NINE

　　The feeling of falling disappears as quickly as it comes.

　　The moment my feet feel like they are touching solid ground, my eyes fly open, looking around frantically. The fact that there is daylight outside is what strikes me first, the rest of me numb as I realise what I'm looking at.

　　Whatever he has done, we are no longer in the Harmony Pack. I'm now staring out a large window at the sight of snowflakes falling lazily upon thick clumps of it, deep green trees littered about, branches heaving under the weight of the snow. The Harmony Pack never sees snow, so seeing this sight, a foggy white haze blocking the distant view is unnervingly foreign.

　　"Where are we?" I question, whirling back to Cian, who has pulled away from me, looking as though he is anticipating this explosive reaction.

　　He shoves his hands into his pockets, looking uneasy. "The immortal realm."

　　I turn back around, staring out the window. I've only ever read about the immortal realm, and it was never detailed. The last thing I expected was...this. Everything looks vaguely normal, even if the air is quiet, snow slow and fog eerie.

　　"You live here?"

　　"I don't really live anywhere," Cian admits as I face him again. Here, his golden roots look brighter, skin more vibrant and eyes darker. For the first time, I take a moment to realise how beautiful he is here, where he is destined to be. "But I own this property, yes."

　　"There's nothing around here...For miles," I say, words tumbling from my mouth without any control, it seems. I can't see much, but I doubt there are many other places in this area where people would actually want to live.

　　Then again, I know nothing about the immortal realm.

　　"That's kind of the point. It's very tranquil here," Cian says, as if there aren't bigger issues to be addressed. The daunting reality of what he has done, of where he has taken me has finally sunk in. I'm in the Immortal Realm...I cannot return home without Cian personally returning me.

　　"You need to take me back," I tell him, taking a shuddering step toward me. He shakes his head, frowning slightly.

　　"Do you think I'm going to hurt you?" he asks, looking genuinely curious for my reaction.

　　I stop to think about that for a moment, knowing that everyone has warned me about how dangerous he is. Clearly he has been able to leave that cell and hurt me if he ever intended to, yet I can't use that as my only reason to trust him. He still brought me here, and by the looks of it, isn't intending to return me any time soon.

　　"You're completely capable of it," I remind him.

　　"We are all capable of horrible things. That doesn't mean we are inclined to do anything of that sort," he says smoothly, his eyes darkening for a moment as his intense gaze doesn't lighten. "Unless you want me to."

　　I brush off that comment, curious about how often he has left his cell back in the mortal realm. "How long have you been coming here?"

　　"Only recently," he admits, sweeping a hand through his hair, the black ends of his hair raining down over his forehead. When I look around, the place is barely furnished, not looking lived in at all. "Believe it or not, I haven't been able to leave the facility."

　　I frown. "Why not?"

　　"Magic, to keep me in, to keep others safe," he admits, something unfamiliar flickering in his gaze. I steady my breath, knowing that magic can't keep me safe here. I have to rely on Cian, to hope he doesn't have bad intentions. "It hasn't worked since you arrived."

　　My throat dries. My mind can't fathom what I have to do with this, although by Cian's tense expression, he doesn't quite know either.

　　"So you've been leaving?" I say slowly. Part of me feels responsible for him not being in that cell, even though that's not apart of my job description. Not once does it include wrangling an immortal, although Stace will want to hear about this...Should I tell him, though? I told Cian about his and Noah's plan to save him. Telling Stace this now would only put him in more danger.

　　But why should I care?

　　"At times, yes," he says, giving a slight shrug.

　　"There's a lot to unpack right now," I say, backing up a few steps, my feet sinking into the plush rug beneath me. There's even a blazing fire behind me, although I don't feel comforted. "Why did you bring me here?"

　　"I wanted to ask you to stay away, to quit your job and stop working for Stace. He is a bad man," Cian tells me, looking serious about convincing me into this.

　　I swallow uncomfortably, knowing I need to know more about Stace. Cian doesn't need to tell me not to trust Stace for that to have already manifested in my mind. The man isn't a mortal, and is very much involved with important people in this Pack. Whoever he is, his odd shifting tattoos and frightfully perfect looks are not natural.

