“Tell me, Finnegan, What is the difference between a man and a sorcerer?” Errol asked, sounding immensely pleased with himself. 

“Again, it’s Finnick, sir. And I haven’t the faintest idea. Please enlighten me.”

“Well a sorcerer has a magic rod, of course,” he said before both men burst into laughter. 

I just heaved another sigh, which had become frustratingly common in the few hours since Finnick had been traveling with us. The conversation had turned, well, crude. Perhaps these little exchanges passed for humor at taverns and brothels, but not with me. 

I glanced over my shoulder, scanning the path for any signs of Liana and finding none. Had she decided not to follow after all? Or maybe Tarl had just delayed her departure. Either way, I wished she would hurry. I was in desperate need of some more sensible company. 

“Ok, ok, I’ve got another one for you,” Finnick said, clearing his throat. “What did Queen Astoria do when she got to the ball?” 

“Gave a pompous speech about virtue and equality?” Errol answered with no small amount of venom. 

“Well, probably that too, but not quite. She gagged,” Finnick said as both men burst into another fit of childish giggles. 

“Midnight! Haven’t the two of you made enough crass jokes for one trip?”

“What’s the matter, Mira?” Finnick asked. “Did the Knights of the Dawn Bringer not teach you to have a sense of humor?” 

“Let’s see, they taught swordsmanship, warding, devotionals, channeling, land navigation, field survival and ethics. Now that you mention it, I don’t recall having a class on amateur comedy.”

“Amateur? Mira, you wound me. I’d consider myself at least a journeyman comedian.”

How could such a rugged, dashing exterior belong to such an ass? Solaris had a strange sense of humor indeed. I had half a mind to slap him, but it seemed almost a sin to damage a face like that.

“That’s enough for now, Finnegan,” Errol said, still chuckling. “We’re offending my disciple’s innocent sensibilities. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned about women over the years, it’s to pick your battles.” 

Had he called me his disciple? I thought I was just his slave. Since when had I been promoted to disciple? “Thank you, Master!” I said with sudden enthusiasm. Perhaps it was foolish to get so excited over a simple word, but I did walk with my head a little higher for the rest of the way. 

Maybe as a disciple, I would get to learn real magics, ones that would let me bend people to my will. Perhaps then I could teach Finnick some proper manners. I passed the rest of the walk distracted in fantasies of the lessons I might teach him. 

In seemingly no time at all, we had reached the Eastern Gate of Strathmore. We didn’t bother with putting the manacles on Errol. Strathmore was large enough that no one would have heard about some incident that happened outside town. 

Some cities formed at the mouths of rivers or nestled among defensible cliffs, but Strathmore came from much humbler beginnings. The bustling metropolis before us started as the intersection of two roads, The Dawn’s Path Highway, named of course for the goddess, and the Queen’s Grand Way, which led to the capital. Security had grown tighter over the past few years, due to the escalating hostilities with the neighboring countries. Armed guards in the bright crimson of the Queen’s colors were searching each incoming traveler at the gate. But still, seeing Solaris’s sigil emblazoned on my armor, the men let us through with no scrutiny. This time, I felt only a small pang of guilt at abusing my station. 

Still, walking these streets had a surreal quality. The sisters used to send me to town occasionally on errands. I always imagined myself parading through Strathmore as a hero. Instead, I was here as the ward of some drunken dark mage, plotting to steal a magical artifact and do who knows what to my sisters. Suddenly this whole situation felt much more real. The Abbey of Solaris was just outside this city. What would Errol do to them? Suddenly I couldn’t help but imagine my fellow knights stripped down and bent over their pews, eyes glazed and toned asses in the air, being mercilessly punished for how they’d treated me over the years. Sunbeams, what an image. 

“This is it,” Errol whispered. “Look at the shop, but be discreet.” 

I turned my head to the side. A lavishly appointed storefront of glass and lacquered wood met my gaze. The sign read, “Caldwell’s Cabinet of Curiosities,” in actual gold leaf. Everything about the shop signaled wealth and privilege. 

Finnick’s grin was so broad it threatened to escape his face. “So that’s the mark. What are we getting?”

“Not here. I’ll tell you at the Inn.” 

