Eternal Flame

9:13 PM 27/07/2009 1

Life is but a dance with the devil, and once you step on his feet, the dance is done...2

That's my motto, there's no other way to sum up my pathetic life. I had it all, family, friends. . .hope- Now I have nothing. I made the wrong move and now my dance is done. But oh, what a dance it was, the music was so beautiful and the devil so seductive. The promise of sweet sweet things whispered in my ear, nothing but his hiss of triumph now.
My name is Lucy. I'm blind. I know that's not a fancy way to put it, but it's the honest truth. I met a man, loved him and lost him. Actually, he kind of ran....but that's not the point. I'm slim- at least so I'm told. My hair is said to be silver-blonde and my eyes, well- I guess they're a pale-blue now. The kind that makes my disability obvious to even the retarded.
I'm not helpless, but my family seems to have their own opinion about that. I am capable. I am strong. And I am beautiful. That's what I tell myself, someday it may be completely true, but for now- for now I'm just going to take this one step at a time, starting with finding some firewood, which of course- I'm not supposed to be doing at all.
Oh well.
"Lucy!"
That's Derek. He's obsessively over-protective. He's also my older brother on the days that I actually want to claim him. Nah, that's a little harsh, he's not so bad once you look past all of the muscle and the deep timbre that is his voice. Underneath all that crap he can actually be quite sweet.
"Lucy!" He bellowed again.
He was angry, naturally, that I took off again.
"Leave me alone!" I shrieked. "I'll go wherever-the-hell I want to go."
'Cause that was mature. I felt far from mature at that moment, though. I felt powerful and reckless and...free.
With a few more steps, I stumbled, my foot catching on something jutting out of the ground. Probably a root from the way my foot hooked into it. I went flying, arms out to catch my fall, palms receiving a good scraping. I landed oddly, legs sprawled out and twigs poking at my soft skin, getting tangled in my dress. It hurt, but the pain was a beautiful thing. It meant I was living for the first time in my life. For once, I was doing something for me.
There was a strange sound coming from my left. It was the sound an animal makes when they're sniffing at something. I should fear the sound, but instead I welcomed it.
"Come here, little fella." I cooed softly. "I promise not to hurt you."
There was the slightest pad of paws on the ground as the animal took a few unsure steps towards me.
"That's right, come on, darling."
After a few more steps, a cold nose met the knuckles of my hand. I involuntarily flinched, regaining my composure by laying my open palm on what felt like the head of a dog.
At first there was a growl, but it eventually turned into more of a sigh as my stroking continued.
"S'all right little guy." I whispered again. "I'd never hurt you. You can leave whenever you want, just don't go biting my hand off, please. I need all the help I can get."
The dog gave a brisk lick to my face that was followed by the automatic loss of its presence.
"Hey, pooch? Where'd you go?"
The silence became that intimidating growl again as the sound of footsteps became prominant. A moment later I was finally able to breathe as a voice I knew all to well revealed itself.
"Lucy, I swear girl, if you don't get your tiny little behind back here right this instant I'm gonna flay you alive."
"Don't you take that tone with me, Derek. I swear, just 'cause I'm blind doesn't mean I can't slap you a good one right across that pretty, smug face you wear so well."
It took a minute, but eventually Derek seemed to clue in to the fact that I was - once again - stroking the mutt.
"Lucy! Get the hell away from that thing!"
I cooked up the most annoyed look I could, and aimed it at him. "I'm sorry, mom. I didn't realize that I had asked you what you thought of my new friend."
I couldn't see Derek, but I'm sure if I could I would have seen the glare on his face and the tight set of his jaw as he tried to process what I had just dished out to him.
I'm sure it was a look of digust as he finally understood.
"Aw, Luce, he probably has fleas!" Derek whined, sounding like the child I remembered he used to be.
"Nah, he doesn't have fleas, do you boy?"
The dog seemed to give a little snort, as if to say: "As if".
"Luce, let's get you home. You're completely losing it. I knew mom was right when she said too much fresh-air was bad for you. Any longer and you'll be hugging the trees and talking about saving the planet from the infrestation of frogs."
I snickered, "The infestation of frogs? Yeah, right."
Derek took a few steps closer to me until I could feel him towering over my balled-up body on the forest floor.
"C'mon, Luce. We need to get out of here. . . now. It's getting dark. You know we're not supposed to be out after dark." And it was true. All civilians under the age of 19 had a curfue. No minor was supposed to be out and about within' the forest's reach once daylight fell and the stars began to declare the first of night.
Especially a lady. Ladies were to go nowhere alone. I shouldn't have even been collecting firewood. That's what oue maids were for. Or as mom would say, "A proper lady learns to stay put and keep silent while others do the necessary work."
Derek grabbed onto my wrist to haul me to my feet, he was met with a vicious snarl and what I assumed was a nasty bite by the sound of his bellowed rage.
"Shit! That damned thing is a wolf. Lucy, move now."
Was that an order? Whatever, the dog was mine and I was goin' nowhere.
"No." I said stubbornly. "You move." And watch your language while you're at it.
Derek huffed before scooping me up in his arms as though I were nothing but a doll. "No, Derek!" I protested. "Put me down this bloody instant!"
The wolf growled, probably preparing to launch itself at my brother again, but I shushed it with kind words in hope that it would listen and not make Derek any angrier. The man could be a real beast if you spiked his temper.
"Shhh, Xavier. Calm, boy. Derek won't hurt you. If he tries he'll find himself beaten down by an angry blind woman."
"Xavier?....Xavier?! You named it!" My brother sounded incredulous, but he'd just have to get over it.
"No, I speak to animals and it told me that was its name, what the hell do you think? Yes I named him."
"Well it ain't commin' back to the house with us, Luce."
So says he. . . . 3

* * *4

Xavier curled up on the end of my bed, his long-fur coat keeping my feet warm. Obviously Derek had lost the argument when it came to me keeping my new friend. Xavier wasn't going anywhere unless he wanted to.
"Good night my savior." I spoke in a soft voice, flicking the light off. Xavier rolled onto his side, his hip pressing into my ankle. Lisa, the maid, had said my wolf was a red. He wasn't as big as a gray wolf, but he was sleek and agile.
With a final soft whisper of thanks to whoever had heard my prayer and delivered in full, I lay my head on the soft down-filled pillow and fell into a deep sleep.5


"Lucy, I swear, if you don't get that dog outta my chair, I will call the town's men to shoot it." Mother warned, as she stepped aside so that the cook could set a plate down in front of me. The china scraped the table as it slid into place where I could reach it.
"He just wants something to eat, too." I argued. "Don't be hating him because he's not used to rules."
"I want the filthy thing out of my house this instant, Lucy. You make sure it goes or I'm calling the blacksmith's son." That was low, even for her. The blacksmith's son, Joshua was known for his hunting skills. He was also the one man I'd had my mind set on for a while now. He was kind, but of course he would never refuse an order from my mother. After all, she was a well-raised lady with all of the right connections in society.
Mom was a proper lady. She wasn't tall from what I remember, but she has a presence. Her voice is like melted honey and her silvering hair is always pulled into a tight chignon.
"No, mother. Xavier isn't going anywhere. He deseves a place to stay, too. You cab't even try to deny that we have plenty of room and food. He'll be no bother, mother. I promise."
"Since when do you speak to your mother like that?" she hissed angrily with a furiated cuff to the side of my head. "You know how it works here, you keep your trap shut and you go where we say you can go. We don't have time to take care of you twenty-four seven."
"I never asked you to look after me!" I screeched. "I hate this place. I hate being babied all of the time just because I can't see!"
I had never snapped at my mother like that. I didn't even know what had just come over me. Her and Derek do everything for me, and this is how I repay that care? I'm such a selfish, spoiled brat.
"Sorry, mother." I mumbled regretfully. "I'm just tired, I didn't really sleep well."
"Is that so?" she demanded with a huff. "That's why I want that mangy mutt out of my house before the day is through. You hear?"
"I'm sorry, mother, but I can't do that. This dog - wolf- is no harm to anyone. In fact, he can save you and Derek plenty of trouble with me. Think of Xavier as my escourt to wherever I need to be."
"No," was her only stubborn reply.
"That wasn't an option, mother. This is my house to. If dad were here he would agree with me that you are being unreasonable."
"Your father was a naive fool. You're just like him with the way you speak of 'the bigger picture' and how you are misunderstood. You are loved by so many people, but you take notice to only those who are worthless scum."
"How dare you speak like you are greater than everyone else!" I spat.
"I am better than everyone else, Lucy. We are rich. They are poor farm-workers and dairy-maids. You are becoming a lady to be fit for a gentleman of worth. With your eighteenth birthday around the corner, your need to start considering your options."
Options? Like who, Micheal Price? The guy that couldn't walk past a window without staring at himself for an hour?
No thanks.
"That Price boy seems lovely."
"Yeah, if you're a stuck-up bit-"
"Lucy!" Mother hissed.
"Mother," I challenged.
"Lucy, this has gone too far. You're to stay in your room until further notice."
"You go to your room!" I retorted. "I'm not to be ordered around anymore. I want my freedom too!"
Mom came forward, grasping my bicep in a bone-crunching grip. "You disobedient child. You don't know what's good for you. You are unaware of the dangers surrounding you."
"Well see, that's the thing about being blind. Things tend to pass me without notice." I spat sarcastically with a dramatic roll of my sightless eyes.
Mother was taking none of that, her grip tightened and I was soon dragged up the stairs to my "safe" little room.
"You will learn respect, Lucy. A lady does not speak out. If we are to find you a proper suitor, you need to be rid of this disobedience once and for all. Lord Price will be here in the morning to call on you. You shall be up and presentable. Until then you are not to leave your room and will go without dinner."
Before another word could be uttered, mother pulled the door closed - after all a lady never slams a door - and locked it. With my hands balled into fists, I pounded on the thick wood. There was the sound of growling - Xavier - and the sound of my brother yowling in pain, but then....silence.
"What are you doing to my dog?!" I screamed. "Let him go! Let him go, I say!"6

