It took me a long time to sleep. Once I closed my eyes, I went to a different environment. Scowling, I wondered why I was in Tina's room. Some candles were lit. None of that made sense, but I wanted to understand the situation. At least I wasn't in the KHW's dungeon again. Anything was better than that... except for the Inquisition's fire pits, of course. As a Jewish man with magical powers, I had a lot to fear. Luckily, I could make my badge invisible. My father would be furious, but I couldn't care less about his opinion at that point.

Tina entered the room. "Are you feeling better now?"

I nodded. "Nothing to complain about."

"Wonderful," she smirked and put her hands around my neck. "Where's my compensation?"

I chuckled softly. "I have no lire right now."

Valentina approached me. "Who said anything about money?"

I panted as we kept getting closer. When Tina's lips touched mine, I felt so warm inside I thought I was on fire. The kiss deepened as I slid my hands down Valentina's back, bringing her closer. It didn't seem she wanted to get rid of me. Kissing her neck, I slowly pulled her dress down and... I woke up.

I've never had this type of dream before. This is madness!

Looking in every direction, I prayed no one had been watching me. I feared talking in my sleep. If I had, people would judge me. Although I avoided thinking of Valentina in real life, my dreams didn't follow the same rule. The way she ended our friendship broke my heart, but perhaps she wasn't so wrong. Any interaction between us would be dangerous and yet amazing. How could I be saying those things? My emotions were more out of my control than I'd thought.

Roberto opened the door. "Why are you still in your bed? We'll be late for work!"

"If my parents keep avoiding me, I won't come back to that shop," I sank my head into the pillow. "I never thought my mom would stop loving me."

"Give her time. She hates brothels," my best friend raised his brows. "Your mom isn't happy that you were with a prostitute last night."

After escaping the KHW, I told Roberto a whole different story when I came to his home. He didn't know my father refused to let me in because I had saved Valentina and gained powers. I hid my mother's passive attitude about my dad's cruelty. The worst thing was that she looked at me like I was a freak.

Will I ever return home?

I hadn't done what Roberto had in mind despite my weird dream. I kissed many women, but I never got to that level with any of them. However, my best friend and the people from my neighborhood didn't know the truth. If they found out, it would be humiliating. Perhaps the Master Source was right about my broken promise. I wondered if there was a way to unbreak it.

"I wish I had your skills with the ladies," Roberto gave me a pat on the back. "How do you attract them so easily? What's the secret?"

"There isn't one," I forced a smile. "Women are drawn to me. It's that simple."

"I'm glad nothing happened between you and the Catholic girl," he sighed in relief. "Everyone will hate you two if something like that takes place. Especially you."

"You've made your point! Nothing happened in... in any alternative reality," I gulped while recalling my dream. "Tina and I aren't talking anymore."

Roberto tilted his head to the side. "How sudden! You two seemed inseparable."

"Except that we're not. Besides, I was never in love... I haven't fallen for Va..." I stuttered. "Great! Now I can't speak!"

His lips curled into a mysterious smile. "Don't worry. I know exactly what you mean."

Do you?

Roberto and I walked to my father's store. I didn't get too close as the last thing I needed was seeing my dad. Unfortunately, we looked at each other for an instant. He glared at me and left. My mind was overwhelmed. The magical legends, my family's attitude, and let's not forget my dumb heart. If the Master Source was right, I could be doomed. My worst fear had come true.

I approached my friend. "If you speak to my father today, tell him he's the worst man God put on this world."

"I most likely won't," Roberto entered the shop. "Unless you want me to get fired."

I chuckled while walking away. At least something made me laugh that day. I felt as if an invisible hand smashed me inside. I closed my eyes, feeling my soul. Although I had wounds, they didn't seem to be there because of Tina. It would be easier to forget her if she'd hurt me as my father had. Maybe she had caused one injury. After all, Valentina chose to end our friendship.

"Was that strange wizard right?" I scowled. "Did Tina mess with my heart that much?"

My promise to myself was at risk. I wouldn't stop rubbing my forehead as I recalled my great experiences with Valentina. The dance, our conversations, the moments... I couldn't get them out of my mind! My magic was inefficient when it came to controlling thoughts. Wherever I looked, I thought of her. My chest suddenly became warm.