We continued on until we reached a more modest part of town, where Errol arranged rooms for us at a humble inn. Even the dingy accommodations seemed like paradise after so many nights sleeping in the woods. 

 After settling in, we gathered in Errol’s chamber. Cramming all three of us into the small room made for a tight squeeze. Finnick’s arm kept brushing against my side and leaving waves of tingles in its wake. Part of me wondered if his proximity was deliberate, an effort to keep me distracted. Solaris would already judge me enough for my dalliances with Liana. Surely, I could focus on her and not the rogue beside me. Another brush and more tingles swept my arm. Midnight.

“So, now would you care to disclose our target?” 

“The item is called a Pearl of Potency.”

“It’s a pearl? Like for jewelry?” Finnick asked. 

“Aesthetically yes. But this pearl is far more precious than any simple accessory. Because pearls take so long to form, they’re uniquely apt to absorb energy slowly over time. Once treated with the proper enchantments they can become extremely useful.”

I nodded, doing my best to appear as if I understood why that would be important.

“And why do we care?” Finnick said. For once, I was glad for his bluntness.

Errol chuckled. “Well I’m not going to spoil all my surprises. But suffice it to say that in a battle between two spellcasters, the ability to absorb magic is extremely useful.”

I blanched. Sienna. It had to be for Matron Sienna. She was the most powerful cleric in our order, and this item would guarantee she couldn’t stand against Errol. He would break her, just like Liana, and I was going to help him. Could I accept that? Part of me felt like I owed them for raising me, and another part felt like they owed me for looking down on me all those years. 

“Everything alright, Mira?” Errol asked. “You look concerned.”

“What?” I said, doing my best to summon a smile. “Yes, everything’s fine. That just sounds like a very powerful relic.”

“Look, it’s fine if you’re having second thoughts about our little wager,” Finnick said over my shoulder. “It’s only natural. You’re a good person, Mira. Just leave the stealing to the professionals.”

Indignation blotted out the guilt I was feeling. “There’s nothing professional about what you do. I was just feeling bad for you, actually, since this will be so easy.” 

His mouth curled into a smile. “Mira, I really do mean this constructively, but you are an awful liar. You’re just not cut out for this sort of thing.” 

I huffed. “Please, anything some rogue scoundrel can do, surely an elite Knight of the Dawnbringer can manage with ease.”

“Remind me which part of your little curriculum covered sleight of hand.” 

“Children, please, stop fighting! It’s getting old,” Errol cut in. 

Finnick’s eyes met mine for a moment and then we both looked away and crossed our arms. 

“You have your little bet. Settle things with that. If Finnly steals the pearl then he can join our operation. If Mira can do it first, then Finnly’s out of here.”

“And you’re sure we have to steal it? We couldn’t just buy it?” I asked. 

“Not unless you’re the heiress to some vast fortune that you haven’t told me about,” Errol said. 

I gave a resigned nod and then went to get ready. Sure, part of me wanted Finnick traveling with us, but I knew that was naive. He had already proven he couldn’t be trusted, and I wasn’t about to get fooled again. Even if I couldn’t stop looking at him or thinking about him. Midnight, why couldn’t I get him out of my head? I should have been thinking about Liana, who was sweet and respectful and trustworthy. And yet . . . 

—-

A small bell rang as I entered the shop. I saw a series of glass cases arrayed around the spacious floor. Enchanted lanterns glowed with a steady, even light.There was no sign of Finnick yet. In fact, I appeared to be the only customer. 

“Welcome to Caldwell’s Cabinet of Curiosities,” the shopkeeper said, approaching me. He was a lean, clean shaven man, dressed in a fine suit with a swoop of blonde hair. “Would you care to check your . . . sword, miss? We don’t typically allow customers to be armed while perusing our wares. I’m sure you understand.”

“Yes, of course.” I had stowed my armor back at the Inn. Best not to represent the Dawn Bringer in acts of theft. However, I had brought Oathbreaker with me, just in case. The idea of parting with it made me uneasy, but this man would have no way to discern its true power. Nonetheless, I handed it over. The man exchanged it for a numbered ticket and then tucked it in a closet. It appeared as though Oathbreaker  would have to be plan B.

“Now, what can I help you with?” he asked, looking me up and down and studying my simple tunic and trousers. 