Later that night there was a knock at the door before Mary, my chamber maid entered. "Your grace," she said with a polite curtsy. "Are you ready for me to turn down the bed for the night?"
"Yes, Mary. Please procede."
As soon as the sound of the sheets being folded reached my ears, I lunged for the door. When I reached the doorway, a man stepped out from God-knows-where and forced me back in.
"What on Earth are you doing?" I demanded.
"Keeping you in your room. The mistress's orders." The man replied. "Please don't make this hard on me."
I gave him the angriest glare I could muster, hoping I directed it at him and not the wall, before I crossed my arms over my chest and shuffled back towards my window where a slight breeze was coming in.
"My lady, I would request a word, if it would not offend." Mary asked.
"Speak freely, Mary." I was interested to hear what the usually silent maid had to say. "In return, I do ask a favor of you, though. It's nothing that will get you into any trouble, but it is a question I need truthfully answered."
"As you wish." she replied. "Your mother. . .she plans to allow Lord Price to court you."
Oh, she does, does she?
"Go on."
"Lord Price is to arrive tomorrow and your mother is going to give him her permission. You know the Lord has had his greedy eyes on you for a while now. He always wants what he can't have and you are a rare beauty among us."
"Thank-you, Mary. Please continue."
"Well, you have long, silky, golden hair and big blue eyes. You're pale and slender, and kind-"
"I meant to continue with your report." I corrected.
"Oh. My apologies. Well, she has a feeling your are going to 'act out' so she has another suitor coming in the afternoon shortly after Lord Price is due to leave."
"And his name?"
"Lord Summersby."
I couldn't hold in the snicker that escaped. "That blundering idiot?"
Mary seemed too uncomfortable to respond.
"There's more."
"Well, then continue."
"You also have a dinner guest."
"And who might this new torturer be?"
"Not a torturer, but a kind young man. He is coming to pick an order up from your mother. It seems we are running low on meat, miss."
My distress turned to uncontrollable joy. "Joshua is coming?"
"Yes, miss. He will be arriving tomorrow morning around the same time as Lord Price. He will then spend the day going over the hunting order with Abigail."-Also known as the cook-"He will then join you for dinner along with his father."
"Thank-you again, Mary."
The maid curtsied before moving behind me to help me change out of my dress and corset, and place me in my nightgown before bed.
"One more thing, Mary. What do you know about what happened to my wolf?"
"The wolf? Your mother had Derek chain him up and drag him out to the forest. They chased the poor creature off with a gun. I don't believe the wolf was injured though, my lady. Is that everything?" she asked after I was changed.
"Yes, Mary. Thank you for all of your help. Enjoy the rest of your night." 7

The next morning, Mary came back, cloathing me in a floor-length, ice-blue dress that clung to me in all the right places. It looked beautiful, and I would have appreciated it more had it not been for the occasion.
Lord Price.
If those two words didn't make me gag, I had no idea what would.
As Mary finished up with my make-up and hair, the messenger boy - who's name I could not recall - knocked at the door.
"Lord Micheal Price has arrived, my lady. The mistress would like you to go down to the foyer right away."
With a politely gracious nod, I gathered my skirts and made my way towards what I knew to be the door. The guard in the hall took my arm and escourted me to where I was needed as Lord Price entered our estate.
"Ah, Lady Hawkly." Micheal Price greeted me with a press of his lips to my knuckles.
"Lord Price." I mumbled back like a robot.
"You're looking spectacular as always," he continued, unaffected by my unentertained tone. "I was hoping you would be here to join me for breakfast."
Hoping? Didn't he tell my mother to have me here and ready? I wouldn't exactly call that hope.
"Do I have a choice?" I asked, irritated, quirking an eyebrow at him and crossing my arms under my breasts.
Mother laughed as she entered the room. "Ah, Lucy, you're such a kidder. We're so pleased you're here, Lord Price. Aren't we, Lucy?"
"I never said that," was all I mumbled back.
There was a chuckle at the door and we all turned towards the sound. "Who's there?" I demanded, though I would know that laugh anywhere.
"Joshua."
A smile reached my lips before I reached out a hand and made my way towards where his voice had come from.
When I got close enough, Joshua took my hand to still me and pressed his lips to my flesh as Lord Price had done. Only this time the contact sent a series of shivers up my arm.
"How are you, Lucy?" he whispered in my ear, sending out another wave of shivers. "You don't look very happy."
"Would you be if Lord Price came to give you a visit about courting you?" I challenged.
Joshua was silent for a moment before he cursed under his breath, words that would make my mother die of a heart-attack. "No, probably not." he finally answered. "And what will your reply to him be?"
"Not that it's any of your business," I grumbled, "but the answer will of course be no. Like I'd date that jack-"
"Lucy!" Mother chirped, her voice too high-pitched letting me know she was angry. "Lord Price and I were just talking about how nice a day it is outside. The two of you should go for a stroll in the gardens."
Yeah, as if.
"Sorry, I've developed this weird symptom where I can't go outside with complete idio-"
"She's only kidding." My mother interrupted. "The two of you go run-along."
"Maybe Joshua would care to join us." I invited, a smile tugging at my lips once again. Stirring up trouble could be so much fun. I wonder how long until she snaps.
Micheal cleared his throat. "I'm sure the boy has better things to do with his time then to walk in the gardens."
"Perhaps you're right, Micheal." I agreed. "I should go help him and Abigail in the kitchen with the list."
"Who you calling boy," Joshua growled.
The two men faced off. "I believe that was you, street-scum." Micheal snapped.
"Well I guess that just makes you ancient, then, Mike." Joshua hissed delightedly.
I grinned triumphantly as the two of them exchanged a few quiet words that were out of both mine and my mother's hearing-range.
"Well then, Lord Price. I think you and I have a few bones to pick." Joshua finally said out loud.
"There's not going ot be anything left of you for anyone to pick up when I'm through." Micheal warned.
"Okay, who wants tea?" Mother asked, voice high-pitched and tight.8

Breakfast was wonderful. . . not.
It consisted of Micheal's hand on my thigh as we 'ate' our eggs benedict. Only mine consisted with more of me stabbing his hand with a fork and less of me actually eating any food.
Mother had been furious when Micheal raised his bloody hand and a servant had to come and bandage it.
"Lucy! Why would you stab Lord Price with a, eating utencil?"
"It was an accident. . ." I lied.
"Accidents like a fork being impaled into someone's hand, is not an accident. Not when said hand is under the table."
"It could happen." I mumbled, not at all sorry.
And so breakfast continued.
Joshua of course had not received an invite to join us for breakfast. Mother could be so rude.
We were all now sitting in the parlor, me next to Lord Price on the love-seat and mother sitting in the armchair across from us.
"So as I was saying," Micheal continued. "I was really hoping that you would be alright with it, Lucy."
"Alright with it?" I asked, choking on my tea. "Who-on-this-planet would be alright with you as a companion? The lady would have to be deaf, blind, mute and just plain stupid."
My mother joined me with choking on her tea before she excused us both and yanked me out of the room by my arm.
"What in-the-name-of-the-Lord do you think you're doing? she demanded.
"Well, I was trying to drink my tea before he made me spit it back up with that rediculous joke about marriage."
"Lucy Hawkly, so help me, you will marry this man or you will be disowned."
"Oh, please, anything but that." I mocked. "However would I survive not being ordered about all of the time?"
She then said the one thing that struck me hardest of all. "Your father would be so disapointed."
There was nothing to say to that. She was right. If my father had been alive, he would have been so ashamed of me. I had yet to find a proper suitor that I hadn't chased off or one that hadn't been weirded-out by my lack of sight.
"What do I do?" I asked with defeat.
"Simple. Accept Lord Price's proposal. "He's is a good man. He fancies you, you know. He has all of the servants and money a woman could ever need. You'd never need to get a job, or lift a finger around the house. You would however have to stay well-groomed and look presentable on his arm whenever he attends the auctions or special events. And you would need to learn to speak to him with respect, if not affection."
"Do you really not love me, mother?" I asked, disbelief and tears filling my eyes.
"How could I love a girl that will never learn to obey an order? One that will never mind her mother? Hmmm? Answer me that, Lucy."
"I can't mother. All I can say is: If you don't want me to ever be happy, then- as you wish."
"Perfect. I knew you'd come around and see it my way. Now let us not keep lord Price waiting. We should get back in there so you can give him your very sane decision."
So says she. This felt like the farthest thing from sane I would ever have the unpleasantry of doing.
Joshua strolled into the parlor, smile upon his face. He took one look at Micheal's bandaged hand and his smile grew. "Trouble at first-meal?" he asked innocently.
"Ah, yes." Mother replied. "Lucy had a clumsy moment under the table with Lord Price's hand."
Joshua chuckled and sent me an agreeing grin. "Well, accidents do happen."
And with that, he left. 9

Micheal was pleased beyond words at my agreement to allow him to court me. I would lose the name Hawkly and gain the name Price when the moon next reached its fullest form. That would be in a couple of weeks...
Mrs. Price.
Once again I found myself gagging. And worrying. I had never been with a man. Not as a lover.
Lover.
That's such a strange word. Mother says I'll learn to be fond of him, but I don't want "fondness". I want to be loved. I want someone- well, someone like Joshua McCarthy.
He is a fine young man and he treats me like an equal. Not like some piece of fine china that he needs to show to all of his friends; to prove that it is the best.
'Cause that's all I am with Micheal. Just a possession. An item that he will soon grow tired of.
And what then?
With my mind drowning in thoughts, I prepared myself for the sleep that would never come.10


The morning was miserable. It was wet; rainy. Mother says I need to work on my piano playing today. I laugh because if there's one thing I can do, it's play the piano. I don't need to see to hear the notes. The keys never move and the music isn't written down on paper, it comes from the soul.
In the middle of the session, a "guest" arrived at the door. The one person I would never have thought to hear from anytime soon. Joshua was too common. Mother rarely had patience for a commoner in her house two days in a row.
But there he was. All deep-voiced and masculine.11

