A Pleasure to Steal Your Acquaintance Finished

She was lost in his words. Although they were short and to the point, she had made up the rest of his story in her head. Her curiosity had always gotten the better of her, even if it meant getting really personal. She wanted to know more, more detail. He had left her with what she felt was some sort of cliffhanger, but the way he was telling the story gave her the impression he wasn't all that comfortable. Whether it was because of her, or because he wasn't used to someone seeming so fascinated she didn't know, but she planned to save it for another time when he felt more at ease with her.

There was a brief moment where Falentra too had begun to let her guard down. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea to do so. Not all people seemed that bad once you got past the awkward introductions. Although that didn't seem to be the case here. Bringing up one's status either went one way or the other... this one being the bad one.

The sudden change in Howard's voice and movement caught Falentra off guard. She didn't really know what she had done wrong other than have the wrong expression which she instantly apologised for. Apologising wasn't something she did often, or so willingly like this, yet he had reacted so badly. Had he had a bad past with Purebloods? She knew the name made people instantly judge them, but it was the same with Muggleborns too.

This wasn't fair. She thought to herself before speaking out. Her blood started to boil as he continued to throw insults her way. It was as if there was so much hatred in his voice as he spoke about her. Pureblood shit? Oh, that was the tipping point right there. Her eyes grew wide and her eyebrows raised in pure shock and anger. '' 'ey! Shut ya mouth!!'' The Slytherin shot to her feet and followed the other, not caring now whether he was at the point of snapping at her. Reaching out, she grabbed the fabric against his arm and pulled him her way. Whether it did much or not didn't matter to her. She just wanted his attention, to let him know she wasn't scared of him. '' You don't get to say that. I'm... I'm not like that! You react like this because of the reaction I gave, yet you get to call me such a name.'' Her voice was raised, trying to compete with his own but her eyes held pain and sadness. '' T-That's so c..cruel...'' Her tone had lowered dramatically by this point and cracked from the sudden emotional change. She felt her eyes starting to tear up. There was no way she could let him see her like this, what he had made her do. She wasn't supposed to let her guard down to nobody because this is what happened. It was true that she had her fathers anger, but she also had her mothers heart; sensitive and over-emotional if you were ever to get to it. In this case, Howard had. It wasn't an emotion she shown often, so finding out how to deal with it was pretty new for her.

Her grip loosed and she shoved him in anger before turning away and letting the tears fall down her cheeks. She wasn't leaving. No chance she was giving in completely. He had made her cry, but he wasn't going to tell her what to do. Moving back, she made sure to keep her distance for both their sake. She knew full well she wouldn't win a fight with him...especially whilst he was like this, but she sure as hell wouldn't turn it down. That was why she knew she had to take a step back and attempt to control herself.

Not far from where he stood was an old tree trunk that had fallen, making it a nice seating area for her to recover and shield herself from the wind. '' B-Bastard... thinks he knows me.'' She mumbled to herself in annoyance as she threw her back against the log and slid down it into a sitting position. Her eyes were slightly blurred from the build-up of tears, and her cheeks were bright red. Did he really think badly of her all of a sudden? She really thought he was going to be different, and that's what upset her more than anything. Falentra sniffled and moved her gaze over to him, not studying him no more, but just to watch him. She couldn't read him all that well as it was, but right now she was confident that she just saw rage within Howard and she wasn't going to attempt to speak or make any movement towards him. She was leaving that to him... if he wanted to.

Howard breathed deeply as he took a step away from her towards the waters edge. He needed to calm down. The rage was with him always. Like a furnace that constantly burned deep within his belly. It only took the smallest amount of fuel to bring it roaring into action. It often clouded his mind, tearing down his inhibitions. The rage didn’t care who it struck or how it affected them, Falentra being its newest victim. However, it is impossible for people to be just one thing. Howard’s anger was a dominating presence in his life. It would lead him down a dark path and come to define his life, but it was not the only thing he was capable of.

