Apologies everyone! I did not forget. It was a hectic weekend and Monday so I didn't have time to post in the evening. Fanfiction decided it wasn't going to work Tuesday evening so I couldn't post either. Wednesday seems like a functioning day haha.

Here is the long overdue Part II of our two lovers. Again, I really wanted to dedicate some time to this that encompasses some intimate material and the connection between them.

We also have quite the insight into Lara's past and the beginning of our adventure into the Emprise…

Hope you all enjoy this one xx

—-

Chapter 22:

It was the first time Lara had ever experienced an orgasm caused by another person. It was a completely different experience than bringing herself to orgasm. Her body had exploded in so many ways internally as she released and crashed around Cullen. His hands and mouth had expertly worked her again, this time allowing her to finish; her vision was clouded with stars, her knuckles white as she gripped the sheets beneath her, her chest rising and falling fast as she tried to catch her breath again. They hadn't even had sex yet and she hated to think how much experience he had.

No! Don't even go there…not right now.

Cullen looked satisfied with himself as he made his way back up to her. To her surprise, he kissed her, allowing her to taste her release on him. In his mouth. His boldness shocked her, but had also oddly turned her on. She kissed him back, enjoying the taste of her on him, and finding her own boldness, her hand trailed down to his bulging erection. Her finger swiped over the precum that glistened on his tip causing him to stiffen but also winning a groan out of him. That immediately satisfied her.

She gripped him and slid her hand up and down his length, mimicking his movements earlier when he fisted himself. She had no experience to go by besides the other female mages in the Circle that discussed their adventures with men, Templars included, late at night before bed. Even then, it wasn't much to guide her in this moment. His groans meant she was doing something right though or so she hoped. She didn't realize how much his groans edged her on, how much she needed it, how much she desired it. He broke the kiss, eyes looking at her almost tortured. Confusion now filled her at the look in his eyes. He grabbed her hand, placed a kiss on it, and laid down. He grabbed her waist and lifted her on top of him.

He really doesn't like being touched…

"Ride me, Lara," His voice was husky, filled with longing.

Her eyes widened at what he just asked of her. She tried to remember something the mages had said before bedtime, but her brain came up with nothing. No advice to guide her on what to do. What he wanted her to do. He lifted her hips up, but she was unsure what she was supposed to do. Embarrassment filled her as her inexperience was loud and clear.

"Grab my cock," He guided her gently.

Maker…

She flushed at his words as she reached down, secretly excited for an excuse to hold his erection again, reveling in how hard he was in her hands, because of her. For her. She snuck in a few pumps.

"Lara," It was a warning.

She hid a smirk, trying to ease him a little as she lined him up to her entrance. Nerves kicked in as she realized this was it. Her virginity was no longer hers but now Cullens. She was giving it to him, giving him too much of her. She had never trusted anyone else to have it but with him, she did. It was still a vulnerable experience, knowing he had that over her. That he could break her heart at any point. With a slow breath, she braced herself for the pain that was sure to come with his size and descended.

One inch. Cullen's jaw clenched. Her mouth popped open at the sensation now filling her body.

Two inches. His eyes darkened. She bit her lip as the sensation grew. As her body started to stretch to accommodate him.

Three inches. Her body began to shake. Or maybe it was his. She couldn't tell.

Four inches. A moan of pain mixed with pleasure escaped her as the biting pain of her stretching that took over was laced with pleasure at the feel of him inside her.

Five inches. Cullen now watched where he was filling her. That image alone turned her on, but all she could focus on was the feel of her stretching and the feel of him inside. It was a feeling of fullness she never felt before.

Unable to take it anymore, Lara forced her body down the rest of his length letting out a loud cry and gripping his chest for support as she closed her eyes. Cullen had moaned with her at her sudden movement.

"I know, my love, but you've done so well. We can stop if you want…" Cullen comforted her as he gripped her upper thighs, massaging them.