"I just think it's so wonderful," mother cheered. "My baby, finding a suitor."
The three of us were gathered in the sitting room. Mother, of course, was the center of attention. Carrying on-and-on about just how wonderful Micheal and I being together would be.
While Joshua is just. . . silent.
It wasn't until mother dismissed us so that she could go rest her eyes, that I got up and made a run for the door.
That was the one good thing about the house. I always knew where everything was.
"Lucy!" Joshua called. "Hey, Lucy, wait!"
I didn't have to, his hand caught my wrist before I reached the chair in the library. He spun me around and took my face between his strong, smooth hands.
"Lucy, what are you doing?" he asked.
"Well, I was about to read a book in braile." I muttered.
"That's not what I mean, and you bloody-well know it."
And I did. I just couldn't answer that question yet. How could I tell him that I was marrying Micheal just because my mother told me to. He'd never understand.
"I'm marrying a very pure man."
"Don't you just mean well-bred?" Joshua grumbled. That was a low jab, and he knew it the second it came out. "Look, Luce. I didn't mean it. I'm just having trouble understanding why you like this guy. He's a complete dick. I mean- he's a very, uh- cruel person."
"Don't you think I know that?" I snapped, tears finding their way down my face without my permission. "I know what he's like and I know he'll treat me like a freaking copper coin. Just another thing in his pocket to take out as he pleases."
"Then why-"
"Because I have no choice!" This time my voice reached a screech. "If I don't do this, I'll have nowhere to go."
"You mean you'll be disowned?"
All I could give him was a nod before I had to turn my back on him, to cry. I made my way into the powder room and before I could close the door, he was there, backing me into the wall.
"Lucy. Hear me out. I won't let anything happen to you. You're so precious. No matter what you decide to do, I'm going to be here for you. I'll be your eyes and I'll keep your heart close to mine, if you'll allow it. I'm not demanding you pick me, I'm just letting you know that you do have options. And one of those options is allowing me to court you and living with me. I don't have much, but I'll make sure you never lack in anything that really matters."
"Oh, Joshua, I can't-"
He silenced my refusal with a kiss. A kiss so desperate, that I had no choice but to respond, wrapping my arms around his neck as I was introduced to something I had never felt before.
It was nice. Comforting.
"Is that message clear enough for you to understand?" he asked, his voice husky.
Again, I could only nod as he held me in his arms, my chin resting against his chest. And then. . .
The tears really began to flow.12

"I don't understand. . ." Joshua muttered for the millionth time. "I thought you liked me."
"Oh I do, Josh. I do so much it hurts, but I can't. You know the way our society works. Micheal will just hunt you down if I refuse him this. It won't be so bad suffering, as long as I know that the ones I love are okay."
"And who is that, Luce? You mother? Derek? Lord Price?"
"I don't know how to answer that. . . they're family. Family matters."
"And Lord Price?"
That was a tought one. "He's just another piece of the puzzle of life. Once he's in place, the rest will either go wonderfully well. . . or terribly wrong."
"He'll hurt you."
"Don't worry, bruises fade."
"Like hell I won't worry!" he snapped. "Lucy, think! Use your pretty-little-head and look at what you're getting yourself into. He'll use and abuse you until there is nothing left. He won't be getle. He won't treat you like I would."
I knew that. I knew it very well. If I chose Joshua, I would have the best moments of my life- and the worst. The higher-class and the lower-class just didn't mesh. It led to pain and death. There would be an uproar and Joshua would eventually seize to exist. And it would all be because of me choosing him. So I wouldn't. I would keep my word and make mother proud for once in her life. That one second of love would be all I'd ever need.
Which is good, because that's all I'd ever get.
"I can't, Josh. I just....can't. Please don't make this harder. Oh, God, what am I doing?" With that I burst into tears one last time. Joshua pulled me into his arms again and just held me while I cried, ruining my make-up. Mother would be furious.
The clock at the top of the staircase chimed, letting us know that it was mid-day.
"I need to go," I whispered, exhausted. "I need. . . I need to make arrangements."
Joshua nodded submissively, kissing me one last time.
And that's when mother walked in.13

"You flithy whore!" My mother roared like a tiger defending its food. "You are going to be with Lord Price. You hear?! This is not up for discussion. If you refuse, it will ruin all your brother has worked for. His reputation, along with mine, will be obliterated, leaving him with no one of his own to court. You will shame the family name and your father."
Joshua must have opened his mouth to speak, but my mother only cut him off. "Silence, boy. You need to leave. Now."
"Lucy, come with me." Joshua urged quietly.
"I have to do this."
"Don't." He whispered the plea.
"Lucy; girl. You get over here this instant. This is the last time you will pull my strings. A punishment is more than do for your insolence."
"Good-bye, Joshua." I said, choking on more tears.
The words were so final, just as they needed to be. 14

As I sat in my room, book in hand, waiting for my punishment, Mary came in with news that made her face glow. The glow disappeared when she saw me.
"My lady, are you not well?"
"No, I'm fine, Mary. Just fine. Please, tell me what had you smiling so."
"It was the new man, miss."
The new man?
"His name?"
"I do not know, miss. He is a count who has only just moved here. The other maids whisper about him, you know."
"And what do they say?"
"That he is tall, dark and extremely handsome. He is wealthy and lives alone. He doesn't even have servants."
Well I'll be damned. A count without servants. He's certainly not from around here.
"Mary, do you know where he stays?"
"Not really. Somewhere north of here."
"Well, that is certainly news."
My mind drifted back to what had yet to come. . . my punishment.
It was guaranteed to be the worst one I ever had. I was promised to someone. . .and I kissed another. The consequensess would be brutal.15

I had no idea just how brutal they would be until later that night when I was dragged down to the cellar by two of the servants. I could see nothing, only heard the voices of my mother and another man.
"Leave." she ordered the servants and they did, leaving just her and that other man with the voice that sounded slightly familiar. Another servant perhaps?. "Lucy, this lovely man is going to deliver your pubishment. Three lashings for your sinful ways. And I promise, you will never defy us again after this." With that, she left, her boots clinking as she climbed the stone steps back up to the main floor, and the click of the door as it closed.
I whimpered and began to crawl to where the door was.
Lashings? I'd never received those, but Derek had been given one as a boy when he had been caught stealing my mother's Grey Goose. It had been red and raw and deep. I didn't want to hurt. Not like that.
The man grabbed hold of my ankles and pulled me to him. His hands worked quick as he slid down the bodice of my dress and removed the corset, bearing the flesh of my back to him. He tied my hands to some unknown object above my head, pulling the skin on my back and removing any more comfort I had.
"I am sorry about this, Lucy."
I knew that voice.
"Micheal?"
"You need to know better than to fool around on me. Your mother called me right away, but don't worry. I still want you. Everything will go on as planned, but you will learn to appreciate what you have."
"Please. . . don't." I whimpered.
"But if I don't punish you, how will you ever learn?"
The whip cracked as he found a use for it.
I screamed.
There was an excruciating pain and then the warm trickle of blood down my back, ruining my dress.
"Say you're sorry." Micheal ordered.
"I'm sorry." I said bitterly.
Crack!
The whip struck me again and I let out another blood-curdling scream.
"Mean it."
"I can't." I hissed.
Crack!
More pain.
"Say it."
Why bother, my lashings were done.
"I'm sorry. . ." I stuttered before continuing, "that you're such a facist bastard."
Crack!
This one was harder then the rest, my knees gave out, leaving me suspended from the ropes around my wrists.
Then he was there, trailing his nauseating fingers along my spine, my blood slicking his hands.
His lips met my shoulder and he trailed them up to my ear.
"Soon." he whispered, and then my wrists were no longer bound and I was alone on the floor.16

The maids carried me up to my bed chamber, placing me on my stomach on the bed. My back still exposed and dress still on with the back open.
Tears still streamed down my face from the pain. Everything hurt. I couldn't do this anymore.
I needed to get out now.
I carefully sat up in my bed and grabbed a quill and piece of parchment before beginning the letter.17


Joshua,
You were right and I'm sorry. I'm not alright, but I'm going to be. Soon. Price is not to be trusted. No one is, but you. I'm giving you all I can, I'm sorry that it's not enough. This is the last time you're going to hear from me if things go the way I'm hoping. I'm leaving. Now. I don't know where I'm going to, but it better be far from here.
Take care, find a girl and settle down. Someone who makes you happy. A pretty girl who brings you something other than pain and forbidden moments.
Your friends always,
-Lucy.18


When I was done with the letter, I waited for Mary to come into the chamber to turn the bed down for the night.
"My lady!" she gasped when she saw my back.
"Mary, shhh. It's alright. I need you to do something for me. Can you?"
"Anything, miss. But are you-"
"I need you to deliver this letter to Sir McCarthy. The blacksmith's son. Tell him I'm sorry, please."
"Yes, of course, miss. But what are you doing?"
"The right thing for once in my life. Mary. Please help me do up the back of this dress."
"Would you like me to clean-up the wounds a little?"
"No. You'll only receive the same punishment for helping me. Just the dress and that is all."
Mary did as she was told and curtsied before leaving the room.
That's when I jumped into action, crying out in pain the entire way. The balcony wasn't far off the ground. I could make the climb down the lattice. Freedom was just a drop away.
So I climbed, and panted, and whimpered from pain, but I never fell. And once my feet hit the gorund, I ran.
I ran faster than a blind-girl should, causing me to stumble every few steps.
Before I knew it I had reached the forest.
As I wandered farther and farther, feeling my way from one tree to the next, I knew that this was the beginning of something. I knew that every little prayer I sent up to whomever would listen, was finally being answered. I would get the adventure of a lifetime. It would be a long climb, but once I reached the top, I knew it would be amazing.19

Night came and I continued to stumble my way through the undergrowth, whacking myself on branches and tripping on unseen - for obvious reasons - things beneath my feet. The slight patter of rain began and I knew that I had to take shelter, fast.
I was cut-up and a bloody mess. My hair was tangled and my make-up had been washed away from my perspiration, but I was too happy to find words. And once my legs decide to give out and I fall. . . I would have known that this had all been worth it.
The walk was long and neverending. Everything felt the same to me after awhile. Was I going North, East, South or West? I honestly couldn't tell you. All I knew was that I was going somewhere. Going to a place without fences or borders. A place that would become home.
That's when the growling began. It was angry and deep and so very, very loud.
I'll admit I was frightened, and I did the one thing I should never have done when encountering a bear.
I ran.
Of course, the bear gave chase.
I screamed. . . got caught on a root and went flying through the air, smashing into a tree.
Blood trickled down the side of my face and my ankle hurt like hell had filled it with an eteral flame.
I could just make out the sound of the bear's enormous paws as it approached me.
I curled into a ball and there I stayed until my savior arrived.
A cold nose touched my cheek in comfort.
"Xavier?"
There was no reply. but I knew.
The wolf let out a battle cry before the fight for survival began. The two beasts met in combat, both disappearing into the bushes, the sound of claws and jaws, slashing and snapping sounded.
I fought my way to my feet, dizzy from the fall. I took a few unsteady steps and the ground fell out from under me.20


