Order of The Seraphs - Residential District - Razlin:

  Queen Razlin and Tito rode for two moons as the sun set behind them. Once they neared the gate, a tower guard spotted their approach.

  “Open the gate! Queen Razlin approaches!” The guard yelled to the gatekeepers below.

  The heavy iron gate began to rise with a grind of chains and metal.

  As Razlin and Tito entered, they dismounted. The stablemaster in the courtyard took their horses.

  “My queen, let’s get you to the keep,” Tito said as he gestured toward Razlin.

  “No, Tito. I will spend time with my people.”

  “Of course. Lead the way, my queen.”

  They entered the Residential District, where houses stood with black walls topped by red slate roofs. Markets bustled with life as women, men, and children laughed, played, and sold their wares. As Razlin watched her people living happily, sadness crept across her face.

  “Let’s get back to the General District,” she whispered.

  A ball rolled to the Queen’s feet as children played nearby. Razlin bent over, picked it up, and smiled. “What’s your name?” She asked the little boy who approached.

  “My name is Josh,” the boy replied politely.

  Razlin handed him the ball and patted his head gently. “Go on.”

  As Razlin and Tito made their way to the General District, a gate guard yelled, “Lower the gate! Queen Razlin approaches!” Razlin turned her head, taking a final look at her people, her smile tinged with sadness.

  “My queen, what’s wrong?” Tito asked.

  “Let’s talk in my chambers,” she replied.

  They walked through the General District in silence, past the training yards where soldiers practiced their sword work in the fading light. The heavy doors of the queen’s keep groaned as they opened. Once inside, torchlight flickered against the walls.

  “These are my people, Tito. Generations have been born since the last war, yet we now stand on the brink of another.“

  Razlin pushed open her chamber door, the heavy wood creaking on its hinges. “Tito... Help me with my armor.” She sat heavily on the edge of her bed, exhaustion weighing on her shoulders.

  “My queen, I can get a maid to help you,” Tito said, already turning toward the door.

  “Tito.” Her voice stopped him mid-step. “Just help me unbuckle the backplate.”

  He hesitated for a moment, then walked back toward Razlin. “Of course, my queen.” He began to do as he was asked.

  “If I hand over Xander, I’m betraying an innocent man. If I marry Husku when the time comes, he will rule over the Order of the Seraphs and likely take over Dela Mar. The Grand Order would be unstoppable.”

  “My queen, the backplate has been unbuckled.”

  “Oh... It has.” Razlin paused, lost in thought. “Tito, the scouts are already reporting that the Grand Order is influencing DOLL, Tera, Edan, Ash, Trexton, and even here in Dela Mar. Only a few countries remain free from their influence. I must stay strong for my people.”

  “Of course, my queen,” Tito said reassuringly.

  “Tomorrow, I will meet with Xander in the throne room. Send word that I need all ten generals present,” Razlin commanded.

  Tito nodded and slowly walked away, leaving the queen’s bedroom chambers.

  He made his way through the keep, climbing the stone stairs. Candles flickered in their sconces when he passed. He reached Xander’s floor and walked down the hall, his footsteps echoing softly on the cold stone.

  Tito took a deep breath and stared at the door.

  “Xander!” He called out, then knocked three times.

  Did I hear someone yell my name? Xander looked toward the door as the knocking echoed through his room.

  The deadbolt clicked, and the door unlocked. As it swung open, Xander greeted his visitor.

  “Tito...”

  “Xander, I hope the guards treated you well,” Tito stated.

  Xander met Tito’s gaze steadily. “Yes... Three squares a moon… The food’s decent enough.”

  They sat at the small round table, which had three silver cups and a pitcher of ale.

  “Xander—”

  “Tito—” they spoke simultaneously.

  “Go ahead, Tito,” Xander said.

  Tito took a deep sigh. “Xander, the queen will see you tomorrow afternoon. A general will escort you. I don’t have the details on what the queen has to say.”