Just as he was stepping away, something would grab his sleeve and pull. It was forceful enough to spin him back in Falentra’s direction, his eyes growing wide with shock, as if he was surprised that it was her that had done so. His right hand would flex, ready to swipe at anyone daring enough to get physical with him but as Howard’s eyes met hers, the hand would go slack. There was a blaze a set within her dark irises. A passion that would match his own. The fury he felt reflected back at him, with just a touch of pain. Rage does not come freely, it is deep rooted and intertwined with all of the hurt and the cost must be paid every time.

Howard would simply just stare at her as she berated him. This was usually the point in which the interaction would turn from a shouting match to a brawl, but something about the look in her eyes would stay his hands. It was one he had seen many times before, the very look his mother would give to his father. Howard Sr. was not a physically abusive man, but his tongue was as sharp as a blade. With just a sentence he could cut you down, break your spirit. As Falentra pushed him away he would allow the force to separate them, his eyes falling to the ground. It was a rare emotion for Howard but one that would touch his core all the same. A twinge of guilt.

He simply stood and watched, arms crossed over his chest as she found refuge by a fallen tree. Howard allowed his emotions to churn as an awkward silence feel between them. Maybe the best thing to do was to leave, he had ruined the situation anyways. What point was there in trying to salvage anything? His mouth would open and close several times as he attempted to find the words. He was still angry with her but knew he had acted just as poorly, a touch worse to be honest. Perhaps an apology? That didn’t feel right. The complexity of his feelings was beginning to frustrate him. Why don’t you just leave? But something wouldn’t allow him to.

“Oh! Damn it all!” Howard blurted out of no where. He would take a step forward, a long index finger pointed in her direction. “Listen, Falentra. I don’t take shit from people. If you can’t accept me for who I am, then this is what you get.” Howard spread his arms out to indicate that he was referring to himself. “I’m a Dhampir and a Muggleborn. I won’t apologize for that.” His arms would fall slack at his side, his eyes averted. “I...I was...I was enjoying our chat before...you know. I just get really angry sometimes. I didn’t mean to make you cry.” There! An apology! Howard’s impeccable social skills at their finest.

Falentras eyes remained fixated on Howard. Not once did she move them from him. At what moment was the boy going to reach breaking point or start throwing more insults her way? She prepared for the worst. He was edging towards her direction after all. The distance between them was still there, but she got a better look at his face now. Still angry... of course. She could relate.

Although, moments would pass before she eventually heard the other speak. Was this some form of apology? If it was, he was doing a poor job but Falentra was the last person that could comment on that. It seemed the more she found out about Howard, the more she could relate to him. Understand him. She wondered if he saw that in her too. It was a worrying thought, but a somewhat reassuring one to know that somebody could maybe understand her.


Although she tried hard to focus on his little speech, his actions couldn’t help but make her chuckle quietly. “Ain’t laughing at you cause of what you said, before you get your knickers in a twist and go loopy on me. Was laughin’ at your actions. Very...draaamatic.” Falentra would stretch her arms out as she empathised the word, attempting to copy him. It was a bit of fun, to lighten the mood. She knew the subject was a serious one, but she didn’t want to keep on the topic much longer. She supposed an apology of her own would be needed though.

Leaning forward, she would position herself upwards on her knees, her arms still extended towards him. While her actions may have been mimicking Howard, her expression was serious. “ Never said I wouldn’t accept you for being what you are. It don’t bother me.” She paused and brought her arms back in, folding them into her chest. “Think you’re an alright lad.” The Slytherin would clear her throat, hoping it would take her nerves with her as she threw what she thought was a compliment his way. This was embarrassing. There wasn’t a time where she thought she’d express so many emotions in a day, let alone chuck a compliment out there. But there was still that needed apology lingering there. It needed to be done.
A loud groan would leave her parted lips before her eyes rolled over to him. “And... Im sorry... for the look I gave before.” This was painful for her, as she figured it would have been for him.

Falentra couldn’t wait any longer after that. She didn’t want to know if he was to accept it or not. Was the apology even good enough? She didn’t know. It wasn’t her strength but it was genuine and that was the best he was going to get out of her.