Kyrian walked through the forest, picking up wood to carve-up. He hadn't gone far when he heard the shriek of a woman. There was the sound of a branch snapping and then a thud as something met the ground.
"What the hell?" was all Kyrian could mutter before he found the source of all the commotion.
A girl lay curled into the fetal position in the river. Her head resting on the dirt along the bank, her torso and legs resting in and out of the rushing water along with it.
But what was a civilian doing way out here? No one ever came here.
"Female, are you okay?" Kyrian called down. "Hel-lo."
No response.
The tiny creature shivered and whimpered as though she were in severe pain.
No really, the girl in the river is in pain? Who wouldn't be in this freezing weather. So much for the warmth of summer. The past three months had consisted of nothing but rain and cold. There were the odd days of sun, but that glorious moment was gone in what seemed like a second. Winter would be harsh this year. There was no doubt about that.
Without waiting for the girl to respond, Kyrian scooped her up into his arms and began to walk back to his cabin.
She trembled, whether from fear or the cold, Kyrian couldn't tell. All he knew was that it was dark and he couldn't assess the situation without a little light.
There was no doubt blood. He could smell it on her as though it were his own.
"Female, stay awake. I'm going to take you someplace safe, you feel me?"
Still no response.
Kyrian shook her.
Yes, let's shake the girl suffering from injuries of unknown origin.
When he got back to his cabin, he kicked the door open and carried her to the kitchen table, laying her down on the bare wood. She was soaked, freezing and bleeding from numerous places.
There was a gash out of the side of her head, cuts all over her arms and legs, shredded palms and obviously shock.
It was strange that this simple girl could be so damaged. Couldn't the girl walk properly? The forest wasn't as bad as all this. Who fell enough times to shred their hands to hell like that?
She stirred, moaning in pain.
"What are you-"
He shushed her by placing his finger over her mouth. "Don't speak."
"Please don't remove my gown." she begged.
"Silence," he commanded in a stern, but kind voice. "Just sleep."
And she did.21


When Lucy awoke, she found herself in some unknown bed.
As she slowly became more aware, the night came crashing back to her.
She had run away.
And she had fallen. . . a lot.
There had been a bear and Xavier, but where was she now?
Then she remembered a voice.
A man. Yes, there had definitely been a man. He had been strong and. . .controling.
She quickly felt around to assess herself. She ran her hands over her abdomen. Her dress was still on her as requested, but her hands and head were bandaged. She shifted uncomfortably.
"You shouldn't move, pet" Came a voice from the far side of the room. His voice was deep, very masculine. His accent was English - that she was sure - and his tone was chiding.
"I'm fine." Lucy lied. "Just need to get going."
The man came forward, how she missed that, she didn't know. He moved so silently, but suddenly his hand was restraining on her arm.
"Let me go!" Lucy grumbled.
"Stop talking." he ordered.
"Why I ought to-"
"Silence." The man ordered again. "You need to stay still so I can check the bandages."
"I can do it on my own." Lucy said stubbornly.
He ignored her and began to unravel the bandage on her head.
Once he had finished checking all of her wrapped limbs over, he let out a satisfied grunt.
Who was this guy, Tarzan?
"You're doing fine, luv."
"Yes, now can I please get up?"
The man moved away and she sat up, swinging her legs over the edge of the bed and hauling herself to her feet. She wobbled at first, her legs unprepared for the sudden weight, but she managed to take a few steps before she needed a breather. All the while the man stayed silent.
"Who are you?" Lucy demanded.
"Kyrian," came the reply, "and you?"
"Kyrian what?" Lucy asked, ignoring his question.
"Just Kyrian."
Fine don't tell her, see if she cared.
"Well, thanks for your assitance. My name's-" Lucy paused. She didn't want to give this stranger her name. What if he tried to bring her back? "Abigail. Just Abigail."
"Well, Abigail, you took quite a fall.....actually, quite a few falls."
"Yeah, well, I was tired and it was dark."
The man seemed to accept that, so Lucy walked forward and-
Smack!
She hit her face on the wall.
"Bloody-hell!" he cursed. "Can't you watch where you're going?"
Lucy's cheeks flamed with embarassment.
"I wasn't paying attention, my bad."
Lucy turned and took a few more steps. This time she found the door and stumbled through it.
"Would you like something to eat or drink?"
"No, I'm fine. I just need to go. Thanks for your. . . service."
"I don't serve anyone."
Okaaaaayyy
"Well I'll just be on my way, then." Lucy chirped, wincing in pain as her back began to burn again. It was so sore, so raw. Everything still hurt. It took everything she had to keep from blacking out here in the. . . wherever she was.
"There's the door," Kyrian growled. "Use it if you're going to be immature and not admit you need help. I don't assist anyone who's stupid enough to go off and make the same mistake twice."
"Aren't you going to open it for me?"
"Can't you do it your bloody self?
Lucy was stunned. No one talked to her like that, but her brother and mother. She was a high-class lady. It was against all the rules of proper ettiquite and common courteousy to treat one as Kyrian had just treated her.
Lucy didn't respond, instead she waited for his sigh of defeat before he whipped the door open and spoke, "Here you go. Leave if you want to."
And that was all she needed. She now knew where the door was.
Lucy walked forward and made her way through the doorway. Once she was through, she took a step, stumbling off of the porch, letting out a little yelp of surprise.
Crap. Couldn't she do anything right? This man probably thought she was a ditz.
"Bye Abigail." Kyrian said as a means of farewell. "Try not to fall anymore."22


Lucy made her way through the forest until she reached a tree that she could lean against. No more steps. She needed to rest. Her back was so, so sore. It was bleeding again, she could feel it leaking down her spine and onto her undergarments.
She had thought she would make it farther than this. She was strong and willing, she could get out of this forest, with- or without her eyes.
Every step was excruciating and eventually she lost the will that she held so dearly.
With no more will to go on, Lucy lay on her side on the ground and began to drift off to sleep.
"There you are, woman. What the hell were you thinking?"
"W-w-hat?" was all Lucy could stutter out.
"Leaving with some sort of a back injury. You got blood all over my sodding bed."
"Sorry."
"Yeah, you should be. Now come on, pet, we're going back to my place so I can patch you up. How badly you hurt?"
"I'm not-"
"Yeah, I know. You're not hurt. Well, tough shit. You're going to come anyways, 'cause you suck at lying."
Great.
Kyrian's Wins: 2 VS. Lucy's Losses: Too many to count.
"C'mon, Abby. Just let me take a look at the scrape and you can be on your way. It can't be that bad if you're moving around like this, right? I won't even jab at it until you give me the okay, okay?"
Whatever you say, captain.
Before Lucy could so much as draw a breath, the man had her in his arms, tossing her over his shoulder as if she weighed no more than an empty crate.
"Put me down!" God, she hated it when he did this. Hadn't he ever heard of personal rights before?
"Stop talking."
"No! You stop talking you arrogant fool."
He laughed. A deep-throated sound that gave her the chills. That light-hearted sound seemed so odd coming from him.
"Please. . . I don't want to go back to your cabin. Just- put me down." Her voice was desperate.
Kyrian didn't answer right away, he seemed to be thinking. Until finally, he replied, "If I put you down, you have to agree to let me look at the scrape."
"Fine, but only if you agree not to touch it."
He growled before muttering something under his breath about stubborn females. "Fine. You can get your knickers out of a bunch, I won't touch it."
Lucy shrugged, letting him put her down before she took a step away.
It was too awkward. Baring her skin to a man she knew nothing about.
"Well?"
She didn't answer.
"Are you going to pull down the gown, or am I?"
Lucy sighed before reaching behind her back to untie her dress and remove the clasps from the corset. She cried out in pain, but kepy going until her skin was be bare for him to see.
"Turn." he ordered.
Lucy once again froze. If he saw the marks, how would he react?
There was no time for a decision, Kyrian gripped her shoulders and spun her around.23


Kyrian gasped at what he saw.
On Abigail's back, there was a series of criss-crossing marks. No. Not marks. Gashes.
Kyrian had only been whipped a few times before, but never would he have thought such a gentle woman could be tortured this way. She was an innocent.
"Who did this?"
Abigail didn't answer.
"Did you hear me? Are you suddenly a mute? Who delivered this torture and why?"
The female shook with fear before mumbling out words that caused him to turn red with anger.
"My soon-to-be husband delivered the lashes. My mother authorized them."
"Why?"
"I- I don't think that's any of your business."
Women. So bloody stubborn.
Abigail was so petite. She had a small frame with tiny hips and a beautifully rounded chest. Her hair came down to her waist, pin-straight in glorious gold. Her eyes were the palest blue he had ever seen, so pale that they were almost silver. She had a soft voice and a kind smile. Who could hurt someone so defenseless?
"Abby, don't worry. I'm going to make the bloke who did this pay."
She rolled her eyes at that.
"You can't, soldier. He's not someone you want to mess with. Now if you'll excuse me, I have places to be."
Kyrian grabbed her by the arm again, holding her in place. "I need to take care of those gashes, Abby."
"No. The deal was you would look but not touch."
When did he agree to that?
Oh. Right.
"Well, that was before I found out your 'scrape' was really a lovely set of whip-marks."
"Too bad, you already agreed."
"Well, I'll remember not to make any agreements with you next time someone wants to use you as a leather tester." Kyrian snapped sarcastically.
What the hell was wrong with her? He didn't even understand how she was still walking and not screaming or passing out. Was she determined or just plain retarded?
He was currently leaning more towards retarded he decided as he glanced at all of her scrapes from falling.
"Look, Abigail. If those don't get looked at and sealed up soon, they're going to get infected. And it's going to be bad. The pain will only get worse as the time passes until eventually it kills you and something in the forest picks you apart because you're so naive."
"Well, aren't you just all for moral support and compliments." Abby hissed sarcastically.
"What can I say, I'm honest." And he was. When Kyrian gave his word, he kept it. Your word is one thing that will never leave you. No matter what people beat you for, it will still be there so long as you remember it and plan to uphold it.
"Abby. You're coming back to my cabin. You can either walk, or I can carry you. It's up to you."
Abigail stuck out her tongue before reaching behind herself to re-do up her corset and gown.
"Allow me."
Kyrian's fingers worked quickly and carefully as he fastened her gown. It wasn't smart for her to have the fabric rubbing against the already irritated and demolished skin, but it would get her where he needed her without a fight.
Kyrian motioned for her to move with his hand.
She didn't.
"Hello? Earth to Abby. Time to go."
She took a step forward and tripped on a rock. Kyrian managed to catch her before she fell, straightening her back up and placing her on her feet.
"Are you dizzy, Abby?"
"No."
"Then what is wrong with your feet?"
"I-"
She what? Could the woman not complete a full sentence without his assistance?
"How do you not know already?" Her tone was filled with disbelief, her lips squeezed tightly together.
"Know what?"
"Can we just not talk about this now?"
Fine. Whatever she wants. But they would talk about it, later.
Without asking permission, Kyrian scooped Abigail up into his arms and carried her back to his cabin.24