　　"Why?"

　　"It's a dirty business, and him and I have a lot between us. It would be wise of you to stop working there as soon as possible...For your safety," he explains. I don't miss the way he studies me, daring me to disagree.

　　I decide this isn't the topic I want to concentrate on right now. "Why did the magic stop working when I arrived there?"

　　"I have no idea," he admits after a prolonged moment.

　　Whether that is true or not, I can't decipher from his expression alone. He is unnervingly good at revealing as little about himself as possible. Instead, I look past him and out the window again, unable to truly believe where I am standing right now. There is so much more to be concerned about, yet I can't get that out of my head.

　　"What are you looking at me like that for?" Cian questions as I turn back to him. With every pass of my gaze over him, it's making less and less sense why I'm here right now.

　　"I just can't believe I'm here...In another realm, with a Sin," I breathe.

　　The word Sin rolls of my tongue with more distain than I intended. Cian's dark brows furrow slightly as he turns that word over in his head. Being an Immortal Sin isn't usually associated with anything good.

　　A muscle in his jaw flutters. "You're safe."

　　It seems like he means it, but I can't be sure. "I should go back. Lev is going to be wondering where I am."

　　"Leven cares about you. You should listen to his advice and quit," Cian says, taking a step toward me, the scent of him finally hitting me. It's a spicy scent, hints of something fresh entwined in there also. "There are plenty of jobs out there for you, Amolet."

　　"Why do you care so much about me?" I ask him.

　　He takes another step. It takes everything within me not to yield, attempting to match myself to the size of him, although it's no use. I can feel his power in the air here, how it lives a breathes so naturally when it isn't confined in the harsh cell environment. The fire within me still blazes, not wanting to back down from this.

　　"Why do you care so much about me?" he asks, his tone softer, more taunting than mine.

　　"You didn't speak, you're powerful...That's what drew me to you in the first place," I admit, knowing there is little point in denying it.

　　Cian's hands glide into his pockets as he steps closer again, daring me to flinch. "It's more than that, and you know it."

　　My throat is dry as I remember to swallow. As much as it angers me, he's right. Initially it wasn't anything more than a deep curiosity, but returning there as often as I did was an act of a desperate girl...One drawn to the allure of the enigmatic immortal, the connection that blossomed immediately.

　　"What are you going to do about Stace and the Alpha wanting to kill you?" I question in an attempt to change the subject.

　　"I wouldn't worry about that," Cian blinks, touched briefly by confusion. It vanishes in a second, replaced by that cool masks he expertly constructs. This isn't something he wants to share with me, but now that I've been dragged into this, I want to know why this is so worth hiding.

　　"I want to know."

　　Cian's eyes narrow upon me, almost as if he is challenging me to continue pressing him, to continue digging into this issue. "What would I matter to you, if you no longer work for Stace?"

　　I want to argue back, to tell him that I'm not going to quit my job, but I can't. Maybe I should quit, to get away from this all.

　　"Take me back," I demand, holding my hand out toward him.

　　Cian eyes it carefully before dragging his gaze back up to me. Instead of my hand, he grabs the fabric of my jacket, nudging me closer to him. I ignore the smell of him, the way his body brushes up against mine, well muscled and toned, despite having been in that cell for so long.

　　I meet his gaze for a brief moment. It may feel as though I am escaping right now, however I get the feeling this isn't over.

　　I'm going to be seeing Cian again soon.

　　TEN

　　~Amolet

　　Cian returned me to the Mortal Realm with no issue, departing without much of a goodbye. The moment he vanished, I ran back to my apartment and demanded to Lev that I was going to take him up on his offer of a vacation...Even if it's getting away for a little while.

　　He didn't hesitate in agreeing, so we packed and jumped into his car the next morning, heading straight to the Passion Pack. Now we have arrived, finding a hotel near the coast with a magnificent view of the ocean.

　　"This place is insane," I remark, staring out the class and at the endless stretch of sand, turquoise waves turning it from white to golden.

