Chapter 10:

That first night, in the garden Korina felt she talked more then she had in her entire life. She longed to know everything about West and he too longed to know everything about her. They talked about their childhoods. She learned he had been even younger then her when he'd lost a parent.

His parents had been nearly thirty years apart, they'd tried to have kids for many years before they had him. His father had been an old man by the time he was born. West had been only seven when he died and didn't remember much about him, only that he liked to hunt and he had a white beard.

Most boys in Crestmoore got sent to boarding schools when they were ten but his mother couldn't bare to part with him. She kept him close and he'd had many tutors. He wasn't a fan of school and always looked for excuses to get outdoors. He'd always loved the outdoors and liked taking long walks, he felt they cleared his mind and the fresh air always made him feel better, whatever mood he was in.

He talked about meeting his wife, Pamela, and falling in love with her, the birth of Libby and learning Pamela was sick. She'd been sick many months before she passed, they kept thinking she was going to get better but she didn't. He was devastated when he lost her and pulled back from everything. If it weren't for his mother and Libby he didn't know what he would have done, they kept him going. When his mother passed he focused on doing his best to raise Libby. He told Korina he'd resolved himself to making sure she grew up bright and happy.

He was honest and told Korina he never planned on meeting anyone or having feelings again. He loved his wife a lot and didn't think he could ever...be interested let alone want to be with someone else but Korina it would seem was the exception. He longed to be around her, to know her.

Korina opened up to him, more then she had to anyone, that wasn't family. She told him of her own childhood, her true childhood and not whatever her grandmother and Baroness had said. She spoke of what she knew about her mother and father, how much they had loved each other. She talked about her mothers stories of Crestmoore and then of losing her. She told him how she'd grown up with her brother and father and done her best to care for them both. It was still hard talking about them, she broke down into tears.

She babbled on about some of her fathers inventions, and how different and difficult things in Crestmoore were. She was worried she was going on about nonsense, after everything he'd shared with her but every time she looked at him, he smiled listening to her every word. She felt like she didn't have to hold back with him, it felt strange to trust someone so completely and yet freeing. A lot of weight was lifted off her shoulders.

When the sun started to come up they realized, they'd talked all night. Korina needed to get back inside but before she did, they agreed to meet again that night, the same time and place. After that they met every night, sometimes they would have to be careful and hide, when they saw a light come on in the manor or someone out with a lantern but for the most part they had the whole night to themselves and it was a good thing too. Korina didn't know how else she would have gotten to know him.

When West finally came to dinner, a few weeks later, her grandmother and the Baroness barley let them get a word in edge wise. The Baroness seemed to have made it her mission, to keep them apart. Korina knew there were rules but she was beginning to wonder if the Baroness didn't like West.

She asked him about it on one of their nightly walks, he too wondered if he had done something to offend the Baroness but couldn't be sure as they had only met a few times. She considered just asking the Baroness but supposed in the end it didn't matter, whether the Baroness liked West or not because Korina did.

Night after night, they walked among the stars and Korina found herself slowly falling more and more in love with him. She liked the way West smiled, how he talked and the way he thought about things. She enjoyed every moment they spent together and when they were apart, she missed him.

Sometimes Korina wished she had someone she could talk to, someone she could confide in about how she felt about West and what she should do. However she knew, she could speak to no one, what they were doing was against the rules, against all her training. She knew if anyone found out, they would get into a lot of trouble and they might not be allowed to see each other. She didn't know what she would do, if that happened.

She did her best to hide any signs of their private meetings. However, one thing she couldn't hide was being tired. At first it wasn't a problem, she could spend all night with West and sleep most the day but when she started training with the Baroness again, Korina was expected to be up bright and early. The Baroness would work her hard and sometimes wouldn't allow her to come home until well after supper.

Korina found it a struggle to stay awake so long and would often times collapse as soon as she got into the carriage and have to be woken up, when she arrived home. She'd go straight to bed and sometimes be late for their nightly walks. Thankfully West would wait for her.

When he found out she was having trouble with training and staying awake, he proposed they not talk so long or even take a few nights off here or there, for her to catch up on some much needed rest. Korina made it clear that she wanted to keep seeing him and would find ways to sleep but could understand if he didn't want to meet with her as much. West was adamant that he enjoyed her company and as long as she was up to meeting, so was he.