“Well, I was looking for something extremely rare and powerful. Honestly, I’m not sure you would even have it,” I said, twirling a lock of my black hair and trying to act casual in spite of my racing heartbeat. 

“Ma’am, we have the widest selection of enchanted items in all of Strathmore. Many experts regard our collection in higher esteem than even the stores in the capital. I assure you, if it can be bought and sold, we have it here.” 

“Well, it’s called a Pearl of Potency.”

“Hmm. You are a discerning customer indeed, young lady. I don't mean to offend, but are you sure you have the means to purchase such a valuable item?”

“And yet, you do offend,” I gasped, exaggerating my frustration. “I’ll have you know I study under one of the most powerful sorcerers in the land, and they’d be quite insulted if you turned me away.” Not technically a lie. 

He seemed to relax a little at that. “Oh you’re a ward! That makes far more sense. You’re just a bit younger than most of our clientele.”

I leaned back against one of the display tables, pretending to stretch and making sure to show off the physique that my life of training had given me. “It’s not a problem that I’m young, is it?” 

He noticeably flushed. “No. No problem at all, miss . . . I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”

“That’s because I hadn’t given it. I’m Mi . . .” Only then did I realize I probably shouldn’t use my real name. “I'm Mila.”

“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Mila. I’m Caldwell,” he said, bending down and kissing my wrist.

“Please, the pleasure is all mine.” I let my hand linger on his for a moment. I felt his pulse quicken. So far so good. Maybe seducing and distracting the shopkeeper wasn’t the best plan, but short of slicing him with Oathbreaker, it was all I could think of.  “Now I believe you were going to do something for me, Caldwell?”

“Yes, certainly. Right this way, Miss Mila.” He straightened and led me towards the counter. 

“Please, just call me Mila,” I said with a smile. 

“Of course, um, Mila,” Caldwell stuttered as he reached under the counter and extracted a small wooden box. It opened with a soft click, revealing a shimmering orb sitting on a bed of green velvet, the pearl. “I believe this is what you were looking for?” 

“Oh, my teacher will be so happy you have it,” I said, stepping closer and putting my arm on his. He didn’t pull away. That was good. I just had to distract him enough to grab the pearl as he was shutting the box without him noticing. Then I could make an excuse to leave and ‘come back later.’

“Yes, well, we aim to please.” 

“You do please. You’ve been so helpful.” I took another step closer, practically brushing up against him.

“Good. Good. I’m glad. Well, if that’s all you wanted, we can pack this up and collect the payment.”

My plan seemed to be working so far. He was properly flustered, but how much further would I go? Was I willing to kiss him, just to distract him? Was this pearl worth my first kiss? I was so close. I couldn’t lose my nerve this far in. “Well, there may have been one other thing I wanted,” I said coyly. 

“Yes, anything,” he said, clearing his throat. “Anything at all.” 

I leaned in. To my relief and terror, Caldwell did the same. He closed his eyes as he drew in towards me. That was my chance, I quietly reached for the pearl. His lips were almost to mine. My fingers brushed the smooth surface and then the Shadowing bell chimed. I pulled back. 

“Good day. My, what a lovely establishment you have here,” said the now-familiar baritone from behind me. “Pardon, I hope I wasn’t interrupting anything.”

I turned around and my jaw practically hit the floor. Finnick looked dashing. His usually messy hair had been combed to the side. His stubble had been shaved away, exposing his strong jaw line underneath, and his normal, ragged clothes and scarf had been replaced by a finely embroidered blue suit that matched his blue eyes. It was all I could do not to run across the room and tear it off of him.

Caldwell cleared his throat again. “No, nothing to interrupt. Just helping a customer. What can I do for you?”

Finnick strode forward, giving me a wink before sliding between me and the shopkeep. “Well, you see, I’m something of a collector. The name’s Garrick. Pleasure to meet you. I’m in the market for a Pearl of Potency. You wouldn’t happen to have something like that, would you?”

The shopkeep looked between Finnick and me. “What a strange coincidence. Items of this value don’t exactly sell often. And here I have two customers interested in my only one on the very same day.”

Finnick and I looked at each other, a hint of his steely resolve flashing through his affable mask. 

I had to think of something. “Ah yes, well that’s because . . .” we’re both here to steal it was all I could think of. 

