The morning light shining through the vast window illuminated Tina. I couldn't stop smiling while watching her sleep. That was it. We had taken the final step to make our relationship official. My eyes gleamed as I recalled the recent events. What we had done was socially unacceptable, especially for Valentina's family. Did I regret it? Not at all. I only regretted taking so long to find her. Although I once feared falling for someone, that was no longer the case. I hoped Tina and I would repeat the previous night's events sometime. There was no one else I'd rather do that with. I woke my woman up by kissing her on the forehead.

Valentina chuckled. "We're wild, aren't we?"

I smirked. "Despite having done unholy things in the pope's house, I'd say we are very normal."

We laughed loudly. Staring at the ceiling, I wished Tina and I didn't need to hide our love from our families. Even if one of us converted, we'd get a bad reputation for life. Whoever converted would always be the unwelcome outsider. I could get killed and Valentina expelled. I gulped, wondering what Pietro would do if he found out his nightmare had come true... Well, his nightmare was my dream. I shook my head, trying to forget about those problems.

"I love you so much," Valentina sighed. "What will we do next?"

"I feel the same about you, Tina," I gave her a peck on the lips. "I didn't understand your question."

"I'm wondering what happens now," she took my hand. "Our relationship became very real after we... consummated it."

Even though I hated to admit it, Tina was right. We couldn't ignore what had happened. That would be impossible since it was amazing but not allowed. Although I was in love with her, I didn't know if I was ready for marriage. That's what usually took place after people did what we'd done. I'd never forget my horrible experience with the men from my family. Tina didn't deserve a bad husband. Also, let's not forget the eternal "filthy Jew" problem. Her family would always hate me.

I must change the subject!

"There's no need to decide that today," I forced a laugh. "Let's take our time."

Valentina bit her lower lip, seemingly thinking. We'd have to deal with those problems later, but that was a terrible moment. All I wanted was to be with the woman I loved. Even though my mind tortured me with worries, I ignored them. They didn't matter at that instant. Only our love did.

"Maybe you're right," Tina pulled the thick white blanked closer to her neck. "We should enjoy this while it lasts."

"Exactly," I moved closer to her while smirking. "Any suggestions on how?"

Valentina laughed softly. "You're out of your mind, San."

"We both know you love my madness," I winked. "You made that clear last night."

"Alright! I admit I can't resist you!" she rolled her eyes. "Satisfied?"

I shot her a provocative gaze. "Was that so difficult?"

Tina pulled me closer by the tunic. "Shut up and make me happy."

Valentina giggled as I left a trail of kisses on her neck. My stomach fluttered as our bodies touched, making me desire to be near her forever. We kissed each other wildly, seemingly unable to stop. My chest was warmer than ever. We repeated what we had done the previous night. Laughing and panting, we covered ourselves with the blanket. Perhaps I liked a little tasteof danger. The Inquisition could assassinate me for being intimate with Tina, but at least I'd die happy.

"The rumors were true," Valentina breathed quickly. "The second time is better than the first."

"I must agree," I tried to catch my breath. "It's much less clumsy."

Someone knocked on the door when I was about to kiss Tina again. Valentina hid under the blanket, and I rolled my eyes. Sadly, I'd have to deal with the problem. After getting dressed, I partially opened the door. Isa shot me an angry gaze while crossing her arms.

"What in the name of bread-headedness are you doing?" Isabella scowled. "We must meet Guido!"

I cleared my throat. "Hello, Isa! How's Bianca?"

"She's asleep," Isa narrowed her eyes. "Don't change the subject! Where's Val?"

I forced a grin. "Sleeping."

Isabella tilted her head to the side. "Why are you in her bedroom?"

"I... We..." I tried to stop stuttering. "She needed soul healing."

Isabella analyzed me as I swallowed hard. I had never been a great liar. She chuckled softly as if she knew what had happened. I blinked fast, wishing I could run and hide. I hoped Isa wouldn't overreact if she'd indeed uncovered the truth.

"Messy hair, sweat drops, and a huge smile," Isa laughed. "Do you think I'm an idiot?"

Isabella pushed me to the side, invading the bedroom. She shook her head in denial while observing the bed. Tina didn't cover her head entirely. Isabella pulled the blanket down, exposing Valentina only until the neck. Tina screamed, and her eyes widened. I pressed my lips together, feeling myself blushing.

