"So, there's Rashad, Willian, Yasmine...who both run the same farm, and the brother getting married is Stephen," Kassandra ran the list of names in her head, hanging up one of the saree dresses for their shared closet.

"You forgot the youngest: Alicent," Christine smiled warmly, helping her unpack.

"Right, your youngest sister," Kassandra sighed, as if disappointed with herself, "and Stephen is getting married to Miriam, right?"

"Correct, see? You're great at this. I don't expect you to memorize their names, but I'm sure it will get easier when you see their faces," Christine beamed, knowing that Kassandra was putting in the effort to know her family. Christine didn't talk about them that much to Kassandra, given they all lived very separate and different lives. A lot of them didn't write much to her, but she always kept them updated on the mundane things of Vitross.

"And greeting your parents, I should say...hang on, I've been brushing up on their language," she paused and Christine shook her head.

"You will greet them by introducing yourself. Kassandra, just be yourself. I love that you're putting effort into this but it is not needed," Christine assured her. If anything, it was just an introduction. Her parents would be far more focused on the wedding, which was a good thing, that this felt like the right step into Christine really showing who she was to her family.

"Well, I can't wait to see the town, it's beautiful here," Kassandra smiled, knowing she had to distract her with the luscious green scenery displayed around their shared balcony, "what do you think Kaid?"

There was silence as Kaid was distracted folding the same shirt, over and over again.

"Kaid?" Christine asked, snapping him out of his illusion, "Are you okay?"

"Yes, sorry. My thoughts were elsewhere," Kaid nodded, realizing just how much he had disassociated. He supposed sharing a room with the two women, knowing the weight of the situation, and the stress of being away from Jessamine wasn't helping with remaining focused on his tasks.

"On Jessamine?" Kassandra teased Kaid, having to withhold an eyeroll accompanied with a blush. Yes, he was thinking of her, especially about this morning: the way her fingers clung to his backside, nails digging into his skin, her moans against his ear, leg wrapped firmly across his hip to hold him in place. He missed the way she clutched him, the way she smiled whenever she was caught off guard with Kaid's movements, or the hour they had laid there lazily after, whispering and laughing in each other's company. She then spent the rest of the morning helping him pack, making sure he had everything he needed and more. Kaid appreciated the unnecessary assistance, but he knew deep down she was worried too about such a minor separation.

"There's no need to worry about her, I'm sure she's doing fine," Christine reassured him.

"I know, I know she's more than capable of taking care of herself," he cleared his throat, shaking his thoughts away, "I just know that someone might find the means with the opportunity of me being gone, even if it's just for two nights."

"Well, if it makes you feel any better, I'm sure she misses you too," Kassandra smiled, "Ever since you arrived at Vitross with her everything's changed. For the better, of course. I've never seen her so happy before. You two really are a match made from the heavens, as if the Divines themselves planned on your union."

"I doubt that," Kaid laughed, but did like the fact knowing he made her happy. She made him happy too. She inspired him to be better, better in all things, not just love. Kaid was a bit surprised at how well the relationship was. There was no bickering other than the occasional teasing. No arguments, no misunderstandings, they fully communicated with each other. And their sex life was...well, there were no issues in that department. If anything, Kaid felt he got more of a workout with her than training with the Guards. And he was still learning new things every time.

Kaid noticed he got lost in his thoughts again about her, seeing the two women smirk mischievously across the room.

"Divines, you're in love," Christine teased, giggling with her co-conspirator.

"Yeah, I know," he rolled his eyes but couldn't help but smile in return, "you two ready to show me around?" They knew that was just a distraction to pry him away from the subject, but they didn't mind. Both girls admired the fact that Kaid liked to keep things private, even if it was just because he was shy about the subject of love and affection. They also understood that they had to uphold outside appearances as well. Christine and Kassandra were really the only two who knew just how deep their relationship was for each other and Kaid preferred it to stay that way. Maybe Cadize knew too, but he didn't seem the type to care much for it as long as it didn't bother his work.

Skale was an empire built on hard, manual labor. Its wealth was primarily an economy of agriculture, and that made sense given what Kaid had seen which was a lot of greenery. Farms stretched wider than the main city or towns, each growing their own products. The city they resided in now: Sciocla, was the second largest besides the main capital hub. It was a beautiful town with stone baroque architecture churches, statues of ancient stories or divine gods, fountains to drink or even cool off in when the heat was unbearable.