“That’s because this lovely young woman is my assistant,” Finnick finished. 

“I am?” I balked, but I recovered. “I mean yes, I am. I just wasn’t expecting you to come yourself, sir. I had everything under control.”

“Well, you were taking so long, I figured you could use some help,” the rogue answered with aggressive friendliness. 

Caldwell clapped his hands together. “Now it’s all making sense. So you must be the powerful wizard that Mila is working for.” 

“I am?” Finnick balked. “I mean, yes of course I am!”

“I must say, you seem rather surprised.” 

“Please excuse my reaction. I just keep my arcane abilities under the strictest confidence, so I was taken aback that Mila shared my secret with you.”  

“Is that so?” 

“You understand how it is. If I let my abilities get out, I’d be mobbed by common folk asking to make use of my gifts. Though I can see why Mila told you. You’re clearly a sharp and trustworthy young man,” Finnick said, ignoring the fact that Caldwell was clearly older than him. 

“Indeed,” he said, pulling the box closer to himself. “Well, Mr. Garrick, was it? If you wouldn’t mind indulging me, I would love to see a display of your magical abilities.”

“Surely that’s not necessary,” I cut in. “After all, Garrick really doesn’t like to show off his spellcraft. I already feel bad enough that I told you.” 

“Ah, but I do have such a love for the arcane arts. Surely you could indulge a humble merchant with a modest display of your talents, wizard?”

I opened my mouth to object again, but Finnick placed a hand on my shoulder. “Now, now, Mila. It’s quite alright. We can trust him, though I must ask both of you to take a few steps back. I wouldn’t want either of you caught up in the awesome power of my magics.”

I rolled my eyes before remembering that I should act impressed. Fortunately, Caldwell didn’t seem to notice. 

Finnick held out his arms like he was walking a tightrope, before beginning to swing his hands in wide arcs and chant what I was fairly sure was nonsense. I couldn’t help but notice this was a far more elaborate display than anything I’d seen Errol do prior to casting. “Sir, perhaps that spell is a little too powerful. Maybe a more subtle incantation?”

Finnick shot me a dirty look, but did take his performance down to a more believable level. With a final clap, he vanished. Caldwell gave a polite applause. 

Only then did it occur to me that he might just grab the pearl and run off. I moved between him and the small wooden box. Sure enough, as soon as I did, I felt his broad chest crash into me. I stumbled backwards and an instant later Finnick reappeared, also catching his footing. 

“There you have it. Proper sorcery! I do usually stay hidden a bit longer, but wouldn’t you know it, my clumsy assistant just had to get in the way.”

“Well regardless, I’ve seen enough. I believe you are who you say you are. Now if you would be so kind as to hand over the payment, I’ll get this little beauty wrapped up for the two of you.” 

Payment! This was not going to plan at all. I was supposed to have the item long before the matter of payment came up. We didn’t have money to cover the cost of this thing.

“Yes, I believe this should cover it,” Finnick said, fishing in his pocket and retrieving a purse. He counted out the gold pieces, while I tried not to gape. Where had he gotten all that money? 

“Pleasure doing business with you. The two of you have certainly made my day more . . .amusing.” He took the wooden box and extended it forward. 

My eyes met Finnick’s for a moment. “I’ll carry it!” I blurted out. 

“No please, allow me!” 

“I don’t see why it matters,” Caldwell said, pulling it back and looking between us. 

“It doesn’t. But you should give it here. Only a powerful wizard like myself should carry such an artifact,” Finnick added with a winning smile. 

I stepped forward. “No, let me carry it. I need to make it up to Garrick that he had to come help me. I just feel so terrible that I got distracted, but you were just so charming and funny I couldn’t help myself.” 

Caldwell hesitated for a moment and then pushed the box towards me. “Surely you wouldn’t mind if your ward carries the pearl.”

My fingers snatched the box before Finnick could protest further. “Of course, he wouldn’t. Thank you so much, Caldwell.” The thrill of victory surged through me. Despite my sheltered upbringing, I’d won this man’s favor and, more importantly, beaten Finnick. 

“Do come again,” he said, giving me a wink as he returned my blade. I would certainly not be doing any such thing. 

Finnick and I walked through the streets in silence until we turned the corner. 

“I won!” we both yelled at once. 