They continued seeing each other and Korina attempted to sneak in naps whenever she could. She focused on getting by with as little sleep as possible. She started to apply makeup under her eyes and would pinch herself to stay awake and alert. She thought she was doing pretty good and seemed to be keeping up with her training. Though there were days when it was a bit of a struggle, like today.

The Baroness wanted Korina to improve her handwriting, apparently it was atrocious. Korina wondered how the Baroness knew but they had been practicing it nearly every day. It was easy to stay awake when the Baroness was breathing down her neck but on this day, Korina had been left alone to write up invitations to the Baronesses annual ball.

Korina had been eager to have a break and do something calming but quickly found it hard to stay awake. The room she was in, was quiet and hot. The sunlight through the windows fell on her skin making her sleepy. Sometimes when she'd go to dip her quill into the ink, she'd miss. She pinched herself to stay awake but eventually, rested her hand on her arm and passed out.

***

Velona let out a heavy sigh as he came to check on Korina and found her asleep yet again. It was the third time this week, he tapped his foot and was beginning to think something was going on.

He'd been training her for weeks now, on how to upkeep a home and be a proper wife and she was barley paying.

He took note of her yawning and nodding off. He wondered just what was making her so exhausted lately but didn't have the time to look into it. He had bigger things on his plate right now. They were behind schedule, Blaine should have come running home to mommy by now but had yet to make an appearance.

Beckett hit up a few of his sources but there was no word…Velona was becoming concerned something had gone wrong. Beckett had left first thing yesterday, to get eyes on Blaine and see what the hold up was. Velona was hoping to hear something from him soon and hoped it would be good but was prepared as always to be realistic and to adjust as need.

He rubbed his temples and looked at Korina softly sleepy. She was beginning to drool all over his invitations. He supposed he could put some time and efforts into finding out what she'd been up to once and for all. It was probably something menial but it was a much needed distraction, none the less.

He let out a heavy sigh and moved to stand behind her. He leaned over her and got real close. He took a second to smell her and even with all the powders and perfumes, he'd instructed her to wear, he could smell her natural scent. Something about it seemed to drive him mad. He flared his nostril and grimaced. He moved close to her ear and then shouted. "KORINA!"

Korina shot up so fast in her chair, that she and it nearly fell back. Velona caught her yet again stopped her and the chair from falling. She looked up at him wide eyed and bewildered he shook his head. "I gave you one simple task."

It took Korina a second to calm down and realize what was going on, she quickly stammered. "I...I'm almost done!"

"Really," said Velona skeptically, "Because it looked to me like you were sleeping,"

"I...I only shut my eyes for a second, really. I'm sorry, it's just the room is so warm, I got sleepy."

"And the other night and the morning before that...it seems like you've been getting sleepy quite often, these last few days. Is something going on?"

"What! No!" said Korina obviously lying. "I've just been working so hard lately."

He wanted to point out, she'd worked harder preparing for the ball and still stayed alert but thought better of it. Clearly she was hiding something even if she was poor at it he didn't need her realizing he was on to her. "Show me,"

"Show you...how?" asked Korina

"The invitations." said Velona dully.

Korina quickly nodded and gathered the few she'd managed to finish. She handed them to Velona and he shuffled through them. He could see she was improving but he wouldn't be caught dead sending these out to anyone. He sighed, "Not good enough,"

"But, I did them like you showed me," said Korina.

"Really," said Velona "And when did I show you thumb prints," He showed her an invitation with several smudges. Korina bit her lip and furrowed her brow. Velona truly smiled, he had to admit he was having far too much fun. There was something about teasing her...making it clear...she was inadequate in every way that seemed to delight him. He studied her sad expression and waited for her to apologize. At first he found it annoying. He hated when people aplogized over and over again because it clearly meant they were making mistakes. Yet he'd come to enjoy the pouting up her lips the misting of her eyes as she looked up at him.

"I...I am sorry," said Korina, "I'll do better. I'll work harder."

"But you've already been working so hard," mocked Velona.