  Xander looked at Tito, then got up and went to the window. His jaw clenched as he stared out, and he turned to face Tito once more. “From what I remember, you were my best friend. We always had each other’s backs. I just still can’t understand what has changed.”

  “Everything has changed, Xander. I swore my life to Razlin. When you went missing, King Dela Mar was murdered shortly after. No one was here to protect her. The snakes with their venom were poised, ready to strike. She wasn’t ready to be queen on her own. Nobles were dancing on your grave, hoping to become king. I helped her through it. My wife had just died...” Tito choked on his words. “I remarried after most of the pain was gone. My best friend was gone. Once Razlin was pronounced Queen, I gave my vow to protect her with my life. ”

  As Tito finished talking, he started to leave.

  Xander stood there. Tito may be right. Regardless of what I remember, it’s still my fault. “Hey, Tito, I don’t blame you. I would have done the same thing. We’re both cut from the same cloth.”

  Tito stopped at the door, his hand on the knob. For a moment, he stood perfectly still, his back to Xander.

  “We are cut from the same cloth, Xander,” Tito said, his voice low. “But time changes us all.”

  Without another word or glance, Tito opened the door and stepped out. The sound of the lock clicking into place seemed almost deafening amidst the now silence of the room.

  His fists clenched and unclenched as he stared into the night. Tomorrow I see Razlin again. Will she tell me what happened to me fifty years ago? Will they tell me where my family is?

  Xander paced restlessly in his room. It’s almost midday. I think meetings end at midday.

  A sharp knock on the door broke his reverie. “Come in!” Finally, Tito, you're here.

  The deadbolt clicked, and the door swung open.

  “Oh…” Xander whispered.

  A woman stood before him. She had shoulder-length brown hair that darkened at the roots. Her bright blue eyes were complemented by a small, delicate nose and thin lips. A scar marked the left side of her face, and her skin was pale white.

  Clad in a combination of plate and chain mail, she was of medium height. The armor was primarily black with bold red accents, bearing the unmistakable design of the Order of the Seraphs. At her hip hung a well-worn sword, its hilt matching the color scheme of her armor.

  “Teresa!” Xander exclaimed, unable to hide his surprise. “I was expecting Tito.”

  A hint of a smile played at the corners of Teresa’s lips. “Of course you were,” she replied. “Let’s go—The queen is waiting for you.”

  As they walked through the halls, the flickering candles cast dancing shadows on the walls. They glanced at one another.

  “What?” Teresa asked quietly.

  “Nothing.”

  Upon reaching the throne room, Xander cast a sidelong glance at Teresa. She returned his gaze with just a movement of her eyes, her face remaining impassive. With a fluid motion, she pushed open the heavy doors.

  Xander and Teresa entered the throne room, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the vast space. Xander’s eyes darted left and right, noting that only the generals were present.

  Why are there generals here?

  As Teresa took her place in an open spot among them, Xander advanced to the first step before the throne. Razlin sat with her legs crossed.

  “Your Grace,” Xander said, bowing his head.

  Razlin nodded. “Xander, I won’t waste time. Wally wants you handed over to him in Braxton. He blames you for killing his son… According to the reports I’ve read, this is true—you killed his son on the battlefield. Your men created the report, specifically one written by Guss Blackheard. He was the commanding officer you had appointed at the time. He’s also a close friend of yours, is he not?”

  Xander’s brow furrowed. Guss wrote the report? “He’s a close friend, yes, but I had no idea he was involved in documenting what happened that moon.”

  Razlin raised an eyebrow. “Indeed, the report was filed the moon you went missing. It seems Guss might know more about your disappearance than he’s let on.”

  His hands clenched imperceptibly at his sides. If Guss had written the report, he must have witnessed what happened. But why hadn’t he said anything? “Your Grace, I... This is news to me. I need to speak with Guss.”