“Excuse me. I’m the one holding the prize,” I said, flashing the box. 

“Which I paid for, thank you very much,” Finnick said, reaching for the box as I pulled it away. 

“And how did you come by that money exactly?”

“Ah, a great wizard like myself never reveals his secrets.” 

I actually laughed at that one. “Oh pardon me. I forgot I was addressing Garrick, the great and powerful.”

“Indeed. Please show me the proper respect for my station.”

“You mean like pointing out that you don’t know the first thing about magical incantations,” I teased. 

“What else is my trusty assistant for?”

“I’m not your assistant.” I rolled my eyes again. 

He laughed. “Well, my bluff was better than whatever you were doing before I got there. Was your plan just to seduce that shopkeeper?” 

I flushed. “It was either that or stab him, which seemed less subtle. Besides, it was working perfectly well,” I said, trying to hide my pride. 

“That’s not exactly surprising, Mira. You are incredibly beautiful.”

“No, stop that. You’re not going to charm me again. Be honest with me.” I wouldn’t be taken in by his words a second time. Now if only my pounding heartbeat would understand that. 

He stopped walking and turned to me. “I’m not trying to charm you, Mira. I’ve never met anyone else like you. You’re just . . .” 

“There he is!” a man’s voice cut us off. “That’s the man who stole my clothes and wallet.” The shouting man came peeling around the corner, sprinting in just his undergarments. Right behind him followed a whole squadron of city guardsmen. 

“You mugged a nobleman!?” I yelled, feeling stupid for not putting that together sooner.

“Talk later, run now!” He grabbed my wrist and pulled us down an alley. But before we could get very far, a second group of guards blocked the exit at the other side.

I reached for my blade, but Finnick stayed my hand. “Even you can’t take down a whole battalion by yourself.” 

“Sounds like someone wants another bet,” I shot back.  

“Regardless, there’ll be more guards if you beat these ones. Just let me handle it. I’m a professional thief, remember. I know exactly how to deal with these situations.”

I looked up into those surprisingly warm eyes of his. Midnight, he looked so much better without the scarf. “Fine.”

And then, the guards were on us. 

*** 

The iron bars of the cell closed with a metallic clink. The hard stones dug into my back and ass as I sat on the ground, and my arms were already chafing from the manacles holding them over my head. If I had any consolation, it was that Finnick was restrained alongside me, only with even less dignity. I still had my simple tunic and trousers, but he had been stripped of his stolen finery. So he sat with only his manhood covered by his undergarments. All of his toned, taught muscles were on full display. The view was almost enough to distract me from how absolutely furious I was at him. Almost. 

Finnick, for his part, didn’t seem at all bothered by this situation. He just leaned back against the rough stonework, like it was a velvet chez. 

The guards were nowhere to be seen. They appeared perfectly happy to let us rot down here. At least there were no other prisoners in this section of hall. 

“How can you be so calm? They took my sword and the pearl. I thought you had it under control.”

“Just relax. It’ll all work itself out.” 

“If I had just fought them we wouldn’t be in this mess,” I erupted. “They were no match for a Knight of the Dawn Bringer. I never should have listened to you or let you drag me down to your level. Now we’re locked away like common criminals.” 

“Oh yes, thank you for reminding me.” Irritation flashed in his voice, replacing the indifference of a moment ago. “I nearly forgot how much better you are than me, but luckily here you are to point it out again. We can’t all be Holy Knights with all the training and resources in the world. Some of us have to struggle to get by however we can. Maybe my means don’t meet your high moral standards, but I’m doing my best, Mira.”

“I never said I was better than you.”

“You don’t have to. It’s in the way you judge me, the way you never laugh at my jokes, the way you look down on me.” He squirmed awkwardly so that he could run his bound hand through his hair.

“I assure you, that is not what I’m thinking when I look at you.” If he only knew. 

“Honestly, I don’t even know why you’re so worked up. Won’t your mommy and daddy just come and bail you out if it comes to that?”

“I . . .” I tried to cut him off, but the words were sticking in my throat. 

“All you knights come from noble families, right? You never have to worry about anything. Even whatever you’re doing with Errol, I’m sure can be swept away by enough coin. Or are you scared of your parents judging you, when they solve your problems for you?”