Sciocla did not shout wealth the way it did in Vitross Upper Districts. But what it did scream was happiness. Everyone walked around with warm smiles, greeting one another, constantly finding new friends or associates to converse with. Kaid was a bit surprised at the friendly greetings as they walked the marketplaces full of spice, fresh produce, and freshly butchered meat. It was a much smaller community, but the community really came together to support one another.

The Emperor, Emperor Gornson, was really more of a figure rather than a politician. The newspapers spoke highly of him, as it seemed he only intervened into issues when needed. Taxation was low, water supply aplenty, and everyone was left to themselves to farm and capitalize on the profit. The only thing Gornson really organized was the transportation of goods. Skale was a neutral kingdom and it preferred to stay that way.

Kaid wondered how long that could last if tensions grew. Kaid had seen one or two Vitross turbines, assisting with the irrigation process. But given Skale was just South of Lungor, no doubt they held some allegiances there. Skale had no army, but rather relied on hired mercenaries if needed. All funding from Arilla was focused on industry and agriculture products and needs: how to make food faster, better, and more nutritious. The Empire ran on simplicity: needs were met and people here did not want much.

Of course, that didn't mean everyone was happy. Christine, for example, wanted more from this place she called home. She wanted an education, wanted to expand further into the fashion realm and turn her hobby into a profession. Her parents, who owned multiple farms, wanted her and her potential future husband to be farmers. Everyone here was in the industry. Anyone who didn't simply left. Christine had been lucky to make a dress for Emperor Gornson's wife upon Jessamine visiting. Jessamine had adored it so much she had to see this dressmaker for herself.

Her family saw fashion as a luxury, which granted it is, to the eyes of many of the people here. However they saw her desires as a form of art work, not labor. Kaid loved the way Christine could frame a person, mold them with threads of ribbon and seamstress her way into making even a lowly prisoner like himself into a Vitross Guardian. It was a rare talent, one Jessamine appreciated. After all, she had to keep up appearances, given that's what most male politicians only thought her to possess.

Christine leaving caused a rift, a break in tradition for the family. There were plenty of spare siblings to pick up her invisible place in this city, but her family would always see her as the oddity in the family. It ruined how her family was seen by others, as they had someone who abruptly left her life and family to join an Empress. They believed she could have had a very fulfilling life here, but Christine merely wanted more. And there was no harm in wanting more, not everyone could live in conformity that rotted into boredom. Kassandra was from Vitross and had only stayed there, so this was her first trip really into a foreign nation. Kassandra seemed to like it very much, the way people relaxed after a hard day's work, children playing in the streets with makeshift leather balls, or just the aroma of food.

They spent most of the entire day and evening exploring, Christine visiting old friends or associates, sharing stories. Many asked about Vitross, almost in a weary questionable way but Christine spoke highly of her latest home and its people. Like their Empress, Vitross was always seen as a bit misunderstood. It didn't help given the irreparable damage caused by the Empire's previous Emperors, but Jessamine was trying her best to hold her own, while also sharing the positives. Kaid of course was the primary outsider, not knowing where he came from. Most of the time when asked, he merely stated Vitross was his current and only home.

Afterall, he didn't know where else he could call home. He was beginning to learn and accept home wasn't exactly a specific location, but a place he was most welcomed. Jessamine had done that for him in Vitross, and he only found it suitable to begin calling that home.

The ballroom was full of smiles and spices, a happiness of union Kaid had never witnessed before. It suited an audience of nearly two hundred townsfolk, all dressed in their finest, colorful attire, neck and arms draped in fine jewelry or painted tattoos. There was not one unhappy person in sight, strangers welcoming strangers, family embracing family...all until Christine showed up. The happiness didn't fade out, only whimpered, dampened by the presence of the so-called disgraced daughter, and the two that accompanied her.

Christine still bore that contagious, dimple filled smile though, as if nothing could falter her. She wore her own hand-made dress, a long dark purple saree, its edges trimmed with stitches of gold. Her dark brown hair was braided, adorned with small golden jewels and an intricate face tattoo painted on her forehead by Kaid himself, given he had the steadiest of hands. She unashamedly linked arms with Kassandra, who wore a saree of similar style but one of different radiance, an emerald green that stood out against her pale Vitross skin and reflected against her blonde short hair perfectly.

