North, beyond the steep Sister Mountains and the believed to be cursed Redwoods, adjoining the golden shores of Zalia, lay the barren land known as The Demon's Eye, home to the ferocious Damned. A mercenary army hired by the highest bidder, loyal to their creed and its founder, Omnisius The Brave. 

The silver strikes of lightning exposed the crimson rooftops of the countless tents as the downpour glided off its thick waterproof fabric, filling the stone-carved drains that sloped trailing between the beehive-like formation, circling the magnificent gleaming pillar of light ascending the malevolent sky. Like the sun, it shone, emanating from the large torch, towering above the ground, lighting everything surrounding it.

Thunder rolled above as the flap of the tent ruffled, closing behind the cloaked woman walking in. The dull patter of rain and wrapping warmth welcomed her. She lifted her dress, uncovering her leg, gracefully taking off her soiled leather boots, placing them by the entrance.

Her silver toerings reflected the faint light as she tiptoed over the spread of animal skins, pausing, looking up at the flickering oil lamp dangling above. Her attentive eyes traced the source of wind, locating the open window to the right. Steadily, not to disturb who slept across from it, she untied its rolled flap, securing it closed before turning to study the laying figure. A smile tugged on the corners of her lips faintly visible under the sheer fabric of her black veil.

The soothing sensation of instant warmth hugged her freezing toes as soon as it dived into the rich bed of wolf fur. She unbuttoned her wet cloak, taking it off along with the veil, laying both on the cushioned pallet nearby. She then sat on her knees, observing the rise and fall of the man's naked broad chest, dim lighting accentuating the large old brownish scar stretching across his chest. Her gaze traced it, wondering of its origin.

Her coffee-brown eyes dilated, passionately glistining, a pink blush powdering over her radiant olive-green skin. Delicate fingers combed through the length of her black hair spread over her fully rounded bosom, inhaling his scent that she addored.

She lay her body next to him with the utmost care, closing the space between them, her head slightly elevated. Excitement swell inside of her. She was no longer capable of resisting the calling of his partially opened lips. Her fingers gently brushed his outgrown beard, fantasizing  the trim she will suggest, tracing up almost touching his lips.

'My Lord,' she whispered, voice as soft as silk, breath moving the hair beside his ear, 'Thaddeus.' she said, moving it away, landing a gentle kiss on his temple.

With a moan, his eyes heavily opened, meeting hers.

'I succeeded.' she happily declared, leaning over, pressing her lips on his.

She pulled back, eyes fluttering, a frown creasing her thin eyebrows.

His kohl-smudged eyes avoided hers as he sat upright, angered.

'Thaddeus, I...' she looked away, face flushed, 'I thought you'd be pleased...like the time before, so I...' she explained, looking up, reaching for his shoulder.

'Wanaus... please leave. I want to be alone tonight.'

She retracted her hand before touching him, raising from the bedding.

'As you please, Lord Commander.' she bitterly muttered, head bowed, turning to pick her belongings.

Thaddeus caught the glint of her tears gliding down her upset face just before veiling it, watching as she walked to her boots by the entrance.

The roar of thunder in the sky vibrated through the tent, disturbing its calmness as the entrance flapped closed behind Wanaus.

Cruel.

Cruel he was to let her leave this late in such weather, to hurt her so heedless of her anxious heart, to ruin her intended surprise. Nonetheless, tonight he had to be alone. He needed to be alone.

Heat swirled around him. Sweat beads trickled down his back. He blankly stared at his lap,  palms over his thighs, before brushing away the hair sticking on his sheen face, agitated glare landing on the closed window.

He sighed, concentrating on the hypnotic rhythm of the rain.

His mind drifted back to the Redwoods, visualizing the defiant eyes of blue.

What was that simmered inside of him, the root of his hesitation? Why did he spare her life, though he knew what she was? He could have interrogated her, exposed her intentions for crossing over to their territory, knew who she was working for and how she could yield magic to her will. He could have at least took the pleasure of ravishing her, tasting her unique beauty, even kept her for himself, yet, he gave her away...why?

His jaws clenched, fists tingling, savoring the feeling of her shuddering body. How small and fragile she was carried in his hands to the nearby cave. The urgency of her whippers, beckoning for his interference. His rapid response to caress her, armor and weapons discarded.

Through his absent gaze fixated on the fire across the tent, he saw her laying on his leather cloak, light softly touching her features after she calmed.

Was she a drifter from the sea, a survivor from a sunken ship traveling to them from a land beyond the nothingness they knew to be? A place where extinct magic existed and the long-dead Elite lived?

Desire sneaked on him, sparking a burning fire in his veins. His heart pounded in his ears, blood boiling, anger washing over him as lust dominated his senses. He stood up, rushing to the brass washbasin at the corner of the tent, splashing his face with the icy water.

Rain's tapping turned into a whoosh, thunder growling. His hands clutched tight on the edge of the cold basin, water dripping off his face, rippiling through his reflection.

'What have you done to me?' he said in a hoarse whisper, staring at the leather bag dropped by the armory chest.