Ilor led Rara further and further from the palace.
"Whatever you demanded I see better be good," Rara grumbled.
Ilor just laughed. He took her hand in his and she felt how warm it was. Holding hands felt so natural, so easy.
"Who is leafy?" Ilor asked casually.
"Leafy?"
"The tree spirit," Ilor answered slyly.
"He's my husband," Rara felt her face go hot.
"Your husband seemed pretty cuddly with that other girl," Ilor added, "She's your sister, right?"
"That is all none of your business," Rara huffed. She decided she wanted to turn back now.
"You're not happy," Ilor said at once.
Rara could not believe the audacity of the man. She crossed her arms and glared.
"You've never been truly happy, until now."
Before Rara could answer Ilor struck the ground with his fist. It shattered with a crash. Rara felt a pleasure she'd never felt before. She ran to the split in the ground and watched the lava ooze. She brushed a hand through it.
"Go on," Ilor said.
Rara slashed at the ground over and over. More and more fire began to build around her. In her excitement and all the smoke, her feet left the ground.
She found herself face to face with Ilor. Her blood pumped through her body with a pounding pulse. In that moment she marvelled at his beauty.
"Now you know the feeling," He smiled, then cocked his head playfully, "Well almost."
He cupped her face and kissed her softly.
Without thinking she pulled him tighter.
They stayed like that for only seconds before Rara pushed him away.
"I am married!" She screamed at him in sudden fury. "You lured me out here!"
"Don't you feel it Rara, this is where you belong," He spread his arms, and she gazed upon the fire and smoke, "I am where you belong." He took her hands in his, "Open your eyes."
She shoved him away, "No! Get off of me!"
He only gripped her tighter, "One day you will get tired of Leafy and his little wifey taking all his time. I'll be waiting."
Rara snorted, "You disgust me."
"So you can lie, and cheat," He smirked, "But you can't stomach this?"
Rara narrowed her eyes at him, "How do you know about Oribella?"
He just smiled at her, "I'm not planning to tell anyone unless you make me."
He pulled her in closer and she struggled to break free.
"Rara!"
Rara shouted without thinking, "I'm here."
Kinntho came upon the fire-covered scene and gasped. Then she glared at Ilor. With a sigh he let Rara go.
"Nothing but a friendly conversation," He smirked.
Rara ran to her sister's side.
"Where is Oribella and Ni?" She gasped.
"Safe at the castle." In a rare gesture Kinntho wrapped an arm around Rara, "Are you sure you are okay?"
She nodded shakily.
Then they set off for home together leaving Ilor to play in the fire.