“I’m an orphan. I was raised in the Abbey.” It came out as barely a whisper. An awkward silence hung in the air after that. I waited for him to say something else but he remained quiet.

“Apologize.”

“Mira, I’m sorry,” he said, fire disappearing. 

“Apologize like you mean it.”

He didn’t hesitate at all. “Mira, I’m really sorry. I had no idea. I just saw the sigil on your armor and thought you were some pampered little princess. It’s just that I’m . . .” He stopped like he was struggling not to speak. 

“What is it? You’re what? Spit it out.” 

The words finally broke free from his lips. “I’m jealous of you. Okay? There I said it.”

I could feel the anger subsiding in my chest. “You’re jealous of me?” 

“Of course I am. You defeated me and two of the toughest thugs I could hire like it was nothing. You were about to fight an entire guard squad alone and didn’t bat an eye. You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met.” 

My cheeks were getting hot. “So I can fight. That doesn’t mean . . .” 

“Let me finish. It’s not just that. You’re loyal. You threw yourself between Errol and me, even though he hasn’t been the best Master to you. I wish I could be like that, but I’m a coward who runs at the first sign of trouble.”

“I don’t know if you can call me loyal after I . . .”

“I don’t care what you did before. I’m going off what I can see, and I see someone who’s loyal and brave. I don’t think you’ve stolen so much as sweets before, yet you gave me this insane challenge.” 

I could scarcely hear anything over the thundering of my own heartbeat. 

“And if that wasn’t bad enough, I can’t stop this fluttering in my stomach whenever you’re around. You’re just incredible, and I’m pathetic. I wish I could be more like you. There, I said it.” His head fell to his chest. 

Instinctively, I tried to place a hand on his shoulder, but just ended up jangling my bindings. “I don’t think you’re pathetic.”

“Yeah, right. You’ve been trying to run me off since I got here.”

“That’s because you tricked me. You’re so clever and charming. I didn’t think I could trust you or trust myself around you.”

His head picked up. “What do you mean, trust yourself around me?” 

Midnight, I said too much, but then again we were stuck down here and he had told me his honest thoughts. “When I see you I want to do things to you. I want to make you do things.”

“Like what?”

“All sorts of things,” I said, chuckling. “Hold me, kiss me,” I whispered. The words hardly left my lips before he was on me. His toned arms snaked between my back and the wall, pulling me against his chest. His lips met mine with surprising tenderness, a gentle warmth radiating from his skin. I closed my eyes, melting into the moment. The chains and the rocks vanished and I just savored the feeling of being kissed for the first time. Finally he pulled away, and my awareness drifted back to reality.

“I just don’t know what it is about you, Mira, but you’re just . . . irresistible.” 

 “Sunbeams, that was . . . wait how did you? Your shackles?”

He gave a wry smile. “Oh those? I picked the lock while we were talking. I keep a pick tucked in my hair” 

I grinned in admiration. “You sly bastard. Do mine next.” 

With a quick nod, Finnick sidled closer to me and reached up to the lock above my head, bringing his chest inches from my face. His pecs gently flexed while he worked and I stared, transfixed. I had never been so close to a shirtless man, and I wanted to be so much closer. When the lock finally released, I fell forward, burying my face in his chest. His heart raced in my ear. 

“Mira,” his baritone voice said, softly, before his arms wrapped around me. 

I looked up and our eyes met. I could see it there, the same hunger that burned behind my own. I wanted to make it mine. I wanted to own him completely. So I surged up, claiming his mouth again. Gently my tongue teased his lips apart and started to dance with his. My fingers joined in the exploration, running across the sinuous curves of his back, trying to memorize every detail. “More,” I gasped. “I want more.”

He chuckled. “You’re a thief now. Take what you want.” 

I looked deeply into his brown eyes. “I don’t want to steal it. I want you to give it to me.”

“What do you mean?”

I rose up to kneeling, my gaze even with his. “I want you to give everything, all of yourself to me. I want you to obey me, to please me. I want you to be completely mine,” I said with all the command and confidence I could manage.

He paused for a moment before leaning in to whisper in my ear. “Well, if that’s what you want, you’ll have to take it after all,” he said like he was daring me to try. 