　　Lev appears beside me, smiling gently.

　　"I'm so glad I got you to agree to come," he murmurs, leaning against the glass. The sun is already starting to cast shadows into the room, vivid sunset colours bleeding into Lev's golden locks. "I know you won't regret it."

　　"Anything to get away from work," I tell him, smiling tightly. Thankfully he didn't question where I was last night, too distracted with my proposition to leave. I can't bear admitting to him what happened, trying to wish the memory out of existence. It's easier that way, pretending like I'm not involved in the life of a Sin like that.

　　"You still going to quit?" he asks, his gaze suggesting that he desperately wants me to. He's made it clear enough already.

　　I don't want to quit because Cian told me I should...I want to do it so I'm no longer wrapped up in this mess.

　　"I don't think I have any other choice," is all I respond with.

　　"And you're still not going to tell me why you're quitting?" he says, pushing away from the window. I still look out, wishing I could jump into the sea, as still and as calm as it is right now, and continue swimming until all of this was forgotten.

　　I meet my friend's gaze, knowing he's just concerned, even if he plays it off with his lose, charismatic grin. "You were right...That place is a total downer. It's best for me to find a job that better suits me."

　　I wonder if this is it for Cian and I. Perhaps me being drawn to him was nothing more than what anyone else would do in my situation, or maybe there is something more there. I doubt it, yet I will always wonder. It's better if he's out of my life, even if I have a suspicion that this isn't over yet.

　　"It's a good thing, Amolet. You need to stay away from that Immortal," Lev says, walking over to collapse onto the couch, spreading his long legs out in front of him.

　　I rest the back of my head against the glass as I watch him. "Mmm..."

　　"What aren't you telling me?" he asks, tone softening. He knows me well enough to know when there is something taking up space in my mind. He doesn't understand what has drawn me to Cian in the first place. He just sees a Sin, who is a danger to me, and nothing else.

　　That he can't be blamed for.

　　"Nothing...I'm staying away from Cian, okay?" I assure him, walking over to sit on the couch next to him.

　　He tilts his head at me, blue eyes so full of uncompromising emotion. "I can't wait to get my Amolet back."

　　My? It's not rare for Leven to say something that startles me for a moment. At times like these, it's hard to see the line between what he is intending to say as friends, and what it comes across as. I've always brushed it off as Lev being protective and affectionate. I'm the closest friend he has, and he is mine. I wouldn't have it any other way.

　　"I haven't changed," I remark, nudging his side. He laughs, although there is something cold about it.

　　"He's been sucking all the life from you. I want you to know how much I care for you," Lev tells me. The sincerity of his voice hits me, making me nervous. Hearing that Lev cares about me would have never bothered me a year ago. Since living together that has changed. "I notice these things you know."

　　I smile, letting him know that I appreciate how much he cares about me. Having no family around means I need someone like Leven.

　　"Shall we go out to dinner?" I ask.

　　"Sounds wonderful," he murmurs. I trust that Lev and I can have a good time over the next few days here in the Passion Pack. What could possible happen here, when we are so far from where our lives are situated? Cian can still get to me, although it seems he wants me out of this forever.

　　I need to not think about him right now...As hard as that is.

　　***

　　Evening here in the Passion Pack is just as impressive as sunset.

　　The sun has fallen beyond the horizon, casting the world in dark shadows, broken only by the lamplights and glow coming from storefront windows. Lev and I have decided to walk along the boardwalk that frames the shoreline, looking for a place to eat. The weather is calm and balmy, allowing me to wear only a dress, which is rare for me living in the spring like weather of the Harmony Pack.

　　"What if we moved here?" Lev asked, drawing my attention away from where I was admiring the sea, the way the moonlight glitters across the waves.

　　"What? No way..."

　　"The bookstore is doing well, so I was thinking of expanding the business. It's what my family wants," he admits. I blink, confused. Lev has never spoken to me about that before, and yet here he is, sounding as though he has already made his mind up.

　　"Expanding is a good idea, but shouldn't you stay within the Harmony Pack?" I ask.

