Cornelia sat on the crate beside the carriage, observing the locals. They were busy loading items into carts, preparing to travel to the capital city disguised as street merchants. She and the girls were given crude, sturdy clothes, and capes with a cowl to conceal their distinctive features and uniforms. Others too were dressed modestly but with leather armor underneath, placing their weapons into the double-bottomed secret holes under the carriages. Caleb was in the midst of the organized chaos, directing people, issuing orders, quickly completing tasks, and accepting new ones. She also wanted to move to do something, but rebels required preparation, and nearly two frantic hours passed as they left Will with the old healer. Cornelia frowned as she watched Hay Lin and Irma help move baskets and boxes while joking around with the men. Did they not understand the situation? If Taranee was not rescued, they would most likely lose Will as well. It would end everything… Her mouth dried. How could Elyon do this to her friends? Did that word mean anything to her or were their fond memories just an illusion? Nevertheless, she hoped deep in her heart that Elyon was not a potential enemy, just misguided by them. Phobos, who was as cunning and charming as he was ruthless and powerful, could have done it? Cornelia felt tears gathering in her eyes but did not allow them to fall. She couldn't, not when everything was on the verge of falling apart. Putting the hood on to hide her anxious face from everyone, the blonde girl 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.
'Are you all right?' Caleb inquired, crouching down to peer beneath the hood. His brilliant eyes were the color of summer grass—warm and green.
'Yes, just nervous…' Her heart picked up speed. She wasn't sure if it was from fear, nerves, or the fact that he was still staring at her from beneath the lashes. Caleb inclined his head in understanding and gently pushed her to the edge of the crate sitting beside her. As their sides were practically touching, she could feel his pleasant warmth through the clothes. 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 were that easy. Everything we've done lately has gone wrong, and Will has suffered the most. Now Taranee... And the mess with Elyon—it's just hard for me to make necessary decisions when I know my friends' lives are at stake,' she grimly muttered, not looking at him.
'Elyon? Who is she?' Caleb curiously asked.
'Oh, a friend back on Earth...' Cornelia replied quickly, covering up her error. When the girls told Caleb about what happened on Earth and Meridian, they left out Elyon. Because Phobos still kept her hidden in his palace, the rebels had no idea she was the missing heir everyone was searching for. The Guardians mutually decided it was for the best, as there was 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 it to be over. Waiting was never my forte.' Cornelia offered him a faint smile.
'As I said, we will help you cause a diversion. My men are just itching for a bit of chaos in the capital. After you reach the castle, everything else is up to you.' He took her hand in his and interlaced their fingers. His palm was wide, warm, and hardened from work. She gently squeezed it and let go when a jovial-looking man approached them.
'Caleb, hello! Would you like some pears?' He exclaimed enthusiastically and threw a green object at them. Caleb quickly snatched the plump fruit from the air before it splattered on the ground.
'Nice reflexes!' The man had noted, already walking away. 'We're almost ready to go!' he shouted as an afterthought.
'Here, eat this. You will need strength.' Caleb smiled at her, putting the pear in her palm.
'I'll double-check everything, and then we will leave.' He stood up, patted his pants, and walked over to the gathered rebels, nodding in her direction. She flipped the pear in her palms and then took a small bite. Sweet juices exploded in her mouth, and Cornelia 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 onto the cobbled road. They boarded the last cart and prepared to travel to the city.
Deep within the castle, Phobos gently placed a fragile Guardian wrapped in a robe on the elegant couch. The green cloth dwarfed her, and he wondered how she could appear so petite when there was so much marvelous power packed into that body. Maybe his perception was warped. Guardian was not small by conventional standards but rather 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. For a brief moment, the prince was preoccupied and failed to notice the presence outside the private wing, flinching after hearing a light knock on the door. Throwing a spare robe atop the girl's head and checking over his shoulder to make sure she wasn't visible, Phobos composed his face into an indifferent, slightly irritated look and swung open the door.