Korina was so tired that she forgot herself, she gave him a nasty look. He saw a fire a rebellion in her eyes and he couldn't look away from her. It looked like she might say something but at the last minute, she held her tongue. She clenched her fists and turned away.

He wondered what she was thinking what she dare wanted to say to him. He reached out to grab her chin to force her to look back at him until he was ready to disengage. He realized at the last second he had forgotten himself. Saving grace, he pulled a loose stand of hair from her face and turned his back to her.

He looked at the time and then said, "You are done with this, for now. It's time for afternoon tea."

Korina let out a sigh of relief and stood. Velona watched her clean up her area, she putting her quill away, corked the bottle of ink and stacked the invitations. When she was ready they went downstairs, Velona decided they would take their tea in the garden. He had to agree the manor was rather warm today and there was a nice breeze outside.

The servants set everything up and they drank their tea slowly...quietly, it was another red flag that something was amiss with Korina. Usually she was a little chatterbox. He had to remind her not to talk so much. Velona always preferred a quite tea, it gave him time to relax and think but with Korina staring off into space and not even touching the biscuits he found himself unnerved.

"They're cinnamon," he said before taking a sip of his tea.

"Hmm," said Korina barley responding.

For a moment he wondered if she'd fallen asleep again. Some people do it with their eyes open. He leaned forward and brushed her hand with his own. She looked at him and he said, "The biscuits."

"The biscuits?" said Korina confused.

Velona did not relish in repeating himself but he did, "Yes, the biscuits are cinnamon."

"Oh," said Korina, "That's nice."

He expected her to pick one up but she didn't. He continued to watch her growing more and more agitated. He'd specifically requested them for her. "They're your favorite, are they not?" he said casually before sipping his tea.

"Favorite?" said Korina gone again.

He set down his teacup upset. The sound of it hitting the saucer made a loud noise. That seemed to wake her up. Korina sat up right and continued to sip her tea. Before she could zone out again he stood, "Let us walk about,"

Korina nodded, she quickly finished her tea and set down her teacup. Velona offered out his arm and she stood taking it. They made their way down some garden paths and were quite for a few minutes walking and looking about. Velona decided to make it a lesson and keep Korina engaged.

"It is important that a wife not only take care of the inside but the outside of her estate as well. Consider a garden the jewel of ones estate. A good, well kept garden can uplift ones status while a dull, poorly kept one can diminish it just as easily."

"Doesn't a gardener oversee a garden? At least my grandmother has one." said Korina.

"No, no a gardener most certainly does not oversee, he maintains and cares for the garden under the direction of his mistress. It is the duty of a wife to build and maintain a garden. She must be vigilant and is responsible for every decision from the stones she choose to use on her garden paths to the flowers she allows to flourish."

"I...I never realized gardens were so involved."

"There are many things you've yet to realize," said Velona. "It is why I am here to instruct you. Now pay attention, when you look at my garden don't just enjoy its beauty but consider the thought that went into everything. Such as these roses," said Velona approaching some pink roses. "As you can see all of my roses are the same color and over there they are another color. There is no rose that does not belong on each bush. The gardener cares for them but it is I that makes sure it is as it should be."

"Oh," said Korina. She looked lost. He sighed. "Tell me if you had a garden of your own, what flowers would you grow.

"I hadn't really thought about it," said Korina thinking, "I suppose…I would plant Dandelions,"

"Dandelions," said Velona before clicking his tongue in disapproval.

Korina went on "They remind me of the sun and they are ever so tasty. My mom used to make pies and cakes and cookies with them."

"I bet she did," said Velona. "While delicious I dare say they are not garden material."

"Why?" asked Korina.

"They are far too abundant...they would spout up everywhere. If you planted a dozen in a corner soon enough your garden would be overrun. Like in society Korina, everything must have its proper place. Choose another."

Korina pouted, disappointed but nodded thinking again. She bit her lip and then hesitantly said, "Well...I suppose I like... tulips"

"Hmmm….far too common anyone could grow them. You need something unique like my roses, something that not everyone can grow and maintain. Choose again."

"Fine Roses," snapped Korina. Clearly she was getting annoyed.