My love…

"No, Maker, no…I just-I feel so full," Lara said between breaths, trying to calm the sensations that were overtaking her at this moment. There was no stopping now, not when she had just somehow fit him inside of her by some unknown miracle. She didn't know what felt better, the pain, the fullness, or the pleasure. Some months ago, it was her life mission to avoid this man. Now here she was, in his quarters, in his bed. An enemy. Giving him a part of her she could never take back.

He's not your enemy anymore.

"Are you in pain? Talk to me," He seemed desperate but still massaged her upper thighs.

"No. It's just…it's so intense," Lara tried to catch her breath as her insides throbbed. She couldn't properly sum up what she was currently experiencing.

"Move, Lara," He demanded, his grip tightening, almost as if to stop himself from losing control.

Panic ran through her at his words. She bit her lip nervously, unsure what to do. Move? How? Nothing prepared her for this moment. He knew she was a virgin, but what if she was bad at this? What if he never wanted to touch her again? It would be no surprise to her if she messed this up.

"Don't worry. It will feel good no matter what. Lift up and down again," He guided her, sensing her nervousness.

She swallowed hard and followed his cue. The sensations rushed through her as she moved, a moan escaped her as she clutched his chest again for support. He made no protest to her clutching his chest. Spasms of pleasure overtook her, the pain subsiding as she lowered herself back down. With each movement, the pain lessened and desire filled her as she wanted more of him. Green eyes locked with honey ones as the connection between them grew, the eye contact heightening the pleasure. Her hips started moving on their own in ways she didn't think possible. Cullen released a hand from her waist and lowered it to where they were joined together, running his finger along her lip where she gripped his cock. He coated her clit with her wetness as he played with her while she rode him. She clenched at the movement, letting out a moan, her body picking up the pace on its own, getting a feel for it. For him. He was building her up again, that same pressure appearing, this time more intense than the last.

"My beautiful girl. Come for me," His voice deep with longing as he let her take over and have her first time be hers.

His words caused her to flush but also stirred her movements to increase as she needed more of him. She needed to release what was building inside her. The pleasure, the sensations, the pressure, the desire. The emotions that she had no idea what to do with. It solidified there was no returning now that she gave herself to him. The thought terrified her yet thrilled her at the same time.

His thumb pressed harder, sending her out of her thoughts and onto the edge where she was so close, a sense of urgency filling her to jump off from that point into her release. She felt him pulse inside her and on impact, she was barreled forward.

"Cullen!" She unknowingly moaned out his name as her release washed over her, indeed more intense than the first time causing her to topple on top of him. Her vision blurred and her body tightened around him. He held her through it the entire time, protecting her.

Before she could come to her senses, he shifted them so that he lay on top of her. She stirred, still holding onto him for support.

"I thought I loved hearing you saying my name before. I love it even more now knowing you're mine," He whispered in her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

Delayed note to self…Cullen has a bedroom personality too.

He sat up, his hand stroking down her body as he lifted her thigh up, slowly moving in and out of her. She gasped at the new angle, an uncomfortableness reappearing but still pleasurable all the same as she felt every ridge of him against her.

"Lara…" His voice was huskier now as he gripped her thigh. "I don't know how much I can hold back. I only have so much control."

"Take me," She looked him in the eyes, repeating her words to him on the battlements. "Please. I need more." His words filled her with desire, longing. He had wanted more too.

Her words were his undoing, much like they were on the battlements when he kissed her. He muttered something in response but she couldn't hear as he thrusted into her hard, the waves washing over her with a strong force. It was an ache but a delicious ache at the same time as he held her and claimed her. She felt safe under him, knowing that he protected her. That he would instantly stop if she wanted him to. But she didn't want him to. She wanted him to show her how much he wanted her, how much he needed her. That she isn't just a fantasy. He hits a spot that blurs her vision, sending a jolt to her core as her wetness continues to release around them. He hits it again and again, knowing her body better than she does.

