Dane was excited to return to the Coetus. His job was pretty easy compared to the ones that he was usually sent on and was optimistic. As he entered the mansion grounds, he found himself silently humming a tune.

These four lonely walls have changed the way I feel, I am standing still and Nothing else matters now, you're not here, So where are you? I've been calling you, I'm missing you....

He heard a scream. Dane hadn't been scared in a long time. He sprang to the source of the sound. Sprawling and writhing on the ground, Ahsid was screaming in pain. Dora had her arms stretched in front of her, her eyes violet and purple hued as she chanted ancient words. Dane's body reacted before his mind did. He ran and punched Dora right across her face. The spell broke and Dane remembered screaming out Ahsid's name. He had been aware of Dora shakily standing up, helped by Lola, but he was distraught at Ahsid and her screams.

"Well,"he glared, stopping his thoughts.

"I performed the Arouse Spell on her to see if she was really capable of magic. Lola said it was a bad idea but I didn't listen. It was in her best interests, Dane." Dora's eyes were pleading.

But, he did not say a word.

"Dane, she is...she is so broken and lonely."

"What do you mean?"

Dora sighed. "She cares a lot about you evidently."

After Dane heard the scene which she had seen about him, he didn't know what to say.

"But I would never hurt her."

Lola shook her head. "No, Dane, she is afraid that she might be a nuisance for you and that her not knowing how to defend herself might put not only you, but also us, in danger."

Dane was silent. "What else?"

"Find out about Ethan. I don't know why but I think there is something wrong about that guy. Also, she is very very strong,"said Dora,"The depth of her mana pool is extraordinary. If she is able to utilize her powers to the maximum extent, I wouldn't worry."

She further mentioned what type would suit her the best.

"That still does not change the fact that what you did was rash."

The truth was that he was enraged at loosing Ahsid's trust. Had he been too cold to her? Had he accidentally scared her by his unresponsive attitude? He felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Go and talk to her. You do need to get her back before morning,"said Lola.

Dane shot another glare at Dora and then moved to the mansion, mentally deciding to give Zion a piece of his mind.

Meanwhile, Noah carried Ahsid to the healing room and laid her on a reclining chair. He held on to her hand while Ahsid breathed heavily.

"It helps if you talk to me. Do so when you are ready."

Noah's violet eyes never left her. Steadying her breath, she talked. She talked about Dane and his stabbing her, her childhood friends refusing to play with her, the voices urging her to give up. Her own voice was broken and tired but Ahsid's eyes still shone.

"Do you know how Dane's sister died?"

"How did you know that he told me about it?"

Noah smiled. "We are a part of the same Coetus."

Ahsid shook her head. "He just blamed himself."

"The duo had gone on a job where they had to defeat two dragons, dangerous beasts who had been terrorizing the Southern Prairies for months. But, they were attacked by some rogues. Dane lost control and went on a rampage. When he came to, there was nothing left of either the dragons, the rogues or his sister, Eva."

Ahsid was quiet.

"Maybe I shouldn't have said this to you now,"rued Noah.

"But Dane is so calm?"

Ahsid could not believe Noah's words. She had not expected Dane to.....

"Ahsid, Dane is notorious for loosing control and can be very dangerous while casting powerful magic. In the process, he forgets who is real enemies are."

Ahsid just squeezed his hand more.

"Would you like to share something more with me?"

Ahsid nodded a no. She had refrained from telling Noah about Ethan and his vision with her. Something told her to keep quiet about it. Although Ahsid thought that she had convinced Noah, she had no idea that he knew that she was hiding it. He thought of pressing her but then thought otherwise. Suddenly, the doors of the room flew open. Dane stood at the threshold.

"Dane?"

"Ahsid,"he cried out,"there's something I want to tell you."

Ahsid's eyes widened.

"I don't think now is the right time to do it,"objected Noah but it fell on deaf ears.

"Ahsid, I would never blame you for anything because I will always protect you, no matter the circumstances."

He bit his lip, as he constantly shifted his weight from one leg to another.

"I want to tell you how sorry I am for not talking things out with you before. I...,"his forehead creased and his ears began to redden. "I would...I COULD NEVER EVEN THINK OF HURTING YOU,"he gasped out.

There was a momentary silence before Ahsid smiled. It was the most peaceful smile that he had seen in ages. Ahsid quietly got up from the chair. Noah steadied her and Dane took the needed steps to get to them. He hugged Ahsid but let her go quickly, wanting to respect her personal boundaries.

"Let's get you home,"stated Dane, his expression one of hopefulness.

"Even though I am already home here, I guess I do need to get back,"rued Ahsid.

Noah looked once at her, his eyes asking her if she would be comfortable with Dane alone. Ahsid gave a slight nod and left the room with Dane supporting her waist, with old scars opened and new bonds forged.