"Did you not just listen to me! I said something unique, I am already growing roses and I seriously doubt you could maintain such as mine."

"I'd do other colors," said Korina defiantly.

"I have every color of rose there is," said Velona proudly.

"You do not," said Korina.

"Really and just what color am I missing," said Velona

"I haven't seen any blue..." said Korina.

"Blue roses don't exist" scoffed Velona.

"They do," said Korina

"And where have you seen them?" said Velona

"I am sure they exist somewhere." said Korina

"Pfft...perhaps in your imagination. Stop wasting time and choose something realistic."

"What does it matter," said Korina throwing her hands in the air.

"Excuse me," said Velona putting his hands on his hips.

"Clearly you have already decided what flowers are proper. I don't understand why you bother asking me to choose."

"Because I want you to think Korina. I want you to know what is acceptable and not. I want it to become like second nature to you. It's the only way you are ever going to survive Crestmoore. You may not have realized this but I'm not always going to be around."

"Are you going somewhere?" asked Korina curiously.

He looked at her and let out a small gasp, that, that was a mistake. He, he didn't make mistakes and yet he'd let it slip that he would be leaving. Rattled he pulled back, why, why had he just told her that? What did it matter if she could or couldn't survive without him. Once things were settled and he was gone, what did it matter what became of her and yet-

"Are you sick? asked Korina becoming concerned. She reached out grasping hold of his arm. He looked at Korina. Her eyes so big and full, she was no doubt thinking of her father, how he had passed unexpectedly.

"No," he said sharply. He needed to fix this and make her drop it. "You might have forgotten but I do have a life of my own to return to. I can't be expected to cuddle you and correct all your mistakes forever. Now," he said pulling his hand free from her. "Morning Glories are unique in the fact that each blossom only blooms once. Snapdragons are also rather pleasant and come in a variety of colors.

Korina sighed but followed after him. They continued to discuss flowers and then bushes. When he got to discussing trees Korinas' attention started to wander. He turned to see she was looking at his blue bells. She leaned in to smell them and he got an idea for a dress, something blue, with lace and ribbons and her hair up. He could picture her at his annual ba- Something hit the tip of his nose, something wet…

He looked up wondering if it had been rain but it was sunny. He wiped his nose fearing it might be bird poop but it wasn't. Another drop of liquid hit him and then another, a light sprinkle began. He groaned annoyed. Korina looked wide eyed and excited, "It's raining."

"What...an observation," spat Velona, "Come now before we both get drenched,"

He snapped his fingers and expected her to come to him but she just looked up like an idiot and spread out her hands. "But its so sunny."

"It can happy," said Velona. He once again gestured for her to come.

Again she ignored him. She took a moment to spin around and then she opened her mouth letting the water fall in, "It feels so nice and refreshing."

The water droplets grew larger and it was no longer sprinkling but raining. The wind picked up as well. Velona went to get her but as the light hit the rain and she spun, he found himself strangely mesmerized. His chest felt tight and in that moment, when she stopped spinning and looked at him smiling, she looked stunning.

He swallowed uncomfortably and then there was a flash of light, a rumble. The joy and excitement in Korinas' eye quickly faded. Terrified, she darted to him and nearly knocked them both to the ground. She wrapped her arms around him, embracing him tightly, it felt far better then it should have.

Velona pulled away from her demanding,"What is wrong with you?"

"Thunder!" she screamed hysterically. She practically clawed at him, trying to grasp hold of him once again. He grabbed her wrists, to keep her from scratching him. He tried to reason with her, to calm her down but she wouldn't listen, she just flailed about madly. Velona took hold of her and practically dragged her back to the manor.

When they were safely inside, he let go of her, he thought she would calm down but she wrapped her arms around him, once more. She clung to him as if she were holding on for her life. He attempted to remove her but she refused, she was practically attached to him. "Korina," he hissed as the servants approached "You must stop this at once. LET GO!"

Korina refused crying out, "I'm scared! I'm scared!"

She sounded like she was being tortured. The servants looked at them and each other wondering what they should do. Annoyed Velona attempted to pry her off yet again. "We are inside now. It is alright now."