"Maybe I broke my promise to never fall for anyone, but that doesn't mean the feeling will last forever," I rubbed my chin. "There must be a way to stop this."

I bit my lower lip, conflicted. Although I wanted to make that emotion disappear, I enjoyed it. My stomach fluttered in a good way as I recalled my two almost-kisses with Tina. However, I couldn't allow my feelings to take over. My dream proved I would do stupid things if I let them. Besides, she found a reason to get rid of me. I shouldn't like someone who didn't feel the same. Tina probably didn't appreciate me as much as I did her.

I wonder where Tina is right now.

A woman waved at me. Usually, I'd smirk and go to her, but I felt no motivation to approach her. Had my feelings for Valentina made me lose interest in other ladies? That couldn't be true! The Master Source was probably crazy, and a silly emotion didn't give me powers. I hadn't fallen for a woman I could never have.

"Going somewhere, Mr. Montefiore?" the first woman walked closer. "I could be heading to the same place. Who knows!"

"I'm a little busy now," I forced a smile. "Could we talk another day?"

"The other ladies were right," she huffed. "You aren't the same anymore."

Now people are spreading rumors about me. How wonderful!

I went to St. Mark's Square. My badge was still invisible, so no one would find out I was a Jew. I chuckled as some people danced on the Piazza. Although I felt stupid for it, I'd do anything to dance with Tina again. She was probably overwhelmed by the events from the previous night. What could I do to make her happy? My eyes widened as I glanced at the Basilica.

I grinned. "This will be perfect!"

After buying a special item for Tina, I stayed near the pottery store for a long while. I walked on the nearby streets and observed her... Mostly the second option. Not in a creepy way, of course. I scowled when a young man talked to her multiple times. Once the sunset began, I followed her home. Her mother went in a different direction. I should've met Valentina at the Frari, but I couldn't wait.

I approached Tina. "Did you have a nice day?"

"Jesus Christ!" she shouted. "Why are you here?"

Valentina pulled me inside her house and shut the door. She rubbed her forehead, apparently nervous. How could I be such an idiot? I didn't want to scare her! I'd be devastated if Tina thought I was strange. I shook my head in denial, unable to believe I cared so much about Valentina's opinion.

"I wanted to see you," I showed her a brown crucifix necklace. "Besides, I thought you'd like this."

She analyzed the object. I gulped, hoping Tina wouldn't throw it on my face. Despite what she said about minimal interactions, I had to make her happy. Especially after the stupid Knights ripped out her crucifix. She wore it all the time, so it should mean a lot to her.

"I love it. You're very sweet," Tina chuckled while gazing at the necklace. "Let's hope the Knights won't damage this one as well."

"I'll destroy them if they do that," I stood behind Valentina while holding the crucifix close to her neck. "May I?"

She nodded. Although I couldn't see her face completely, it seemed Tina smiled. Once I put the necklace around her neck, she turned to me. That glow in her eyes was all I needed. I couldn't understand why Valentina's mom said she scared men. There was nothing to run away from.

"I don't mean to be nosy, but who was that guy?" I bit my lower lip. "You two talked a lot while you worked."

"Dario. He's an old friend," Tina raised a brow. "Are you jealous?"

"Me? Never!" my lips curled into a coy grin. "Choose any... any man you'd like! You're free, beautiful."

"How convincing! Just like when you told Pietro you're Catholic," she rolled her eyes. "The worst part is I can't get angry at you."

Did I really hear this?

Even though I couldn't complain, Valentina had never told me that. She was furious when we were at the KHW's prison. Something didn't seem right. Perhaps Tina thought I was so uninteresting she felt nothing towards me, not even anger. Was I that bad? I shook my head, stopping the feelings from ruling my mind.

"Interesting," I smirked. "Why are you saying that?"

"Your mischievous smile makes me crazy!" Valentina narrowed her eyes. "Could you stop being so adorable?"

I must be dreaming again.

