Lila was taking me around my new city; showing me different shops and places to eat. The few pubs and taverns that she frequented.

At that moment, we were sitting in a booth at one of her favorite locales. It was dimly lit and noisy. Despite a few of the sketchy-looking patrons, Lila seemed relaxed and content within its walls.

The tavern was called The Moonlight Inn, filled with rich wood and smooth leather. It was warm and cozy if a bit warm, which only added to the old-world charm that it exude.

Lila motioned for the barmaid, and a young girl appeared almost immediately in front of us.

"Yes, Miss?" The blonde questioned, giving us a tired smile.

She couldn't have been more than seventeen, and my heart sympathized with the poor girl. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a pretty braid, and her angelic face was smudged with dirt.

She wiped her hands nervously on her apron, looking expectantly at Lila.

"Katie, This is Nova. She just moved here and is a guest in my home. If you ever serve her and I'm not here, please add whatever she needs onto my tab."

I glanced at Lila, shocked. I didn't expect that proclamation

Katie smiled and nodded, "Yes, miss."

Lila laughed, "Katie, I've told you. It's Lila. None of that "miss" stuff."

The girl glanced around the bar, her brow furrowed. "Yes, Lila," She whispered, looking around as if she would get in trouble were she heard.

"Katie, sweetheart. Will you go fetch us a bottle of the White Oak, please?" Lila requested, sweetness, dripping from her voice.

"It was nice to meet you, Katie," I told the girl, giving her a smile f my own, wanting to make her feel less nervous. Wanting to comfort her.

She looked a bit taken back, but then a calmness washed over her features, she smiled a genuine smile that lit up the dim room.

"You too, Miss," She replied. "I'll be right back with that bottle."

She turned and quickly made her way to the bar leaving me to puzzle at the change in her shy demeanor.

"How old is that girl?" I questioned Lila, keeping my eyes on he as she waited at the bar.

"Hmm. I believe she is sixteen, seventeen maybe. Her uncle owns the tavern, and she works to help bring money to her family. Why do you ask?" Lila sipped her drink, gazing around the crowded space.

"She seems timid; sad. That's all." I swirled the amber liquid around n my glass before finishing it off.

"Remind you of someone?" Lila asked, a gentle smile on her beautiful face.

At that moment, lucky enough for me, Katie returned with our bottle, saving me from having to answer that question.

"Your whiskey, Mi- Lila," The girl stammered.

Lila reached into her skirt pocket and pulled out a few shiny coins. She pressed them into Katie's hand, giving the girl a squeeze. "That's just for you, Katie. The bottle can go on my tab."

The girl's cheeks flushed, and her blue eyes widened as she slipped the coins into her apron. The coins Lila gave the girl were probably more than she took home in a month.

"Thank you, "Katie whispered, her voice catching, before turning her attention to another table that was calling for her service.

Lila uncorked the bottle and refilled our glasses as I stared at her.

"What?" She laughed.

I shook my head, nursing my newly poured beverage. "I didn't grow up around much kindness, I guess. That's all."

"That's all?"

I smiled weakly at her tone. She shook her head at me and opened her mouth to speak. Before she could say anything, we were interrupted by a deep voice.

"Nova. Lila. How fortunate to see you both here."

My gaze snapped up at the sound. Berith standing before us in all of his beautiful glory. The mysterious, charming host of the party we were just at. My heart sped up, and my mouth fell agape. I was certain he could see my heart beating through the thin material of my blouse.

"Oh, Berith, please have a seat. Have a drink with us," Lila said, motioning to the chair on the opposite side of the booth.

"You're both sure I am not interrupting?" He asked, his gaze trained on me.

I took a large swallow of that burning liquid before answering, smiling weakly, "Not at all. Please join us."

He flashed a quick smile with perfect white teeth and amazing dimples before pulling out the chair and moving the chair nearby the side of the table, lowering his tall frame into it.

His mesmerizing velvety golden flecked green eyes captivated my very soul as I leaned closer to him, instinctively. Realizing what I had done, a flush crept up my neck, tinging my cheeks a light pink. My blush deepened as he drank me in. I looked down at my glass, pretending it was the most interesting thing I had ever laid eyes upon when really all I could feel was him.

"Oh, Look! I see Grace over there," Lila called out, making me jump.

I looked at her quizzically.

"Nova, you will be okay with Berith here for a moment, won't you? I want to say hello to one of my friends."

I narrowed my eyes at her, to which she gave a feigned look of innocence; a small smile pulled at the corner of her lips. She knew exactly what she was doing.

"We'll be fine," Berith interjected. Deep and smooth like honey.

"Go speak with your friend. I'll be okay," I told her dryly.

She winked at me, sliding from her seat. "I'll be back soon."

And with that, he and I were alone together once again.

We both sat in silence, my eyes following Lila as she made her way through the crowded bar.

"So, how are you liking our city?" Berith asked, filling his empty glass from the dark bottle on our table.

I forced myself to look into his eyes and suddenly felt like I was falling. He lifted a dark brow, sipping his drink carefully. The scar that cut through his brow didn't diminish his dark good looks; somehow, it added to it.

He set his glass down, reaching out a large hand and placing it over mine.

"Nova," he whispered, his eyes roaming over me, and that's when I knew it was him.

His Voice.

Time seemed to stand still in that moment. A barrage of memories flooded me all at once. The voice throughout the years. His Voice. Wrapping me in darkness and heat.

"It's you," I choked out, my voice barely audible.

He filled the room. His presence. At that moment, no one else was there with us. Just him and me.