"No...no no." said Korina holding on tighter. She shut her eyes tightly. "It can still get you. It can burn your house down."

Velona stopped trying to remove Korina and stared down at her, his heart sinking. Flashes of the past flooded into his mind, the smoke, the fire, his little heart racing as he rushed to get away... to escape. He swallowed hard and let out a heavy sigh. After a moment he guided them into the sitting room. He knew they should change out of their wet clothes but it was clear, Korina wasn't going to let go of him. He sat them down on a couch, in front of the fireplace and ordered the servants to get a fire going. Within minutes a roaring fire was blazing and soon warming them up.

Korina continued to shiver and cling to him. Every time thunder roared through the sky, she clung tighter and tighter to him. He knew he should push her away, scold her for acting so inappropriate but he knew fear...knew what it felt like to be crippled by it.

Without thinking he tangled his fingers in her hair and rubbed her back, gently soothing her just as his mother had, when he was a child. He stared bitterly into the fireplace, watching the flames flicker and dance. He remembered how the mere sight of fire, used to make him shutter, how he feared it would consume him. It always brought him back to the moment the night he was nearly burned alive. It had taken him years…years to take hold of his fears, to defined them and then to defied them but he'd done it...He'd refused to let them rule him, to let anything in this world make him feel so small and weak.

He looked down at Korina and noticed she'd stopped shivering. He tilted his head and realized she'd fallen asleep. He sighed and again knew he should do something, should wake her, should perhaps send her upstairs but for now he just let her sit. He ran his fingers through her hair and lost himself in thought as he continued to stare at the flames.

At some point he must have drifted off, he woke to Hagan lightly calling to him. He informed Velona it was time for dinner. Velona yawned and looked about, he saw the room was darker and the fireplace had died down some. The thunder seemed to have stopped but he could still hear the rain.

After a minute he nodded and Hagan left the room. Velona went to stand up and saw that Korina was still curled up against him soundly sleeping. He yawned again and stretched before he gently called to her. He shook her to wake and she opened her eyes, she looked up at him groggy and confused. He sat her up and she let out a yawn of her own inquiring, "What time is it?"

"Dinner time," he replied. He yawned yet again and stood up. Korina looked like she might sink back down on the couch but he pulled her to rise. He walked her to the dining hall and seated her before taking his own seat at the table. Dinner was served and they ate quietly. Strangely Velona felt rested and more relaxed then he had been in ages. He wondered when he'd last allowed himself an afternoon nap.

When they were nearly done eating, he supposed he should order Korina's carriage to be prepared but doubted the roads were still intact. Whenever it rained like this, they were usually washed out, sometimes for days, even then with all the mud, it was clear no one would be traveling. He realized Korina would have to stay the night. He sighed and set his teacup down to inform her.

"It appears to have been raining all afternoon." said Velona.

"Has it," said Korina still sleepy.

"Yes, I dare say the roads will have been washed out by now. I suppose you shall just have to stay the night."

Korina nodded drowsing, she yawned again and then his words seemed to sink in. She quickly perked up and looked distraught, "BUT I CAN'T STAY! I have to get home."

"Why?" said Velona. He picked up on her sudden panic, "Just what is so urgent?"

"Uh...well," Korina blushed and shifted her gaze. Velona tilted his head studying her suspiciously. Korina continued, "I...I just...my grandmother...she will worry."

"I am sure she will at first but then she will no doubt have a servant take look outside and come to the same conclusion as me that it simply, isn't safe."

"But...where will I stay?"

"Here, of course," said Velona obviously. "I have dozens of rooms. I shall simply have one prepared."

"I...I wouldn't want to burden you." said Korina biting her lower lip. "Perhaps we could just see how bad it was."

"Nonsense, the matter is settled." said Velona getting annoyed.

He eyed Korina, she still seemed hesitant but eventually let out a heavy sigh and nodded. They finished dinner and the servants cleaned up. He decided to treat Korina to some music and had her sit by the fire, while he played. Every now and then he would look up and saw she was a million miles away, no doubt thinking about whatever she wanted to rush home to. He made a mental note to inquire about her nightly habits and continued playing.

