Your summer spent in Valkarion taught you many things. Not to trust a trickster was one of them.

Now, Asric was taking you back to Earth, or Virellan, as they called it in Valkarion. You were making your rounds, saying goodbye to the many friends you made during your time in the Celestial Realm.

Your heart ached as you tried to take in as much of the lush landscape and ornate architecture you had come to love so much. While Earth was your home, you knew your heart would always belong in Valkarion.

Walking through the palace, looking for Asric, you were as ready to go home as you would ever be. Then, a firm hand grabbed yours and pulled you behind a large stone column.

"Marek." You sighed when you saw that it was him. As you turned to leave, he gently pulled you back. "Stay." He said softly. "Stay in Valkarion."

"Marek..." You said his name again. "Stay with me." Marek interrupted you. "I want you to." He looked at you sincerely. "I want... I want... you." There was a charged silence between you. "And how will you have me?" You finally asked.

"With illusions... and lies... and your head turned so our lips never touch?" You asked, stepping toward Marek. "I will have you. But not behind your illusions, Marek Frostveil."

You leaned in, letting your breath ghost across his lips. "Or I will have you not at all."