Maker…don't stop…please don't stop…

She can't find the words, lost in waves of pleasure, no longer in control of her body again. She's lost count of how many times her body has been under his command. She feels insatiable, like she can never tire of him inside her and keeps wanting more even though they haven't finished. His body moves with expertise and precision above her, and she can't help but get lost in the way his muscles move as he takes her, as he pumps in and out of her, clutching to her. Her body begins to meet him at every thrust not knowing if it's her or him causing her to move. His eyes never leave hers, and she's never felt so exposed, so vulnerable, like he could see right through her. His body shudders, his breathing increases, his groans closer together, his cock pulses inside her, his grip tightens. His curls hang wildly, framing his face now covered in sweat. She knows he's near that edge, the same edge he had brought her to before.

"Come for me," She pleaded his words back to him.

He lets out a moan, closing his eyes as he thrusts himself closer to the edge.

"It is you who has taken me, Lara," He confessed, his eyes now heavy with admiration.

His gaze caused her beating heart to stop. It was not what she expected him to say nor for him to look at her with such admiration like she was his only reason for living. She let out a soft moan at the feel of him releasing, each rope, each pulse filling her inside. A different type of fullness she didn't know she needed. He lowered himself onto her, surrendering, capturing her in his arms, his lips crashing on hers.

—-

"Here, take this," Cullen handed her a vial glowing with a faint purple color.

"You carry potions in your room? Scandalous," Lara eyed him as she prepared a bath for them.

Cullen blushed. "It's protection so you don't become with child."

Lara's eyes widened. He carried a protection potion. The thought hadn't even come to mind yet he was stocked. A pang of hurt slashed her chest at the thought of how many other women must've been here or in his previous quarters in Haven yet she couldn't blame them. She had never felt anger towards a potion before.

"How many women have been here?" The question was out before she could stop it.

"What!" Cullen nearly yelled, his eyes in shock. "Maker…I'm not good at this, am I?" He ran a hand through his hair as he approached her.

"I'll admit it looks bad but I swear to the Maker none other than you. It's been a long time since I've been with a woman or even wanted to. I kept this just in case…" A flush rose to his cheeks as he looked away, "In case you ever changed your mind."

"You asked Adan to make you a protection potion?" Lara arched an eyebrow.

"Yes, and he seemed to gather who it was for. He warned me he would slip me something not so nice if I ever was to hurt you, to defend his Herald," Cullen let out a chuckle.

"Good. As he should," Lara smirked, pleased with Adan.

She downed the contents of the vial, not wishing to be with child anytime soon. Especially not while this mark consumed her.

—-

The morning sun beamed strongly in Cullen's room, causing Lara to stir. Golden rays shone throughout the room, reminding her of Cullen; his golden curls, his honey eyes. She looked over and there he was as promised, still by her side in the morning, their legs intertwined with each other. Lara didn't want to leave but preparations had to be done for Emprise. She gently untangled her legs from his, not daring to wake him as he was in a peaceful slumber. Sleep was not common for him so she wanted him to have it.

She descended the ladder and found their discarded clothing by his desk, along with the scattered items from his desk. Heat rose to her cheeks as she remembered how he cleared it with one swipe, how he intended to take her on it. A longing for him bloomed in her hip bones again and she shrugged it off, focusing on getting dressed. Her hand was on the door, ready to depart, until she heard thrashing upstairs.

"No…No! Leave me…" Cullen's voice sounded constricted as it echoed throughout his office.

Nightmare.

She quickly made her way up the ladder and rushed to his side. She didn't dare touch him while he thrashed around. The pained look on his face tugged at her heart, knowing which memory in particular he must be reliving right now. With a loud gasp he shot up, causing Lara to rear back.

"Nightmare?" Lara asked.

He visibly relaxed upon seeing her like she was his safety and laid back down, closing his eyes, trying to catch his breath.

"They always are. Without lyrium, they're worse," He answered.

He sat up again, reaching for her. She felt that pull to him and immediately leaned forward to him. He cupped her face again, thumb stroking her cheek.

"I didn't mean to worry you," He gave her a weak smile.

"Can I worry about you a little?" She asked, pressing her cheek into his touch.

Cullen let out a laugh. "You are…I have never felt anything like this," He confessed, the emotion in his voice raw as he closed his eyes.