When it grew late, they had a nice warm cup of tea and a small dessert, then Velona showed Korina to her room. He got her something to change into and made sure she was settled. He noticed he felt a bit clammy and cold, no doubt from sitting in wet clothes. He ordered the servants to prepare him a hot bath and then bid Korina goodnight.

Once the bath was ready he dismissed the servants for the night. When they had all left, he did a quick walk through of the manor and made sure all the candles were put out. He locked everything up and checked on Korina, to find she was soundly sleeping. He watched her for a moment before he went to his bath.

He added some fragrant oils to the water and then ran his hand through it, checking the temperature before he fully disrobed. He climbed into the steaming water and sunk down to his neck. Feeling the tension ooze from his body, he let out a long, deep breath. A hot bath was a luxury, he didn't often afford himself but he needed a moment to detox.

He closed his eyes and let go, for several minutes, he just enjoyed the peace and quiet. Eventually he sat up and washed. He saved his member for last, taking care to clean and examine it. He found himself slightly aroused and thought to take the edge off. It was always a risk but important to take care of it, when he could, rather then ignore it and let it build into a potential problem.

He got comfortable and took hold of his member. He slowly began to stroke himself, enjoying the hot water and the fragrant scent of the bath. He moved his hand with purpose and as his pleasure grew, his breath quickened. He let his mind drift and thought of Beckett, his muscular arms, the curve of his stomach and the girth of his penis.

He picked up the pace of his strokes as he stiffened. He pictured, his first Mistresses' breasts, how perfect they had been. How they had felt in the palms of his hands. He thought of Cornets' mouth wrapped around his member, taking in every inch of him and then...Korina drifted across his mind.

He recalled her in the garden earlier, her big eyes and her soft pink lips. He thought of how she always carelessly changed in front of him, the perks of her nipples, her virginal mound, just waiting to be- Thunder boomed and roared out, pulling Velona from his thoughts. He paused mid stroke, wondering if he'd imagined it. He listened carefully and less then a minute later, another large roaring sound of thunder, tore through the silence.

Velona ran his tongue across his teeth, thinking. Perhaps...Korina might not have heard it, better yet she might sleep through it. Either way he knew he'd better finish up. He began stroking himself again and tried to recall what he'd been thinking of. He froze again when he realized he'd been fantasizing about Korina. He scrunched up his nose in disgust. What was he thinking? Why was he thinking of her? She…he, another roar of thunder, the loudest yet, interrupted his thoughts. She...it didn't matter, he just needed to finish.

He began to jerk himself off, quicker, harder, he closed his eyes and thought of...of his revenge, how it was going to feel, when he got what he wanted, what he desired mos-"AVIANNA!"

Velona's eyes shot open. He heard Korina screaming like she was being murdered, "AVIANNA! BARONESS AVIANNA!"

She sounded like she was getting closer and closer. Did she know he was in the bath? Right, he'd ordered one in front of her. He looked to the door, he, he didn't think she'd come in here...even then the door was locked. Wasn't it…

Velona couldn't recall if he'd locked the door of not, surely he had….he'd locked everything else up but...but what if he didn't...What if he'd forgotten. He sat up quickly sending water splashing out of the tub. He got to his feet as another thunderous roar tore through the air. Korina let out a blood curdling scream. She sounded like she was just outside the door now. "AVIANNA!"

He didn't bother with his gear….he nearly stumbled, scrambling to get out of the tub. He grasped for his robe and slid it on as the door handle turned, to his horror the door wasn't locked. It opened and Korina burst into the room. He shut his robe as she barreled toward him. She grasped hold of him scrambling and screaming.

He struggled to tie his robe shut and then grasped hold of Korina's shoulders pushing her away. "GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF!"

Another boom of thunder rumbled, followed by a crack. It must have hit something nearby. Korina nearly jumped him. Upset he drew his hand back and sharply slapped her across the face. Her head swung to the side, she fell to the ground. She cried out and grasped her cheek, she sobbed and he shook his head staring down at the pathetic girl. "YOU WILL CONTROL YOURSELF. YOU CAN NOT ALLOW YOUR FEARS TO OVERTAKE YOU."