By now it was around 12:45am and the wind had started to pick up even more. The branches from the trees would begin rustling vigorously against one another, causing leaves to fall around them and into the lake. Falentra would shiver at the force of the wind. Did he not feel the cold at all? Was he immune to it or could he just tolorate it very well? She shrugged the question off before hesitantly asking the following. “Come ‘ere.” There was enough room beside her for the other to sit and be shielded from the wind. It seemed his hair was as bad as hers for getting in the way. Falentra continued by patting the grass beside her. She just wanted to relax, to chill out and listen to the piece and quiet by the lake. She didn’t mind if the other was to keep her company. He was peaceful. Of course, that is when not on full blown psycho mode.

Howard stood there as an awkward pause fell between them. His eyes would scan Falentra’s, trying to figure out how she was responding to his lackluster apology. As many do when feeling uncomfortable, he fidgeted, squirming on the spot while a hand dragged through his hair. Maybe it was still best just to leave. Perhaps that was what she was waiting for, but before Howard could do anything else, a smile came to her lips as she chuckled softly.

His eyes would pop as his brow scrunched in confusion. Seriously, was she about to have another crack at him after all that. There would be no flash of anger as Howard had spent it all in his outburst. It was still there, but quieter. It always came in a cycle. Slowly building as he pushed down his frustrations and fears, only to explode before needing to be recharged again. He would however begin to take offense. “What’s so...” Before his question could be asked, Falentra explained.

Howard couldn’t help but smirk as she mimicked his actions. If he wasn’t such an angsty bastard, he might have even been able to laugh at himself. As much as he would deny being an overly emotional person, his passion did give him a flare for the dramatics. “You little shit.” Howard would jab back. The words leaving his mouth with a smile and a soft chuckle of his own. There was something infectious about her attitude. Something in her eyes that told him she was on the level. That she understood what it meant to be truly angry and that she could handle it just as he could. “I don’t look like that.”

Falentra would continue on, promising acceptance and even offering a compliment. Although it was just about as awkward as his apology earlier, it still felt nice. Howard did his best to keep up the hardened exterior and he did a pretty damn good job. He was unlike most people his age, capable of much more as well. Time was still the main factor that would tell if Howard would allow his rage to fully corrupt him. Considering his obsession for power and how strong the emotion effected him, little would keep him from that dark and lonely path. However, he was still a teenaged boy and a compliment from a pretty girl still felt good. Even the baddies need a friend.

A groan would leave her lips soon after as she attempted her own apology. Most might have cringed at it, but Howard didn’t care. He knew how hard it was to achieve such a thing. “Nah. Fuck it. Don’t worry about it. Things just go to shit sometime, yeah?” A strong gust of wind would blow through causing his eyes to squint and his hair to blow all around. Howard would notice her shiver before she offered him the space next to her.

He didn’t have much to offer in the way of body heat as he nodded and took a seat next to her. Fortunately the tree offered a good amount of protection from the chilly wind. Howard wasn’t much effected by the cold. That didn’t mean that he couldn’t feel it, he would still freeze to death if caught in a blizzard, but required less heat than most. Now shielded from the wind, his eyes would go back out onto the lake. It was a nice, clear summer night and now that all the shouting was done, perhaps they still might enjoy it.

“Umm, so...now that we got all that sorted. School years almost up. You heading back to Manchester for the rest of summer?” Howard attempted to steer the conversation back to something normal. A gust of wind would howl over the top of the tree. “Oh. Uh...I noticed you seemed a bit cold. Do you...um...want my shirt? I don’t really get cold much.” Howard was hardly a chivalrous character but he really didn’t need it. He would ask the question as he pulled at the fabric of the clothing, a long sleeved one that covered his undershirt.

Once Howard had taken a seat beside her, she let out a long deep breath that sounded like she had been holding in for a while. She was relieved. It made her more comfortable knowing he didn't mind being in her presence. Normally, it would still play on her mind by now to whether or not she was pestering someone, but with this Hufflepuff, she knew he'd speak his mind freely. He'd surely be gone if he didn't want her around.