Blinking fast, I couldn't believe what I had heard. Did Tina like me or not? I wanted to scream because of that question. If she thought I was adorable, it'd be tougher to suppress my feelings. She had to make things easier for me, not harder. I prayed she would call me annoying. At the same time, I didn't want to stop flirting with her... How crazy!

I chuckled while walking closer. "I'd love to hear that again."

"I'm not repeating it," she cleared her throat. "We should leave. The sky is probably dark already."

"Why the rush?" I huffed. "I want to heal the Master Source, but I'm not excited to see him. He's strange."

"It doesn't matter," Tina glanced at her house's entrance. "Let's leave and..."

Walking towards the door, Valentina tripped and couldn't finish speaking. I crashed against the floor as she fell on top of me. My heart was beating so quickly I thought I'd pass out. Tina gaped. Her hair touched my face as I panted. She breathed fast, apparently not bothered by the situation. I was sure Tina would scowl, but I swear there was a hint of a smile on her face. I caressed her back, tempted to pull her closer and finish the story in my dream.

I need to stop enjoying this.

"Unbelievable!" Tina ground her teeth. "Did you make me trip on purpose?"

"Definitely not!" I frowned. "Why are you angry? I thought you couldn't get mad at me."

She rolled her eyes. "Only when you smile in that specific way."

"I see," my lips curled into a mischievous grin. "Like this?"

Valentina sighed pronouncedly. "I want to kiss you!"

My eyes widened. "Come again?"

"I said I want to kill you!" Tina frowned and got up. "All you do is get me in trouble!"

That was not what I heard. Did I hallucinate?

We left Tina's home. I wouldn't stop thinking of what had happened. Why did that seem so wrong and yet so right? God, I had to feel her again! Unfortunately, that couldn't happen. Besides hating the idea of falling for someone, Valentina and I were bound to break. Friendship or something more, nobody would accept us.

"Just to be clear, I did nothing!" I crossed my arms. "You tripped on your own."

"Liar! This reminded me of a weird dream I had last night," Valentina huffed and rubbed her forehead. "Nothing in my life makes sense anymore."

I controlled myself not to smirk. "What happened in your dream?"

"The Master Source betrayed us," Valentina cleared her throat and blushed. "Then he pushed Isa, you, and I off a cliff."

How boring! That's not what I wished to hear.

I felt silly for hoping she'd had the fantasy as me. Maybe Valentina had cast a spell on my heart and head. I couldn't be feeling that way without magic behind it. Something was wrong.

"If you change your mind about us, we could have some beer after healing the Master Source," I wanted to slap myself for making excuses to be with her. "Most people say wine is better, but I disagree."

"Finally, someone who understands me!" Valentina laughed softly. "People overestimate wine."

I nodded. "Totally! I don't like grapes at all."

"Neither do I. Perhaps..." Tina ground her teeth. "I see what you're doing! It's not going to work!"

I raised my hands in surrender. "What is it this time?"

"We have to stop talking. Our interactions must be minimal, remember?" Valentina looked at the floor. "This strange thing between us can become dangerous."

I huffed. "I can't say you're wrong."

At least one of us had the emotions under control. Despite my fear of falling for someone, Tina made me crazy. If she avoided me, it'd be easier to stop liking her. When I thought things couldn't get worse, I heard a scream. Valentina's eyes bulged, and we ran to the Frari. I prayed the Master Source hadn't made Tina's dream come true. The last thing we needed was more trouble after all the crazy things that had happened. I gawked as a hooded man held a sword to Isabella's neck, almost strangling her. Other KHW members were close to him.

The young man laughed. "You've always been naïve, Valentina."

"This can't be happening!" Tina's chin trembled. "You? From all people?"

Valentina froze as if she had seen a ghost. I raised a brow, wondering why she was so shocked. The stranger shot her an icy glare. Even though I knew nothing about the guy, it appeared he knew her. They stared at each other for a while, seemingly trying to start a fight. Whoever that guy was, I wanted to punch him in the face. I couldn't believe someone would dare to betray Tina.

****

Author's note: Sandro, Isabella, and Valentina are in great trouble. Is the Master Source going to show up? Who did Valentina see? Keep reading and you'll find out...

Quick question: Who do you think the mysterious villain is?

I dedicate this chapter to my dear friend shweta9183