Kaid stood alongside them, wearing a royal blue kaftan, and possessing a friendly smile on his face like always.

Stephen and Miriam, the bride and groom, were the first to walk over, a slightly indecipherable smile on both their faces. They both looked radiant under the flame lit, candelabra lights, adorned with all the riches of their culture. Both of them had an energy that couldn't be contained by their romantic union, a giddiness and playful nature that they would now spend the rest of their lives together.

"You must be Christine, I've heard so much about you," Miriam stated, extending her hands to her new sister-in-law.

"I am. Stephen has spoken much about you in his letters, you truly are a divine goddess indeed," Christine spoke, hands holding each other in greeting, "I am so happy for you both. You two have a long, fulfilling life ahead."

"Well, we aim to be the most prosperous cacao farm in all of Skale. It is rather ambitious but I think we can manage," he bragged, "and who are your wonderful friends?"

"This is Kaid, he is an escort given by the Empress for the trip. He's harmless, I wouldn't mind him," Christine introduced, smiling up at her friend.

"A pleasure to meet you. Christine speaks wonderfully of her family and of Skale. It is a beautiful countryside," Kaid bowed politely.

"And this is Kassandra. My...partner," she hesitated only just slightly, as if she couldn't think of proper verbiage. Girl-friend, lover, eternal companion...the adjective did not really matter. Stephen understood immediately, and so did Miriam. Their smiles turned into faces of slight grimness, not because of the revelation, but because of what that news would mean for others.

"It is so wonderful to meet you both," Kassandra smiled, nervousness clearer than water in her voice. That only made the newlyweds smile again, knowing the courage it took in this moment.

"Welcome, Kassandra. It is a perfect evening to welcome you into this family," Miriam nodded, which eased Kassandra's anxiety slightly, "please, enjoy the drinking and dancing. I wish to speak to you more Christine about Vitross, later, if you don't mind. I want to hear all about it."

The strictness that came with not leaving their homes came with a curiosity about others who had escaped its clutches. Some may see Christine as disgraced, yet they wouldn't hesitate to spend a moment to hear all about her adventures in a new land. They despised she was the one that left, but didn't despise the idea. Given Vitross' controversies at the moment, it only made the burning curiosity of these individuals hotter for gossip. Christine wouldn't mind, as long as the attention of the wedding was not diverted anywhere else.

Kaid split from the couple, who began making more introductions as he lingered in the back, keeping watch. It made him stand out like a bruise, the only person without a wide smile, dancing in circles, laughing in conversation. He merely observed, part of him admiring the cultural significance of the decor or celebration, the other trying to find an inch of darkness in this colorful room. While there was assumed to be none found, he had to believe that even amongst friends, family, and kin...trouble didn't reside in the air.

A woman approached him, a drink in hand as she handed it over to Kaid. The surprised Guardian gently took it, bringing it to his nose to smell a warm spiced cider. He supposed it might do better than wine, so he offered a grateful smile before taking a sip.

"You're with Christine, right? I'm her cousin, Amber," she smiled sweetly, her voice soft and almost still childish, not matured. She looked just past adolescence, a young adult venturing into a new world to meet new people. Kaid was surprised at her bravery to speak with strangers given her age.

"Yes. It is nice to meet you Amber, I'm Kaid," he nodded, taking another sip, "this cider is refreshing, thank you."

"You're welcome," she blushed slightly, "what is it like? Vitross?"

"As the land here is green, the sea is blue. Wind that ripples the crops and blades of grass here create dark dangerous waves into the ocean. The sun is not so radiant there, the wind cold, but the people are just as welcoming. Both are beautiful Empires to behold. I noticed a few Vitross turbines in the area, assisting with the water power," Kaid observed, seeing her nod.

"Yes, very helpful indeed. I do believe your Empress just gave one to her Duke of the Isles. Ambitious. And Kaid, you must be her Guardian," she pointed out, surprising Kaid slightly.

"You're well in touch with your politics," he exclaimed, not knowing such information even reached these regions. Kaid hadn't been bothered to really pick up any of the newspapers throughout his tour of the city, figuring it wouldn't speak much of information from other Empires. But he was apparently mistaken.

"To understand our way of life, we must observe others," she shrugged, "do enlighten me though, is it true? Will Vitross really go to war?"