  “In due time, Xander,” Razlin replied, her voice measured. “For now, let’s focus on the matter at hand. I’ve decreed that no other domain’s subjects may remove you from these lands. If they do, it will be an act of war. Xander Blight, I hereby pardon you from any war crimes committed fifty years ago within the Order of the Seraphs domain.”

  A low murmur rippled through the assembled generals.

  Xander closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He opened them and glanced left and right. She pardoned me? Why are the generals talking as if…?

  “With this pardon, you’re now a subject of my domain and will follow my laws,” Razlin added, her tone brooking no argument.

  Xander nodded. “I understand, Your Grace.”

  Before Razlin could respond, Tito approached her swiftly, leaning in to whisper urgently in her ear. Her eyes widened.

  “This meeting is over! Everyone is dismissed,” She swiftly exited with Tito through a hidden door along the back of the throne room, disappearing into a secret passage that led outside the Order of the Seraphs’ walls.

  The generals began to file out through the main entrance.

  Xander waited until last to exit. I wonder what’s going on. They left in such a hurry—and what does Guss know about my disappearance?

  As Xander walked out of the keep, he heard a voice calling his name.

  “Xander! Xander!” A tall, lean man in black armor approached. He had long brown hair that fell past his shoulders in loose waves. A neatly trimmed goatee and mustache added definition to his jawline and highlighted a distinctively pointed nose. His brown eyes sparkled with recognition.

  Voidstone armor was attached to his shoulder and neck, slinging down the spine for protection. A short sword with a bone hilt hung at his hip.

  Xander stopped, tilted his head and stared at the man for a few seconds, his eyes widening. “Ambrose…? Is that you?” A smile of joy spread across his face. At that moment, a loud crash of lightning echoed in the distance.

  Ambrose returned the smile warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I’ve been here on business with Queen Razlin. I actually saw her early this morning, and she told me you’re back. I was, umm... I’m glad you’re back. We have so much to talk about.” He glanced at the nearby bench, then shook his head decisively.

  “Actually, I could use a drink of good ale.” His eyes swept over Xander’s attire, and he chuckled. “What are you wearing? We definitely have a lot to catch up on.”

  Xander’s smile widened. “Okay, lead the way, Ambrose.”

  As they walked to the Residential District, Xander looked up at the inn’s sign: Bark and Growl. The weathered wood and faded paint spoke of a long-established history. He turned to Ambrose, skepticism evident in his voice. “This is where you want to get ale?”

  “Yes, this is my go-to spot when I visit to do business with Order of the Seraphs,” Ambrose stated matter-of-factly, a hint of amusement in his tone.

  “Business?” Xander’s brow furrowed slightly.

  “Yes, business,” Ambrose clarified with a slight smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I come here to unwind after my meetings. You know how tiring those official affairs can be.”

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  Xander nodded. Some things never change, Ambrose’s penchant for these establishments being one of them.

  “Still favoring the same old haunts, I see,” Xander remarked dryly.

  Ambrose grinned. “What can I say? I’m a creature of habit. Now, let’s go get some ale and catch up,” he said excitedly.

  Xander opened the door to the Bark and Growl, and a wave of warmth mixed with the scents of ale, perfume, and sweat, washed over him. Inside, dim light was accented by flickering candles. The walls and floors were made of Red Owl Wood with a glossy finish.

  Laughter and hushed conversations could be heard, occasionally punctuated by the clink of glasses.

  Xander stood frozen, his eyes widening at the scene before him. Ambrose squeezed by him with a knowing smile. “Come on now, don’t act like you’ve never seen a naked woman before.”

  “This is a brothel, Ambrose. This isn’t for me,” Xander said as he turned to leave.

  Ambrose quickly stepped in front of him, hands raised placatingly. “Hey, don’t do that. They have good ale, food, and the women you can look at are a bonus,” he pleaded, his tone a mix of amusement and persuasion.

  Xander turned his head and looked down at Ambrose, his jaw clenched for a moment before relaxing slightly. “Okay, just food and ale, and you’re buying.”

