We lingered at the hot springs until the twilight hues crept across the sky, painting the world in shades of rose and amethyst. It was only then that we gathered our belongings, our movements slow and languid, as if we were awakening from a dream. My body, sated but still humming with the aftershocks of our passion, protested the need to carry me. I reached out with my mind, calling to Ozzy, through the telepathic bond that linked us. He responded instantly, his presence a warm, comforting hum in the back of my mind. With a gentle sweep of his wings, he whisked us back to the reality beyond the hot springs, leaving the serenity of that magical place behind. As we settled into the stillness of the evening, I felt the weight of my exhaustion, the countless peaks of pleasure we'd reached leaving me in a state of euphoric satisfaction. Yet, despite the fatigue, my hunger for more remained, a burning ember that refused to be extinguished. Our encounter had been a tantalizing taste, a promise of the depths we could explore together, and I couldn't help but wonder what lay beyond the boundaries. Lennon's restraint, his decision to hold back from going all the way, had been a deliberate choice, one born of a mix of caution and vulnerability. Perhaps it would be a cruel game, to allow such intimacy only to separate the following day. Perhaps he was shielding his heart, still tender from the wounds inflicted by Sully's betrayal. But even without the sex, our bond had grown stronger, a unbreakable thread that tied us together. The experience had only intensified my longing, igniting a curiosity that threatened to consume me. What would it be like, I wondered, to surrender completely to the passion that burned between us? The thought sent a shiver down my spine, leaving me breathless with anticipation. Despite the exhaustion of our unrelenting passion, drifting off beside him that night was a soul-crushing experience. Every night since my arrival in Numariya, I had been comforted by his presence. But tonight marked the beginning of two long weeks without him. My mind raced with a mixture of sorrow, anticipation, and trepidation for the morning's inevitable separation. I desperately clung to him as if I could melt into his chest and take up residence within his very soul. As I finally succumbed to sleep, a wave of relief washed over me, grateful for the respite from my exhaustion. Yet, a heavy sadness lingered knowing that the dawn would bring our inevitable parting all too soon. And alas, all too soon it definitely came upon us. It was as if I had blinked and suddenly, the sun was shining through the window, signaling the start of a new day. As morning's golden light crept into the room, I stirred, expecting the familiar ritual of Lennon rising to brew our morning coffee. But instead, he lay still, his arms wrapped tightly around me, holding me close as if he sought to imprint my presence on his very soul. The warmth of his body, the gentle rise and fall of his chest, was a balm to my own weary heart, and I felt my eyelids growing heavy once more, as if I could will the day to rewind and grant us a few more precious hours together. But as my gaze fluttered open, his eyes met mine, and he smiled, his lips brushing against my forehead in a soft, gentle kiss. His arms tightened around me, pulling me closer, and I felt the warmth of his body adainst my skin, the scent of him enveloping me like a shroud. I breathed him in, trying to commit every detail to memory - the curve of his jaw, the shape of his eyes, the gentle press of his fingers on my skin. In that moment, time seemed to slow, and all that existed was the two of us, wrapped in the warmth of our own little world. And then, as if to make the moment even more poignant, Lennon began to move, his hands tracing the contours of my face, his fingers dancing across my skin as he savored our final morning together. The gentle touch, the soft caress, was a bittersweet reminder of all that we would be leaving behind, and I felt a lump form in my throat as I savored the sensation, trying to hold onto it, to freeze this moment in time forever. As he rose to tend to our morning coffee ritual, a pang of longing shot through me like the whispered promise of farewell. I watched, transfixed, as his hands moved with the precision of a skilled artisan, the gentle dance of his fingers a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within me. As I lay there, ensnared by the gentle cadence of his movements, every ripple of muscle, every deliberate gesture, I committed to memory, desperate to sear his presence into my very being. The ache within me swelled, a relentless tide, as I grappled with the unyielding truth: in the fleeting span of a few short months, our lives had become inextricably entwined. The promise of my return in two weeks' time, a thread of hope that should have brought me comfort, brought little solace to the wound that was already spreading within me. I fought to control the tide of tears that threatened to overwhelm me, but they pricked at the corners of my eyes, a poignant reminder of the unbearable weight of our impending