Lara leaned into him more, those same emotions she didn't know what to do with last night resurfacing again, threatening to spill. She couldn't answer him, her words betrayed her. Instead, she leaned in to kiss him hoping it would convey what she couldn't. He gave her a warm smile as he laid back down and Lara made her way out of his office before he could drag her back to him.

—-

"My, do we look different?" Dorian assessed her as she approached him.

Lara arched an eyebrow. "I haven't changed anything."

"Your appearance. You're glowing. Was his bed nice and warm?" Dorian smirked.

Lara flushed. Of course Dorian would have this figured out. Thankfully they were alone.

"Actually the desk was quite cool," She shot back.

Dorian's mouth opened in surprise. "Color me shocked. He took you on his desk? Oh my."

Lara giggled but soon caught herself. Now she was giggling?

"Giggling? I see he's also fucked you senseless," Dorian commented.

"For fuck's sake Dorian!" She hissed as she swatted him. "He almost took me on his desk, but when I told him he was my first, he changed plans and took me to his bed."

"How sweet. At least he's a gentleman," Dorian smiled.

"He told me the desk is still not out of the picture," Lara couldn't help but smirk. The thought excited her.

"So he is a dashing and dirty Commander after all? I knew it. You'll have to tell me all about it on our journey over," Dorian snapped his fingers as if to make a point how right he was.

Lara rolled her eyes as they continued packing the necessary equipment for their journey. Soldiers were also packing the other carriages behind them with their equipment. They were traveling quite heavy and in numbers. This was going to be a hell of a battle based on the reports they received about the location. Red lyrium mining was rampant which meant the Elder One's future was still going to plan even if it wasn't his original. Lara was going to have to put in extra effort to stop him, which meant military force was required. If they were mining red lyrium…it meant…

Images of bodies with red lyrium protruding out of them resurfaced causing the contents of her stomach to churn.

No…I won't go there.

Once everything was packed, Dorian approached her again.

"Before we depart on what's sure to be an abysmal adventure, I wanted to give you something. I know you're going to be mad at me but I think fair is fair. You forced me to approach my father, it's time you approached your family. I believe it was your brother who affected you most," He handed her a letter.

Lara's heart raced, her eyes widening at the letter. Panic gripped her, her post-orgasm bliss coming to a screeching halt as it left her body. She couldn't even be mad at Dorian. This was him getting back at her, this was what she deserved and she was paying for it now. Tears pricked at her eyes causing her vision to blur.

"I must confess I contacted your brother before Redcliffe. We had been in discussion. Coincidentally, you forced me to confront my father just after that. I almost wasn't going to entertain the idea but after the stunt you pulled, I then decided fair was fair. He sent me this letter to pass onto you. From what he confided in me, there's more to it than you understand. You don't have to respond, but at least read what he has to say," Dorian finished.

Bitter resentment filled her gut. Not at Dorian, but at herself for trapping herself into this position with no valid reason to argue. With a shaking hand, she took the letter from him. Avoiding eye contact, she turned and went as fast as her legs could carry her up the stairs to her quarters, where no one could see her shatter. Her lungs burned with each inhale and exhale as she tried to compose herself. She wasn't sure she was ready to open that letter, but Dorian was right, his rejection had hurt the most. A tear slipped as she rushed through the main hall. She quickened her pace as she headed straight for her quarters, avoiding everyone around her.

She slammed the door shut, locking it behind her. Her legs were shaking but allowed her to go upstairs before they gave out. She crawled beside her bed, holding her knees up to her chest as she fumbled with the letter. She noticed his penmanship instantly and she couldn't hold back the tears any longer. Old wounds reopened, threatening to overtake her.

My dearest Lara,

I know I do not deserve to call you that, especially since so much time has passed. I am so sorry Mother and Father abandoned you. Maker only knows how angry with me you must be, but please know I had no inkling of their plans. It only became clear to me when they returned without you. I remember running to your room searching everywhere for you, refusing to believe they took you away from us. Evangeline, of course, was pleased but I rebelled. It was the first time I had ever gone against them. It was also the first time they had punished me.