Falentra was slowly becoming more comfortable around Howard now which meant her guard was lowering bit by bit and more of her personality that she would usually keep hidden began to show. '' What's this? Does Howard have a soft side?'' She paused, her eyes shifting quickly off to the side to try and get a look at his reaction without making it too obvious. ''Never!!'' She joked once more with him, her smile reappearing briefly before chuckling at her own sarcasm that crept its way out. It was actually a massive part of her personality, but one she chose not to show often to others. Most took offence towards it or could never understand her humour or general playful digs. Maybe Howard was one of those people, going off the previous outburst, but there was also a high chance that he now understood that she could be a bit of a joker. After all, she had already mimicked his actions during a serious topic, so here was to hoping he understood her that bit more.

The continuous cool breeze that managed to creep its way between the cracks of the wood made Falentra shiver every now and then. Her reaction would follow by her hands shuffling there way under her legs to try and keep them warm. Why did tonight have to be so cold? It was Summer now, and as much as she hated it, a bit of warmth was something she was craving. It seemed that Howard had taken note of her actions, for he had offered her his shirt. That was kind of him. A secret softie, for sure. She thought to herself before smiling at her own thought, and then his question that would follow. ''I-... Um... T-Thank you.'' Her natural instinct would be to refuse. Trying to be tough wasn't something that she could put on in front of Howard and since she had already let her guard down, it didn't necessarily bother her.

The question he had asked before offering his shirt, about returning to Manchester was something she had put off for a few minutes. She didn't really want to answer, not because she didn't feel comfortable but she didn't want to give off the impression she was after some sort of sympathy. Plus, lying wasn't something she wanted to do in front of him. Falentra wanted to gain his trust and overall respect. Not lose it. But to do that, she knew she had to open up at some point, so what better time to do it whilst the subject had already partly been brought up. '' Nah. I'll be staying here. I mean I have a house to go back to, but... it ain't home. You know?'' It was a bit awkward talking about her family with someone. Never had she talked about it with anyone before, but she continued anyway. '' I don't really like goin' back. Reminds me of the past too much. Of me mum mainly.'' Her eyes closed as she thought of her. ''Bloody miss 'er.'' She mumbled quietly before opening her eyes and focusing her attention on Howard now, trying to forget about her mother. '' What about you? Hope yours ain't as morbid as mine.'' She tried to laugh off the bad humour she was throwing at him. It was clear that she had failed miserably at attempting to lighten the mood with it.

Howard’s eyes shot from the lake to Falentra as she began to tease him once more, but there was something infectious about her smile and soft laughter. His gaze would soften as the corners of his mouth rose into a smirk of his own. He had forgotten what it was like. To simply just sit with a pal and talk. To poke fun at one another in a way that secured the bond between them. There is something about true friendship where you can let your guard down and allow yourselves to laugh at one another’s quirks. To put aside the serious just for a few moments and relish in another’s company. Howard had indeed forgotten what this felt like and the smile that crept to his lips reminded him that it felt good. Perhaps this night would be the beginning of such a bond.

“Shh, don’t tell anybody.” He referenced his “soft side” in a whisper as he held a finger up to his lips.

Howard lifted his shirt up over his head and held it out for her to take. Hopefully the thick cotton of the black, long sleeved shirt would be enough to shield her thin frame from the chilly night air. It would have been a great night for a fire, but that would have stuck out like a sore thumb. It was well past curfew and the pair would have to take care not to get caught. He could care less about another detention, but no need to take someone down with you.

