"I see that you had taken my suggestion," Miza said when I walked into the castle the next morning. "You are both mated and marked."

I nodded my head. "Let's hope that this helps," I said. "If not, then I hope you have a way to subdue me."

Miza nodded his head. "I do," he confirmed, gravely. He paused, and I could see a worried look on his face. "Are you sure..?"

I took a deep breath in before letting it out with a soft woosh. "Yes," I replied, nodding my head. I gave him a look, seeing how tired he actually was. "I thought we had agreed to it," I added. "Or are you having second thoughts?" I gestured towards him, indicating for him to lead the way.

Miza sighed and shrugged. He looked tired, and I couldn't help but wonder if he had gotten any sleep last night. "I always have second thoughts with putting you through pain," he said, absentmindedly. He shook his head, catching my confused look. "Never mind, you don't even remember." There was a hint of bitterness in his voice that I could place, and I couldn't help but feel guilty.

"Then help me remember," I said, staring at him. "I want to remember." And, I did. I wanted to know what had happened to me. I wanted to know why I hated but trusted him, even when my whole body and mind told me not to.

Miza sighed but nodded his head. "Ok," he said, softly. He took a deep breath and nodded his head again. "Let's get this done with," he said before turning away from me. His whole body was tense, and I had this strange urge to hug him.

And for once, I listened and did it, even though my whole body and mind urged me not to do it.

Miza stopped moving and stood still. His whole body was tense, and I could pick up his heartbeat.

"This might be the only time that I hug you," I warned, "so you better hug me back."

Miza did what I had said and hugged me back. His whole body relaxed before he stiffened and pulled away. "We... should get going," he said, causing me to nod my head. "You don't have much time."

I took a deep breath in and let it out before nodding my head. I knew what he meant and hoped that I could get this done. "Ya," I said. "I think I need to remember before Orthenal. It might be the only way we survive."