"I don't think war is a serene topic to really discuss at a wedding party, nor to someone so young," he explained grimly.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

She seemed amused by his answer, "You may be right. Why talk of war, a beguiled action against love itself, when love is very much present in this room. Do you dance, Kaid?"

Kaid had observed the dancing for some time. Circular, beautiful chaos of laughter, sweat, and joy. It was well coordinated, but also so improvised in its form. There was no pattern yet everyone who danced with arms or hands linked knew exactly the process. Kaid could still hardly ballroom dance, and he didn't expect to dance into something like this without falling flat on his face in embarrassment.

"I enjoy dancing but I do say I'm rather poor at it," he admitted.

"What a shame. Dancing is an act of love, an expression of mindlessness, of letting go. We once worshiped our gods with dance, now we worship ourselves. If you're poor at it, perhaps it is just your dancing partner."

Kaid knew where this was going, hinting at if he even had a dance partner to begin with.

"She dances wonderfully, the problem resides in me. I haven't quite managed the footwork yet," Kaid replied, seeing her slight excitement fade upon the answer.

"Yet you're a fighter? Isn't footwork the most important part in fighting?" she teased, not letting it dampen her mood. Amber was just looking for an escape. Christine had gotten lucky, or maybe not lucky because she had worked hard to impress an Empress with a dress. Amber didn't know what she needed to escape this place she called home. She thought maybe the handsome friend of her cousin could be an option, given she already knew briefly about him being a foreigner. Yet she couldn't be surprised some woman already snatched him up, given his looks and overall friendliness.

"I suppose I don't fight traditionally, same as the people here dance differently than that of Vitross," he smiled, knowing that footwork would always be a bit of a stumbling stone for him. Still, he didn't let it try to hinder his confidence.

"Well Kaid, would you at least enlighten all of us for a dance? I can try and drag my cousin along too," she bravely offered. Kaid could tell this kind of dancing was more ceremonial fun, rather than that intimate dance he had with Jessamine on her birthday. Why not? He supposed he could still try something new.

"Sure," he agreed, "I'm sure I will make a fool of myself but at least I will try."

Amber pulled him along gently by his wrist, dragging him towards the inner circle of dancing. Kaid downed the rest of his drink before placing the goblet aside. He felt a hand take his free one, feeling Christine's hand as she joined him, Kassandra holding her other one. He supposed it wouldn't be so bad amongst friends for now.

So they spun, danced, laughed, and clapped. Christine kept laughing every time Kaid embarrassed himself, which seemed to be with every song. But just near the end, he'd finally understand the rhythm only for the song to change and he'd learn it all over again. Amber had been right that dancing was an expression of love, of happiness, and most of all just joy. It was an artform that could express anything it wished, but in a place and moment like this for a wedding, everyone shared the love together.

Kaid finished after his legs and arms grew sore, sweat dripping down his neck, but the smile remained. He didn't know how these people could dance for hours on end, eat and drink, and then dance a few hours more. Kaid pulled away to drink some water, seeing Christine's parents eyeing their daughter as she and Kassandra pulled away from the dance. Their eye contact seemed awkward, Christine leaving Kassandra to go speak with her parents and another individual, a young man. Whatever was going on, the happiness and joy from dancing escaped Christine's mind.

"Could you imagine Jessamine dancing like that?" Kassandra asked, grabbing water for herself as well.

"Hm, maybe. I think she's the more slow and sensual type," Kaid laughed, not sure if she would enjoy it or not. But knowing Jessamine, she'd at least try. Kaid liked that about her, her love for reaching out into the unknown. He had a feeling it was much easier with him around anyways, that together they'd jump into the depths of something new and foreign together.

Kaid noticed Kassandra's dark hazel eyes watching her lover discuss with her parents, although it looked more like a berating if anything. Whatever was going on, it didn't look good. Their voices felt muted over all the laughter and music, but it was clear the tone was stern. The man beside Christine was young, strong in the silent farmer type, and very uncomfortable by the situation.

"You've got to be fucking joking," Kassandra spoke, anger laced in her voice, "she thought this could happen. She'd come back and they'd have some strange man waiting to propose to her."

"Proposed?" Kaid questioned, a bit astounded, "They've only just met?!"

"Miriam and Stephen only knew each other for six months," she hushed quietly, "it's just how things can be here. It's not horrible, what is horrible is that it seems clear to me that her parents know exactly who I am to her, and they're trying to pull this anyways."

"You knew this could happen and still wanted to come?" Kaid asked.

