The Darkest Temptation

~ToveI never do this.Ever.Dating doesn't exactly come naturally. Not when my luck has been abysmal, and my only companion recently is my talented fingers. Tonight, that changes. I'm unsure what to expect. My friend Mary practically begged me to come on a date with this stranger after she met him at her work. She wouldn't tell me much, although insisted I wouldn't regret it. We'll see. The resturant it quiet tonight, the storm gathering outside having chased off most of the potential patrons. The gentle glow the fireplace on the far side of the room emits is alluring warm, as I shrug off my wet coat. And then I see him. He sits at a table tucked into the far corner, watching me. My mouth dries. If that’s him, I’m in trouble. He leans back in his chair, amidst the shadows, a dark, almost cruel look about him. It should frighten me back out the door, and yet, I’m compelled to stare back at him. Slowly, the corner of his sensuous mouth tilts up in a knowing smile. Fuck. Ca

~Tove My blood goes ice cold. "He wants to kill me, doesn't he?" I have no idea what I've done to deserve it. All I really do is go to and from my work, and sometimes go out with Mary. Not that anyone deserves it, but why am I the target of a murderer? "We can't be sure. He acted completely out of character tonight by going on a date with you," Ellard explains. Out of character? What is in his character? "He hasn't been in contact with anyone we have been able to trace in a very long time," Arkyn says, adjusting his jacket. "Why is he dangerous?" It's not going to help me fall asleep tonight, but I want to hear examples of everything that he has done in the past to bring him to the attention of Noble's. "His powers exceed ours, as Noble's." Ellard gestures between himself and Arkyn. My eyes widen. I've grown up in this Territory hearing that Noble's are peak of power in the whole land. That they choose to rule here, over us, instead of elsewhere. Now, to hear that

~ToveThere's only one thing on my mind.I open the door to Mary's apartment, stepping inside. Arkyn sits on the couch while Dax helps Mary carry her bags from her bedroom."I've decided I no longer want to go," I voice confidently, trying to pretend like my voice isn't wavering.I could be making a mistake.But saving Mary is all that matters right now, and if that means selling my soul to a Demon, I'll do it.Arkyn turns to stare at me. "Why not?""I feel more comfortable here, in my own home." I motion at the door, toward my apartment.It's not safe from Keo, obviously. There is no way I'm going to tell the Noble's, though. They won't understand why I need to do this, why Mary is so important to me.And if all they are willing to do is lock me up rather than actual protect me, then how can I trust they will be willing to find a cure for Mary?"What? Come on Tove, we should go where we know we will be safe," Mary insists."I don't think it's necessary...I mean, I doubt he's coming f

~ToveWe made it to Territory Seven a couple days later, around midday.Keo didn't stick around after our conversation, and hasn't shown up since. So Mary and I have spent the two nights curled up on the seats feeling miserable about the entire experience.Once we arrived, we found a place to stay temporarily outside of the main village.It's perfectly remote, and we are unlikely to be tracked for a while.Mary stands at the kitchen bench, staring out the window. "We could have gone anywhere..."I look down at my coffee. Territory One is a cold, horrible tundra. It stretches endlessly, and there is one way in and one way out."They won't think we would come here," I tell her, trying to find a bright side through all of this, even if it's nearly impossible.Mary has gone considerably quieter over the past couple days. She is still reeling from this, and every other hour she asks me if we made a mistake, if we should have just lived our lives out with the Noble's.Because how terrible c

~ToveI pace back and forth, watching the sun slowly start to vanish behind the Territory One cityscape.I'm going to transport myself out of here. I have to. What is stopping me from going right now is Mary.Leaving her here is the last thing I want to do. She has made it clear, though, that she isn't okay with my idea, and at least her being here will mean she is safe, while I try find a cure through Keo.A soft knock on my door has me turning around defensively, scowling as Dax opens it."What do you want?" I snap."I've come to apologise. And talk to you one on one," he says softly.He has a kindness in his eyes when he talks to me that makes me want to trust him. But no amount of trust is going to change the truth.Him and all the Noble’s stand no chance hunting Keo down.And even if they did…Mary would die."You don't have my respect just because you're a Noble." I fold my arms over my chest, glaring at him. People fall at these Noble’s feet because they are handsome and powerfu