"There, you're all patched up." Kyrian said, voice full of approval. "I just want to do a quick test to make sure all of your vitals are functioning properly."
Abigail nodded and waited as he checked her pulse and then he asked a question that seemed to stump her.
"How many fingers am I holding up?"
Abigail didn't reply.
"Abby, pay attention, luv. How many fingers do you see?"
"I'm guessing none is the wrong answer?" she replied.
Obviously. What, did she think this was some sort of game?
"Touch my finger then touch your nose. Keep doing that until I tell you to stop."
Abigail touched her nose, then stopped.
"I didn't say stop, dammit. You bloody trollop. Do you have no sense?"
Kyrian was growing tired of this game already and it'd barely begun.
One test left he wanted to check. He directed the lantern light into her eyes to see if her pupils would respond.
And that's when he realized. . .
"You're blind?"25


Lucy didn't know what to say. Yes I'm blind didn't seem to cut it. So she nodded instead.
Yes, because a nod was so much better.
"Why didn't you tell me? How'd it happen? And what the hell were you doing out in the woods by yourself?"
Again, Lucy stayed silent.
"C'mon, babe. You gotta give me some answers."
Did he just call her babe? What the heck?
"Yes, I'm blind. I didn't tell you because it didn't concern you. They're my eyes, I won't see whatever I want to with them, so deal with it. And two, I was going for a walk."
"A walk? A walk?!" His voice was incredulous. "Why a blind girl is strolling around in the most dangerous part of the woods is beyond me. I'll take you home first thing in the morning."
"I don't need an escourt, but thanks anyways. I'll just get dressed and be on my way."
Kyrian growled. It wasn't the sound a man makes when he's irritated, but an honest-to-god growl.
"Abigail, you are not going anywhere until you give me a last name and an address. And I am going with you."
Name? Yeah, that was sooo not going to happen.
"I told you, my name is Abigail. I am a servant at the Hawkly manor. A cook to be more precise."
"A servant? Mhmm. And what is a cook doing so far away from her master?"
"I have a few days off." Lucy lied.
"Well, I'll be taking you back to the estate tomorrow. It's only a half-a-night's walk, but we'll wait until you are fully rested. We leave tomorrow around mid-day."
"As you wish, my lord." Lucy complied as sarcastically as she could.
"I do wish. Now get your scrawny bottom to bed."
Lucy froze. And where was the room?
He seemed to catch her trail of thought and gently took her hand. "C'mon. Watch your step and I'll take you to your room. I wouldn't want you to break any of my things in the process of you trying to find it."
Oh, yeah, wouldn't want that.26

Lucy woke up to the sound of birds chirping. She slowly sat up, stretching like a cat and enjoying the pop of all of her joints as they moved back into place. There was a beautiful breeze coming in from the window to her right and she basked in the feeling of the air caressing her skin.
"Morning." Kyrian greeted from the doorway. "Sleep well?"
"Yes, I did. Thanks ever so much. Now, I know you planned to take me back today, but I really need to go see my family... they are in the oposite direction of the Hawkly manor, so won't be needing your assistance any longer."
"Of course, I completely understand, Lucy."
"wait, you just called me-"
CRAP! Crap, crap, CRAP!
"Yes, that's right, I know who you are." Kyrian agreed.
"But how?"
"I went to your manor last night, and found the estate's owner who filled me in on her missing daughter. When I asked her about her missing cook, she told me that Abigail was working on cleaning up the dinner dishes as we spoke. So once we compared her daughter's appearance with the person I had sleeping in my shack, it soon became obvious that you, luv, had deceived me. So she sent a man back with me to take you home."
"What?! Who?" Lucy demanded, her voice and face were panic-stricken.
"Hello, lover."
Lucy's froze and then trembled from head to toe.
"Micheal."27


Kyrian didn't know what to do. Lucy seemed to be having some form of panic attack. Before he relaized what she was doing, she had bolted from the bed and had launched herself at the open window. The girl was quick, he'd give her that, but the window wasn't open enough to-
His mistake, after a moment of struggle, she managed to squeeze through it.
Lord Price let out a bellow of rage before tearing after her, throwing the window all the way open and leaping out after her. "Get back here, Lucy. Don't make your punishment any worse."
Her punishment? And what exactly would that be? Kyrian wondered as he chased after them.
He didn't know much, but this much was clear, something wasn't right.
Lucy may not be the strongest girl, but she didn't seem like the cowardly type. Yet here she was, running away like a cat being chased by a hungry doberman.
As Kyrian leapt through the window, he noticed the nail marks she had left on the ledge as she clawed her way out.
Not something a person who wasn't being threated, would do.
Kyrian knew what it was like to be cornered, what had he just unleashed on the poor female?28


Lucy crouched in a bush, She had no idea if her body was completely covered, because she had no way to check. Her sight was nonexistent. She couldn't climb a tree and she most certainly couldn't keep running without knowing what was around her.
"Lucy, come on, love. Don't make this more difficult than it has to be. Your punishment will ony be worse than last time's if you keep running."
Micheal. How she'd love to gouge his eyes out right now and feed them to him.
"Sir Price, I think you should back-off. Right now."
Kyrian. she knew he would turn her in eventually. She had just assumed he would have told her befor he did it, but it's as that saying goes, "To assume makes an ass out of you and me".
Lucy's back protested at the stretch of her freshly-cleaned wounds as she crouched in her hideout.
"I'll find you, princess. Then when I do, we're going to have a long...talk." Micheal's voice was like a snake's. It was a hiss, but also a promise of danger.
"Your mother misses you dearly. She wants you to come home so that the wedding arrangements can be finished."
She was definitely not going through with that. If he thought otherwise, he was stupider than she thought.
"If you don't come out, poor, dear Joshua is going to pay the price."
Before she could lock her limbs, Lucy sprang to her feet and rushed Micheal.
"You bastard!" she screamed. "I'll kill you if you touch him!"
Micheal laughed as she knocked him to the ground and clawed at his chest. His laughter stopped short when she slashed his cheek and elbowed him in the gut.
"Hey, that's not nice. I'm going to teach you your manners, Lucy." With one hard hit to her face, her head snapped back and she saw stars.
Not exactly her idea of getting her eyesight back.
She didn't even get a chance to run off again. Micheal rolled over so that his body-weight was pinning her to the ground. With one hand, he held both of hers above her head and withdrew something from lord-knew-where to secure her wrists.
Lucy screamed bloody-murder and thrashed wildly on the ground as he bound her ankles and flung her over his shoulder.
"Stop." Kyrian ordered. "Put the girl down. Now."29


Lord Price didn't listen, cutting Kyrian's patience short.
"Who the hell do you think you are to harm a lady like that?"
"I did no such thing." The bastard said in defense. "She was clawing at me like a wild jaguar. What'd you expect me to do?"
Kyrian so wanted to punch this guy out. The little weasel wasn't telling him something.
"So how do you know Lucy?" Kyrian finally demanded.
"She's mine."
"Your what? Sister? Cousin? Friend?"
"Mine. As in my soon-to-be wife."
There was no way to stop Kyrian now. This was the asshole who had whipped the living-hell out of Lucy. Without a moment's pause, Kyrian flung himself at Price, knocking him and Lucy to the ground. She let out a cry of pain which he immediately felt guilty for.
"You're never going to touch her again, you pig." Kyrian snarled, bringing his fist into Micheal's jaw at full force.
Lord Price's head snapped sideways before he returned the blow, catching Kyrian's cheek, just below his eye. The skin split allowing blood to run freely down his face.
If this kept up, Kyrian would have no choice but to unleash the beast.
Lucy squealed in terror and as Kyrian turned to see the cause of her fear, he was struck by an arrow. Then everything began to fade.
The last thing he saw was Lord Price picking up Lucy in his arms and lifting her onto his horse. Then the two huntsmen followed Price's lead as he rode off through the forest, Lucy jerking in his arms.30


Lucy couldn't do it, not again. She would die if she had another whipping, but Price seemed to have other plans for her. Instead of being taken back to her mannor, Micheal took her back to his estate where he chained her to the bed in his room and left to take a shower.
When he got back he moved forward only to yank up her skirts and bare everything up to her hips.
She was still fully-cloathed, but what was to come seemed pretty obvious. There would be no more waiting.
"You, my love, need to learn that you are mine. You're nothing but a pretty face and a sweet voice. Without that you would be nothing. You should be thanking me for wanting you, but instead you try to run and kiss another. Now does that seem nice to you?"
"Go die." Lucy snapped, spitting in the direction of his voice. She knew she had hit her target when he let loose a howl of rage.
He moved away, stamping across the room before returning to her side.
Lucy struggled in the chains, afraid of what was to come.
There wasn't much time to wonder before Micheal leaned in, whispering in her ear, "Now you'll have a reminder forever." Then the pain began.31


Kyrian came awake, dazed and confused.
He shot up the second he remembered what had happened. Those men had taken Lucy.
The memory of her fear-filled face would haunt him for the rest of his life.
How terrifying it must have been for her to not be able to see. She would have had no idea where anyone or anything had been. She would have felt so alone. And now she could be suffering, all because he had to go and check out her identity with the one person, who he was now realizing, was the one who had originally authorized her lashings.
He would get her back. Wherever she was, he would find her.
And then he would make every son-of-a-bitch who had something to do with her abduction pay.32


Lucy screamed like a banshee, thrashing wildly in her restraints as the pain flared. "Stop! Please! Stop!"
Micheal laughed the entire time, eyes filled with satisfaction as he observed his work. "It's done, princess."
Her hip was still throbbing and her flesh sizzled. She wanted to wipe at her tear-stained cheeks, but the chains held her back. If only she could get free. Then she would make this sick bastard pay.
"Now, what do you say?" Micheal asked.
Lucy replied, all innocence, "Choke."33