"I'm sorry...I'm sorry," she sobbed. Another thunderous crack shattered the sky. Korina nearly jumped out of her skin. She shuttered and cried out reaching for Velona but pulled back, thinking better of it. He could see she was trying. He sighed and spoke clearly "It is just a sound Korina. It can not hurt you."

"It isn't….it isn't just a sound," said Korina shaking her head, "It can hurt you.

"It can't" said Velona.

"IT CAN!"

"IT CAN NOT!" said Velona losing his patience.

Thunder roared and Korina screamed, she curled up, covering her ears, "IT CAN! IT CAN! IT CAN! IT KILLED MY BROTHER!"

Velona went to speak but paused, he pulled back thinking. Right she had a brother who was deceased. Velona hadn't inquired as to how. He was careful to keep himself covered but crouched down to her level and asked, "How?"

Korina sniffled, shaking, her eyes were blotchy, her face red. She looked rather unsightly as her eyes shift from side to side no doubt recalling what had happened. She spoke quietly so much so that he had to lean in to hear her "It...it had been raining and we were playing in the mud. We were having a mud fight and he... there was this light...such a bright blinding light. I had to turn away from him and I heard the most awful sound. I covered my ears and...and when I looked back he...he was on the ground... I... I thought he was messing but-"

Thunder boomed and Karina screamed "HE WOULDN'T GET UP...HE WOULDN'T WAKE UP…IT KILLED HIM! IT KILLED HIM."

Velona sighed as she wrapped her arms around herself tightly and began to rock. He understood, he understood her fear, her pain all too well. Death was the only time someone else could know the pain, he endured. In this case able to know her pain. He reached out for her, resting a hand on her head.

He didn't say anything, he knew what it felt like, to watch someone you loved, die suddenly before your very eyes. He would never forget the flick of the knife, the look in his mothers eyes as she urged him to go, to run. He'd watched as the love in her eyes changed from desperation, to utter horror as her throat was slit.

Another roar of thunder crackled. Korina cried out and he drew her in. Without a word, he took her in his arms. He lifted her and carried her out of the bathroom. He knew it was risky, holding her so close, without his gear on but in her anguish and fear she didn't notice. She just continued to shake and whimper.

He couldn't help but be reminded of a small child. She was so innocent, so fragile. He too had once been innocent...fragile before he'd been broken. He carried Korina back to her room, back to her bed. He placed her down and she looked up at him desperately, no doubt fearing he was going to leave her. He climbed into bed with her and moved his finger through her hair, looking at her. He wondered for a moment how she would be broken...hardened by this world. Perhaps she wouldn't be as strong as him. Perhaps she would completely shatter.

Thunder boomed but sounded farther away, Korina didn't seem to notice. He held her and helped her to lay down. She clung to him resting her hand on his chest. She whimpered and shivered. He held her and said, "I suppose I shall have to teach you as I have taught you everything,"

"Teach me," said Korina confused.

"Not to be afraid," said Velona.

Korina looked at him though the room was dark he could see she was doubtful. He always had a tendency to see in the dark perhaps even better then the light. He sighed and spoke calmly. "Fear...in most cases," said Velona. "Is the lack of understanding." Thunder boomed and Korina stirred and he held her tightly continuing. "To know ones fear, is to own ones fear. What killed your brother wasn't thunder but lightning. When lighting strikes it is a line or in some cases several lines of light. They are so quick that it takes time for the sound to catch up. You will always see a flash...before the sound,"

Korina just stared at him, "Turn," said Velona. "And I shall teach you a trick."

Korina turned and he laid behind her. "Look at the window and watch,"

They both stared at it and then there was light outside the window it filled the room for a second was gone, "There see that is the lighting and then," He could feel Korina tighten brace herself the sound came and she once again cried out.

"The sound...can't hurt you," said Velona, "When the sound comes the lighting is already gone,"

"But...if...if it was the lightning then it...it is what gets you,"

"Yes," said Velona, "But lighting never strike in the same place twice. Once it has hit an ahead it will not hit it again,"

"But you could be...where it hasn't hit before"

"You could be but it is rare...What happened to your brother while tragic is so so very rare Korina."