Those words raced down my spine and landed between my legs like a lightning bolt to dry tinder. I tackled him, squeezing his limber form between my legs. I could feel the hardness there underneath me and I rocked my weight against it. That drew a soft moan from him, which only drove me on. So I kept going, pressing against him in a rhythm that felt almost automatic. Soon Finnick found the rhythm too, arching up off the ground at just the right timing to drive against my sex. Every thrust sent another shockwave of bliss coursing through me. 

I leaned forward and laced my hand through his, pinning them to the ground. He pushed against my grip, but couldn’t match the strength of my years of training. “Still like how strong I am?” 

He replied with another useless push. “Oh, I really do.”

I stretched even further forward, bringing my lips just a breath from his. My dark hair fell around us blocking out everything beside his face and that smile. Midnight, that smile. Finnick strained his neck to bring our lips together again, but I instinctively pulled back. There was just something about watching him squirm under me. 

“Please,” he pleaded, eyes locked with mine. 

His voice was full of need. It gave me such an unspeakable rush. “Beg for it,” I whispered. 

“Please kiss me, Mira.” That hunger behind his eyes only grew. 

“If you want it, you just have to say those two little words,” I said, leaning tantalizingly close, just beyond his reach. 

“Oooh, that’s not fair.”

“Neither is this,” I said as I pulled my weight up and off of him, hovering just above the bulge of his manhood. “Thieves like us don’t play fair.” 

He bit his lip as he looked up at me. “Ooh, you learn too fast.” He levered his hips, straining to reach me, but it couldn’t provide the release he craved. 

“All you have to do is give in.”

I could see him wavering. He just needed a little push. “Just give in.” I practically spoke the words into his mouth, I was so close. 

“I surrender.” He finally broke. “I’m yours.”

Those words took me back to Liana in the cave. She had surrendered completely and now Finnick was yielding to me too. As much as I loved teasing him, It was all I could do to restrain my own desire, and those words swept away the last of my self control. I pounced down on him like a fox on its helpless prey. Our first kisses had been tender, delicate. But there was no gentleness now, only raw animal hunger. His tongue lashed and stroked at mine, pushing me further and further until I was just a trembling, dripping mess of need.

I rolled my hips and Finnick shuddered beneath me. It was like my every little motion was stoking his desire beyond control. Just the slightest sway and he would come apart at the seams. I felt so powerful. 

“You belong to me now,” I panted. 

“Yes, Mira.” 

“Oh, I love it when you say my name. Keep saying it.” 

“Mira,” he groaned. I dove in for another kiss, stealing his breath. 

“Mira,” he said again more urgently. I let my lips brush across his cheek as I planted another row of kisses down his neck.

“Mira!”

“Yes? You can speak now,” I whispered playfully into his ear before giving it a little nip.

“This is easily one of the best moments of my life.” 

“Thank you, Finnick.”

“But we should probably finish escaping.” 

“Oh . . . right. Yes, we should.” I gave my hips one last slow, delicious roll and held it at the bottom, reveling in the feeling of his body against me. Then I released Finnick and helped him to his feet. After another few minutes, Finnick had unlocked the door to our cell and we were skulking through the dark dungeon corridors. 

As we neared a branch in the corridor, the sounds of echoing footsteps bounced their way to us. Finnick put a hand on my chest and we stopped. “I’ll scout ahead.” 

I paused for a moment, knowing it made sense, but still afraid to be left alone down here. Part of me worried he would run off and leave me, but then the memory of his taste soothed my worries. “I trust you.” 

Finnick nodded and vanished. The next few moments felt like an eternity. I only had the slow, relentless plodding of the footsteps coming towards me to measure time. They were approaching and still no sign of Finnick. I leaned against the stone wall, ready to jump the first guard around the corner. Just as the footsteps reached the intersection, a loud bang rang out from the other way. The guards ran on towards the sound, completely ignoring my direction. I heaved a sigh of relief. 

A few seconds later, Finnick materialized at my side. “We’re near the guard station. I lured them away, but we need to move fast.” I followed him to a torchlit chamber adorned by a simple table and chairs and a row of shelves against the back wall. I saw them immediately. Oathbreaker and the pearl were sitting on the shelves, along with Finnick’s original clothes. Thank Solaris they hadn’t returned the pearl yet. 