They threatened me to relinquish any contact with you, visiting or gifts. It made me wonder if they knew what I had snuck in your room throughout the years. Their threats were not light. Either option I chose, someone would have been hurt. I am just so sorry it was you who ended up being hurt. When you renounced your ties with us, it was clear there was no going back. My damage was irreversible and the guilt tears at me till this day. Regardless of what you were to our parents, you always were and always will be my little sister. You are my favorite sister even if I am nothing but dead to you.

You publicly renouncing Mother and Father pleased me more than I care to admit. Proud does not even cover it, but it will have to suffice. I have secretly been following your journey first as Herald, and now as Inquisitor. It touches me that you still wear your hair in a braid even to this day. Your friend Dorian came as a surprise but he confided in me the hurt you still carry because of me. I do not expect your forgiveness nor am I deserving of it, but it is my sincere hope that I can hear from you again, even if it is an angry letter of you telling me where I can go. It may comfort you to know I no longer keep in contact with Mother and Father.

I know you do not have any possessions from us, but I kept whatever items I could find in your room that I gave you after I discovered you were gone for good. It was my hope I could one day return them to you in some way. Only if you will allow me.

Your brother,
Gabriel.

She threw the letter across the room. Anger, sadness, pain, every possible emotion ran through her at his admission. He was threatened because of her whether she chose to believe him or not. Was she capable of believing him? What if it was all lies? What if it was a trap to get her to respond? Could she confide about this to Josephine or Leliana to ensure this wasn't a trap? It wouldn't shock her if her parents were trying to lure her into something. They did try to kiss up to her when they discovered she was Herald, surely this would be another feeble attempt on the list. Was Evangeline also a trap that had gone awry? The Inquisition's invitation to the Winter Palace was no secret.

It was indeed his handwriting but it didn't mean her parents hadn't forged it. She couldn't trust any single one of them and that broke her more than she cared to admit. No daughter should ever have to feel that way about her own parents yet here she was. Sobs escaped her as she laid down on the floor. She squeezed her eyes shut, her hand mindlessly playing with her braid as an unwanted memory played itself in her head, without permission.

—-

Lara sat there frustrated in front of her mirror. She let out a huff as she stared back at herself in her puffy nightgown. It was unfair her sister was able to have her hair done and she was barely given a tidy up. Her parents weren't concerned with her appearance, only when she needed to be somewhere to keep up appearances. It always excited her when she was allowed to be somewhere. She had wanted to be like her sister but that was frowned upon.

A familiar knock startled her but she knew instantly who it was. A smile crossed her face as she ran to the door. Gabriel.

"Lar, are you awake?" He whispered.

She opened the door eagerly, beaming at her brother. Sometimes he visited her late at night when the house was asleep. He was the only one who cared for her, even if it was in secret. He walked in quietly, closing the door behind him. He was tall and slender with light brown hair and bluish-grayish eyes depending on the mood and weather. When he turned around, he tried to hold back his laughter.

"What in Maker's name have you done to your hair?" He asked.

She stomped her foot like the child she still was. "I want to have a nice braid in my hair but no, that's too much to ask for in this household. Maker forbid I have a braid in my hair, it might burn the whole house down."

Gabriel couldn't hold his laughter anymore at his sister's tantrum. It was a laugh of admiration which frustrated Lara even more.

"Would you like me to braid your hair?" He asked sincerely.

Hope beamed in her eyes, as they shone bright green. "Would you! Please! Show me how!" She exclaimed.

He rushed over to her, putting a hand over her mouth. "Shh! Don't wake anyone up. They'll kill me if they know I'm here. Go sit down." He motioned towards her vanity table.

She eagerly made her way to the chair, sitting down posture straight. Gabriel shook his head as he grabbed her brush and began brushing through the mess she caused trying to braid her own hair. He showed her step by step how to braid it in case she wanted to try on her own next time. She tried hard to make a mental note of everything so she could do it herself and look in the mirror each night. If she couldn't have one during the day, at least she could parade around in one in the privacy of her own room.

"There. Finished," He patted her head.

Lara couldn't help the smile on her face. She never felt more beautiful, as beautiful as a nine year old could feel anyways.