Howard let out a chuckle at her next remark, but it wouldn’t be one of humor. More a sad realization that he knew exactly what she spoke of. Home was now a foreign concept to the teenager. His relationship with his parents had long since crumbled to dust. “Yeah...I know what you mean.” He said softly before she continued to speak of her mother. Howard’s relationship with his own was one he was still mourning, even if he didn’t realize it. “Yeah, I miss my mother too...” The reality of her words would set in a moment too late as he looked to see her with eyes closed. It would hit him somewhere deep. Howard hadn’t spoken to his parents in a long time, but he at least knew that they lived. That if he wanted to, he could speak with them, even if the conversation would bring nothing but more pain.”Oh...I’m...I’m really sorry.” His hand reached out for a brief moment. Maybe a pat of the knee or a squeeze of the hand to empathize with her. It would hang in the air for a moment before he withdrew it, unsure if it was a proper action to take.

Fortunately, Falentra would spare them a moment of awkward silence as she turned the question back to him. Howard would offer a chuckle to try and help pass the dark humor of her words. “Hmm, perhaps mine is less morbid, but still a shit show all the same.” There was something g easy about talking with her. It had been a very long time since he spoke to anyone about his troubled home life. Usually a topic that he avoided at all cost, but it felt different with Falentra. It just came naturally. “I haven’t been home since the summer between my first and second year. Don’t think I’ll ever go back to be honest. My parents didn’t take well to the whole magic thing and now that I’m...uh...like this. Not a chance. They just can’t accept it. Won’t accept it, so...fuck em’.” The last words would sound very unconvincing as he mumbled them out. A feeble attempt to keep his guard up against his own emotions. Howard would let out a long sigh before continuing. “I’ve got a bit of coin saved up. Might see about staying at the Leaky Cauldron for a bit. Get away from all these damn Prefects and Professors. Always nosing about. Speaking of which, it’s getting really late. I think I’ll just wait out here till first light before sneaking back in. Whatcha think?”

The oversized black jumper would drown the Slytherin just enough for it to sit comfortably above her knees and shield away most of what the cool breeze threw at her. It was warm and soft, giving her that snug feeling for secureness and overall comfort. Her smile and a quick nod would be a sign of her appreciation to his kind gesture.

Not long after, he would begin to speak of his parents as though he had nothing to do with them no more. Had they disowned him because of his magic? That was low. It angered her just thinking of it. Her brows furrowed and her hands clenched onto the soft fabric. Falentra didn’t want to ask further questions. Intruding on someone’s business, especially if she didn’t know the person well was a risky thing to do. She wasn’t good at comforting others with her words anyway, nor was she through actions. The only thing she was really good at was listening and looking out for those she cared for. By looking out for someone meant fighting to her- it was her way of saying she had their back. It was the only way she really could show that she cared for them. Howard seemed the type to not necessarily need that, but if he was to ask for her help, she would accept without a thought.


Her knees tightened into her chest as the gust of wind blew their way once more. The ripples that formed in the lake before them gave off a calming sensation to which she would let out a sigh from all the tension she felt leave her body now that they had moved on from such a serious topic. He would change it thankfully soon after by mentioning Leaky Cauldron. She knew of it, but never really ventured around there. “Oh yeah. Can imagine it’s full of drunken ol’ fools in there. You sure you could handle all that?” She smiled playfully before butting her shoulder into his own. “I’d come with you, make sure you don’t get into too much trouble... I mean- actually if you did, I’d wanna be a part of that.” Her smile faded and her eyes showed a quick glimpse of madness and excitement just from the thought. Though the silence that followed made her laugh nervously and break the the eye contact that they had. Some people were hard to read, others not. But the one thing that gave things away with everyone were their eyes- they always held so much emotion that could not be hidden. It was her weakness, and as much as the similarities she shared with Howard were nice, she couldn’t help but feel he knew all her weakness because of it. It wasn’t a comfortable feeling, but she hoped she hid it well now that the gaze had shifted from him.
Unlike her, he could manage to keep the conversation going. She liked that- envied him for it actually. “Is it okay if I stay with you? It’s nice and peaceful out ‘ere.”

It was tough for Howard to talk about his relationship with his parents, or lack there of, but it was also cathartic for him. There was just this natural release when it came to talking with Falentra, even if their initial meeting had been...explosive. The way that she was willing to be open and honest about herself was just so easy to mimic. Howard wasn’t ever one for secrecy, but it was so rare for him to find someone that was willing to drop the typical bullshit and have a real conversation.