'My Lord?' The chief butler's eyes widened at the unexpected action when he was just about to enter. The prince stood in the doorway, nonchalantly leaning against the doorpost, looking casually dressed in a green silk shirt with white linings and loose pants. His glossy pale hair hung in a messy braid.
'Yes?' Phobos raised an eyebrow at the flummoxed servant. He could see the affronted expression marring his face because of his casual attire. The elderly butler was a stickler for how the ruler should carry himself.
'Ah, yes… Where will you have lunch, my Lord, and does Miss Elyon plan to join you?' The butler nervously scanned the area, avoiding looking directly into the eyes of the prince.
'I am currently working, if I need something, you will be notified. Where exactly is Elyon?' Phobos asked, taping his chin.
'This servant is ignorant, my Lord. Since her maid delivered her breakfast, I have not seen her. Please excuse me, but I must inform the kitchen of your decision.' He bowed and then turned to depart.
'Inform everyone that I do not wish to be disturbed, and deliver me some refreshments, but leave them outside.' Phobos ordered with a dismissive wave of his hand.
'Very well, your majesty.' The butler bowed once more and swiftly fled the waiting room outside the study. Closing the door, Phobos rested for a moment against it, releasing the nervous breath he had unknowingly held. He then placed his palm on the polished wood and muttered a few spells. The doors flashed for a second with white light, indicating that no one would disturb them without his knowledge. With a spark from his fingers, the stacked firewood in the fireplace lit up brightly, instantly warming the room. He approached the woman on the plush sofa and pulled the robe down to her waist. Kneeling, he placed one hand on her heart and the other on the head, then closed his eyes and focused his magic, allowing it to float from his fingers into her body, carefully examining it for any damage. His palms glowed with a warm green light as magic was absorbed and then circled back into him. Phobos frowned when he noticed an unusual presence in her mind. Unexpected and unintended magic covered her mind like fiery red vines connected to the distance beyond. He could have followed the direct connection down to the source, but her health 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 piece of scheming jewelry, should I let your Guardian die?' He asked mockingly. His heart clenched unexpectedly with the thought, but he was not easily manipulated. The pendant buzzed angrily, emitting pink sparks.
'You and I are both aware of how delicate healing can be. I do not wish to accidentally commit mind rape on your charge.' Phobos muttered with obvious 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 invasion of privacy. Still, there weren't many choices between letting the girl slowly die in her sleep or helping her. Even the thought of a Guardian's life being taken so easily because someone messed up sounded terrible. Since when couldn't he bear the thought of harming her? He once told Will that he could only kill her as a warning, but he no longer wanted to.
'I'll do it, but you have to completely safeguard her mind,' he said to the pendant. The Heart of Kandrakar rattled around and disappeared inside Will's chest. Her skin took on a rosy glow for a split second as if the pink light came from within. Phobos sighed and gently lifted her off the couch and onto the carpet beside it. He hovered above her, placing Will's head on his knees. Closing his eyes, Phobos laid 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, abruptly rising from his knees and raising her hand as if desperately grasping something invisible. She collapsed again and groaned in pain, her gaze hazy and unfocused. Phobos was grateful for it as he made an effort to control his shallow breathing that had resulted from the 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 hitch; the Heart of Kandrakar would ensure 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. He sighed, looking over at the sleeping Guardian. Maybe she will sleep long enough for him to get his bearings. Confronting her when tired was foolish, and whatever happened to her seemed bad. He left the study after a few moments and returned the butler's refreshments. It was a platter of fresh fruits, pastries, and juice in the crystal clear pitcher. Feeling that the situation demanded something stronger than juice, Phobos went to the hidden panel in one of the bookcases. With a flick of the hidden button, it opened up. Inside was a collection of rare bottles in various sizes and colors, with glassware neatly placed in the corner. After some thought, he pulled out a dark, almost black glass bottle with a faded yellow label. When opened, a heavy smell of sweet berries and alcohol filled the air. Taking a clear, intricately carved glass, he carefully poured the wine. The liquor was thick and red, almost like blood. He then properly sealed the used bottle with magic. He brought the glass to his lips and took a small sip, savoring the rich flavors that danced on his tongue. The wine had a complex taste, with hints of blackberries and oak. He took another sip and appreciated the craftsmanship of the glass, which added an elegant touch to the experience while enjoying the moment of relaxation. Will would soon awaken, and he needed to look composed when they spoke again. Feeling a bit vain, Phobos unbraided his long hair, allowing it to fall like a silky curtain and frame his face. He began reading after selecting a book from the table. There was nothing left to do but wait until she awoke.
