Amber was quiet, and we sat in awkward silence. She began to twirl her hair, looking down at the ground.

"Why?"

"It was my instructions to kill you Scarletta. When I let you go that day... I thought by putting that mark on you, it would kill you and suffer slowly, as revenge for hurting Madden, but Yuhan never told me that you were a life magician. It would still work, but not fast enough for Madden, so he sent people out for you, and eventually I got sick if his treatment and left. Then I saw you here, and I thought of the life I could've had with Madden, it or to me. I thought I would just finish it, ya know. Prove to myself that I could do it... But I guess I can't though," she have a tight smile.

I felt kind of sympathetic for her. I can only imagine what kind of things Madden out her through. I wanted to reach out to her.

"Amber, I forgive you. I've done things I regret too, everyone does. Maybe you don't feel sorry, and don't regret what you're doing, but I can tell you've got guilt on your chest, so just know, you're forgiven."

At first, she looked a little confused, but gradually her confusion turned into a smile, with tears caught in her eyes. She was only a child, and probably has so much pressure and guilt, there's no use putting the guilt if me on top of all that.

I smiled back, and wrapped her into a hug. Her warmth was comforting, as I felt her breath become broken from crying into my shoulder.

After a few minutes she retreated back and cleaned off her face. I pretended to not notice, I didn't want to make her more vulnerable than she already was.

When she finished I turned back to her with a smile. "Join us, Amber. Let's take down Madden and create a new kingdom, one where you, and all other magicians will be safe. I want to rule, and I need all of your help."

Amber sighed and started to say something, but then quickly shut her mouth.

I took her hands in mine and looked her in her amber colored eyes, "Amber, I know it's scary, I know, I lived through a lot of things too.. it's changed me. But we all need to be strong, and create a new kingdom for the generations after us."

She quickly agreed, and I have her a long hug. At last, I finally felt at ease, and I was given a small spark of hope, and hopefully... one day it will burn.
---
We were able to travel a little closer to the castle, because we all knew what happens now. We made camp for the night, but I couldn't sleep. I snuck away and relaxed beside a tree, staring at the view of a beautiful lake, shimmering like glass in the light of the full moon. The peaceful sounds of nature surrounded me, the whole scene feeling very serene. It was nice to get one night and just enjoy the peace of nature, before... everything changes.

"Hey." My heart leaped when I heard Kai's voice.

"My god, you scared me..."

"Sorry," Kai sat down beside me and nuzzled his face into my neck. I felt his warmth pressed against my arm, and smiled. I began stroking his platinum hair, that sparkled in the moonlight.

"You've nice hair," I giggled at how silly it sounded, but it was kind of true. It was very soft to run your fingers through. He nuzzled closer to me, and gave me a soft kiss on the neck, sending shivers spiraling down my spine.

"I've fallen for you Scarlett," he sounded kind of muffled pressed in my neck, but his words vibrated through all my nerves. "I don't know for sure if it's love quite yet, but I know... I want to protect you, because... you're mine." he raised his head and he met my eyes.

This time I initiated the kiss. It was slow at first , but became deep and passionate Kai pressed me on the grass, and his kisses became desperate and filled with longing for touch. He began kissing down my jawline to my collar bone. I bit my lip to keep from waking anyone... the thought made me blush deep red

Suddenly, the heat intensified. Their was no more shyness, just longing... I wanted him more than anything. My Kai
----

No, I'm not describing the scene... this isn't Fifty Shades of Grey

Just so you guys know, the book will no longer a alternating between Scarlett and Scarletta (past and present).