Trinity heard the front door slam behind her.

" Ariel wishes for you to join him."

Trinity followed the servant up the stairs to a room on the second floor. The servant knocked on the door, and then opened it for Trinity. Once inside Trinity heard the door lock. Ariel’s idea of trust. He was seated in a plush armchair in front of a roaring fire. Ariel stood up, his blonde hair glowing orange in the firelight, and beckoned for Trinity to have a seat in the chair beside him. His brilliant blue eyes stared intently at Trinity, and she had an overwhelming urge to kiss his blood-red lips, to have him hold her in his arms once again. But that was so long ago. Before she knew how much of a monster he was. Before he… she didn’t want to think about it. She walked over to the chair and settled herself in it. Ariel moved his chair closer.

" I can’t believe you are with me once again. And by your own choice. It’s feels like a dream. I hope it doesn’t fade away." At the last remark, he turned and looked Trinity in the eyes. They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Trinity felt like Ariel could see right into her soul, like he could read her feelings and thoughts. She concentrated on keeping her facial expression enigmatic. If he guessed what she was thinking….

" Well I’m here aren’t I?"

" You certainly are. But Trinity, why? The Trin I know wouldn’t sacrifice herself for two measly peasants." Trinity shuddered at Ariel using her pet name. He certainly knew how to play with her mind.

" It’s something you wouldn’t understand Ariel. Its called selflessness. But you wouldn’t know the meaning of that word."

" You judge me so harshly, Trinity, but you’ve grown soft." He stood up and took a few steps towards her. "You were once a worthy opponent. A strong warrior. Now, Ha! Killing you would be like slaughtering a lamb. And a beautiful one at that." He stroked her cheek. Trinity stood up suddenly and backed away from Ariel. How could someone be so handsome and charming and at the same time so repulsive and evil. She couldn’t believe she had ever loved him. She felt sick just looking at him. She felt so weak. She wouldn’t be able to stand for much longer.

" What’s the matter, my love. You look sick." He started towards her.

" No! Stay away. Don’t come near me." She looked up at him. He had that smile. The smile that hid the monster.

" What will you do, kill me? No, you’re too weak for that. You have no strength. You can’t even stand up!" Ariel’s laugh pierced deep into Trinity’s soul. " Where are your Arianan warrior friends now? You’re all alone! You’re helpless against me!" Ariel took another step towards Trinity. He was now just a metre in front of her. She tried to back away, but found herself against a wall. She struggled to get up and leaned against the wall to face him. She didn’t know how, but Ariel was responsible for her energy drain.

" What do you want with me?" Even talking took a great effort, and her strength diminished. He moved even closer. " I just want you." He leaned towards her. Before she realised what was happening, Ariel kissed her. She couldn’t stop herself. His kiss was full of passion. She tried to pull away, but she just couldn’t. The room seemed to melt away, and it was like they were the only two people in the world. The bliss and ecstasy seemed to last forever, then Ariel jerked away suddenly. He started to laugh. In his hands was the crystal from around her neck. " Well, well, well. What have we here? Isn’t this a lovely predicament? Here’s you ready blackout and succumb to my power, and I am holding the only way for you to save yourself. What do you do? What can you do?" Trinity felt her head spin. She tried to focus on Ariel, but he was all blurry. She fell to her knees.

" I have a proposition for you" Ariel’s voice seemed so far away. " You join me, and I will help you. It would be just like old times. Think about, but be quick …." Trinity didn’t hear the rest of his sentence. She felt herself falling into the blackness of forever.