The first thing Will noticed was warmth and a pleasant, sweet smell. She sank deeper into it and sighed contentedly, not wanting to get up. Her mind was foggy, and her body was stiff as if she had slept for too long. Yet, for a brief moment, everything felt at peace. Soon, awareness crept into her head, and she began to notice the silent sound of flipped pages and crackling fire, followed by silky smooth fabric under her fingers. Will frowned thoughtfully. She was not at her house. There were no sounds of gossiping electronics or cars outside the window, just silence and wind, and yet it felt safe. Perhaps 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 her eyes, Will looked around. Her vision was blurry at first, but she soon noticed a wooden carving on the ornate ceiling and bookcases in the room. Her body was draped in a green silk robe with a light, lingering scent of roses. It smelled so good that she unconsciously lifted the fabric to her nose and took a deep breath. Registering the silly action, Will blushed, remembering to whom that particular scent belonged. Her foolish heart began to race realizing she was in Phobos's 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 the prince appeared in her sight. Phobos was dressed elegantly in a casual green shirt that fit his form like a glove with a few buttons undone and black pants with simple loafers. The natural arrogance he excluded blended with the casual look, making her mouth dry. He was sexy, and he knew it. The smirk on his lips was proof of that. She looked at the exposed skin on his neck, highlighting the red tattoo and dipping just enough to reveal a glimpse of his 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 Will had felt since their previous meeting had vanished and she could breathe freely 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 was girls in her apartment, going to Meridian, and then 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 remain somewhat disoriented. I asked, 'May I check your condition?' He shook his head while smiling slightly.
'My condition?' Will asked, confused. She felt fine, or at least mostly all right, except for some lingering stiffness in her body and a strange feeling in her head. Phobos muttered something too quiet for her to hear, then sat down on the edge, almost touching her side. Will felt butterflies explode in her stomach when his platinum hair fell down his shoulder just close enough for her to touch it. Her fingers itched with a burning desire to run through his soft strands.
'Don't look at me like that...' he commanded, his eyes darkening and dipping to her rosy lips. 'I have to ensure you are alright. The magic I performed on you was incredibly delicate, it could leave some permanent damage.' Phobos peered at Will, who looked adorably confused. He desperately hoped her mind was intact, and the 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 obvious interest in chocolate eyes, Phobos became distracted. The male part of him almost growled with hunger. She wasn't ready for it yet. Everything was too new for them, and their private meetings were rare and inconvenient. He could easily seduce her based on 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 correct, or maybe he was lonely. Whatever the reason, there was no turning back once he tasted the forbidden fruit.
'What kind of magic?' Will inquired breathlessly because his proximity made thinking difficult. Everything vanished, leaving only him and the tightly bound power she could feel under the flawless skin, like the current beneath.
'What do you recall?' Phobos abruptly 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 focused on the hazy memories.
