Rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, stirring Dohalim from his slumber. Cracking his eyes open, he smiled at the comfortable warmth against his side. He gazed affectionately at the sleeping girl curled up beside him. She looked so peaceful, and he could feel the smooth scales of her tail tangled around his legs. Some might be repulsed by her appearance, and some might treat her like a zeugle. But Dohalim still found her beautiful. He accepted the change. Just having her back was enough.

The man stifled a chuckle at the events of last night. Ashalia had tried to lay at his feet like a dog. He could still picture her pleasant surprise when he insisted she sleep under the covers beside him. There was no way he would let her stay at the foot of the bed like some mangy cur. And so, the hybrid had slipped right into bed and curled up next to him, smiling even in her sleep. Needless to say, Dohalim slept better than ever with her presence.

"Ashalia…" he spoke in a hushed tone, reaching over to brush aside her bangs falling in her face. "Ashalia, darling, it's time to awaken." He planted a tender kiss to her forehead, causing her eyes to flutter open.

"The morning sun arose
And so too should we,
My sleeping beauty who glows.
What a sight to see."

Ashalia couldn't help laughing lightly, propping herself up on her elbow. "What's with all the poetry, Do? It's beautiful, but you've been reciting them since last night."

"I suppose you've simply inspired me," he told her, propping himself up as well. "By the way, I bid you a good morning. I hope you slept well, my dear."

Ashalia scooted closer so she could peck his cheek. "Morning to you too. And I slept better than ever." A happy sigh left her. "I may not remember it, but being with you like this…it feels natural. This is where I'm meant to be - by your side."

With his free hand, Dohalim gently cupped the side of her face, to which she leaned into his palm. He didn't hesitate to bring her in for a kiss, one which she returned immediately. Her hand grasped his robe, drawing him closer so she could enjoy his warmth and affection. Before she knew it, she had rolled onto her back while Dohalim hovered over her, breaking the kiss to smile at her. Ashalia had never seen anyone else look at her with such tenderness and admiration. She could tell just from his expressions that he really did care for her - he truly loved her.

Their lips met once more, but when they parted, Dohalim sat up, moving the covers with him. "As much as I would love to spend all day here with you, there is still work to be done." She shivered when he gently took hold of her tail, finally unwinding it from around his legs. He took the time to gaze at it, finding it strangely beautiful. "Your scales are smooth and glisten like gemstones. Radiant."

Ashalia felt her face heat up at his compliment paired with his warm hand gliding along her tail. "Y-you flatter me…far too much."

"More like not enough," he corrected, withdrawing his hands from her tail only to take her arms and carefully pull her up to a sitting position. "Ashalia, you're as divine as an angel. Don't ever think otherwise, and don't ever listen to those who would call you a zeugle."

A sheepish smile graced her lips. "Dohalim…th-thank you."

The Lord gave a soft hum of content. "I suggest you head back to your room to get dressed." He eyed her nightgown. "Come to the dining hall when you're done. I shall be waiting for you."

Ashalia climbed out of his bed. Heading for the door, she paused to send him a joyful smile from over her shoulder, then exited the room. A pleased sigh escaped her, and her heart was practically soaring. She wished she could remember their time in the past, however, making new memories with Dohalim made her just as happy. There was still the thought of Almeidrea returning for her, yet that worry seemed to be forced down whenever Dohalim assured her safety. She trusted him, and she somehow felt like there was nothing to fear.

After getting dressed in her room, Ashalia sensed it yet again. That same presence that had been looming about. She transformed on instinct and practically burst through the door. It was so close, and she was determined to catch it this time. No way would it slip through her claws again. Surrounding her body in wind astral energy, she lifted herself off the floor and slithered through the air and down the hall. She came to an abrupt halt when she nearly trampled Dohalim, her nose nearly pressing right into his chest.

"Ashalia?" The Lord looked shocked to see her in that form. "What's the matter?" She whined at him, but then jerked her head toward the Lord's chamber with a snarl. Dohalim followed her gaze, coming to a conclusion. "You sense it again, don't you?"

Ashalia didn't answer, darting toward the door. Of course, Dohalim was going with her. He grabbed onto her mane, holding on tight while she flew and burst through the double doors. The beast's feet touched the floor once more, and the Lord's did as well. There was a lone man in the chamber, standing before the throne.

"Kelzalik…" Dohalim uttered, his tone accusing.