The glass shattered into a million pieces as Kyrian blasted his elbow through the window. He followed Lucy's scent to a thick, wooden door. Without a moment's pause, he kicked it open.
What Kyrian found on the other side sent waves upon waves of fury coursing through his body.
Lucy was chained to a bed, her entire form screaming fear and pain. Her skirts were hiked up which Price was only now covering and he was leaning over her, whispering something into her ear, his hand holding her head in place by the jaw. Then the second Lord Price looked up-
Kyrian lunged.
There was only one word slicing through his mind as he kept imagining Lucy's terrified face.
Mine.
That one word was so wrong, but felt so right when used to describe the female.
He felt oddly protective and very possessive. The truth that was utterly confusing and completely pointless.
"This doesn't concern you, outsider!" Lord Price choked out as Kyrian's hands wrapped themselves around the snake's thickly-muscled neck. With one jab to the parasite's windpipe, Kyrian could kill the wanker.
"Micheal", Kyrian recalled with a grimace.
The thing had a name. How unfortunate.
When he had been a boy, guys like this would have been put down at birth. After all, no one wanted a bastard son.
Price was making desperate, gasping sounds on the floor like a fish. His eyes were bulging out of his head.
"Kyrian!" That was Lucy's scream. Her voice was panicked. "Don't, he's not worth it. If you kill him, his people will kill you, too. Just leave it be."
Kyrian stared at her open-mouthed. "You want me to release the man that was going to rape you."
"No! He didn't. That's not what happened. Trust me. . .just leave it alone."
Kyrian growled at the ashamed tone of her voice.
"What did you do to her?" he demanded Lord Price to respond.
The man's face was turning blue.
Whoops.
Kyrian loosened his grip so that the serpent could breathe and answer the bloody question.
"You can kill me, but then it would only hurt her." Micheal choked out. "Because once I die, they hunt you and take her back. You can just imagine the punishment her mother would deliver this time for her insolence. You think I was cruel, but she knows it was going to be much, much worse. Me, I was merciful.
There was a flash of crimson behind his eyes. The crimson of the strongest hatred Kyrian had ever known.
Kyrian tightened his grip again and kneed him in the groin.
There, the foolish boy would be somewhat occupied for a bit, tending to himself and "junior".
Lucy sighed in relief once the choking stopped before her entire body began to convulse.
What the-?
He was at her side in a flash as her body seized. "Shhh, it's okay, luv. It's okay." Kyrian cooed. Whether he was trying to assure her or himself, he did not know. All that mattered was that she got through this unharmed.
Kyrian tore cloth off of the bottom of his shirt and stuffed it in her mouth to keep her from biting off her tongue.
"S'okay, Lucy, just breathe and let the waves ride. Don't try to fight, it will only make you hurt more."
Eventually the convulsions began to slow down until they stopped altogether. Instead her body trembled and tears made their way down her ashamed face.
She was embarrassed that people had to see her like this, he could tell. After all, no one likes to be defenseless.
"I'm going to get us soddin' out of here, don't worry, pet."
No more words, Kyrian grabbed hold of the chains, pulled out a pin, and freed her.
Lucy rubbed her wrists before pulling the cloth out of her mouth. Kyrian could see blood trickling down the length of her arm from gashes in her wrists. Gashes caused by her struggling in the chains.
Dammit-all-to-hell. Why couldn't he kill Price again?
Right, because it was "wrong".
So was biting people. 34

Lucy was shocked. What had just happened to her? Why had she burst into a seizure? Was it from pain, or from shock? Or was it a combination of the two?
Probably the latter she decided.
her thoughts hadn't gone far when Kyrian leaned down to remove the chains. They gave without any difficulty. What was this guy? An escaped fugative?
"Put your arms around my neck, luv." Kyrian ordered. "We're blowing this joint."
Before either of them could utter another word, someone burst into the room.
"Lucy! You, get away from her this instant!"
Joshua.
"It's okay, Kyrian is a friend- erg, sort of. Now, what are you doing here, Joshua?"
"I could ask you the same thing, Luce. Only, I know because the maids told me. Shit. Why didn't you come to me? You shouldn't have run without letting me know where you were. Do you have any idea what I've been through?"
Kyrian growled. "What you've been through? She's the one being tortured."35


Joshua's eyes flicked back and forth from Lucy back to him.
"What are you staring at, boy?" Kyrian demanded, getting impatient. He really wanted to get Lucy to safety as soon as possible.
"You. Who are you and what purpose do you have here?"
"Well, let's see...I came to kill Lord Price, if that's okay with you. If my princess here hadn't have told me to back off, he would already be greeting Hades in the Underworld."
"Fine by me, sorry- what was the name again?"
"Kyrian."
"Right. Well, I'm going to take it from here. You can go back to wherever you came from, Kyrian."
Kyrian's eyes narrowed. He didn't like that idea. In fact, he didn't like the idea of anyone except him taking care of Lucy. Others were not to be trusted. And this boy was practically drooling over the female. His female.
What the hell was he thinking? The female no more belonged to him than the entire Globe did. His hunger was just messing with his head. He needed to eat, and soon.36


Lucy was uncomfortable with the sudden silence. She wasn't used to people trying to "protect" her. Even though Derek and her mother had kept a constant eye on her. Their attention was more to make sure she didn't embarrass the family name or cause anyone any grief, than it was to keep her safe. Her well-being wasn't really taken into consideration when she was around her family. She was just another mat to walk on and a boomerang that they could throw, only to have Lucy come back when they required her help.
"I don't think so." Kyrian growled. "The girl comes with me."
Oh did she now?
"Who do you think you are? Randomly walking into Lucy's life and trying to tell her closest friends how to take care of her. I happen to be one of the only people who have ever taken her feelings into consideration. While you, my friend, have been nowhere in sight. Explain that."
"Well, see, there is this problem: I had never met her, you ninny!" Kyrian snapped impatiently. "Now remove whatever stick you have up your fancy-arse and tie our "Citizen of the Year" over there, up."
Lucy couldn't see, but she could imagine the pissed-off look on Joshua's face. Joshua didn't take kindly to orders or people who were wittier than he. She should know, whenever she got in a good, playful, jab at him, he had always pulled a little farther away into his defensive shell before lashing out.
The guy had taken better care of her than anyone else ever before, but most of all, he had taken care of her heart.
"Joshua, does you offer still stand?"
There was a growl- Kyrian, and then a strong, comforting hand on her shoulder.
"That offer is never going to change, Lucy."
"Even though I picked him over you?"
"Yes. Even if I don't agree with your choice in guys, I do want you to be safe. I want you to be everything, Luce. So let's go home and we can get some sleep."
"I don't think I'll get much sleep tonight."
"Fine by me, hon. You do whatever you want." Joshua chirped as he leaned in to kiss her on the cheek.
Kyrian's growl got louder.
"What is your problem?" Lucy demanded. "Did you swallow a car motor? Or are you just constipated?"
Joshua burst out laughing before taking Lucy's hand and helping her to her feet.
Lucy was far from steady as she took a few steps in the direction Joshua was guiding her. Her head was spinning and her skin still sizzled painfully. Every step was a challenge, just trying to keep from passing out.
"I'm not leaving her."
Those were the first words that Kyrian had said in a while. She could feel his eyes on her. She knew if she weren't blind, that his jaw would be set stubbornly and his appearence would make her jaw drop. She had felt his muscles and heard his movent. He was strong and swift and...caring. At least- underneath the iron shell.
"Well you're not coming with us." Joshua said, tone pleasantly conversational. "Just cause you're all big and muscly, doesn't mean you can parade around like you own everyone and everything. Lucy is my- well, in a way...I don't really know what to call her, but she's not someone for you to mess around with. If you hurt her. I will kill you."
"Joshua, be nice." Lucy warned. "This man just happened to take care of me when I fell and injured myself in the forest. He gave me shelter and medical attention. Without him I'd still be lying there in that ravine. So be kind to him. He's my hero."37


Kyrian smiled at that. "Hero".
He was far from that, but there was no-way-in-hell that he would tell Joshua that. Kyrian would take any luck he could get when it came to staying with the girl. She was to be protected at all costs. There was something...different about her. Something so pure and innocent, that it shone as bright as a fire. She had her own flame burning inside of her heart. A fire that glowed a seductive red, making his body ignite in ways he'd forgotten were possible. She was unique. And his.
His firecracker.
"I go with the girl. If you think you can take her from me before I finish tending to her wounds, you're a nutcase."
Joshua glared at him, one arm wrapped posessively around Lucy's waist, the other curled into a tight fist at his side. If Kyrian pushed the guy a little further, he would snap.
I wonder how long until he explodes, Kyrian thought with amusement. The guy was clearly unstable.
"You won't give up will you?" Joshua grumbled.
Kyrian shook his head.
"Fine. Come on, I got two horses outside. You can ride one, Lucy and I have the other."
"She comes with me." Kyrian repeated.
"What are you, her Saint Bernard? I'm quite capable of taking care of her."
"Not as capable as I am, believe me. The female is safest with me."
"Enough!" Lucy hissed. "I don't know if either of you have noticed, but we're still in Micheal's bloody basement! So let's get out of here before he gets out of the ropes or his servants come."
"Right." Kyrian and Joshua replied in unison. That earned each of them another glare from the other, because co-operation was so...not an option where Lucy was concerned. They were two men competing for one beauty. And the winner won the jackpot. The ultimate prize; the eternal flame.38


Lucy's head rested back against Joshua's chest. She relaxed against his body and closed her eyes. That relaxation only lasted a few seconds before she winced in pain. Her hip and back were killing her. With all of the fighting she'd done with Lord Price, she'd torn open her stitches. She would need to borrow some bandages from Joshua once they arrived at his shack. Which by looking at her surroundings, would be any minute now.
Kyrian was riding beside them on Joshua's black stallion. At least, that's what Joshua had said. He told Kyrian that it matched his black heart. How original.
"Lucy, you okay, luv?" Kyrian called over to her, his voice rising above the beat of the horse's hooves.
"I'm still fine, Kyrian." Lucy sighed.
"I wish you'd stop asking her that." Joshua mumbled. "It's not like I plan to throw her off the horse or anything."
"Yeah, well, accidents happen. If you have an accident with Lucy, I'm going to have an accident with your face, old chap. How'd you fancy that?"
"Enough with the testosterone feuds!" Lucy screeched, losing her last shard of patience. "If you both don't cut it out, I will personally place you both in hospital beds with my eyes closed."
Silence.
Finally. It only took eleven hours.
"How does that count?" Kyrian finally asked, breaking the calm quiet. "You can't see anyways, pet."
"You jackass!" Joshua howled. "I'll pluck out your eyeballs for that and feed it to a homeless person."
Such lovely imagery these men used. So- well, Lucy was guessing "creative" wasn't the right word.
"Shut-up. Now." Lucy grumbled. "I swear, I will teach you boys the real meaning of castration if you don't. You both can join a choir and sing as sopranos once your voice is forced into a permanent high-pitch."
"What?!" Joshua asked, voice strangled.
"Men used to be castrated to make their voices higher pitched so they could sing as sopranos. I read about it."
"Hmmm." Kyrian said, thoughtful. "Remind me to remove all of your novels once I get a chance. If not to save your own virgin mind, then to at least save the male race."
Lucy chuckled before closing her eyes and enjoying the silence that had once again fallen.
Only it wasn't silent, she regarded with pleasure. She enjoyed the sound of the horses' as they galloped into the darkness. She could feel the cool night's breeze lifting her hair and carressing her smiling face. The bats squeaked and the wolves called into the night.
She found herself wanting to be able to see. To look into the beautiful, exotic night...and see peace. She wanted to get a look at the calm that she felt. To watch the people she knew disappear into their safe little houses and watch the real inhabitants of the world awaken.
The world was a nocturnal place. Once the sun sets, the monsters come out to play.
Did this make her just another one of those monsters? Was she a terrbile person for leaving her family to join the wolves? That's what she, Joshua and Kyrian had just become. A pack. A wolf pack fighting for survival.39