Her heart suddenly ached, and she gasped, clutching her chest. There was a glow within her, and then the Heart of Kandrakar appeared in her palm. Will retained everything the Heart guarded, and images rushed into her brain like a stream. The intense feelings and emotions caused whiplash. She almost fell off the couch after her legs became entangled in the fabric. Firm hands caught her before the unexpected tumble. Will frantically struggled free of his grip, wanting as much space as possible between them. Her heart fluttered like a bird's wings between her ribs. Phobos appeared both beautiful and confused by the abrupt change in her mood. It hurt to look at him when all she wanted to do was reach her eager hands into that silky hair and caress it. The intensity of her desire overwhelmed her, making it difficult to resist the temptation. She clenched her fists, trying to regain control of her emotions and push away the ones that consumed her. If he was responsible for Taranee's capture, Will couldn't ignore or justify it. She had to confront him and demand answers, even if it meant sacrificing the fragile connection they had. Taking a deep breath, Will reminded herself that loyalty to her friends came first, no matter how much her heart ached for Phobos.
'Taranee, what have you done with her?' Will asked. Her voice quivered slightly, betraying the mix of bitterness and fear that churned within her. There was a slight slip of hurt on his face before Phobos regained his indifferent mask.
'Fire Guardian? I haven't seen her in a very long while, probably since before you landed in my garden for the first time...' he stated without much reflection.
'Liar! You claim to be unaware that your lackeys are torturing her here, in this castle. Do not joke around!' Will yelled angrily, tears welling up in her eyes.
'What did you say?' Phobos's voice was subdued, but Will could feel the temperature in the room instantly dropping. He was not as unaffected as he portrayed himself.
'There was an ambush concocted by Cedric and Elyon, we stumbled upon it in our stupidity. It wasn't like I could tell the other Guardians that Elyon was 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 in front of the window, not looking at him because her conviction might crumble.
Taking a quick glance at him, Will stopped in her tracks. Phobos stood in the middle of the room, head down, with his hair hiding his face. His fists were tightly clenched. She could see the bulging veins and blood dripping on the floor from the pierced skin. Will has already seen him behave in this manner. 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 could one man have? The hairs on her arms stood up, and the surroundings were charged with such concentrated power that they cracked. Will could taste the magic in the air, like burnt sugar on the tip of her tongue. Suddenly, there was a loud crackling sound, and the glass on the windows fractured. She cried in alarm. This was getting out of control. At that precise moment, Phobos's eyes locked on her, and Will gasped in surprise. His noble face was serene as if sculpted from marble, but his eyes were green, like brightly glowing emerald jewels. They seemed to hold an ancient wisdom and a hint of mischief, drawing Will in with their intensity. He took slow, deliberate steps, enclosing her against the wall. There was no place to run. She gulped, feeling hardwood under her back, because in front of her was Phobos, as dangerous and unrestrained as he could be. Will felt helpless without her Guardian transformation, like a cornered animal with a terrifying predator staring at it. However, even if she lacked her powers, Will straightened her spine and looked up. The Guardian never backs down, and she was brave in refusing to submit. Will was confident that Phobos would not harm her, even in his heightened, uncontrollable state.
'Are you trying to intimidate me?' She asked warily, but with steel in her voice, knowing it was not in her best interests to further provoke him.
'No, just give me a moment to confirm something.' He trailed off. When his bloody palm struck the wall near her head, there was a loud thud. It made her jump and turn. Will could see the wood pulsing and lighting 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 in the dungeons...' His voice was heavily veiled with hidden knowledge. 'Tell me... You arrived in my garden unconscious, with your life hanging by a thread because the Fire Guardian was tortured? She made a mess of the mind magic?' Phobos inquired with persuasion, looking straight into her eyes. It appeared that something ancient, dangerous, and wise beyond his years lurked beneath those brilliant eyes.
'I'm not sure, but I think yes...' Will replied in an anxious whisper, and she felt shudders run down her back. Phobos was still enclosing her close to his body, and the amount of active power dripping from him was setting off alarm bells in her head.
'The mind magic was corrupted and sloppy. It connected you both on a fundamental level, forging a link of feelings. No wonder you felt her pain... You could have died, and I wouldn't have known... You could have died as a result of me,' he whispered softly into her neck. Will felt him tremble slightly. She had no idea why. Was it the strain he put on his body or the thought of her death?