Isa winked at Valentina. "I hope you enjoyed your soul healing session, Val."

Tina sighed in relief as Isabella left. Valentina and I laughed once I closed the door. Doing something forbidden had never felt so good. If my parents found out, they'd kill me. I gulped once I remembered the Knights. What if they took Valentina from me? I couldn't let that happen, especially after our relationship evolved so much.

"Hiding under the blanket? Really?" I raised a brow. "You could've just turned invisible."

Her eyes bulged. "I panicked!"

I couldn't help but chuckle. Once Tina got dressed, we went to Guido's bedroom. Isa was already there. She wouldn't stop smirking, making me want to disappear. Valentina pressed her lips together, seemingly uncomfortable as well. At least Isabella didn't hate me for what happened. She was a lot more open-minded than I had thought.

Does Guido know about Tina and me?

The Master Source wore his red and gold papal outfit that day. Its colors were so intense that my eyes burned. He analyzed Valentina from head to toe, apparently looking for something. I frowned, confused. What did he want from her? If that pope tried to steal my woman, I'd punch him in the face. He had already made Isa pregnant once. I couldn't underestimate his skills.

"Are you alright, Guido?" I forced a smile. "You seem to enjoy observing Tina."

Valentina turned to me and scowled. "What's wrong, San?"

"I was just wondering... Never mind," Guido cleared his throat. "There's something important I must tell you."

"I hope it isn't related to those bread-heads that call themselves Knights," Isa rolled her eyes. "I can't take them anymore."

"Me neither," Valentina huffed. "If Ettore shows up again, I'll destroy him and his stupid soldiers."

"Unfortunately, he will. I've used my magic today. That allowed me to see many things," the Master Source said. "The KHW has been training a lot. They will transport themselves into the Laterano today to battle us."

I shook my head in denial. Those idiots would never give up. They were more determined to preserve darkness than I had thought. I swallowed hard, praying the Knights wouldn't win. People like me would die if they did, and no progress would happen. I never forgot how they discussed their plan to eliminate Jews, Muslims, and anyone else they hated. I didn't need more people wanting me dead. Tina's family was more than enough.

"Isn't there a way to stop their portal from opening?" I crossed my arms. "You're the Master Source, after all."

"The Knights use Tenebris stones to create portals. The magic in those things is mine. They stole it, remember?" Guido sighed intensively. "I can't break my own spell."

"Those bread-heads are ruthless but not stupid," Isa nodded. "Stealing your magic to create powerful stones was a smart move."

"The problem is every Tenebris stone must be turned to dust. Otherwise, the Knights won't stop coming," the Master Source explained. "Isa won't cut the effect today because they are bringing all the stones. It'll be too much for her."

"Don't speak nonsense, darling! I can destroy the evil rocks instantly," Isabella laughed. "You know I'm strong."

"Your power isn't enough to explode so many stones. If I could, I would do this myself, but my magic won't work," Guido glanced at the ground. "This will require a sacrifice."

Valentina's eyes bulged while I gaped. Isa blinked fast, seemingly freaking out too. That wizard couldn't be serious! Did one of us have to die? I breathed quickly, hoping there was another way out. The silence in that bedroom was worse than death. It was as if someone had died already. My body was full of sweat. I couldn't let Tina or Isa perish. Perhaps I should make the sacrifice. However, I didn't want to receive the kiss of death either. Almost dying once was scary enough.

Tina wiped away a tear. "This can't be the only way!"

"I'm sorry. I thought a lot about this, but there's no other solution," Guido's chin trembled. "One of you must destroy the stones. This will completely drain your energy, so the chances of survival are almost none."

An intense noise came from the hallway. I narrowed my eyes, preparing my powers. Luckily, Isa said Bianca was safe in another room. No child deserved to face that situation. My heart pounded as Guido, Isabella, Valentina, and I approached the hall. Two huge portals brought hundreds of Knights. They put so many Tenebris stones near the walls that I could barely breathe.

I wish these stupid stones just disappeared!

Ettore let out an evil laugh as he walked closer. The men stood behind him in an organized fashion. That bastard deserved endless punches in the face and a kick between the legs after what he did to Tina. No one could treat her that way.

"It's time to turn some wizards to dust," Ettore shot Tina a hostile glance. "You should've married me, little Moor."