"Of course, I came to support her. She wanted this more than anything. While her family can be a bit...irksome, they still mean a lot to her. So that means they mean a lot to me. I know if my parents were still alive, they would've treated her like a second daughter. I don't expect that from them, but I do wish to be at least respected," she shook her head, knowing she couldn't get irritated over this.

It looked like Christine had raised her voice, not loud enough for others to notice, but it was enough for Kaid and Kassandra to realize she was standing up for herself. Christine appeared to walk away from the situation, immediately brushing a tear from her eye. But the man next to her had grasped her wrist tightly, forcing her back to stand beside him. Kassandra bristled, about to move over there, but Kaid had beat her to it. He didn't like seeing his friend being manhandled like such. Kaid pushed through his way over there, Amber watching with a slight smile.

"Careful Kaid," she warned, as if expecting this disaster. Perhaps Kaid should have taken her advice, but he was sick and tired of people who just gripped and groped whomever they wanted. He thought maybe Caladin had been an exception to the behavior of certain men, but it seemed that the stench reeked in places like this too.

"Get your hands off her," Kaid gripped the man's wrist hard, feeling the bones beneath his tight grasp.

Christine turned with surprise, seeing her friend interject, "Kaid, it's alright. It's a misunderstanding." Yet the man didn't seem to budge, only making eye contact with Kaid.

"Who is this man Christine?" her father demanded. The man was aged with wrinkles from the sun, a man who had once been an arduous farmer and now retired statesman.

"This is Kaid, he's a...friend, bodyguard, whatever," Christine answered, shaking her head, "It doesn't matter. Look, father, mother, I love you dearly. But I chose to live in Vitross, I choose to love whomever I want. Geremiah, you seem like a...nice man, but whatever my parents promised you isn't true. I won't marry you and I have no intention of getting to know you. Please, let's just not make a scene, this is not what I wanted."

Luckily most people were still not paying attention, but Kassandra's presence as she walked up to Christine only worsened it.

"Look what Vitross has done, turned our loving girl into some rude, snobby, spoiled girl. You are not the woman we raised you to be. That Empire of rot and that corrupt Empress of yours has ruined everything beautiful about you," her mother argued, "do what is right, right by us, by our people."

"Why can't you just accept me for who I am!?" Christine finally threw her hand away from Geremiah, stepping back slightly, "I am the daughter of two very proud, stubborn parents, who would rather watch their daughter suffer toiling in the sands and dirt rather than playing with needlework because you see it as useless. Yet you celebrate a wedding, wearing the finest attire you can buy, wearing the most expensive make-up this city offers...for what? To present yourself as great? At least I'm not pretending. Why is nothing I do ever good enough for you? Can't you be proud of me?"

"We are not proud of your childish decisions. We'd rather have you marry this bodyguard of yours than this rich, spoiled Vitross girl-"

"Is all you do is associate an Empire you've never seen as rotten? I'll have you know I grew up in the lower districts, in the slimiest of cities. My parents died when I was fifteen and I had to work my way up through politics, city councils, through a system that didn't want me, to get where I am today. You don't know me, and it seems like you don't want to get to know me. That's fine, I can accept that. I came here for Christine, not you. Christine puts her blood, sweat, and tears into her work, same as the rest of us. Just because it's not a profitable, fruitful business such as yours, doesn't make it any less equal," Kassandra interrupted, her voice stern, "I love your daughter, and it's a shame if you can't love her to the extent I do. Because you have a wonderfully smart, imaginative, hilarious daughter who could brighten up any world yet you hid her here in this darkness."

The room was silent now, music ending, no stomping of feet on the polished tile floors. Utter silence. All eyes were on them, Christine's parents red with embarrassment and shame. Stephen and Miriam looked disappointed, not exactly surprised, but it still took all attention away from them.

"This was not what I wanted," Christine whispered, "look, you'll never have to see me after this. You are more than welcome to visit Vitross, if you feel spoiled enough, but I think I'm done here. My family, my home, is with the sea, with my friends and my empress. You won't ever have to hear from me or see me again." She walked away, her throat tight with the strict holding of tears. Kassandra followed after her, walking her outside.

Kaid finally let Geremiah's wrist go, realizing just how red it was with how he gripped it. He didn't mean to be harsh, but it was clear Geremiah learned the lesson and luckily didn't resist. The man had realized what kind of mess he was being roped into and now didn't want any part in it. Kaid was about to step away to join his friends, hesitating on the steps before glancing back up at the parents, their shame withering away with bitterness.

