grass.

'Yes, just nervous…' her heart picked up a speed. She did not know if it was from the fright, nerves, or the fact that he still gazed at her from under the lashes. Caleb inclined his head in understanding and gently pushed her to the edge of the crate sitting beside her. She could enjoy his pleasant warmth through the clothes as their sides practically touched. Caleb pulled back her hood, and Cornelia looked away hunching her shoulders.

'Hey, look at me. Everything will be alright.' he lightly nudged her shoulder.

'If only it would be so simple. Everything we do recently ends badly and Will was injured the most out of all of us. Now Taranee too… and the mess with Elyon, it's just hard for me to make necessary decisions then I know my friend's lives hang in the balance…' she grimly muttered not looking at him.

'Elyon? Who is she?' Caleb curiously asked.

'Oh, a friend back on Earth…' Cornelia promptly answered covering up her mistake. Girls left out Elyon when telling him about what happened on Earth and Meridian. The rebels knew nothing about Elyon being the missing heir because Phobos still housed her in secret. Guardians mutually decided it was for the best, as they had no possible clue what Phobos was planning. Putting innocent lives at risk just because they believed the missing princess was their salvation seemed foolish.

'I just want everything to end… waiting was never my forte.' Cornelia offered him a faint smile.

'As I said we will help you to cause a diversion. My men are just itching for a bit of chaos in the capital. Everything else depends on you after reaching the castle.' he took her hand interlocking their fingers. Caleb's hand was wide, warm, she gently squeezed it and let go when a jovial man approached them.

'Hey, Caleb! Want some pears?' he said enthusiastically and threw a green object in their direction. Caleb quickly had caught the plump fruit out of the air before it splattered on the ground.

'Good reflexes!' man had noted, already walking away 'we almost ready to go!' he shouted in the afterthought.

'Here, eat this. You will need strength.' Caleb smiled at her, putting the pear in her palm.

'I will check if everything is in order and then we move out.' he stood up, patted his pants, and with a nod in her direction went to the gathered rebels. She flipped the pear in her palms then took a small bite. Sweet juices exploded in her mouth and she closed her eyes enjoying the delicious flavor. Swiftly finishing the offered treat, she stood up and gathering her courage rejoined the girls. Soon the first cart in the line of five carriages moved out into the cobbled road. They climbed into the last cart and prepared for the journey to the city.

Deep in the castle Phobos gently laid down a vulnerable Guardian covered with a robe on the elegant couch. The green cloth dwarfed on her body and he wondered how she could look so petite when there was so much marvelous power tightly packed into that body. Maybe his perception as warped, Guardian was not small by standard definition, merely lean with developed muscles and delicate curves gently rising with every visible breath. He brushed away a stray hair from her forehead and frowned, she was running a fever. Phobos flinched then there was a light knock on the door. Just for a moment he was distracted not detecting the presence outside the private wing. Throwing a spare robe on the girl's head and glancing over his shoulder to make sure she was not visible he composed the face into an indifferent slightly irritated look and swung open the door.

'My Lord?' the chief butler's eyes widened at the unexpected occurrence when he was just about to enter. The prince stood in the doorway casually leaning on the doorpost. He attired himself informally in the green silk shirt with white linings and dress pants, his glossy hair hung in the messy braid.

'Yes?' Phobos raised an eyebrow at the flummoxed servant. He could see the affronted expression at his casual attire. The elderly butler was a stickler to the rules of how the ruler should carry itself.

'Ah, yes… The cook is humbly asking where you will partake of your lunch, my Lord, and if Miss Elyon will join you?' the butler nervously glanced around carefully avoiding looking directly into the prince's eyes.

'I am working, if I require lunch you will be informed. Where is Elyon by the way?' Phobos asked taping his chin.

'This servant does not know, my Lord, haven't seen her since the personal maid delivered her breakfast. If you excuse me, I have to inform the kitchen about your decision' the butler bowed respectfully and turned to leave.

'Inform everyone that I don't want any disturbance and deliver me some refreshments, leave them outside.' Phobos ordered.

