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"Miss me?" Desu's voice was slick. He smiled, revealing vampiric fangs. He reached out and ripped Mara's shirt. He went for her pants, but before he could do anything, the door came crashing down.

"You sure do love to get yourslef in trouble, don't you Mara?" Jon smiled as he walked in, two blade in hand. He looked at Desu then pointed to the bandage wrapped around his stomach. It was blood-stained. "Thanks for the injury."

Desu snarled at Jon before standing up. His threw out his two bat-like wings. "Bring it."

Jon couldn't help but chuckle. "You don't scare me. Your nails may be full of poison but it won't be affective if you can't touch me." Jon swung powerfully at Desu with both blades. One blade hit the mark, catching Desu by surprise.

Desu yelped as the blade made contact with his left leg. He lunged at Jon but nothing but the wall.

Jon dodged smoothly. He swung as Desu's side and again hit. It left a huge gash.

Desu collapsed in a puddle of his own blood. His chest rose and fell heavily with each rattling breath.

Jon put one foot on Desu's chest. "Kidnap her again and I won't let you live."

Jon picked up Desu by the collar and held the demon up. "What did you do to her?" Desu smiled weakly. "Poison. Not...enough to kill," he said. Jon threw the demon into a wall, knocking Desu out. He ran over to Mara. "Mara, hang in there," he exclaimed. He managed to unclench her hand and weaved his own into her gripping hand. He lifted her up, making sure to hold her hand.

Jon mounted up, laying Mara in front of him. He held her hand in one hand, the reins in the other. "Mara, if you feel any pain, just squeeze," he whispered before spurring his horse.

"It doesn't Mara. I just want to know when you feel it." Jon's voice was soothing. He let go of the reins. The horse trusted its master enough, though and continued forward. Jon stroked her cheek tenderly. "Hang in there," he whispered, holding her in his arms again. He squeezed lightly to show that he was there for her.

Jon wiped away the blood. His heart was racing as well. What exactly had the demon done? His face then turned scarlet as he realized he was touching Mara's bare skin, seeing as Desu had ripped her shirt. He quickly looked up, his face still a deep scarlet. The caslte came into view, though still a long way off.

Jon could feel her letting go again. He kicked his horse and took control again. The castle came closer and closer. "Renon," shouted Jon.

Renon heard Jon shouting and ran outside. His saw his daughter. "Thank heavens," he muttered, stopping Jon's horse as he came towards Renon. The king slipped his daughter off Jon and held her in his own arms. He called to a servant. "Get my daughter new clothes," he said, walking into the castle.

Jon watched Renon before stroking his mare. "Good job," he whispered as he led her into a stall.

Renon set her gently on the bed and covered her up. He stroked his beloved daughter's cheek. He then stood up. "I'm sorry my darling, but I must go," he said before walking out.

Jon smiled at the king as he walked into Mara's room. He pulled a chair next to her bed and sat down. He looked at her limp body. He feared he may have been too late.

"Mara!" Jon smiled and put his hand on her's. He then realized she hadn't said anything. "Mara?"

"Mara, what's wrong?!" Jon's voice was desperate. He stood up, his black hair falling in front of his face.