  “Yes!” Ambrose led the way to a table in a corner. A woman approached, wearing only a garment to cover her waist. “Ambrose, it’s nice to see you,” she said, then looked over at Xander. ‘Who’s this mountain of a man?’ she asked as she set a pint of ale and cups on the table.

  Xander’s eyes widened slightly, and he shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his gaze fixed firmly on the table.

  “Carly, this is Xander. He’s, um...” Ambrose paused, glancing at Xander’s. “He’s new to this domain.”

  “Well, I hope he stays for a while,” Carly chuckled, smiling at Xander with a wink of her green eyes. Her blonde hair was impressively clean. “What can I get you two today?”

  Xander cleared his throat, his voice slightly strained as he spoke. “I’ll take four pints of ale, a whole pig, some fruit, and bread.”

  Carly’s eyes widened, blonde eyebrows rising. “Xander, right? You want four pints of ale, a whole pig, fruit, and bread…?”

  Xander nodded silently.

  Ambrose looked at Carly. “He’s not joking. I’ll take a rack of Yulk ribs, two pints of ale and some bread as well.”

  Carly glanced at Ambrose. “This will cost around 20 silver.”

  Ambrose and Xander looked at Carly, but both said, “That’s fine.”

  “Okay, I’ll get the ale right away—but the food will be a while,” Carly said before she turned to leave.

  “Thank you,” Xander said. He turned to Ambrose, “What’s the story with you and Carly? You seem to know one another.”

  “Oh, that goes back about fifteen years,” Ambrose replied, a familiar glint in his eye. “You see, I saved her. She was getting mugged and violated by some thug, and I was in the right place at the right time. I killed the man and we became friends.”

  “Uh huh... Friends, huh?” Xander crossed his arms.

  “Yes. As long as she’s the owner, I can get free ale and half off on the food. She charged me full price because you wanted a whole damn pig,” Ambrose said with a hint of irritation.

  Xander’s eyebrows raised slightly.

  Ambrose looked at him seriously for a moment, then started to chuckle.

  Xander started to chuckle as well.

  “Hey, Xander, Carly is coming with our ale.”

  “Hey, okay! So here are your four pints of ale, Xander.” Carly set the pints on the table, ale spilling as they clinked together. “Ambrose, here are your two pints,” she said, setting them in front of him. “Food will be out shortly.” Carly gently touched Ambrose’s hand as she left.

  Xander looked around for a clean cup. “She forgot the cups.” He walked up and squeezed between two prostitutes. “Hey bartender, can I get two cups?”

  “Sure!” The bartender grabbed two cups off the rack and handed them to Xander.

  “Thank you.” Xander walked back to the table and set one cup on Ambrose’s side. He began to pour ale and took a big gulp.

  “Friends, huh?” Xander smiled.

  “Okay, okay, you got me. We lay with one another when I’m in town.”

  Xander began to chuckle. Ambrose joined in.

  A few moments passed. “Hey, when I was told you disappeared, I always knew you’d be back. We’ve been blood-brothers for a long time. I knew in my bones that you weren’t dead.” Ambrose sipped his ale. “Xander, where have you been?”

  Xander looked at Ambrose, his face clouding. “I don’t know where I’ve been,” he said, downing his first cup of ale. His eyes met Ambrose’s. “What have you been doing for the last fifty years, Ambrose?”

  “Well, I have been running your estate for the last fifty years,” Ambrose stated.

  Xander leaned back in his chair. “Thank you, Ambrose. I kinda remember my estate. It’s on a mountain and layered, and each layer is a district.”

  Ambrose stopped drinking his ale, slowly removing it from his lips and setting it on the table. “Sort of. The mountain range is large, and your estate covers most of it. I also did a few improvements since you’ve been gone. There are a few things that have been neglected though.”

  Xander started drinking his second cup. “What things did you neglect?”

