"It seems  you are begining to enjoy my love-making darling.." Nicholai  drawled as we lay in bed together. I blushed, once again thankful for the bracelet. The last thing I'd want, is for him to read the rather sinful thoughts floating through my mind. "That's.. no.. I.. erm... I didn't, I just didn't .. er.. see any point in fighting the inevitable." I stuttered lamely. 
He was silent for a few moments and I thought I might have angered him. But then I heard a deep, throughty chuckle emanating from him. "Now, that's a lie and you know it.." 
I gasped, momentarily confused.. how could he still be reading my thoughts?.. I glanced down at the bracelet. and opened my mouth to speak, but he cut me off.
"I'm not reading your thoughts... I don't need to, you're a terrible liar!." He laughed again. "And besides, I've been around long enough to be able to tell when a woman's body is responding to my touch." 
He grinned as he turned on his side so that I was looking directly into his eyes.

I felt colour suffuse my cheeks as I recalled my husky moans and pleas for more as he ravaged my body with kisses and skillful fingers. There was no denying that over the past few weeks, I'd begun to thouroughly relish his love-making..  Even now, as his gaze carresed my body I felt my body begin to stir, I shut my eyes tightly, ashamed at my body's betrayal. I tried to turn away from him, but he stilled me with arm hooked around my waist.

"Celia... I am sorry, I took your virginity in such a cruel and callous manner. Then, I saw it as nothing, because I felt you were my property, that I could do as I wished with you... but I don't know how, somehow, you've become more than that to me... " he trailed off.
I looked into his eyes, there was such heartfelt emotion in them, that I felt myself melting despite my resolve. I smiled shyly under his piercing stare. 
"It's been a long night, let's sleep.." He whispered, then leaned in to place a light kiss on my fore-head.

When I woke up, Nicholai was nowhere to be seen. I dressed and slowly strolled out to the outer gardens of the castle. Savouring the delightfully cool night air. I went down to the secluded area in the north of the sprawling garden. It was a beautifull fountain, surrounded by thick shrubs with glowing lights in them. I loved the solace and the privacy it offered, so I had come here often ever since Nicholai had told me I was free to go wherever I wished, within the castle compound.

I sat on the edge of the massive black rock fountain, dipping my legs into the perennially warm water. Sitting there I began to hum softly to myself. 
Then I saw it, the miniature dark messenger. I'd never seen one up close, but my mother had told me about laenixes when I was younger. I gasped as it hovered in front of me, momentarily distracted by its astounding beauty, It didn't occur to me to question why  a Laenix was delivering a message to me. Whatever was inside the small scroll it dropped in my lap, was obviously extremely important.. and secret...  very secret, if the sender felt a Laenix was necessary.

Without a word It flew off, leaving me staring at the scroll, then slowly with tremulous fingers I unfurled the parchment..
Celia... this is your father..
Whatever Nicholai told you was a lie..
He captured us but we escaped...
I sent this message as soon as I could.. 
knowing that a Laenix would find you no matter where you were..
Celia.. you must try to escape
and make your way to the legendary forests of Elkannoe.
Once your there.. I will receive word from the faeries I've instruced to keep and eye out for you
and I will come and get you immediately..
hurry Celia.. 
we are all safe and waiting for you 
my darling girl.

~Kain Delacroix~