Arranged by Jessica Spears

about his place, but she was sure she would have heard something about the underground city. She must have had her confusion written on her face, because he continued to explain.
    "A long time ago…the humans banished my people to these underground caves. I am sure they have long since forgotten us," he said bitterly.
    "W-why did they send you here?" she asked.
    His shoulders stiffened and his nostrils flared. Obviously, the subject still held poorly with him. She couldn't blame him. When she realized that she was sympathizing with a one of the creatures, she mentally smacked herself.
    He averted his eyes from her.
    She waited quietly. Even though only a few candles lit the room, she could tell that he was warring within himself. She knew she'd better leave him alone, who knew what he could do to her. If he had enough power in him to heal her ankle, how much destructive power did he have? She would rather not find out.
    He realized that she was watching him and his tension grew. "Are you hungry?" he asked.
    She shook her head. Her nerves were jumping around so much that she couldn't even imagine eating. She glanced back out the window, giving them both room to be alone with their thoughts.
    There were a few reasons she wasn't demanding answers from him. One, he was a creature from an underground world, who knew what he could do. Who knew if she was merely going insane? Two, though he was thin, he was obviously toned and a lot stronger than she was. Three, he was the only one being remotely kind to her.
    Her eyes returned to the strange bubble on the ceiling of the cavern. She turned to ask him what it was, figuring that was a safe subject, when she softly closed her mouth. She was alone again in the room. She sighed and rubbed her hands over her arms. Strangely enough, she felt more alone that she had since she'd arrived.
    Qwinn squeezed his eyes shut. He was glad he got out when he did, or he might have said something he shouldn't have. She was safe, he tried to convince himself that was the only reason he had come to her room. He rubbed a four-fingered hand over his face and pushed off the door. There were so many emotions warring for dominance in his mind. He didn't even have the strength to begin to sort through them anymore. He desperately needed sleep. Two mornings with no sleep and every expected him to perform his kingly duties without flaw.
    He stalked through the dim halls of the palace, plagued by memories he'd rather not have. Eventually the anger that seemed laced in the memories began to warm his blood. Then an idea hit him, he marched through the halls with a purpose, passing a few guards that were standing around talking.
    As soon as they saw him, they straightened and bowed their heads while placing a fist over their hearts. He nodded towards them and hurried past, entering the training courtyard. The morning air was cool against his hot skin. He sucked in a deep breath, trying to expel the haunting memories from his mind. He trudged forward, selecting a sword from a rack and twirling it easily in his hand.
    The humans had shown no mercy, despite the fact that the Vidarian people had served under their king for many years with no issue. The humans had not thought twice before banishing a race to live underground forever. It was only by the power of Ahanu, the earth, and the magic that sang in their blood that they were able to sculpt the caves to fit their needs. The forest was their perfect home.
    He grit his teeth, the anger in him rising at the injustice. With a growl, he spun and sliced the sword through the air. A metallic twang followed. He leapt, slicing an imaginary foe. His growl grew into a roar as he fought his way around the spacious courtyard. He banished thoughts of disgusting humans, even banished thoughts of Alison. He was softening too much toward her. He sliced, dodged, rolled, kicked, lunged and roared until couldn't breathe.
    He doubled over as the exertion hit him in a wave. He gasped for