separation. As he extended the cup of coffee, his smile a fragile veil for the sorrow that lingered in his eyes, I felt the weight of my longing threaten to shatter the fragile calm between us. I yearned to plead with him, to beg him to let me remain in The Dread, to surrender to this forsaken place that had become my home, all for the chance to stay by his side. But I knew it was a futile endeavor, a desperate cry in the void. I had pleaded with him countless times, and his resolve had remained unshakeable. He refused to condemn me to this existence, to trap me in the shadows of The Dread, and I had to trust that his conviction was rooted in a desire to protect me, to shield me from the very fate that had claimed him. So I cherished this fleeting moment, this bittersweet reprieve. We sipped our coffee in silence, our gazes locked in a wordless farewell, the air thick with the unspoken promise of goodbye. In mere hours, we would part ways, and I would embark on the next chapter of my journey, one that would unfold without the steady heartbeat of Lennon by my side. As the morning sun rose higher, time twisted and warped, racing ahead with reckless abandon one moment, only to drag its feet the next. I mechanically gathered a few meager belongings, though Lennon's words still lingered in my mind: Thadeus had already ordered an entire wardrobe from Anehate's most skilled seamstress, the same one who crafted gowns for his mother, Queen Amani. The thought of donning attire in the signature hues of Anahate - a palette of emerald and olive, of moss and sage - brought me little joy, for it would be a solitary pleasure, one I would not share with Lennon's sparkling eyes and charming smile. The hours ticked by with all the speed and urgency of a slow-moving river, and yet, the weight of our impending departure hung over me like a specter. The journey ahead would be a mere couple of hours on Ozzy's sturdy back, with a brief break halfway there. I was reluctant to leave the cottage, to surrender the comfort of his home and presence. But the fates, it seemed, were not inclined to indulge my wishes. Our packs were secured, and with a sense of resignation, I looked back at the cottage one last time before setting out towards the distant rolling hills of Anahate. As Ozzy soared through the skies, I clung to Lennon's waist, my arms wrapped tightly around him, as if the very thought of releasing him was a prospect too unbearable to contemplate. The wind whipped through my hair, sending tears streaming down my face, the beat of Ozzy’s wings masking the sound of my sobs. Lennon's warmth seeped into me, a comforting balm for the ache in my heart. The landscape below us began to shift and transform, the deep blues of Visu giving way to the vibrant emeralds and olive tones of Anahate. As we flew closer, the magic that pulsed through the land seemed to thrum in time with my own heartbeat. With a mere hour left to cherish Lennon's presence, we descended into a secluded clearing, the trees of the forest looming like sentinels around us. I felt drained, as if I'd wept away a lifetime of tears, but in this moment, I was grateful for the reprieve. I gulped down the cool, clear water from the canteen, replenishing the fluids I'd lost to my sorrow. As we sat together, wrapped in each other's arms, the only sound the soft rustle of the wind and the gentle rise and fall of our breath, I reveled in the simplicity of this moment. Every second felt like a precious gift, one I savored and hoarded, unwilling to relinquish the warmth of his body, the beat of his heart against mine. Time itself seemed to bend and warp, stretching out this fleeting hour into an eternity, one I was desperate to cling to. I'm not sure how much time had passed, but as I lay there beside Lennon, the warmth of his body seeping into mine, I became aware of my body again. The water I'd guzzled earlier had finally caught up with me, and I reluctantly untangled myself from Lennon's arms. He stirred, his eyes fluttering open as he murmured a gentle inquiry, but I reassured him with a soft smile, "I'll be right back." I didn't want to leave his side, not even for a heartbeat, but the entire canteen I’d devoured was insistent. As I wandered away from the sanctuary of his presence, the rustling of the underbrush beneath my feet was the only sound that broke the stillness. I scanned our surroundings, my eyes settling on a sturdy pine with branches that seemed to stretch up to the sky like nature's own cathedral. The scent of pine wafted up, fresh and earthy, as I made my way towards the tree. The needles crunched beneath my feet, releasing their fragrance into the air, and I felt a sense of peace settle over me. This moment of solitude, distracted by an anatomical priority, was a brief respite from the turmoil that had been brewing inside me. But as I turned to make my way back to Lennon and Ozzy, my heart again heavy with the weight of our impending separation, my foot sank into something that felt like liquid darkness. I tried to pull it back, but it was too late. The ground seemed to swallow my foot whole, and I felt a jolt of fear