  “Well, recruiting soldiers is one. Second, I didn’t clean your personal rooms,” Ambrose leaned back in his chair, a sheepish grin on his face. “Nobody likes to clean, Xander.”

  Xander’s brow furrowed slightly. “The soldiers are more important than my rooms.” His face relaxed into a smirk. “I heard you do like to clean, though.”

  Ambrose stared at Xander before bursting into laughter, followed by Xander joining in.

  “Hey Xander.”

  “Yeah…?”

  “That woman sitting a few tables away has been staring at you for a while.”

  Xander glanced at her with a blank face before returning to Ambrose. “She’s not my type,” he said, finishing his second cup.

  Ambrose blinked. “Why isn’t she your type?”

  “Who’s not your type?” Carly asked as she dropped two plates of bread down for Xander and Ambrose. She placed a plate of grapes, cut-up apples, and oranges next to the bread for Xander.

  Ambrose nodded at Xander. “That woman over there keeps looking over here at Xander. Then he says she’s not his type.”

  Carly giggled and smiled at Xander. “Do you need anything else?”

  “No, Carly, we’re good,” Ambrose said, taking a bite of the bread.

  “You know, Xander, this isn’t the first time you disappeared,” Ambrose stated.

  Xander clutched his cup tightly, the wood creaking beneath his grip. What is Ambrose talking about? Not my first time disappearing? “How many times have I disappeared?”

  “Well, the one time you disappeared for two years. When you came back, you remembered who you were and most of your past, but you had no idea where you’d been or what had happened during that time. It was like those two years just... Vanished.”

  “How long ago was that?”

  “Well, that was—Xander, move your food, your pig is coming.” Ambrose helped Xander shift the bread and fruit as the pig and Yulk rack of ribs arrived.

  “Here you go, Ambrose.” Carly set the rack of ribs in front of him.

  Another server brought the pig and set it in front of Xander.

  The server looked Xander up and down before walking away.

  “This looks so good,” Ambrose said, licking his lips as he started to munch on the rack of ribs.

  “Ambrose, how long ago was it the last time I disappeared?”

  “I fink like hunred fify years ago,” Ambrose mumbled with food in his mouth.

  Xander tilted his head. “What the fuck did you say?”

  A few moments passed as Ambrose swallowed his food. “What does it matter anyway, Xander?” He took another bite.

  After a moment, he looked around for a knife to cut the pig. Ambrose, noticing his search, handed him one.

  Xander’s movements were deliberate and measured as he began to cut the meat. He took a bite, savoring the rich, juicy flavor. He shook his head. “This is good.”

  Both men started to smile and laugh at each other as they ate the delicious meat, bread, and fruit.

  As they continued eating, Carly approached their table. “I hope you boys are enjoying your food.” She pulled up a chair and sat down.

  Xander choked on his pig leg and grabbed his third cup of ale to wash down the meat. “Could you put a shirt or a shift on?”

  Ambrose and Carly looked at him with confusion.

  “Xander’s never seen naked women or breasts?” Carly asked, incredulous.

  Ambrose replied immediately, “No, he was married before. Xander, what is with you? Do you not remember? Sorry Carly, he got hit on the head, his memory’s kind of screwy.”

  Carly laughed. “Do you want to touch one of my breasts for free?” she asked, leaning forward.

  Xander scooted back in his chair. “No! Please put some clothes on.”

  “Stop teasing him, Carly,” Ambrose said with chuckles.

  Carly continued to laugh as she got up. “I’ll be back, boys,” she said while walking away.

  As Carly walked away.

  Xander cleared his throat. “Please tell her she can’t sit here.”

  “On the contrary, I can’t tell her that. She owns this place. What happened to you, Xander? I know your memory is screwy, but it’s almost like you’re afraid of women.”

  “Ambrose, let’s talk about something else,” Xander said with a stern voice. He turned the pig to the other side.

