My mind and mood rise—escaping the gloom—when I remember the sweetness of her. The memory of her lips abiding, I want her more each moment we are separate.

  When I woke up—still tired from our forty days of union—Kali was gone. It was not long until my eyes found her swimming the Silver Lake, racing a lorelei—the very same that beat me, not that long ago. The strain of doing so even gave me a slight headache. A price I would pay tenfold for just a glimpse of her. Afterward, my longing for her only grew, and we have spent...a few scant days together. Chambord is mayhem.

  Almost two decades or so prior, I was tempted to tell her everything.

  ''Where were you!?'' she yelled at me. It was rare indeed to see Kali in uproar. ''We lost thousands. Many from our warbeasts—unruly—breaking into our own lines. Their master who knows where.''

  ''Yes. And I am told you executed thirty-six of your fellow kindred.''

  ''Oh, Maeve reported to you already? Did she mention how they broke formation, spread panic, aiding the monster we fought? Your army was leaderless. Why?'' she whispered the st word filled with hurt.

  I was tired at the time, so tired—mind and body; remnants of unequaled cold still in me. I remember not wanting to argue. ''Leaderless? You were here. You are always here. Always protecting your brothers and sisters.'' I moved closer, the top knuckles of my right hand caressing her cheek, an action that seemed to have paralyzed her completely. ''My own Theia,'' I whispered.

  She took a step back, and not meeting my eyes said, ''Whole legions need to be reorganized.'' She left without looking back.

  I remember wanting to tell her where I had been but then thought better of it. The less knew the better. She would never approve of my...methods. And rightfully so.