As he spoke of his parents, he would read her body language. The subtle signs she gave off as she registered Howard’s words. A scrunch of the brow and the balling of her fists told him that she was empathetic towards his struggle. It also told him that these words inspired anger to grow within her and that was something that he truly appreciated. Society always says that people should apologize for their rage. That there was something wrong with feeling something that was completely natural. Why not embrace it for what it is...a gift. It also reinforced his sense that she may one day grow to be a loyal ally, but time would tell.

As much as it felt good to get his emotions off his chest, it was not something Howard wished to dwell on. They shared their pain with each other, but there was no reason to spend the whole night consumed by it. Howard would mention his desire to seek out lodging for the summer. A chuckle would escape his lips as she threw another dig his way and playfully bumped her shoulder into his. His eyes would flash over to meet with hers for a moment, a smile left lingering on his face for a few moments. Most boys his age would probably be thrilled that an attractive girl was willing to be physically intimate with them, even in the smallest of gestures, but this perhaps felt more like a playful action between friends and it helped to further secure the bond between them.

“I’m pretty sure I could handle the drunks, not so sure I could keep up with you though.” Howard jabbed back, however, his words did carry truth. The way that her eyes sparked at the idea of trouble and chaos did not go unnoticed. It only further his interest in her. It was a breath of fresh air to meet another that did not shy away from it, but embraced it. “If you really want to...the company would be nice. Gimme your address sometime and I’ll drop you an Owl.” Howard said before a moment of silence passed between them. There seemed to be the slightest of unease from Falentra as she laughed. Perhaps she was starting to regret being so open with him, but he hoped not. What had started as something miserable had turned into one of the best nights he had had in quite sometime.

“Yeah...I’d like that.” Howard said softly in response to her request to stay. He allowed his body to slide down the fallen tree before placing his hands behind his head as a makeshift pillow. His eyes blinked slowly a few times as his body accepted the relaxation. The red orbs scanned the night sky, the stars were out in numbers and inspired thoughts of the future. “What do you think you’ll do after all this?” Howard gestured towards the castle, implying that he referred to after their schooling was done. Graduation was still a long way off for the pair, but time went by fast.

Once Howard had made himself comfortable beside her, the guard she had up lowered that bit more. Him sitting beside her, wanting to spend time with her made her feel somewhat warm. Nobody had really made the effort to stay in her presence this long. Apparently it was like watching paint dry when it came to talking to her. She didn't think she was that boring, but she knew her communication skills needed work. Never had she needed to use them this much before. It wasn't a bad thing though... she was starting to like it, even if she didn't want to admit that part to herself.
He would soon follow up with more evidence that her company was becoming enjoyable by agreeing to her coming along on his journey to Leaky Cauldron. Like herself, he didn't seem the type to like the company much, so accepting her offer made a quick smile run across her lips. '' I'll have you covered-- I mean I'll be your bodyguard whilst we are there. I dunno if you could handle all of them, and me.'' She laughed, knowing full well she was throwing yet another playful dig his way. He seemed to have picked up on her humour now anyway, so she knew he wasn't going to take offence anymore.

Her smile would fade back to that morbid look she had going on 90% of the time. She was happy and content right now, but smiling and laughing this much had started to make her cheeks ache. The Slytherin really wasn't used to showing this many emotions so freely.⠀⠀Raising her left hand to her face, she would begin to lightly rub her thumb and index finger over the corners of her mouth as she too would sink her frame further down the tree and stare up at the night sky with him. Howard would continue to talk as her eyes remained staring deeply into the darkness.