"Your daughter is an extraordinary woman, part of that I can assume came from you, the rest she built and learned on her own. She finds beauty in all things, can create it from a blank canvas, and highlights the best in people. The fact you can't even see the beauty in her, a wonderful thing you two created out of love...that's rather disheartening. I apologize for the intrusion of the wedding, and wish you a good night," Kaid nodded, seeing them sulk there in silence.

He found Christine sobbing in Kassandra's arms, the moonlight shining above them as a comforting light. Kassandra rubbed her hand across her back, trying to prevent her uncontrolled shivers and sobs, wanting to still her heart from the pain.

"It's alright, I'm here. It's okay, my love," she whispered assurances, her soft eyes glancing over at Kaid, apologizing for pulling him away from the wedding. Honestly, he didn't mind. He didn't want to spend time with people who didn't really want to spend time around them, his friends.

"Can we just go back to the room? I think I'm done with today," Christine whispered softly, seeing Kassandra nod. Kaid followed behind them through the city, which still had a few people out and about enjoying the cool evening. Some sat by the fountain, enjoying an evening conversation with friends or lovers, others still ate at the various restaurants around. Christine had sharpened up slightly as they reached the main city, still holding Kassandra's hand firmly.

The incident tonight, as painful as it was, would only make them stronger. Kaid knew that it would only embolden their affections and not hinder anything. Jessamine that night at the Sand Castle, while it had been a torment to go through, came out more confident and strong with Kaid at her side. They trusted one another, supported each other through thick and thin, and that's what love was. It wasn't always theatrics of flirtation or miniscule acts of kindness. It was sacrifice, it was courage. Love was impossible without bravery because it was a jump into the unknown, each love different than the last. Kaid knew their love would last though, beyond the stretches of time.

Kaid was about ten feet behind them, brushing through a crowd slightly near the courtyard of their residence when he felt a bone chilling hand across his neck. It felt at first like a ghostly touch, the slightest brushing of contact, but then it soon felt like a rope around his body. He felt frozen, muscles clenching, body weakened, his Oblivion escaping him. A sharp pain shot up his neck, into his brain, scorching a nerve attached to a small part of his mind: the part where Oblivion resided.

A Blocker.

He was disconnected from his Oblivion, disconnected from time. Nevertheless, he grabbed his sword, flicking it to unleash the blade, the sound astounding the surrounding crowd around him. Shrieks and screams came from the sight, Kaid moving to Kassandra and Christine who looked back in confusion. But if their guardian had pulled out his blade, something was very wrong indeed. They all three ran into the alley, Kaid feeling sweat drip from his body overclocking, reaching for something that didn't temporarily exist.

"What's wrong?" Christine asked, glancing around.

"My Oblivion, I can't access it. I've been Blocked, touched by a Blocker. I don't know for how long but we need to get out of here," Kaid whispered.

"I'm afraid it's a bit too late for that," a voice interrupted in the dark. A man cloaked in dark robes stepped out, holding a small contraption in his hands. Kaid felt a presence behind him, another man much shorter in height of physique, but was certainly the Blocker. Blockers were all about technique and nothing more.

The man in front opened a portal, not the usual crystal shine like Bridger's, but rather dark, ominous, and certainly a sign they won't be going anywhere good.

"Kaid, would you be so kind to step inside? No harm will come to the women, and we assure no harm will come to you," the man politely asked, although Kaid knew that this man would get whatever he wanted without formalities.

"Kaid you can't go in that," Kassandra insisted, moving to step in front of him between their enemy.

"I'm giving him a choice. In fact, bringing him is the best option for all of us. Any one of you will do, but I know Kaid has a knack for heroics so I'll let him decide this for himself," the man sighed, as if bored and playing with his food.

"Kaid, don't," Christine insisted, glancing back at her friend. All of them knew it was Kaid they wanted most, and there was a reason for that. But Kaid didn't know if he couldn't let any harm come to his friends. Stepping into that portal was a step into the dark unknown. Most likely these were men of the Confederation, and whatever they wanted with him couldn't be good.

Kaid could slowly feel the nerve repairing, a tingle in his fingers that his Oblivion was returning. But with that Blocker behind him, another touch was only needed to remove it once more. It might be just enough.

