<strong>"But of course."</strong>The spill of power that came along with his words brushed against Lyra's skin, carrying the sensation of eyes in the darkness and hot breath just on the edge of hearing.<strong>"Return to your Princess, little handmaiden, and inform her that I will receive her in the suite that has been created for me."</strong><br/><br/>His fingers took her chin, and gently turned it to the left.<strong>"There. Where the gardens are at their darkest and most natural, there she may find the entrance to my suite."</strong>He lowered his head to hers, sinking his teeth into her flesh where neck met shoulder, not enough to draw blood, but enough to leave her marked. His power flowed out in that moment, clinging to Lyra's frame.<br/><br/>He lifted his head so his lips were a hair's breadth from her ear, and spoke softly.<strong>"And there you have your key. When you and your Mistress return, enter the shadows, speak my name, and my power shall bring you to me."</strong><br/><br/>He stood upright again and smiled down at her for a long moment before stepping into the shadows from whence he had come, disappearing from her sight.<br/><br/><strong>"I will be waiting."</strong>