'Very well, my Lord' servant bowed again and swiftly fled the waiting room outside the study. Closing the door Phobos leaned on it for a moment releasing the nervous breath he unconsciously held in. Next, he placed a palm on the polished wood and muttered few spells the doors flashed for a second, now nobody without his knowledge would disturb them. With a spark from his fingers firewood stacked in the fireplace brightly ignited, making the room instantly warmer. He approached the woman on the plush sofa and uncovered the robe just up to the waist. Kneeling he placed one hand on her heart and the other on the head. Closing his eyes Phobos focused his magic allowing it to float from his hands into her body, carefully examining for any received damage. His palms glowed with warm green light as magic got absorbed then circled back into him. When he encountered an unusual presence in her head Phobos frowned. There was unexpected and unintended magic covering her mind like fiery red vines connecting to the distance beyond. He could have followed the direct connection down to the source, but Guardian demanded more attention. Whoever played with mind magic was sloppy and did not know what damage it could cause. Phobos opened his eyes just as the Heart of Kandrakar slipped out of Will's white t-shirt.

'So, ancient scheming piece of jewelry… should I leave your Guardian to die?' he mockingly asked. Unexpectedly his heart clenched with the thought, yet he should not be easily manipulated. The pendant angrily buzzed flashing pink sparks.

'You and I both know how delicate healing can be, I do not want to accidentally mind rape your charge,' Phobos muttered shuddering with evident disgust. What people say about him being a monster may be true, but he had morals, and directly messing with the brain was not in his personal preferences. The Guardian would never forgive him for reading her mind, it would be the worst kind of privacy violation. Yet there were not many options to select from, letting the girl slowly die in her sleep or helping. Even the thought of a Guardian life so easily put out just because someone messed up sounded terrible. Since when he couldn't stomach thinking about eliminating her? Phobos told Will only he could kill her in warning, but now he did not want to, not anymore.

'I'll do it, but you have to completely protect her mind.' he said to the pendant. Heart of Kandrakar rattled around and disappeared inside Will's chest. For a second her skin gained rosy shine as if the pink light came from inside. Phobos sighed and gently lifted her out of the couch on the carpet beside it. He knelt above her placing Will's head on his knees. Closing eyes Phobos placed each palm on her temple and concentrated. Familiar magic gradually gathered in his arms illuminating her red hair and pasty skin. Another moment passed and Will stiffened then arched her back in a spasm, her mouth opened with a silent scream, but she did not wake up. His eyes glowed brilliant green instead of the usual icy blue color and magic concentrated around her head. Phobos continuously cut the vines out of her mind until the last one fell, and he slumped in relief and exhaustion.

'Taranee!' Will yelled suddenly lifting from his knees with a raised hand as if desperately grasping something invisible. She collapsed again and groaned in pain. Her gaze was unfocused and hazy and Phobos was glad for that as he breathed heavily from excessive use of healing magic. He gently caressed Will's forehead monitoring her condition. The girl was still feverish, but her innate healing ability should kick in without a problem the Heart of Kandrakar would make sure of that. Reluctantly he withdrew from their position and lifted her back on the couch covering her again. Sitting in the chair Phobos let out a silent grunt and momentarily clutched his head feeling drained. Glancing at the sleeping Guardian, he sighed maybe she will sleep long enough for him to get his bearings. Confronting her when tired was foolish and whatever happened seemed bad. Getting out of the study he brought back the refreshments left by the butler. It was fresh fruits, pastries, and juice in the crystal clear pitcher. Feeling that the situation asked for something stronger than juice Phobos went to the hidden panel in one of the bookcases. A flick on the hidden button, and it opened up. There was an assortment of rare bottles, all in varying sizes and colors. He took out a dark, almost black glass bottle marked with a discolored yellow label. When opened, a heavy smell of sweet berries and alcohol filled the air. Taking clear elaborately carved glass he carefully poured the wine, the liquor was thick and red almost like blood, then properly sealed the used bottle with magic. After taking a sip Phobos relaxed enjoying the moment of silence. Will would soon wake up and he had to look good when they talked again. Feeling a bit vain, he unbraided his long hair allowing it to fall like a silky curtain. Selecting the book on the table, he started to read, now there was nothing to do merely wait until she awakened.

The first thing Will felt was warmth and a pleasant sweet smell. She cuddled deeper into it and sighed contentedly not wanting to get up. Her mind was fuzzy and her body stiff as if sleeping for too long. Yet, for a moment her mind was at peace and everything felt good. Soon awareness trickled into her brain, and she started to notice the silent sound of flipped pages and crackling fire, then silky smooth fabric under her fingers. Will frowned thoughtfully, this was not home. There were no sounds of gossiping electronics or the cars outside the window, just silence and wind, yet somehow it felt safe. Maybe it was a combination of things like gentle warmth, familiar residual magic in the air, and her exhaustion but there was no reason for apparent panic. Opening eyes Will looked around. At first, her vision was fuzzy, but soon she saw a wooden carving in the ornate ceiling and bookcases in the room. There was a green silk robe with a mild lingering scent of roses covering her. It had such a nice smell that she unconsciously lifted the fabric to her nose and took a deep breath. Registering what she's done Will blushed, remembering to whom that particular scent belonged. Her foolish heart started to race when she finally understood, this was Phobos study and he was most likely in the room with her.