As Will processed his words, a mix of concern and guilt washed over her. She gently turned to face him, searching his eyes for answers. Will was convinced that, despite everything, he had nothing to do with Taranee's capture. Relief and joy followed. It felt so good to be wrong about him. Phobos was innocent in this, the first time for everything. Will, suddenly feeling bold, smiled and cupped his cheek. He blinked, focusing on her. Her other hand, following the same train of thought, immersed itself in the silky smooth strands of hair, gently scratching the base of his skull like some noble jungle cat. Phobos sagged with a small groan, resting her head on her shoulder and inhaling deeply. Will was overjoyed, he was vulnerable and uncontrollable, and she craved more—wanted to know all the expressions he could make. However, the world had other plans. Just as Phobos pressed further into her body, a deafening boom detonated outside, and they were showered with glass shards from the cracked windows. Phobos swore as he shielded her from the majority of the flying projectiles. A trail of blood ran down his cheek, and Will noticed that his eyes remained green, albeit not as vivid as before. He let her go, and they both looked out the window at the chaos. There was an explosion, and a raging fire engulfed the city. Thick plumes of smoke billowed into the sky, obscuring the view. Panic spread like wildfire as people scrambled for safety amidst the pandemonium. Will could hear the distant screams of the crowd. Phobos remained calm and focused, clutching the wall in determined concentration.
'Your friends are approaching, they have just entered my garden... I believe they intend to save the Fire Guardian.' He explained, frowning at the unwelcome intrusion. "The explosion ought to have been a diversion, but too much damage was done, so I suppose the rebels decided to play...' Phobos said, his voice laced with disdain. As the turmoil outside grew louder, he glanced at Will with a hint of concern.
'I should help them!' Will shouted and made her way to the door, hissing as the glass cut into her bare feet.
'Stop!' Phobos grabbed her by the waist just as she tried to flee. 'Are you insane? Consider where we are! How are you going to explain this?' He tightened his hold on her as Will struggled to break loose. 'Will, please listen! You cannot be discovered here. It will put everything in jeopardy!' Phobos refused to let go even after Will accepted his reasoning, halting 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 will almost certainly abandon her. Why did she always feel pulled in two directions?
'I have to do something, or I'll go mad… Please...' she begged, clutching his green silk shirt in her palms and searching for any consolation in his face. Phobos sighed, his eyes filled with sympathy as he gently pried Will's hands off his clothes.
'Okay… Come here...' he conceded, gently guiding her through the glass to the broken window, unlatching it, and allowing wind to enter the room. The prince then hugged her from behind as she looked out the window.
'You have profound convictions. I admire that, but about one thing you are wrong, Will. You are far stronger than you imagine. I can sense 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. 'You are a ferocious protector and Guardian... The Heart is your magical amplifier and conductor, but you have power deep within... Close your eyes and listen... Innocent people are dying in the fire. What are you going to do?' Phobos's sinful voice whispered, playing dangerous seduction with her mind.
'The pressure 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 hand moved to her stomach just above the hip, finding one uncovered spot under her t-shirt and gently stroking rotating patterns with his thumb. She felt a surge of power coursing through her veins, intertwining with the magic that enveloped her. Her body was on fire, and the Heart of Kandrakar hung heavy on her chest, pulsing with radiant light with each thump. Will felt insane from the sensual touches, his intoxicating scent, the delicious feeling of their pressed bodies, and his steady breathing behind her. She was well aware of him and the desire he awoke in her.
'Trust me…' Phobos gently kissed her neck, and Will started to shake. Her body pulsed with magic, begging to be released like sparks beneath the skin. This is what she felt when shutting down the electronics in her house but on a much larger scale.