　　Visiting here is wonderful, yet the idea of staying so far away from home is frightening. Does Leven truly think we can manage just us, alone out here? I may not want to keep my job at the mental facility, but I can't imagine trying from the start all the way over here, as beautiful as it is.

　　"I don't think I need to follow any rules," Lev says with a shrug, grinning at me. Under the moonlight he looks so youthful, golden waves close to white in colour. I forget how handsome he is at times. I try not to think about it.

　　"I'll be sad, if you go," I comment, knowing how much it would hurt if I stayed behind and he left.

　　"I would want you to come with me, of course," he exclaims, sounding confused as to why it may not be obvious. He wouldn't leave me behind. "You could work in the bookstore, or I could pay for everything."

　　"Leven," I scold. "I don't want anyone paying anything for me. I'm completely capable of that on my own."

　　He pauses, grabbing a hold of my hand. People pass by, looking at us strangely. There's a sense of desperation in Lev's eyes that I don't miss. I know he is my best friend, yet I can hardly believe that he expects me to pick up my entire life to move away from the Harmony Pack. I don't even know anyone here.

　　"Then work for me," he offers.

　　"You know how I feel about that..." I say, not wanting to hurt his feelings. Right now, I need to sort out what is happening with my job, whether I am quitting or not. And what if working with Lev ruins our friendship? I couldn't bear for that to happen.

　　"What can I do to convince you?" he asks. "I'm not going without you."

　　I sigh, brushing past him to keep walking. He waits a moment before catching up to me, looking at me curiously.

　　"Don't wait around for me to figure out what I want to do with my life," I tell him firmly, even if it's maybe pointless saying that to him. How do I tell him that I like everything exactly where it is now, not where it could be?

　　"You're my whole life, Amolet," he reminds me, fingertips brushing mine as we walk. I fight the urge to pull away, to not give in to his softness, his gentle coaxing. He's always good at making me feel sorry for him, that no best friend would want to make the other feel like this. "You're the only thing I care about, at the end of the day."

　　I roll my eyes at him, nudging him playfully. "Wow...You need to find a girlfriend."

　　Despite my attempt to reduce the tension, Lev doesn't smile. His expression is full of tension and unease, as he doesn't take his eyes off me. We are close to the end of the boardwalk, the beach banking around cliffs that seem to rise up out of the water, closing this seaside village in.

　　"There's actually something I wanted to talk to you about..." Lev admits, his tone completely changing as we awkwardly meet gazes. The moment we do, the hair's on the back of my neck stand up.

　　Halting in my step, I look over my shoulder, realising we may have walked too far. There are no people this far out, the lamplights far and few between. I had been so engrossed in what Lev was saying that I hadn't even realised. Yet in this moment, it's the least of my concerns.

　　"Someone is watching us," I say slowly, glancing back at Lev. He furrows his brows, shaking his head. Can't he feel that? My entire being feels violated, like someone is lurking nearby.

　　"What do you mean?" Lev asks, voice shaking slightly.

　　"I'm going to go check something. Why don't you get us a table in that restaurant there?" I ask, trying to calm my voice so Lev doesn't worry. He hesitates, raising a questioning brow, looking as though he isn't going to let me. If it's Cian, he can't see him.

　　"Are you sure?" he asks. I nod, smiling at him assuredly. Reluctantly he turns toward the restaurant we would otherwise never go into, giving me a lasting look.

　　The moment his eyes drift away from me, I slip into the alleyway beside the building. The shadows of the night hide most from my view, as I search around, looking for Cian. He has to be around here somewhere...It had to be him that I sensed was watching us.

　　Emerging out the other side of the alleyway, I look around for him, seeing I've coming onto a different street. To my left, it's empty, yet to my right, a single car is parked. Swallowing uncomfortably, I go to walk the other way, until I hear the door of the car open. Turning around to face it again, I take in the sight of who stands there, watching me intently.

　　For a moment I'm not sure who it is that I'm looking at. Their hair is dark, looking at me from under a hood. The face is somewhat familiar, but in a distant way that I can't grasp.

　　"I think you should get into the car..." he says lowly, motioning toward the car.