'I see you are awake…' there was a sound of a chair scraping the floor, steps and then he appeared in her sight. Phobos was elegantly dressed in a casual green shirt hugging his form like a glove with a few buttons undone and black pants with simple loaf shoes. The natural arrogance he excluded blended with the casual look made her mouth dry. He was sexy and knew it. The smirk on his lips was proof of that. She gazed at the exposed skin on his neck showcasing the red tattoo, dipping just enough to reveal a glimpse of the pale chest. Will shook her head. It was not a good time to think about these things, there were more pressing matters to clarify. But her heart refused to calm down as if the pain she has endured since their previous meeting disappeared and Will could freely breathe again. Deep down she missed him but was too frightened to recognize it.

'What… I mean where, no… How? Why?' her mind was in shambles. Will had so many questions with no answers, the last thing she remembered were girls in her apartment, next going to Meridian, and nothing.

'Very articulate…' Phobos chucked and motioned at the edge of the sofa 'do you mind?'

'Sorry, what?' Will looked at him in bewilderment.

'You are still a bit disoriented. I asked, do you mind if I check your condition?' he shook his head with a slight smile.

'My condition?' Will asked confused. She felt fine, well mostly okay, besides some lingering stiffness in the body and a funny feeling in the head. Phobos muttered something too silent for her to hear, then sat down on the edge practically touching her side. He leaned over, and Will felt butterflies exploding in her stomach when his platinum hair fallen down the shoulder just close enough for her to touch. Her fingers itched with a burning need.

'Don't look at me like that…' he whispered fiercely and his eyes darkened dipping to her rosy lips 'I have to make sure you are alright. The magic I performed on you was incredibly delicate, it could leave some permanent damage' Phobos frowned when Will looked adorably confused, he desperately hoped her mind was intact and Heart of Kandrakar protected her. It would be hard to forgive himself if he irrevocably damaged something. However, seeing her like this comfortably nested on the soft surface covered with his clothes and tracking his movements with evident interest in chocolate eyes, Phobos felt distracted. The male part in him almost growled with hunger. She was not ready for it yet. Everything was too new, and their private meetings were uncommon and inconvenient. He could seduce easily, going by her lingering gaze. However, Phobos did not want just carnal satisfaction, there was also an earnest desire to know her. Perhaps the old pendant was right, it was easy to be ensnared by the Guardian or maybe he was lonely. Whatever the reason there was no way back, not when he tasted the forbidden fruit.

'What magic?' Will asked breathlessly his proximity made thinking hard. Everything simply disappeared leaving only him and that tightly bound magic she could feel under the flawless skin, like the current underneath.

'What do you remember?' Phobos suddenly retreated. She was disappointed, but the question made her think.

'I recall being sick and in pain… So much overwhelming pain… and then we went to Meridian… nothing more…' Will concentrated on the cloudy memories.

Suddenly her heart hurt and she gasped clutching the chest. There glowing inside her and then the Heart of Kandrakar manifested in her palm. Images rushed like the stream into the brain as Will retained everything the Heart protected. There was a whiplash from the rapid feelings and emotions experienced. Jumping out of the couch she almost fell when her legs tangled into the fabric. Firm hands caught her before the unexpected tumble. Will frantically struggled out of his hold wanting as much distance as possible between them. Her heart fluttered like wings of the bird between the ribs. Phobos looked so beautiful and confused by the abrupt change. It hurt to look at him when she wanted nothing more just to dip her eager hands into that silky hair and caress it. However, if he was responsible for Taranee's capture, she could not overlook or condone it.

'Taranee, what have you done with her?' Will asked in a firm voice. She saw a slight slip of hurt on his face before Phobos regained the indifferent mask.

'Fire Guardian? I have not seen her for a long while, probably even before you landed in my garden for the first time…' he proclaimed without much of a thought.

'Liar! She is here, in this castle being tortured by your lackeys, and now you tell me you have no idea about it! Do not joke around!' Will furiously shouted with tears gathering in her eyes.

'What did you say?' Phobos voice was subdued, but Will could feel the temperature in the room instantly dropping. He was not as unaffected as he portrayed.