The future? She could barely think what tomorrow was going to bring. Her school life was fine, but life outside of this place was a mess- unorganised due to the careless attitude she had towards it. So how was she to answer his question without sounding dull? ''Errr...'' The hand that had once been to her face had now took a grasp of grass, yanking it up from its roots. ''Dunno..'' She lied. If the eyes could frown, that's what they would be doing right now. Not only because she was lying, but because she knew her expressions were far too expressive for Howard to not pick up on. Having that she had already said so much to him and shown glimpses of her uncontrollable outbursts of anger, she thought there wasn't really a reason why she should stop now. He understood her anyway and shared similarities as such, so wouldn't be surprised if he agreed with her. '' I haven't really thought that far ahead. But when I do I..'' She hesitated a few times before clearing her throat. '' I just see meself going down a dark path, starting chaos... or somethin' like that anyway.'' That wasn't all true. Those thoughts always ran through her head when she was having her chaotic outbreaks. It was just her young mind had run over these depressing and worrying ideas so much that it had almost become a reality that hadn't even taken place. Either way, her gaze lowered from the night sky and to him, trying to read his expressions.

It hadn't even been seconds before her face buried itself against his jumper she wore, trying to hide part of her face against it to hide the emotions she knew he was probably reading by now. She wanted to apologise and explain herself but would only make matters worse, more awkward. Her face remained hidden against the fabric as she mumbled out. '' What about you? What do you have planned?'' Her head turned ever so slightly, to make sure he was actually still there.

Howard let out a soft chuckle as she playfully offered to be his bodyguard. Over the last couple of years his body had hardened and his reflexes quickened. All part of the aftermath of his transformation. Already a capable fighter, his body had now grown lethal weapons in the form of both fangs and claws. Although he was only just a teenager, Howard was a force to be reckoned with. As the thought rolled through his mind his face would shift from amusement to contemplation. His transformation from human to Dhampir had strengthened him, but it came at the cost of his casting. While he once was a capable caster, now his spells lacked the power they once held. Perhaps it would be best to have an ally that was good with a wand. They did live in a magical world after all. “Deal. My claws and your wand. They won’t stand a chance.”

A grin spread back across his lips as his eyes fell from the night sky back to Falentra, but his next question seemed to wipe hers away. He couldn’t blame her really. Thinking of the future was difficult at the best of times. A single eyebrow would raise as she claimed to not know. The expression she wore on her face told him that was far from the truth, but he didn’t hold it against her. There was a shared darkness between them. A natural force that ran through both of their bodies, mind and soul. Only the gods would know how much it would corrupt them over time, but thinking about that future could often leave one feeling uncomfortable.

However, it seemed like Falentra would have a change of heart as she went from brushing off the question to revealing yet another part of herself to him. As she spoke of dark paths and chaos, Howard’s smile would falter. It was not that he was unsettled by her words, but that they rung true to his heart. Perhaps he had been born to it or maybe it was just how life had shaped his path, but Howard too was treading down a dark trail. It wasn’t as easy as looking one way or another and then pointing in one direction. It had began when he first discovered that magic ran through his blood. The power that came with it was intoxicating and slowly began to manipulate the way he thought. It was a yearning for more that steered an already troubled boy away from the remnants of light and towards the shadows. Only time would tell how far that corruption would go.

Falentra would turn her gaze from the stars back to him before quickly burying her face in his clothes that she wore. It was as if she was trying to hide away from her own explanation. As if there was some shame in what she had said. Then she would turn the question back on him. “I feel the exact same way. I can’t know for sure what’ll come, but it’s just not going to be...what they have planned for me.” He again gestured towards the castle, implying that he spoke of the authority. “I just want to live my own life. Make my own decisions. Do what I want to do and I’m willing to whatever it takes to get there. I don’t expect it to be easy.”

As he spoke his hand would reach out towards her. His clawed index finger briefly touching the flesh of her cheek before gently tugging at the fabric that covered her face. Well, unless she batted it away immediately. Either way he would continue to speak. “You don’t have to hide from what you are Falentra. At least not with me. I feel the darkness just as you do. I’m not afraid to embrace it and I don’t think you are either. I think the reason we only see a dark path ahead is because we are destined for it.” Perhaps Howard had misread her and overstepped a boundary, but he shared something with her that would define his life to come. A feeling of destiny as he marched down the troubled road to power.