as I realized I was stuck. Quicksand. I'd heard stories of its treacherous power, how it could drag even the strongest warriors down into its depths. Panic set in as I struggled to free myself, but the more I pulled, the deeper I sank. My heart racing, I tried to scream for Lennon, but my voice was muffled, as if the shadowy quicksand was magically silencing me. The sound that emerged was barely a whisper, a faint cry that was swallowed up by the trees. Like a thing of nightmares, I was alone, trapped, and sinking with no voice to cry for help. My mind racing, I tried to think of a way to escape, but my thoughts were a jumbled mess. I was aware of Lennon, still lying in the clearing, oblivious to my plight. If I didn't get free, he'd never even know what had happened to me. The thought sent a surge of adrenaline through me, and I redoubled my efforts, pulling and tugging at my foot with all my might. But the quicksand seemed to be alive, its grip tightening around my ankle like a vice. I felt myself being pulled down, down, down, into the dark, cold depths of its shadows. My lungs burned, my muscles screamed in protest, and still I struggled, but it was no use. I was trapped, and I was running out of time. As I felt the shadowy quicksand creeping up my legs, I tried to scramble to safety, but it was like trying to run through a nightmare. The more I struggled, the deeper I sank. Pine needles scraped beneath my fingernails as I clawed at the ground, but it was no use. The darkness seemed to be swallowing me whole, and I was powerless to stop it. I screamed for Lennon, but my voice was trapped in my throat, refusing to escape. Panic set in, my heart racing like a wild animal as I begged silently for him to find me, to save me from this living hell. Every movement I made only seemed to pull me deeper into the quicksand's deadly grasp. I was waist-deep now, the shadows closing in around me like a shroud. My mind was a jumble of fear and adrenaline, as flashes of memories began to resurface. I was in the human lands, I was working for someone... or was it something? The details were hazy, but the sense of purpose was clear. I had been on a mission to save the poverty-stricken southern human region. Then flashes of the desperation in the eyes of the people, the way they clung to hope like a lifeline. But it was all so fuzzy, like trying to grasp a handful of sand - the harder I tried to hold on, the more it slipped through my fingers. Panic set in as the quicksands grip tightened around me, pulling me deeper into its depths. I was running out of time. I scraped at the forest floor around me, desperate to find a handhold, a lifeline to cling to. But it was no use. The shadowy sand was too strong, too powerful. Then flashes of a memory, a face. A blurry face that was familiar, yet completely unknown. A face that made my heart ache with longing. My lover. I was certain of it. But... who was it? I didn't even remember his face, only the feeling. I was caught in a whirlwind, snapping from flashes of memories, back to reality where imminent death loomed before me. Like a dream within a dream, grasping at anything to keep my grip on reality. Then another flash, another face appeared in my mind. A female, with a smile that could light up a room. My best friend... or was it my sister? The memory was foggy. But the sense of love and loyalty was there, a deep and abiding connection that went beyond words. I sunk deeper into the sand’s shadowy depths, my consciousness whipping back to reality as I frantically scraped at the forest floor. And then, a series of flashes, more blurry faces. A family, hazy like a watercolor painting left out in the rain. But the sense of belonging, of being part of something bigger than myself, was there. The quicksand was sucking me down, deeper and deeper, and I was running out of time. I was desperate to hold on to these memories, to cling to them like a lifeline. But they were slipping away from me, lost in the darkness of the shadows. I was going to die, trapped in this living nightmare, with only my memories to hold onto. I prayed, I begged, I pleaded with the universe to send Lennon to me, to give me a chance to escape. And then, like a lifeline, I heard his voice, calling out my name. I tried to scream back, to answer him, but my voice was barely a whisper, a faint rustle of sound that seemed to get lost in the trees. Lennon's calls grew louder, closer, and I saw his silhouette in the distance, his figure a dark shape against the fading light. I screamed again, straining my vocal cords to the breaking point, but he didn't see me. He was searching for me, his eyes scanning the forest, his face twisted with worry. And then, finally, he spotted me, half-swallowed by the inky depths. He sprinted towards me, reaching me with unusual speed. Lennon dropped to his knees beside me, his eyes locking onto mine with a fierce intensity. I screamed at him, my voice still barely audible, to help me, to pull me out, to save me. But he didn't move, didn't try to grab me or lift me out. Instead, he took on a calm, almost eerie demeanor, his voice low and soothing.