'There was an ambush concocted by Cedric and Elyon, we stumbled upon it in our stupidity. It was not as I could tell the other Guardians about Elyon being here with you! Anyway, your pet monster had taken Taranee before we escaped, and then something bad happened… I endured everything they did to her in my mind!' Will yelled angrily pacing before the window not looking at him because her conviction might crumble.

Taking a quick glance Will stopped in her track. Phobos stood in the middle of the room head down with hair hiding the face, his palms were tightly clenched into fists. She could see the bulging veins and blood dripping on the floor from the pierced skin with nails. Will already witnessed him like that. Phobos was angry, extremely angry, and he struggled to remain in control. Something she mentioned set it off. The air around him blurred, and the overwhelming pressure in the room doubled. Her limbs trembled, and it was getting hard to breathe. God, just how much power one man could have? Hairs on her arms stood up, the surroundings were charged with so much concentrated power it crackled. Will could taste the magic in the air, like a burnt sugar on the tip of her tongue. Suddenly, there was a loud crackling sound, and the glass on the windows fractured. Will cried in alarm, this was getting out of control. At that precise moment, Phobos eyes fixated on her and she gasped in surprise. His noble face was serene as if sculpted out of the marble, but the eyes were green, like brightly glowing emerald jewels. He took measured steps enclosing her into the wall. Will had nowhere to hide. Felling hardwood under her back she gulped, because in front of her was Phobos as dangerous and unrestrained as he could get. Without her Guardian transformation, Will felt powerless like a cornered animal with the fearsome predator gazing upon it. She steeled her spine and looked up. Guardian's never back down, and she was daring in her choice not to submit. Will believed Phobos would not hurt her, even in his heightened uncontrollable state.

'Are you intimidating me?' she cautiously asked with steel in her voice, knowing it was not in her best interest to further provoke him.

'No, just allow me to confirm something…' he trailed, there was a thud on the wall where his bloody palm struck it. Will could see the wood pulsing and light up in different veins almost like a spider web. Phobos narrowed his glowing eyes and tilted his head as if listening to something only he could hear.

'You are correct, there is a Guardian down in the dungeons…' his voice was deeply veiled with hidden knowledge '…tell to me… you showed up in my garden unconscious, with your life hanging on a thread, because the Fire Guardian was tortured? She messed up the mind magic?' Phobos inquired with persuasion looking straight into her eyes. It seemed she gazed at something ancient and dangerous, but wise beyond his years, lurking beneath the brilliant eyes.

'I am unsure, but I think yes…' Will answered in an anxious whisper, she felt shudders ran down her back. Phobos was still caging her close to his body and with so much active power dripping from him, it was setting off the alarms in her head.

'The mind magic was corrupted and sloppy. It connected both of you on the fundamental level forging a link of feelings, no wonder you experienced her pain… You could have died, and I would have no idea… you could have died because of me…' he silently whispered into her neck. Will felt him slightly trembling. She did not know why? Was it from the strain he put his body under or the thought of her dying?

With everything said Will believed he genuinely had nothing to do with Taranee being captured. Relief and joy flowed, it felt so good to be wrong about him. Phobos was innocent in this, the first time for everything. Feeling brave Will smiled and cupped his cheek, he blinked focusing on her. Following the same trail of thought, her other hand immersed into the silky smooth strands of hair gently scratching the base of his skull like some noble jungle cat. Phobos slumped over with a small groan dropping the head on her shoulder and taking deep breaths. Will was thrilled he was vulnerable without the control and she desired more. Wanted to know all the expressions he could make. However, the world had another plan. Just as Phobos pressed further into her body a deafening boom detonated outside and they were showered with glass shards from the cracked windows. She heard Phobos swear as he sheltered her from most of the flying projectiles. A trail of blood flowed down his cheek and Will saw that his eyes remained green just not as vivid as before. He released her, and they looked at the chaos outside. There was an explosion, and the raging fire was spreading in the city, Will could hear the distant screams of the crowd. Phobos was calm and focused, clutching the wall in determined concentration.

'Your friends are coming, they just entered my garden… I think they intend to rescue the Fire Guardian.' he explained frowning at the unwanted intrusion. 'The explosion should have been a distraction, yet too much damage was done, so I guess the rebels decided to play…'

'I should help them!' Will shouted and made her way to the door hissing as the glass cut into her bare feet.

'Stop!' Phobos seized her just before she could escape 'Are you insane? Think of where you are! How will you explain this?' he gripped her by the waist as Will struggled to get out 'Will, listen to me! You cannot be discovered here, it will place everything in jeopardy!' Phobos did not let go even when Will accepted his reasoning stopping her attempt to get out.