'Now transform...' the sultry voice purred with satisfaction, and Will felt his lips caress her thundering pulse point. With the prince's order, Will surrendered to the intoxicating sensation, and light surrounded them as their magic mixed just as she transformed without any words. She felt both desired and seduced at the same time. If he asked, she would give in to the sensual game he was playing, but her innocence worked against her. Her body vibrated with so much magic that it was almost painful. Will wondered how anyone could ignore that, it felt like a storm was brewing in the room. As the intensity grew, their connection deepened, and Will could sense the raw power emanating from them both. The air seemed to crackle with anticipation as if they were on the verge of unleashing something extraordinary. It was a dance between desire and restraint, a delicate balance that held them both captive in its magnetic embrace. Phobos deliberately raised their joined hands through the window.
'And now let everything go...' He smiled cheekily, and the magic flowed naturally through their arms into the sky. Pink and green power blended into a single stream that was distinctly separated but still the same. The vibrant colors intertwined, creating a mesmerizing display that illuminated the sky. When magic dispersed with a gentle burst of sparks, clouds quickly gathered, heavy and black, and the atmosphere darkened. Lightning struck with booming thunder, and Will giggled with exhilaration as the storm started to rage outside. To her surprise, the rain began to fall in such torrents that the world appeared gray. She could see the distant fire slowly dying, leaving the blackened wooden ruins in its wake. Feeling excited and exhilarated, Will turned around and jumped into his waiting arms, laughing out loud. Phobos stumbled backward, feeling exhausted as the magic drained away. Will's transformation canceled out, like ribbons slipping away, revealing her human form. They fell awkwardly to the ground, both breathing heavily.
'Thank you…' Will shyly whispered, hiding her head on his chest. She was embarrassed by their recent behavior, even though it felt so good at the time. Phobos groaned beneath her and lifted her, helping her stand. Carefully brushing the glass shards out of her red hair, he said, 'You have to leave before it's too late. I will take care of everything…' He stroked her cheek and leaned in, barely grazing her lips. Will wanted to laugh but held it back because it was such an innocent peck after the seduction he had put her through. As she looked into his eyes, Will couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions: relief, gratitude, and a tinge of regret. She knew that their passionate encounter had come to an end, and now it was time for her to face the consequences of her actions. Taking a deep breath, Will nodded silently and turned away, knowing that leaving was the only choice she had.
'Will, you said we would not meet again, but I changed my mind… We will, especially after this… Now go, please…' He pleaded, looking a bit pale and worse for wear, yet so earnest. Will hesitated for a moment, torn between her desire to stay and the realization that Phobos had once again saved her. Mustering a small smile, Will tried to convey her understanding. 'Okay, maybe I will see you later…' She bit her lip, not knowing what else to say. Deciding it was the right time to depart, Will requested the Heart of Kandrakar. 'Take me back to where I came from!' Looking at him until the last second, instantly disappearing. When she vanished, Phobos hissed and clutched the windowsill as he slid down to the ground. Breathing heavily, he closed his eyes. Today's rashness cost him too much magic. It was unacceptably dangerous to lose control in that way. He'll have to pay for it later, but the thought of his sister being responsible for the treason was the last drop. Everything hurt, but there was no rest for the wicked - he had disobedient family members to deal with. He needed to regain his strength, even if it meant a minute of undignified relaxation sprawled on the ground. Phobos clenched his trembling fingers, recalling Will's body responding to his touch like a glorious flower. His head thumped on the carpet. Now was not the time for such thoughts, but the image remained deeply buried in his mind. He wanted her so badly that it could only lead to his demise. Phobos knew he had to push aside his desires and focus on the task at hand. The weight of his responsibilities pressed heavily on his shoulders, reminding him that indulging in forbidden fantasies would only distract him from his duty. He forced himself to rise from the ground, determined to fix the situation before it spiraled out of control. With a heavy sigh, Phobos straightened his posture and took a deep breath, using every ounce of willpower to banish the alluring image from his thoughts, and went to summon his advisers.