"How...how can you be sure?" asked Korina. Light flashed out and Velona heard Korina gasp. The the sound…came and while she struggled he noted it wasn't as much now...now that she knew it was simply a sound.

He smiled and continued their conversation "How many people have been struck by lightening before your brother and then after? How many people do you know who have been struck by lightening."

"I don't know," said Korina.

"If something doesn't happen at least once every few years, then it is rare occurrence indeed,"

"Still...it happens..." said Korina.

"There are a lot of things in life that happen," said Velona, "People drown, does that mean we will never go in water…Houses set on fire will you never go near house or a fire. Things happen in this word that are out of control to each of us Korina. You must choose to live your life or be destroyed."

Korina was quiet and then she said "I don't want to be...destroyed."

"Then own your fear..."

Thunder roared out. Korina didn't cry out she barely moved do focus on their conversation, "How? How?

"Know what scares you and why. When it come to a thunder storm. The sound can't hurt never will and as for the lightning, it can only strike an area once and quickly moves on."

"How...how will you know when its moving on?"

"Remember I said I would teach you a trick. Watch for the light in the window. When you see it count up until you hear the sound."

"Why?" asked Korina.

"Don't ask why. Just do as I ask."

Korina stared out the window and he realized he was close to her. He could smell her and breathed her in, without thinking. Korina didn't notice, focused on the window. When the light came, she counted, "One...two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, te- Thunder roared.

She shook surprised. He ordered, "Watch and count again!"

"Again,"

"Don't make me repeat myself,"

Korina watched the window and when it flashed she counted, "One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, tw-" Thunder roared.

"There," he said, "See it is farther… It is going away."

Korina smiled and watched the window. She continued to count and count, the thunderstorm until she passed out. Velona heard her trail off and listened to her lightly snore. He sighed listening to the rain on the window. He looked up at the ceiling, feeling strange. What he had done just now, had no real benefits to him or his goal. True it shut her up and made it so she wouldn't pounce him in the future event but he didn't have to help her. He could have just told her to shut up and continued to push her away.

He didn't have to teach her about the differences of thunder and lighting. He didn't have to teach her the counting trick. His mother had taught him that trick, when he was a little boy. He stared up at the ceiling, somberly, it unnerved him that he was doing things...he didn't normally do, sharing parts of himself with this...this ill fated girl..

Why? Why? Why? He yawned and supposed it could wait until morning. For now he was tired and still needed to get dressed. He supposed he could slip out now and leave Korina to slumber but waited a moment longer, just to make sure, he closing his eyes...

Velona weaved through a crowd of people in a ballroom, seemingly making his way somewhere, to someone. A group of people parted in front of him and he was able to see Korina, standing all by herself. He watched her for a moment and was reminded of her standing alone, at the debutante ball, only her dress seemed to be made of moonlight.

He approached her slowly and she looked up at him, beckoning him with her big eyes. She smiled happy to see him and he offered out his hand. She took it and he pulled her to him, whisking her off her feet. He spun her across the dance floor, dipping her every so often. They didn't miss a single step and he didn't take his eyes off her as she stared up at him, with such love and devotion. The others and the room faded away, until it was just her and him and the music. Eventually it too stopped but they kept dancing, in the dark.

Velona breathed in deeply, running a hand over his face as he woke. He opened his eyes, looking up at the ceiling. Judging from the shadows he saw, he estimated it was early morning. He yawned feeling oddly calm and rested. He stretched, looking around and quickly realized, he was not in his room but one of the guest rooms.

He saw Korina sit up and stretch yawning. Her hair was messy but the morning light suited her. Her nightgown, was loosely hanging off one of her shoulders, leaving it bare. He titled his head studying her as she turned. She looked at him sleepily and smiled, then she looked down and froze, something catching her eye.

Velona followed her gaze and realize his robe was open. He'd slept without his straps on and was completely naked. He knew he needed spring into action, to break her neck and dispose of her body. Yet he controlled his initial urges and instead, quickly covered himself, with his robe. His balls ached as he moved, from not having finished, the night before.

Korina shifted her gaze and their eyes locked. He held his breath as she furrowed her brow, in confusion and asked, "Are...Are you a man?"

Thank You For Reading^^