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"Ace, listen to me," he said, his words dripping with an unnatural calmness. "This is The Frygt. It's an ancient magic, one that doesn't respond to my powers. I can't get you out."

I interrupted him, screaming in reflex as the quicksand sucked me down deeper, my hands clinging to his arms like a lifeline. Lennon grasped my forearms tightly, gripping me with dominance, and stared into my eyes with a fierce, burning intensity.

"Listen to me, Ace," he repeated, his voice low and urgent. "You have to calm down. The Frygt is attracted to fear. You have to channel calmness, serenity. Look at me, and think of something that brings you ultimate calm. Understand that you can get yourself out, easily, if you can overcome the fear."

I stared into his eyes, feeling the panic rise up in me like a tidal wave. But as I looked at Lennon, I saw something there, a spark of calmness that seemed to seep into my own soul. I took a deep breath, feeling my heart rate slow, my mind clear.

“That’s it, keep thinking of whatever that is. Breathe. Relax. It’s just magic.”

I thought of the forest, of the trees swaying in the breeze, of the sound of the river rushing over rocks. I thought of Lennon's eyes, of the way he looked at me, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I looked at Lennon, my eyes locked onto his, and I knew I could do this. I could overcome the fear, overcome The Frygt. I could save myself. As I focused on Lennon's eyes, I felt The Frygt's grip loosen, ever so slightly. It was as if the darkness itself was hesitant to release me, but Lennon's calmness was a balm to my frazzled nerves. He encouraged me to keep replaying the soothing thoughts in my head, to slow my breathing, to let the serenity wash over me. I did as he said, my mind conjuring up images of peaceful landscapes, of calm waters, of Lennon's gentle smile. As I exhaled slowly, The Frygt seemed to respond, its hold on me weakening. I felt it descend, incrementally, down my body, like a slow-moving tide. Lennon's eyes never left mine, his gaze a steady anchor that kept me grounded. He whispered words of encouragement, his voice a gentle breeze, urging me to keep going, to keep mastering my fear. The Frygt's grip on my waist loosened, and I felt a surge of hope. I was doing it. I was beating this thing. Lennon's hands moved to my hips reassuring his presence, a reminder that he was there, that he had me. The Frygt continued its slow descent, down my thighs, my knees, my calves. I felt it tickle my ankles, and Lennon's voice rose slightly in excitement.

"You're almost out, Ace," he said, his words a gentle caress. "Just a little more. Keep breathing, keep calm."

I took another slow breath, feeling the air fill my lungs, and The Frygt's grip on my ankles faltered. It was almost gone, almost. Lennon's hands on my waist tightened, and I felt a surge of strength flow through me. He was ready to catch me, to pull me to safety. And then, in a fluid motion, The Frygt released its hold on me, and I was free. Lennon’s wings shot out of his back, their sudden appearance a blur of motion, and he swept me up in his arms. I felt the rush of wind as we lifted off the ground, the trees blurring together as we soared into the sky. I buried my face in his chest, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. I was safe. I was alive. I was in his arms, and nothing else mattered. The wind whipped through my hair as we flew over the treetops, the forest floor blurring as we rose. His chest was warm against my cheek, his heartbeat a steady thrum that seemed to match my own. I felt his arms tighten around me, holding me close, and I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be. We flew over the clearing where Ozzy frantically whinnied, then Lennon began to descend, his wings beating in a slow, rhythmic motion. We landed softly in the clearing, the grass beneath us a gentle cushion. Lennon's arms never left mine, and I felt a sense of security, of safety, as he held me close.

I looked up at him, my eyes meeting his, and saw a smile spread across his face. "You did it, Ace," he said, his voice full of pride. "You conquered The Frygt."

I smiled back, but as his words echoed in my ears, "You did it, Ace," I felt a weird sense of conflicting emotions swirling inside me. I was proud, yes, proud that I had faced my fears and conquered The Frygt. But at the same time, I was still trembling with adrenaline, my heart racing from the ordeal. And yet, the lingering peace I had channeled to escape that shadowy hell still lingered, a gentle hum in the background of my mind. It was a whirlwind of emotions, all happening at once. I couldn't believe that what was supposed to be a quick bathroom break had turned into a near-death experience. I needed to sit down, to process it all. My legs felt like jelly, and my mind was reeling. Lennon seemed to sense my emotional state, and without a word, he sat down on the grass, pulling me onto his lap. He wrapped his arms around me, holding me close, and I felt a sense of safety and security wash over me. As we sat there, away from The Frygt's influence, Lennon's magic began to work its way through me. His magic was a gentle warmth that spread through my veins, calming my racing heart and soothing my frazzled nerves. Like a soft, golden light that seeped into my pores, calming my mind and body. It was as if he was wrapping me in a warm blanket, shielding me from the world and its dangers. My trembling slowed, and then stopped, as his magic worked its way through me. I felt my heart rate slow, my breathing deepen, and my mind clear. The adrenaline that had been coursing through my veins began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of calm and tranquility. It was as if Lennon's magic was speaking directly to my cells, telling them to relax, to let go of the fear and anxiety. As I sat on Lennon's lap, surrounded by his calming magic, I felt my thoughts untangle, my emotions settle. I was aware of the world around me, but it was distant, muffled, as if I was viewing it through a veil of serenity. Lennon's magic was a gentle, insistent presence, reminding me that I was safe, that I was loved, and that I was not alone. And as I sat there, wrapped in his arms, I felt my heart fill with gratitude for this Sidhe, for his love, and for his magic.