"My Lord, and Asha," he responded with a bow.

Growling, Ashalia stalked toward him, causing him to stumble back a bit in alarm. She pounced on him before he could move, pinning Kelzalik under her claws.

"What is the meaning of this?! My Lord, call her off! She's gone mad!"

Dohalim approached, his expression remaining serious. "I believe you're hiding a zeugle around here, Kelzalik." The accusation made the man freeze. "Ashalia sniffed it out. No use hiding it from me any longer."

Something suddenly jabbed Ashalia's side, knocking her off Kelzalik. She and Dohalim looked to see a creature coming out of hiding. It had been invisible the entire time, and that's why the hybrid couldn't find it. Venoflage was a large, lizard-like zeugle roughly around Ashalia's height. It roared at them, and Ashalia roared back, her tail moving protectively in front of Dohalim.

"Kelzalik, why do you have this beast?" the Lord questioned, showing no fear and wanting answers. "What have you been up to?"

The man chuckled, a wicked smirk on his face. "Apologies, My Lord, but Asha is to be retrieved for Lord Almeidrea."

"You've been in contact with her ?" Dohalim was wise, quickly putting the pieces together. "So, you told her of my deception, did you? That I lied to have Ashalia to myself? And now she wants her hybrid back." His rod appeared in his hand. "I'm afraid you'll have to leave empty-handed. Ashalia is free, and I won't let anyone enslave her again!"

Touched by his words, Ashalia felt determined, and with him present, she was more in control of her zeugle side than she'd ever been. If he was willing to fight for her freedom, then so was she. Like a serpent, the hybrid launched at the Venoflage. It backed away and spit a glob of poison at her, to which she promptly swerved to the side to avoid. By the time she readied for another attack, the lizard had vanished again. Ashalia stood still, eyes darting back and forth, ears up attentively. Dohalim suddenly climbed onto her back, balancing along her spine while facing the opposite way.

"We'll do this together, my love."

Placing their trust in one another, they waited patiently for something. A glimpse of their foe, a sound even. Finally, a part of the zeugle's head appeared, and with it, its long tongue shot out like a whip. Dohalim spotted it right away behind his companion.

He tapped her side with his rod. "Incoming!"

The Lord leapt out of the way of the strike, and Ashalia twisted around to catch the tongue in her claws. The Venoflage gave an alarmed cry, and the next thing it new, its tongue was frozen by ice energy and shattered to pieces. It started to retreat again, its skin turning it invisible. But Dohalim acted, slamming his rod on the floor, his eyes glowing blue as vines erupted under the creature, entangling its legs and trapping it.

"Now, Ashalia!"

On cue, the hybrid launched herself at the lizard again. She coiled around it, her teeth sinking into its neck, flames spurting from her jaws to add to the damage she dealt. The Venoflage roared at the onslaught, but was unable to escape. After a few long moments, it collapsed from the terrible wounds to its neck. Flesh ripped open and singed - no wonder it gave in. Panting lightly, Ashalia stood with her head high, proud of their victory.

"Wonderful job!" Dohalim congratulated. "Now, to deal with-"

Kelzalik darted for the doors in a panic. He wasn't capable of fighting, so now that his zeugle was gone, he was defenseless. Vines sprouted and snagged his legs, stopping him just a few feet from the doors. And as if to add to his misfortune, the doors swung open at that moment. Kisara and several guards finally arrived at the source of the commotion.

"Guards, have this man arrested," the Lord ordered. "Kelzalik must be charged for treason. He attempted to sic his zeugle on Ashalia and me."

Kelzalik was put in chains right away. As for Ashalia, she closed her eyes and focused on transforming back to normal. She lowered to a sitting position, and like before, the Lord went to her and helped relax her with his soothing voice. It worked, for after a few deep breaths, Ashalia was sitting at his feet. She rose and engulfed Dohalim in a hug. She was happy that they came out unscathed and victorious, but she was visibly shaking with fear.

"Almeidrea…" she spoke in a hushed voice. "She's going to come for me. She always has her way. And she even has people here to-"

Dohalim held her tight, pressing her face lightly against his chest. "Let her try. I promise that no matter what, I won't let anyone take you away. Trust in me." His voice was low and soothing in her ear, and it eased her a little. "I'll make preparations, just in case. But I'll protect you, my sweet Ashalia."