"Tick tock, tick tock, the man who can control time is frozen. Make a decision, before I make one for you," he scowled, pulling back on the contraption in his hand, something clicking and locking into place. The contraption was a handheld item, rustic, almost made out of homemade materials with a barrel at the end. Whatever it was, it looked deadly and Kaid didn't want to mess around with it.

"Hey! What's going on!?" a voice shouted from behind, Kaid glancing to see Amber, who must've followed them from the wedding. Her presence only escalated the situation. The portalist reached out for Kaid, only to have Kassandra step in front clearly, shoving the man.

A loud, ear piercing bang released, the sound mimicking a firework. Kassandra leaned against the wall, blood pouring from her stomach. Horror filled the small alleyway, Kaid moving to Kassandra. Before Christine could cross over to check on her lover, her hand was grasped, being dragged towards that portal.

"Christine!" Kassandra shouted weakly, clutching her side.

Kaid turned instinctively, swinging his blade behind him. It must have caught the Blocker off guard, because next thing his head was rolling at the decapitation, a look of surprise on his now dead expression. Kaid was forcing to slow time, but it kept denying him, as if whimpering like a weak animal, wanting more time to rest. He pushed and pushed, finally slowing just enough. The portalist had thrown Christine in, Kaid reaching for her hand, fingers touching. But it wasn't enough.

Their hands slipped, the portal closed, and Christine was gone. In the blink of an eye it was like she no longer existed, just the dark alley ahead. Kaid could still feel her warm fingers embracing his own, trying to hold on to something even if just a finger to keep herself from entering that portal. That warmth faded with the cold, chilly air. The wedding that had been filled with a celebration of life and warmth, was ending with just the opposite, a separation of love, and perhaps a loss of life.

Kaid knew there was no time to think about Christine, she was gone. And he'd make sure whomever took her would pay. Kassandra was his responsibility now. He ran over to her, removing her hand that was covered in blood to apply pressure. Whatever that weapon was, it did some damage to her torso, but it didn't go clean through. There was still some hope. Amber ran over, stepping over the Blockers body and moved to observe Kassandra as well.

"We need a doctor. Now. Do you know Tony? He owns-"

"Yes," Amber answered, "I know he's a Sender. Who is he sending this news to?"

Luckily Payne had given them a bit of a briefing should anything turn disastrous. Senders could connect with other Senders, passing along letters or even items if strong enough. Vitross had its own Sender in the city, used for emergencies like this only. Kaid prayed he'd be awake to share the news in a timely manner.

"Cole. Cole Green. Tell Tony to reach out to him, insisting this is urgent. Go!" Kaid shouted, Amber sparing no time to gather more information. She took off, knowing exactly where and who to go to.

Kaid removed his kaftan, spoiling the royal blue color Christine loved so much as he pressed it firmly to Kassandra's wound. It might not stop the bleeding, but it would certainly slow it.

"It hurts," Kassandra whispered, Kaid nodding. It looked painful, but somehow with deep, short breaths Kassandra was doing her best to hold on and power through it.

"I know. I have to keep holding pressure on it though," Kaid whispered back, seeing her shake her head, "it's going to be alright."

"Christine, she's gone. That's what hurts," she replied, correcting her previous sentence. She could care less about the gaping wound. She had no idea where her lover was, who she was with, and if she'd be alive if they ever did find her. Whatever just happened, it was an act of war, the stealing of an Empire associate for whatever means.

It should've been him. It should've been Kaid. That's what he was telling himself anyway. He couldn't believe he let this happen, that his judgment slipped, that he let his guard down and someone else paid the price. His friend paid the price, and she would have done anything to prevent Kaid from being the one taken away. Kaid could not and would not let that be in vain.

"Promise me, Kaid. Promise we will find her, and we will kill everyone involved," Kassandra gritted through her teeth, anger rising from her pain.

"I promise. We will get her back, I'll see to it myself. I will not rest until every single one of them are dead, Jessamine won't either," Kaid assured her. He said the words firmly, but after he said them, he wondered just how sincere it was. This Confederation was still a mystery, it seemed the anarchists knew more about them, than Payne or anyone else knew about them.

First Jessamine, Persephone, and now this. This was personal, very very personal. What Kaid should've known was that this was personal from the very beginning, and it would remain that way until the Confederation finally got what they wanted: him.