We rushed forward. “Got it,” Finnick and I said at once, as we both grabbed Oathbreaker. Our eyes met for a moment. “I’ve got this. You get the pearl and get dressed,” I whispered, pulling the scabbard free and sliding it into my belt. 

“Right, right,” he said, hustling over to his clothes. A few moments later, all that beautiful muscle was concealed beneath the dreary fabric of Finnick’s usual wardrobe. He flicked his trademark scarf back into place, concealing that rugged jawline of his. 

“Why do you wear that thing? You look much more handsome without it.” 

His eyes fell to the ground. “It’s not a big deal. It just used to belong to . . .”

“INTRUDERS!” One of the guards yelled as he returned to the alcove. A man and woman rushed towards us, swords drawn. They wore simple metal plate over the bright crimson of the royal colors. The man rushed towards me, but he was ill prepared for what met him. He raised his blade for a downwards swing and I took the opening without missing a beat. I drew Oathbreaker in a flash and raked it through his stomach. 

The poor guard scrunched his eyes closed, no doubt expecting death. When he opened them again, confusion colored his face. “I’m alive?”

“You are,” I said sweetly. “Now restrain your friend.” 

“Huh?” His body moved to grab the woman. She and Finnick had proved more evenly matched. His clothes had contained his usual knives, but it was all he could do to block the swings of her blade. Unfortunately for her, she wasn’t expecting to be grabbed from behind. Her comrade easily pulled her into a headlock, forcing the sword from her hand. 

“What do you think you’re doing?” she hissed, writhing to no avail. 

“I don’t know.” 

“He’s obeying me, just like you will,” I said, unable to help myself, as I delighted in drawing Oathbreaker across her stomach. “Now both of you kneel.”

The two guards shot to the ground with no hesitation, looking at each other with bewilderment. 

“Now, what’s the easiest way out of here?”

“We’d never tell you that!” the man spat. 

I mentally chided myself for not phrasing that as a command. “Apologies. Tell me the easiest way out of here.” 

“There’s a supply entrance down the Northern corridor that’s on our route. There shouldn’t be any other guards there besides us,” the woman blurted out before clasping her hands over her mouth.

“Excellent work. Let’s get out of here,” Finnick said, grabbing my wrist and pulling. 

But I held my ground. “Wait, I want to try something.” Errol’s words were echoing in my head. The only way to know the limits of my power was trial and error. I had missed my chance to experiment with Finnick and I wasn’t about to pass up another. “Forget we were here,” I said to the two kneeling figures. 

Their eyes took on a glassy quality and gave a few slow blinks. Then the woman spoke. “I’m sorry, who are you and why are we kneeling?”

I placed a tender hand on her cheek. It had really worked. I felt a rush of power wash over me. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Oh, okay.” All the hostility was gone from her. She actually looked kind of pretty, now that her round face had relaxed.

“Come on. We should go,” Finnick said with another insistent tug. 

“Wait, one last thing.” I looked down at the two kneeling forms, drinking in their submission. “When we leave, you will be overcome by passion for each other.”

“Excuse me?” the man said, perplexed. 

“We’re leaving now.” Finnick put his full weight into pulling me and I finally relented, letting him lead me to the supply entrance. But as we left, I heard the sounds of slapping lips and metal armor hitting stone and smiled. 

“That was an unnecessary risk,” Finnick scolded as we ran. 

“Well I couldn’t have them following us or contacting other guards,” I said, to convince myself as much as him. But deep down, I knew that I just wanted to see how far I could push them. If Finnick hadn’t stopped me, I probably would have kept going.

Sure enough, the guards had been telling the truth. We found a wrought iron door set against the stone walls, completely undefended. The heavy metal scraped against the ground as I pulled it open. Sunlight streamed into the dungeon. As soon as my eyes adjusted, the portal revealed an ordinary alleyway. Finnick vanished again and went ahead to scout the path. 

Once again, I found myself waiting for him to return, wondering if he would. I realized too late that he could just run off with the pearl. I had inadvertently handed him the perfect opportunity. But then I remembered his face, that look of surrender, and my heartbeat stilled. He wouldn’t run. He was mine. 

Then the face I’d pictured blinked into existence in front of me with its usual cocky smirk. “We’re clear, let’s go.” Finnick reached out a hand.

I took it and we stepped out into the light together.