  “Alright, alright. Hold up, when did you eat half the pig?” Ambrose looked at the pig bones as Xander cut off another piece.

  “I was eating while you and Carly were having a good time messing with me.”

  “You know, you should visit your estate in Ash. It might bring back some good memories,” Ambrose stated, then took his last bite from the rack of ribs.

  Xander paused mid-bite. “Ash,” he murmured. “Maybe you’re right.”

  “I know I’m right. Are you going to eat that last piece of bread?” Ambrose asked.

  “Yeah, you can have it,” Xander replied. Once he had finished his fourth cup of ale, Xander grabbed the pint and started drinking out of it.

  “This bread is so good, I can’t stop,” Ambrose continued to eat with his mouth open.

  A hand brushed Xander’s shoulders as Carly approached from behind, coming into view as she sat back down at the table.

  “Is this more to your liking?” she asked, pointing to her shift.

  “Yes, that’s better, I suppose,” Xander said.

  Ambrose scoffed. He looked over at Carly as she smiled at him and winked.

  Ambrose winked back. “Well, the food was good. Xander, we’ll meet down here mid-morning.” Ambrose grabbed Carly’s hand as they giggled and began touching each other, walking up the stairs to an empty room. Their door closed.

  Xander chuckled softly, shaking his head at Ambrose. He grabbed his two pints of ale and stood, stretching slightly. He walked to the counter. “Miss, can I get a room for the night?”

  “Actually, here’s your key for your room—and it’s on the house,” the innkeeper said. Xander nodded appreciatively.

  He looked down at the wooden trinket attached to the key. Room eight, huh.

  Xander walked to the stairs, then stopped. Someone is watching me. He moved his eyes toward her without turning his head. As Xander reached the second floor, he looked left and right, realizing his room might be down the left end. As he walked past rooms with closed doors, he heard moans and yelling coming from within.

  He reached room eight and opened it to find a large wooden bed made of pine, topped with a yulk hide blanket. The pillows were large and woolen. A small square brown table had two chairs on each side, and a window—not too big but large enough to peer out of.

  Xander sat down on the bed and began removing his boots. He placed them near the bed and had just taken off his shirt when a knock sounded at the door. “Hold on,” he called out, moving to answer it.

  Damn it Ambrose, you… Xander opened the door. Umm… Umm… A woman stood before him. Long, jet black hair framed deep blue eyes and a small, pointy nose. She had an average, lean body with flawless pale white skin, not a wrinkle on her face. The shift she wore was unbuttoned in the middle, revealing more than it concealed.

  For a few moments, they simply stared at one another.

  “I’m not interested,” Xander said firmly, closing the door. He turned and walked back towards the bed.

  Before the door could fully shut, the woman’s hand caught it. She pushed it open, stepping into the room and closing it behind her. In one fluid motion, she let her shift fall to the floor.

  Xander turned, his eyes darting around the room before reluctantly settling on hers. “I said I’m not interested—”

  “Look,” she interrupted, her voice tinged with desperation. “Carly demanded I sleep with you. If I don’t, I could lose my job. I can’t afford that right now; I have a sick father. I need this job.”

  Xander’s shoulders sagged, his eyes dropping to the floor. “I... I don’t remember bedding a woman.”

  She walked sensually towards Xander. “Let me make you remember.” She stepped closer as she slipped out of her shoes. Standing in front of him, she gently lifted his chin, bringing their eyes level. “I can show you what to do,” she said softly. “Lay down on the bed, by the pillow,” she instructed, pointing.

  Xander looked at her. “What’s your name?” he asked, slowly moving toward the pillow.

  “My name is Dez. I believe I heard your name is Xander. Your friend is quite loud,” she replied with a small smile.

  Xander chuckled. “I guess he is.” His face grew serious again. “I don’t feel comfortable doing this. I think—” Dez placed her finger on his lips, silencing him.

  “This would be good practice for you, since you don’t know what to do anymore. It would be a shame if you stayed in this pitiful state. Being rough around the edges can be very attractive. So why don’t you put your fear aside for a while and trust me?”