"Shame the house didn't burn down though," She commented, smirking.

Gabriel laughed. A noise in the house silenced them. He took that as his cue to leave.

"How do I look?" She asked as she followed him to the door.

"Like a princess," He kissed the top of her head as he quietly exited the room, closing the door behind him.

She spun around in her nightdress at the thought of her being a princess. Tomorrow, she would pick some flowers to put in her hair to go with the braid.

—-

Absolutely everyone avoided her as much as possible. Lara had demanded she sit alone for the ride to Emprise du Lion. Her vile mood meant no one would dare question her or she would remind them what her arm can do. Dorian knew very well what her foul mood was for but remained tight-lipped even when others tried to get an answer out of him. Discovering that Cullen was joining them put her in an even more foul mood. He was recovering from a lyrium addiction and he was going to be thrown into an area surrounded by red lyrium. There was no way she could save the Emprise and save him at the same time. She demanded Solas be with them as well, which the elf soon realized he had no choice but he didn't fight. At least he could keep an eye on him.

Mages accompanied them on their voyage as healers for the templars who had their dosage of lyrium adjusted. Dorian had started the assessment periods of those who wanted to start their journey and the expected side effects reared their nasty heads in, but thankfully no severe cases yet.

Cullen was most surprised at her outbursts considering what they shared in his office. The situation was too personal for her to share with him and she had no intention of discussing her family with him. He kept his distance from her which annoyed her even more. She craved his comfort, his protection and he was cowering from her. The notion that she was acting like a child crossed her mind but she didn't care at this point. Let her act like a child if it meant everyone would stay far away from her.

—-

The glacial terrain of the Emprise did nothing to soothe her bitter mood. She was as icy as the ground itself. The main task was to seize control of Suledin Keep and the Sahrnia quarry, both of which were overrun with red templars mining red lyrium. If they can gain control there, then the rest would take care of itself. In Sahrnia, Michel de Chevin warned her about a demon by the name of Ishmael that has taken residence in Suledin Keep and wished to accompany her so he can kill the demon. The more people they can have on their side, the better, so Lara saw no harm in agreeing for Michel to join.

Lara asked Solas to keep an eye on Cullen while she set off with Dorian, Bull and Blackwall. He didn't question but understood she was avoiding him. Setting up camps was no easy task as the Emprise was swarmed with red templars and if it wasn't them, then it was wolves. Only the wolves weren't acting normally, they were reacting manically, their strength multiplied. Was the ever present red lyrium controlling them? The air hummed differently with a powerful force that lured you in if you were not careful. Lara sensed it and it made her skin tingle with unease. If she was impacted, then surely this would be a nightmare for Cullen? She needed to act fast. He wasn't safe here.

They had sensed their arrival. They barely left the small town of Sahrnia, what was left of it, and the red templars were hovering in packs trying to cut in their way from reaching the quarry and the Keep. Lara had even found an order for them to strike fast and not let them through. The desperation reeked as they tried to hold onto their grip on this place. Perhaps they had nowhere else to go from here, perhaps she really had destroyed their plans. She was only treading water, buying themselves time but if that's what it took to stop his future from happening then that's what she would do. It would be her course of action until the final battle.

Hours bled into each other as they fought their way through the Emprise, finally settling near the Keep as most of the Red Templars stationed to protect were destroyed. Lara set up a massive camp with the Inquisition soldiers, knowing this was going to be their makeshift stronghold for now. Soldiers were needed to keep watch during the night in case they were ambushed. The hum was irritating her now, crawling underneath her skin. They destroyed as much red lyrium as they could but it wasn't enough. The Song echoed through the snow, the air, the mountains. It was relentless. It only was louder the nearer they got to the Keep, which made Lara's stomach churn. Images of bodies with lyrium protruding ran across her mind and she didn't know how ready she was to face it. To see the decaying bodies being mined again. Deep down she knew there were bodies. Workers had disappeared and never returned to Sahrnia which could only mean one thing.