Lucy settled down into the bed she had been given in her own private room. Her lids were droopy, but her mind was wide awake. She couldn't keep her thoughts from straying to Micheal. There would never be a time when she would be able to feel completely safe again, would there? She had been so helpless at the hands of her abductor. She vowed here and now, that she would never be put into that position again. There would not come a time when she wouldn't have the situation she faced under perfect control.
As she began to doze-off, the thoughts became too much to bare.
Micheal's hands touching her, his lips brushing her ear as he placed the threat.
The ropes holding her in place on the bed as the torture began.
Lucy couldn't take it, she sprung up off of the bed and stumbled over to the old-cushioned chair in front of the unlit fireplace. There she curled into a ball and found comfort.
She wondered how Kyrian was faring in Joshua's room. Lucy wouldn't be surprised if the two boys were at eachother's throats right now. They sure made the ride here interesting. No, that wasn't a stong enough word. No words seemed to be able to describe the way the two of them communicated.
Forcing them to share a room, was like placing two pitbulls in the same cage and watching to see what would happen.
It certainly wouldn't end well.
And with that thought. . . Lucy found sleep.40


Kyrian groaned and rolled onto his side. The house was beat-up. Not as nice as his or Lucy's, but it was suitable for now. Joshua's father had greeted Lucy with open arms and plenty of food. Kyrian however had received the evil glare and a smug smile from Joshua. That smile had soon disappeared once the sleeping arrangements had been decided.
Hell, kyrian hadn't been fond of the idea either. He was simply trying to be tollerant.
And he was failing miserably.
"I wasn't saying you smell," Joshua went on. "I was only implying that you should take other people's noses into perspective and bathe."
Kyrian rolled his eyes. The boy just couldn't shut-the-hell-up. He just kept going like the sodding energizer bunny.
"I do bathe, moron."
"Well, clearly not enough." Joshua offered in a not-so-helpful way.
"I was bleeding and believe it or not, sweating from actually fighting to save Lucy."
"I said I came as fast as I could."
"Yeah, that would be the fastest," Kyrian agreed with honesty. "If you were a bloody snail, you wanker!"
"Oops, naughty me. Maybe I should stalk Lucy too and see where it gets me. It certainly isn't going to land you a spot in her bed."
Kyrian let out a growl before rolling onto his other side so that he wouldn't have to face the boy.
Any longer and he would kill him with his bare hands.
Kyrian closed his eyes and thought of Lucy. Her delicate mane of silvery hair, and her pale-blue eyes. He thought of her curvy body and her delicate, sing-song voice. Then he thought about the death-threat in her voice as she talked about castrating Joshua.
So what if she had threatened him with it too? He knew it was really pointed at the boy.
Yeah, right.
With her glorious image in his head, Kyrian began to sleep-
"What kind of a name is Kyrian anyways?"
Kyrian groaned as if in severe pain and dragged the pillow over his head.
This was going to be a long....night.41

As morning arrived, Kyrian got to his feet and slipped into the miniature bathroom to shower and take care of his other personal needs.
Joshua was still out-cold on his bed, he looked so innocent as he slept. Kyrian, however wasn't fooled. He'd learned first-hand how obnoxious that kid could be once he was up. If Kyrian had known sleep was the answer, he would have knocked the boy out sooner.
Once he was finished with the shower, he wandered back into the room to dispose of his clothes. Joshua's clothes were snug on him, making them uncomfortable to wear, but better than nothing.
The kid stirred before sitting bolt-upright.
"You." he spat incoherently.
"Me." Kyrian agreed. "Now, get dressed so we can start planning what we're going to do with Lucy."
"What are you goin to do?"
"Well, as much as I hate do it- wake her."
Just as Kyrian reached her door, Joshua was right behind him.
There was an outbreak of panic when her bed was found empty. He, Sir McCarthy and Joshua split-up to search.
Kyrian was the first to find her, curled into the fetal position on the chair by the fire.
She was mumbling in her sleep. Her heart was beating a mile-a-minute and her breathing was harsh.
"No!" she screamed. "Stop! It's too hot!"
Lucy rocked back and forth in the chair, not waking from the nightmare that had claimed her.
"Lucy!" Kyrian yelled. "Wake-up. C'mon, luv. Open your eyes for me."
She let out a final shriek as she rolled off of the chair, before Kyrian could catch her, and jolted herself awake.
After a moment of silence and heavy-breathing, she spoke. "Kyrian?"
"The one and only."
"What are you doing in here?"
"Trying to find you."
There was no response so Kyrian lifted her off of the floor and genlty placed her back on the chair. He crouched in front of her a placed a hand on her cheek.
"You okay, little dove?"
"No. Not really."
"You need help?"
"If I say yes, would that make me a coward?"
"No, it would make you human."
She seemed to stop and think about that for a moment before responding. "Then yes, I need help."
"What do you want me to do?"
"For now, nothing. I'll let you know when I finally decide what I need."
Kyrian smiled before leaning in closer to her. Lucy placed a velvet-soft hand on his cheek and began to carress his face. Her touch was soothing, so gentle and focused.
They both leaned in closer, their noses brushing slightly. Lucy's hands were roaming his face with purpose now. Tracing his eyes, cheeks and mouth. She was trying to imagine what he looked like, that much Kyrian was certain.
"I checked every damned place I could think of and-" Joshua stopped talking once he saw who Kyrian was with in the room. "What the hell are you doing to her?!"
Lucy drew back automatically, blood rushing to her face.
"I was waking her up, dumbass." Kyrian said in a matter-of-fact tone. "She was having a nightmare."
Joshua came forward and shoved Kyrian out of the way. He crouched down in front of LuCY and placed his hands on her knees. "Lucy, don't worry. You're safe here."
As Kyrian watched the boy try to comfort Lucy, he found an unwelcome rush of heat in his body. It wasn't a comforting heat, but the heat of anger. He was pissed. Royally pissed that the McCarthy kid was closer to winning Lucy's heart than he.
Kyrian stepped back into the shadows, watching with his heart barely intact as Joshua leaned in and captured Lucy's lips with his own. The worst part was, she didn't pull back. Instead she leaned into the kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her chest against his.
Oh, bollocks.
It wasn't the most pationate kiss Kyrian had ever seen, but it also wasn't the least. Lucy seemed unsure as she kissed Joshua, as though reconsidering the entire thing.
Joshua however, clung to her for dear-life. He slid down onto the chair and pulled Lucy onto his lap. When she began to pull back, he was left gasping, his eyes hungry for more.
"Lucy, I told you you should have come with me. If you had listened, we could have avoided all of this pain. I will always take care of you. Don't you forget it for a second."
Oh, how romantic, Kyrian thought with distaste.
"Are you two quite done with the snogging? I'm getting neauseous over here."
"No one told you to watch." Joshua snarled.
Lucy began to stand up, but Joshua wrapped his arms around her waist and held her in place. Kyrian could just pick up the boy's words as he whispered into her ear, "You can stay in my room tonight. If I stay with Kyrian for one more night, I'm going to end up shoving the curtain-rod up his ass."
"Watch your mouth!" Lucy snapped. "I won't have the two of you talking like that around me anymore. I may not be a lady like my mother, but I still have some decency."
Joshua had the sense to look ashamed, but that only lasted a moment before he began to nuzzle her neck.
"So," Kyrian interrupted. "I think it would be best if Lucy stayed here for awhile. I will of course check in every few days, but in the meantime, you should really start considering safety measures for the girl."
Joshua looked up, but his hand continued to stroke Lucy's arm. "I agree. Stay another night if you wish. We will send for you if ever we are stuck in a tight situation or her life is endangered."
You should be fearing for your own life, boy. Kyrian thought with obvious hostility. If you don't watch how you treat her, I'm going to peel you like an orange and hang the flesh from flagpole for all to see.
"Sure. Now, Joshua why don't you go over these plans with your father? While you do that I'm going to check Lucy's wounds and repair whatever needs mending."
"No way, Kyrian. I'll take care of her and deal with my father later. Wait- what wounds?"
"You know, the ones on her back."
"From what?" Joshua's pitch went up in confused question.
"From the whipping she received, delivered by her betrothed."
"What?!" Joshua was practically foaming at the mouth he was so angry. "I should have killed that bastard when I had the chance. I mean- I would have before I left Lucy with him at the manor, but I thought she could handle herself. She seemed to be holding up fine on her own, anyways."
"Yeah," Lucy agreed, speaking for the first time. "That was before it turned into something more complicated. Three-on-one isn't exactly the kind of game I like to play. Especially when it's impossible to win it."
Kyrian's temper spiked all over again. Being around Lucy seemed to send his emotions out of whack.
"They...tortured you? Was it-" he gulped, "- Was it because of what you and I did together?"
Another wave of fury violated Kyrian's mind. What had Joshua done to cause the female's pain?
"What we did?" Lucy asked innocently. "That was nothing. It just kinda pulled out the last straw holding me up when I think I needed it most."
"What did you do?" Kyrian demanded after a minute of silence.
"We-"
"I-"
They both spoke at the same time.
Kyrian glared at the boy. "What did you do to her, boy?"
Joshua must have sensed the threat in Kyrian's voice, because nancy boy shut up, and fast. He wouldn't even move.
Lucy answered for him. "It's not his fault. I let him. I mean- I wanted him to do it. It was just a stupid kiss."
A kiss? Dammit all to hell.
"Just a kiss?" Joshua snarled, his eyes narrowed from the ego-bruiser he had just received. "It was more than that, love. You and I both know it. That was passion at its fullest. And if the first kiss wasn't enough to wake you up from your confusion, then I believe another is in order to speed up the process."
Kyrian growled. Lucy blushed. Joshua made his move.
It happened fast. Kyrian lunged froward, knocking the boy to the floor where they both rolled until their flesh met the wall. Punches were thrown while Lucy screamed. She was completely unaware of the damage that was being delivered to her two companions. She was sightless. Helpless...frightened.
With a grumble of protest from his inner-beast, Kyrian pulled away from the boy and approached Lucy. She was cowering in a corner, her hands covering her ears.
Kyrian pulled her hands away and leaned in to whisper, "I'm sorry. That was uncalled for. The boy...infuriates me. He doesn't know the time or place for anything. I lost my temper and I'll try to keep that from happening again. Alright?"42