  Xander was silent as he stared into her eyes. Time seemed to stop. His jaw clenched and unclenched. I have a bad feeling about this. Finally, he laid down on the pillow, his gaze fixed on the ceiling.

  Dez started to crawl up the bed, her movements slow. Reaching Xander’s abdomen, she paused, her eyes flicking up to gauge his reaction before she kissed it softly.

  Xander gasped for air, his breathing becoming heavier. His hands gripped the sheets tightly, knuckles whitening. Her lips are soft. “Relax, Xander,” Dez murmured.

  She moved to remove his trousers, her touch light.

  She kissed below his waist while her hands roamed his chest.

  Xander clutched the wool bedding. I think she needs to stop...

  Dez slowly straddled Xander, her weight settling on his hips. Xander’s breath caught in his throat. It’s so warm...

  “Here,” Dez murmured, taking his hands and placing them on her waist.

  Her skin is so warm and so soft. Xander’s fingers trembled slightly.

  As Dez settled onto Xander, her eyes widened slightly. “My... You’re certainly... Well-endowed.” She adjusted her position carefully, her movements deliberate.

  She leaned forward, her long hair cascading around them like a curtain, creating an intimate cocoon. Her lips brushed against his neck, eliciting a shiver from Xander. He closed his eyes, overwhelmed by the new sensations.

  Dez’s hands explored his chest, her touch alternating between feather-light caresses and firmer pressure. Her fingers paused briefly on the raised lines of scars crisscrossing his skin.

  “How does this feel?” She asked, her voice a low purr.

  “I... It’s...” I don’t know what’s going on with my body.

  Dez smiled. “Just relax,” she soothed, her hips beginning to move in a slow, rhythmic pattern.

  Xander gasped, his breathing becoming heavy.

  Dez increased her pace.

  “What are you doing?” My... Hips won’t stop moving.

  Dez covered his mouth with her hand. She moved her hips even faster. “Just be quiet, you’re going to ruin the mood.”

  Xander gripped her waist, and her skin became red and purple. He thrust his hips. His left leg twitched.

  “I... What’s happening?” His eyes flickered back to Dez.

  Dez slowly licked his neck. She kissed his chest and carefully rose from his waist.

  “Shh,” she soothed, “it’s natural. Just breathe.”

  “I am getting sleepy all of a sudden.” His eyes began to close.

  As the moment passed, Xander murmured—half awake, “I don’t... I’ve never...”

  Dez smoothed his hair back from his forehead. “You did well,” she murmured, her eyes never leaving his face.

  So many battles. Her fingertip followed a particularly long scar. What stories do these tell?

  ◆◆◆

  Xander’s Dream:

  A large white wooden archway stood with red, black, and yellow roses wrapped around it. Flower petals were littered everywhere.

  A man with curly gray hair and gray beard wore a yellow long robe. He held a white book with green pages.

  “Razlin Mar, do you take Xander to be your husband? In sickness and health? Through the ups and downs? For all eternity?”

  “I do,” Razlin smiled as she held Xander’s right hand.

  “Xander Blight, do you take Razlin to be your wife? In sickness and health? Through the ups and downs? For all eternity?”

  “I do,” Xander smiled at Razlin.

  “You may kiss for the vows to be eternal.” The man wrapped a red and black cloth tightly around their hands.

  Xander slowly leaned toward Razlin, and their lips pressed together.

  “The vows of eternity have been fulfilled. I pronounce you husband and wife.”

  ◆◆◆

  Morning light filtered through the window, finding Xander still asleep with Dez lying next to him. She reached beneath her pillow, fingers closing around a purple object. In one fluid motion, she straddled Xander’s sleeping form. The purple blade glinted in the early sunlight as she swiftly drew it across his throat, slitting it deep. Before he could even stir, she plunged the blade into his chest repeatedly.