"They're mining bodies…" She whispered to Dorian once they were alone. The fire was started in camp and soldiers were packing their belongings into their respective tents.

Lara had ordered Cullen to stay behind in Sahrnia and assist the soldiers in helping what was left of the townspeople. She could see in his appearance the lyrium-sickness was spreading. Here where the Song was forceful, it would pull him in while he was weak, while his body was deprived of lyrium. He wouldn't stand a chance against the nightmares as they would consume him. Rylen was here with them, preparing the men for taking the Keep tomorrow.

"I know, my dear," He confirmed, shaking his head.

"I'm not ready to see that again. I don't think I can bear it a second time, especially knowing it's real," She confessed, tears pricking her eyes.

She was relieved she would never have to see Cullen like that again. It didn't mean that the innocent people who were dehumanized and used for twisted experiments wouldn't scar her either.

"There isn't much choice I'm afraid. Otherwise, more innocent lives will be taken. They're mad, desperate even, and they won't stop just because you want them to," He comforted her, but his tone wasn't his usual cheery self. It was affecting him too.

"I'm surprised you haven't scolded me for acting like a bratty child," She changed the subject.

"I won't pretend to understand the relationship you had with your brother. He seemed very fond of you. I'm not sure if he mentioned it in his letter, but your parents threatened to take his son from him if he was caught aiding you while you were in the Circle," Dorian looked around to ensure no one was eavesdropping.

If the blood hadn't drained from her already, it did so now. She knew her parents were cruel in order to get their way to maintain presence, but she never imagined they would threaten Gabriel with his child. He had impregnated a lover quite early in their courtship. Fortunately for him, she was of perfect nobility and their parents had no issues rushing the two to marry, both sides satisfied with ties and ranking. His words made sense to her now.

Their threats were not light. Either option I chose, someone would have been hurt. I am just so sorry it was you who ended up being hurt.

Bile rose to her throat, threatening to spill out. She closed her eyes, trying to regulate her breathing as shock, panic, heartbreak, all of it flooded to the surface. Mentally she cursed her parents for all they've caused and a small part of her wished they had gotten rid of her as a baby. Sold her to someone else, abandoned her in the streets, left her in a Chantry building, anything besides raising her as their own, knowing she was unwanted and treating her as such. She really had no business being alive.

"Lara," Dorian addressed her by her name and it sounded foreign on his lips. He placed a hand on his shoulder. "He no longer has contact with your parents. This is your chance to make amends with your brother. Your parents can no longer threaten him for making acquaintances with the Inquisitor. You're in Celene's good books, so naturally, you've out-ranked your parents," he said with a smirk.

"What about your father?" She changed the subject.

He let out a sigh. "We are on neutral terms, I suppose, which is a shocking difference from our past relationship. I will be refusing to go home anytime soon, but for now, corresponding letters doesn't hurt. You've proven to the world that the Inquisition is a second chance, not just for mages and templars, but for everyone else involved."

"Didn't realize that extended to our personal lives," Lara arched an eyebrow.

"Ah, but it absolutely does. It occurred to me on the ride back to Redcliffe. It's a second chance for all of us involved. To right our wrongs, to heal our pasts, to make a difference in the world that we've always wanted to do, to show others that anything is possible. You've certainly made the impossible possible," He continued, a proud smile on his face.

"I'm still so mad at you, but oddly grateful as well," Lara whispered.

"I'm aware. I was also mad at you and I survived. You will too," He nudged her.

Lara didn't answer. Indifference swarmed her at how to respond to Gabriel's letter, or if she should even respond at all. Perhaps denouncing her family publicly had put him off from reaching out until Dorian appeared. At the moment, her response was not important. Tomorrow she would face bodies, corpses even, all being mined. A demon awaited her that they would have to kill. That Keep was haunted with dark secrets that Lara would have to face, and she was not prepared for it. Gabriel would have to wait.

Sleep was no better place for Lara. The hum echoed in her dreams, crawling into her skin, as she was surrounded by bodies glistening in a sickly red hue, as templars dug the crystals from their skin. Her screams were silenced by the Song and there was no way out through the bodies.