No, it wasn't alright. Lucy wouldn't stand for this. She couldn't be around an abusive male. She...just couldn't. Not after everything she had just been through with her mother and "fiance".
"Kyrian- I think you should leave at first light come tomorrow. I'm so grateful for all you've done for me, but I'm not ready to stand up to the world yet. I need some time to adjust to my ever-changing situation. The constant bickering and death threats between you and Joshua are just irritating and keeping my mind from focusing on the task at hand. So please, don't be angry and try not to take offense. I'm just not as strong as I wish I were."
"You're as strong as a Spartan, little dove. Don't you doubt that for a moment. Once you find yourself, give me a call and I'll pull you from that dark pit of despair. Until then...use every piece of leaverage you've got. Don't let anyone sway your opinion on what needs to be done."
"And what do I need to do, Kyrian?"
"Survive."
With that, Kyrian turned heel and went to bed.
"Well?" Joshua pressed. "Going to bed, too?"
She could only give him a nod, but then again- that was all he needed. Joshua took her hand and pulled her into his bedroom. The door clicked shut and locked behind them and she stumbled over to the bed.
"Need assistance changing?" Joshua asked, voice husky, but controlled.
"No. Just hand me the clothes and shield your eyes."
Joshua took her hand and guided it to one of his shirts. There was the swoosh of air, whether he turned or not, Lucy did not know. Just to be safe, she turned her back on him and began to slide out of her gown.
A hand stopped her progress. "Wait, Lucy. I really should clean up your back."
Lucy wanted to be argumentative, but knew he was right. The wounds were irritated again and she could feel little spots of blood welling up once more.43

"See, all better." Joshua whispered in that low, soothing voice. It was true he had wrapped her wound, but his fingers still trailed down her bare back, searching for something it seemed.
Perhaps her permission?
Was it improper to give it?
But most importantly, did she want to give it?
"Lucy...I am so, so very sorry, love. I never wanted you to get hurt, I love you, body and soul. I have since the first moment my eyes had the pleasure of beholding your beauty, strength and purity."
Lucy blushed.
Purity? She wasn't feeling too pure at the moment.
"Now, I'm not expecting any reply, I just needed to get that out there. So...yeah."
"Oh." That was the only word that would come out of Lucy's mouth.
"Oh? That's it?"
Lucy shook her head. "No. Not just 'oh'. How about, 'I like you too?'."
For a moment, Joshua looked crushed, but he hopped right back into his peppy mood a moment later. "I was hoping more for an 'I love you too', but that will work fine for now."
Then he kissed her. Or maybe attacked her was a better way to put it.
His lips forced hers to respond, removing breathing from the list of options and adding a whole new topic. Sex.
Was she ready?
"Lucy?" Oh, Lord, here it is.
"Mmmm?"
"Are you fine with where this is going?"
She wasn't sure how to answer that. She was scared shitless. She couldn't see him. She couldn't see anything. How would this work?
"Lucy?"
"I- I'm scared, Joshua. I don't think I can do this." Her voice wavered as he cradled her face in his hands. "I don't think I want-"
"Shhh. Just relax, okay? I won't ever hurt you. I need you to trust me. I know it's hard, but I'll make sure you get through this. We can stop whenever you want to, okay? Please."
Great. He was begging.
"I- I- I guess so..." Lucy finally stuttered. If her mother had been there to hear her speech mess-up, Lucy would have been slapped a good one.
If Lucy had to wait any longer for Joshua to get this started, she knew she would chicken out. So instead she gave him an order, the most un-ladylike thing she could have said, "Well? Let's get on with it."
Joshua didn't have to be told twice, he snaked an arm around Lucy and dragged her body to his in a crushing embrace. Her back stung, but there was no way she had any means to protest.
His lips moved in a pattern against hers, it didn't take long for Lucy to find a place inside herself that knew how to move and act and sound. Her body simply took control as Joshua removed her gown and placed her gently on the bed.
His lips broke away from hers for a moment as he removed his pants and shirt before returning to her with more urgency than before.
"You okay?" he asked, voice raspng against her neck as he leaned in to nibble on her ear.
Lucy nodded, there was no way she could have spoken if she had wanted to. He was in control and she was merely along for the ride. Joshua reeked of sex as he lay his body over hers and began with the simple forward and retreat of his hips.
His body was mimicking what was still to come.
She felt something hard at her hip as the motion increased.
Oh, God, would it hurt? She had heard that it did, but how could she be sure?
"Joshua will it-"
"Yes, love. It will hurt. Only for a moment, then the pleasure will take over."
That wasn't really reassuring, but if other women had survived and enjoyed, so could she.
With a nod of acceptance, Joshua entered.
There was pain. Pain she never could have prepared herself for. Was all he'd said a lie to get her to bed?
Would this excruciating pain ever end?
She was starting to doubt until he pulled back and struck home again.
Yes, she could get used to this.44


Kyrian dragged the pillow over his head.
He couldn't take another moment of it. Not with the two lovebirds in the other room, going at it like energizer bunnies. Not when Lucy was with-
Oh, bugger this. What the bloody-hell was wrong with him? Lucy wasn't his. She would never be his. Not when she could have the easily-pleased boy that was drilling into her.
Kyrian growled. It was a sound of anguish and despair, fury and madness, all tightened with a feeling he was only now getting used to.
Jealousy.
Would someone ever love him like that?
He was so used to people betraying him and kicking him when he was down, or poking at him when he was caged, that he could never imagine being held by someone who only meant to do him some good.
The world didn't have anything peaceful.
Not for him.
So Kyrian grabbed his things. . .
And left.45


Lucy turned onto her side, ashamed.
"So are you going to tell me who did this to you?" Joshua demanded.
"Please," she begged. "Just leave it."
"Leave it? Leave it?! No, Lucy. I can't just 'leave it'. That mark won't go away. It's so permanent that it's horrifying. Who would do something like this? Tell me, dammit!"
"The same man who gave me my lashings. I'm his. This is proof."
Joshua was only now noticing the mark on her hip. The one Lord Price had given her during their last encounter. The mark she had thought would be easy to conceal. Nothing could be concealed if you were naked. She knew this, it had just momentarily slipped her mind during the- She couldn't think of that now.
"Lucy...I'm so sorry. If I had only have waited, then your mother never would have seen. Forgive me?"
"Oh, shut-it." Lucy grumbled. "I don't have any regrets. What's done is done and you need to remove your head from your bottom and focus on what is currently in your favour. Understand?"
Joshua nodded before kissing her, turning onto his side, and drifting to sleep.
Lucy was too restless, she couldn't stay here in the bed while prince charming slept. She needed to move around a think. She needed to make herself useful.
Lucy got up and slipped on a robe before leaving the room, careful not to wake her companion. She crept into the hall and wandered towards the parlor. The cool night air sent goosebumps across her skin, but she welcomed the waking feeling the icy temperatures delivered.
A floorboard creaked and someone's breathing caught in their throat.
Wait, breathing?
"Who's there?" Lucy demanded. "Announce yourself."
There was another moment's pause before the unknown answered. "Kyrian."
"Kyrian? What-in-God's-name are you doing up at this hour?"
"I could ask you the same thing, luv."
"I couldn't sleep, I suppose."
"Ditto."
Lucy took a few purposeful steps forward towards the voice, her hands reaching out. When she felt somehting solid- his chest, she knew she had reached her target.
"Lucy, I need to tell you something."
She was ready to listen when her hands brushed something made of cloth and round. A traveling sack?
"Where are you going?" Lucy gasped. Her other hand found what he was clutching. The doorknob. "Where were you going without alerting Joshua and I?"
"I was going home, Lucy. I would have told you but-"
"But you what? You thought it would be more fun to give us heart-failure when we found you gone in the morning without our farewell? I wasn't serious last-night. I was tired and angry."
"No. I didn't want to interrupt you two. It sounded like you were rather occupied. You know, shagging and all."
She couldn't have stopped herself if she had tried. The reaction was automatic. Lucy reached out and slapped as hard as she could.
"Ouch." The word was dragged out with exageration. "Luv, could you not slap me for a moment and listen?"
"Don't call me that."
"Sorry, pet, listen up."
Lucy glared, hoping he got the message that she was ticked off.
"I need to get going, there's nothing for me here. I'll come back to check on you two soon. Stay out of trouble in the meantime, okay?"
Lucy felt moisture building behind her eyes. They had talked about Kyrian leaving, but now that it was actually happening, she didn't think she was ready to say the words. Good-bye.
"Kyrian, don't-"
"Shhh, little dove. Go, crawl back into bed with nancy-boy and pretend this conversation was never carried out."
"Don't shush me!" Lucy hissed. "Fine, you know what? Go. You and your stupid English accent can go enjoy the nice empty house you - occasionaly - occupy! See if I bloody-well care!"
Kyrian took my hand in his and brushed his lips across my knuckles before opening the door and leaving.
Lucy thought she heard his whisper of "Be careful, little dove." before he took off, but with how she was feeling, it could all have been her imagination.
Who needed him anyways? Just because Kyrian had saved her from Micheal, didn't mean she needed him around. He had somewhere to go and she had Joshua.
So why did this feel so wrong?46


Kyrian hadn't really grasped the fact that he was finally leaving. This was good. The female meant nothing but trouble. If he had stayed any longer, she would have dragged him down too. Being exposed was not a chance he was willing to take for a woman shagging some other lad. Not when Kyrian's heart screamed for her to choose him. Of course, she would choose the more normal of her three possible options. Joshua was kind - to her anyways - and Micheal was insane, while Kyrian...well, Kyrian was as existent as the wind. You could feel it and sometimes hear it, but you weren't ever supposed to see it. The wind comes and goes as it pleases, it needs to be free.
Kyrian needed to be free. He had tried cages out once. He hadn't liked it in the slightest.
You couldn't blame the bloke, who did like to be trapped and prodded like some kind of beast?
It simply wasn't right or fair to be treated as he had been.