'I have to help my friends! It is my duty as a Guardian to help them fight! I cannot be seen as a weak leader! I don't want to be useless!' Will fumed and her emotions ran high, but Phobos was right. If she shows up now, her friends probably abandon her on the spot. Why she was always felt like stretched in two separate directions.

'I have to do something, or I'll go mad… please…' she begged, clutching a green silk shirt in her palms and searching for any consolation in his face.

'Okay' he relented and sighed 'come here…' Phobos gently steered her through the glass to the damaged window, unlatching it and letting the wind blow into the room. He embraced her from behind as she looked outside.

'You have profound convictions. I admire that, but in one thing you are wrong, Will you are far stronger than you imagine. I can feel your slumbering power. We merely need to find it...' Phobos muttered into her ear, and she could feel him breathing down her neck 'let me help you…listen to my voice…' he interlocked their fingers joining their palms together.

'A fierce protector and a Guardian… the Heart is your magic amplifier and conductor, but you have power deep inside… Close your eyes and listen... Innocent lives are dying in the fire what are you going to do?' Phobos sinful voice whispered playing dangerous seduction with her mind.

'The tension you feel running through your body and in your blood… release it… open up and surrender…' Will felt his magic caressing her skin and her own responded to its guidance. His other hand went to her stomach just above the hip finding one uncovered spot under her t-shirt and gently stroking rotating patterns with his thumb. Her body was set ablaze, the Heart of Kandrakar hung heavy on her chest, and with every thump it pulsed with radiant light. Will felt like going mad from the sensitive touches, his intoxicating smell, the delicious feeling of their pressed bodies, and his steady breathing behind her. She was so aware of him and the fire he ignited.

'Trust me…' Phobos tenderly kissed her neck and Will vibrated, her body pulsed with magic begging to be released like sparks under the skin. This she felt when silencing the electronics in her house just on a very different amplified scale.

'Now transform…' the sultry voice purred with satisfaction and Will felt lips caressing her thundering pulse point. With Phobos order light surrounded them and their magic mixed just as she transformed without any words. She felt so desired and seduced at the same time. If he asked she would surrender to the sensual game he played, her innocence worked against her. Her body vibrated with so much magic around it was almost painful. Will wondered how anyone could ignore that, it felt like a storm was brewing in the room. Phobos intentionally raised their joined hands through the window.

'…and now let everything go…' he smiled cheekily, and the magic naturally flowed through their arms into the sky. Pink and green mixing into one stream separate but still the same. Clouds immediately gathered, heavy and black and the atmosphere darkened. Frequent lightning struck with booming thunder and Will giggled with exhilaration as the storm started to rage. To her surprise the rain started to fall with such heavy downpour it seemed the world was painted gray. She could see the distant fire gradually going down leaving the blackened wooden ruins behind. Will turned around and jumped into his waiting arms laughing out loud already starting to feel exhausted as the magic drained and transformation canceled. They stumbled awkwardly to the ground both breathing heavily.

'Thank you…' Will shyly whispered hiding her head on his chest. Now when her body dropped from the high she was embarrassed by their recent behavior even if that felt so good. Phobos groaned under her and lifted them up. Brushing the glass shards out of her hair, he said 'you have to leave before it's too late. I will take care of everything…' he caressed her cheek and leaned in barely grazing her lips. It was such an innocent peck after the seduction he put her through that Will wanted to giggle, but contained it.
'Will, you said we will not meet again, but I changed my mind… we will… especially after this… now go, please…' he said looking a bit pale and worse for wear yet so serious.
'Okay, maybe I will see you later…' she bit her lip not knowing what else to say. Deciding it was the right idea to depart Will requested the Heart of Kandrakar 'take me back to where I came from!'
She looked at him till the last second until instantly disappearing. When she vanished Phobos groaned and clutched the windowsill as he slowly slid down on the ground. Breathing heavily he closed his eyes, there was too much magic was wasted today in rashness. It was unacceptable to lose control like that. He will have to pay for it later, but the thought of his sister responsible for the treason was the last drop. Everything hurt, yet there was no rest for the wicked. Phobos had disobedient family members to take care of. He needed his strength back even if that was a minute of relaxation sprawled on the ground in an undignified manner. He clenched his trembling fingers remembering Will's body responding to his touch like a glorious flower. Phobos thumped his head on the carpet, now was not the time for such thoughts, but the image remained deeply buried in his mind. He desired her, badly and it could only lead to his downfall.