"Ozzy started acting frantic, in a frenzy," he said, his voice low and soothing. "I think he must have sensed your fear. That's when I went looking for you."

I looked over at Ozzy, who was still pacing back and forth, his eyes fixed on me with a worried expression. I sent a wave of gratitude down our telepathic bond, and he seemed to sense it, relaxing almost immediately. He lay down near us, his eyes still fixed on me, but his body language relaxed.

I turned my attention back to Lennon, who was watching me with a serious expression. "Why doesn't Sidhe magic work in the deep forest?"

Lennon's expression turned grim. "Creatures like The Frygt used to roam the lands freely, terrorizing villages and towns. But after the war, a treaty was signed. The creatures got all the deep forests as their territory, with the condition that they can't leave the threshold of the forest. But any Sidhe who enter can’t use their magic. The treaty is spelled, our magic doesn’t work even if we will it."

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized the implications of what he was saying. "So, you're saying since I went too far into the forest, I was completely defenseless? You didn’t use any magic at all?"

Lennon nodded, his eyes serious. "Yes. That's why I need you to promise me something, Ace. Never walk more than 20 feet or so past the forest edge. It's not safe for you, and I couldn't bear it if anything happened to you."

I raised an eyebrow, a wry smile spreading across my face. "It would have been nice to know that before I took a bathroom break."

Lennon's expression turned sheepish, and he rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm sorry, Ace. The weight of saying goodbye had me inside my head, and I wasn't thinking straight."

I reached out, placing a hand on his arm. "It's okay, Lennon. Thank you for coming to help me."

Lennon's expression softened, and he reached out to brush a strand of hair behind my ear. "You don't have to thank me, Ace," he said, his voice low and gentle. "I would do anything to help you."

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "I had some memories come back," I said, my voice hesitant.

Lennon's eyes lit up with excitement, and he leaned in, his face inches from mine. "What did you remember?" he asked, his voice full of eagerness.

I hesitated, unsure of how to process everything that had come flooding back. "It was all very hazy," I said, "but I think I had a family. Maybe a sister, or a best friend, I’m not sure."

Lennon's face lit up with a warm smile. "That's amazing, Ace," he said. "I'm so happy for you."

I took a deep breath, trying to sort through the jumbled memories. "I think I was helping humans in poverty," I said, my voice still uncertain. "It was my job, I think."

Lennon nodded, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "That sounds like you, Ace," he said. "You've have a heart of gold."

I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. But I didn't tell him about the other memory. The memory of a lover, of feelings that had broken through my fear of dying while being swallowed by that creature. I wasn't ready to share that with him yet, not when everything was still so hazy and uncertain. Maybe I was mistaken, maybe I hadn't really remembered a lover. But no, I had. I had definitely felt something, a spark of emotion that had ignited a fire within me. But I pushed the thought aside, deciding to wait until everything made sense before sharing it with Lennon. For now, I just smiled and nodded, feeling a sense of hope that I hadn't felt in a long time. Lennon's eyes searched mine, and I knew he sensed that there was more to the story.

But he didn't push me, just smiled and said, "I'm so glad you're starting to remember, Ace. I hope more memories come back to you soon."

I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. We sat there for a moment, embraced in each others arms, processing everything in silence. But eventually, we knew we had to get moving. We had a long journey ahead of us, and we couldn't afford to waste any more time. Lennon stood up, offering me his hand. I took it, feeling a sense of strength and comfort in his touch. We walked together, our hands clasped, as we continued on our journey to Anahate. I was still in the haze of Lennon’s magic as we approached Ozzy, his eyes fixed on me with a watchful expression. I smiled, feeling a sense of comfort with my two companions by my side.