They were at an impasse. Lydia was desperate for Shenyo’s pledge of honor and he insistent upon her vow of obedience. His grip was like iron shackles and for a heartbeat in time, she felt his steely resolve. Only what felt like a small earthquake under the table was able to shake sense into her. She realized that he would outstubborn her any day and would allow the things that go bump under the table to awaken before he left without her agreement.<br/><br/>First her chin came up in rebellion but then his ears bore into hers, making her drop her gaze. The first thing she saw was his tail lashing the air and she was gripped with a longing for him to wrap it around her waist. His fingers were fastened tightly, yet gently around her wrist and she nodded her head,<br/><br/>“As you wish.” She answered in a soft whisper. A tear escaped her and stained a spreading wetness on the rough skirt she now wore. Her cheeks were flaming in her otherwise pale face and she brought her face up to his. Bravely, she managed a wry smile and she said,<br/><br/>“I think we should go. Are you  ready yet?”<br/><br/>She wanted to put distance between this place and them. She wanted to run until there was no more fighting and no more death. Lydia just wanted a place where she and Shenyo could be safe and together but that cold spot in the pit of her stomach warned it that utopia would be a long time coming.<br/><br/>