16

~Akara

A hand on my shoulder jostles me, pulling me out of blissful unconsciousness.

"Akara. Wake up." It's Tai's voice.

For a moment, I'm transported back, to when him and I shared a bed, when I loved him with everything in me, and there was nothing in our relationship to hide from each other. And then cold, painful reality seeps back into me, and my eyes flutter open, seeing his emerald ones looking down at me.

"What's going on?" I growl, sitting up. Marek is no longer lying asleep behind me, although it's can't be too late in the morning, watery sunlight only just starting to peek through the curtains.

"I brought you something," Tai murmurs.

He steps back, revealing a person standing in the middle of the living room, looking stunned and mortified. The have dark hair and eyes, and can't be very far into their adult years. Whoever they are, it's clear Tai either manipulated them into being here, or is threatening them.

"Who is this?" I ask warily.

"Not sure, but they are a Summoner."