"Valentina is smart," I glared at the idiot. "That's why she didn't do it."

"Exactly," Valentina winked at me. "Besides, I've found someone much better."

"I see you've made your choice, Val," he wrinkled his nose. "Have fun with your Jew."

"Wrong," Tina caressed my arm. "He's my magical Jew."

We smiled at each other. Ettore yelled at his soldiers, leading them to run towards us. I dodged as my opponent almost hurt me with his sword twice. I levitated him, throwing him against the wall with my magic. He screamed after getting up, leaving a minor injury on my left arm. I punched the man in the face and set him on fire. Soon, another Knight came. My hands trembled as I wasn't great at using my powers quickly. Despite Tina's classes, I paid more attention to her than the lesson. That could cost me.

I looked at Isabella. "Behind you, Isa!"

She nodded and destroyed the man by throwing several transparent blades. I panted once I saw a Knight behind Valentina. After levitating the idiot, I set him on fire. Guido created water, seemingly trying to avoid tragedies. Valentina sighed in relief once she glanced at the defeated enemy.

"You keep saving me," Tina chuckled nervously. "I'll never be able to repay you."

"Don't worry," I smirked. "I accept alternative payments."

Valentina rolled her eyes. "You know what that smile does to me."

"I require something else as well," I took a deep breath while remembering terrifying Guido's words. "Please, promise me you won't sacrifice yourself."

"I don't want you or Isa doing that either," Valentina sighed while fighting an opponent with her magic. "It's our only chance to destroy the Knights."

This can't be true!

My chest hurt just with the thought of Valentina dead. That horrible sacrifice didn't let me concentrate on the fight. Two opponents injured my thigh and shoulder because of my distraction. Although I won the battles, the Master Source's speech wouldn't leave my mind. I gulped as the portals brought new men, making our lives more difficult. Biting my lower lip sharply, I looked at the Tenebris stones.

"I have to do this," I took several deep breaths. "At least for Tina."

Once I took a step closer to the wall, I felt the stones sucking my energy. Guido was right about Tenebris rocks being evil objects that slowly drained the life inside. I wouldn't stop panting and sweating. I closed my eyes, remembering everything Valentina and I had gone through. Conversations, laughs, kisses, sinful things... Every moment. I would keep them in my heart forever. I felt dizzy as a blue smoke left my hands and entered the stones.

Isa scowled. "Don't you dare, Sandro Montefiore!"

She put a barrier around my body and a different one around herself. Isabella's chin trembled as the tears ran down her cheeks. Tina's best friend got closer to death as she approached the stones. Closing her eyes, Isa grimaced. Isabella's dark-green smoke got sucked by every Tenebris. The rocks absorbed her radiant energy so fast that she screamed in pain. Breathing fast, I tried destroying the barrier, but I couldn't. She had imprisoned me. Valentina gawked as she saw Isabella getting paler every second.

Tina ran to her best friend. "Isa, stop! I can't lose you!"

Isabella fell to her knees. "Stay away!"

Valentina cried desperately as Isa created a barrier. Tina placed both hands on her face, unable to escape Isabella's prison. I wouldn't stop hitting that transparent wall, unable to believe I couldn't make Isa give up. The Knights took a step back as the green glow coming out of Isabella became stronger. Once all Tenebris stones turned green and unleashed a blinding light, I protected my eyes.

The Master Source gaped. "This isn't real!"

Isa's arms trembled. "I love you, Guido."

"How could you do this?" Valentina ground her teeth. "I don't want you to die!"

"Don't worry, Val. My spirit will visit you," Isabella's lips curled into a weak smile. "Sisters until the end..."

The ten stones exploded in thousands of pieces, closing the KHW's magical portals. Isa grimaced as the explosion threw her against a wall. Every Tenebris released a solid green light. She fell on her back, getting more injured than she already was. The barriers around Valentina, Guido, and I vanished. Isabella gasped as the green glow vanished. The Master Source ran towards Isabella so quickly that he almost fell. Valentina sobbed nonstop. Although I wasn't close to Isa like Tina and Guido, tears ran down my face. Isabella didn't deserve that horrible ending. 

****

Author's note: Isabella has fulfilled her goal. Will she survive after risking her life? Keep reading and you'll find out... :-)

I dedicate this chapter to my dear friend priscillapeitho