Within Temptation

Thirteen (Temple of Love)

"Welcome back, Miss August."

I had genuinely thought I would find peace within my dreams. I had passed out cold from the pain. There had to be a solution, an Enforcer solution. I glance over at Euphoria it isn't too far away. Maybe there was someone there who could help me. I had the strength to make it. August women could handle anything life threw at them. My steps are slow and agonizing I keep my pace steady. It is sheer determination that keeps me going. I have my hand on the door mentally preparing for what I will find. I feel his hand on my shoulder.

"The door won't open." Andy's voice provides a balm to the pain. He turns me around placing a gentle kiss on my lips. The burning in my veins vanishes the pain along with it.

I stare at him confused. Andy's behavior has been sporadic, erratic, and unpredictable. Could I truly chalk this up to his transition back into an Incubus? I turn myself back around my hand on the doorknob yet again. I have to try it myself. Andy sighs heavily, an edge of irritation in his voice. I try the door the handle refuses to move. I move aside pointing from Andy to the door. He walks up providing me the undeniable proof I need.

"Why did you take the venom away?"

"I want to do this the right way." He answers. "No tricks, no compulsion, and no venom. I am going to be me."

"This doesn't change anything; I want answers, Andrew." I cross my arms over my chest.

"Follow me."

"I am not going to Paradise." I put up a hand. "We're also not going to your place. So, I hope you've got somewhere else in mind."

"I do take my hand." He offers it for me to take. I hesitantly do so, allowing him to guide me through the streets. The world doesn't blur like it did when we were driving. I use the time to create my list of questions. This time it was my turn. He walks up to a building with a sign that reads Desire.

"Andrew, this is an odd place for us to talk." I walk with him inside.

"In my defense, you didn't give me very many plausible options." He goes straight up to the desk. "The Suite, please."

A key appears out of thin air. I notice there's not a single soul at the front desk. The room we're in is sparsely furnished the wallpaper reminds me of Nana August's living room. Andy takes me to the elevators; my anxiety goes into gear. Fun Fact about me I hate elevators, they freak me out every time I enter one. He rubs my back for comfort. It's a lost cause, I admire the effort though. We walk down the hallway where he uses the key on the door at the very end.

The room is a mirror image of Andy's room from his home in Los Angeles. Is this a Room of Requirement scenario? Did Andy project his thoughts to make this possible? I proceed on the side of caution. I am slowly losing my trust in him. A wise choice, one my conscience would approve of. Andy takes two glasses from the cabinet filling them both with Pepsi. He sets both in front of me taking a seat on the couch.

"Why did The Fallen break the rules to bring you back?"

"I'm not sure I can answer that." He confesses. "I could make an assumption. Paradise could have been going under. I was his best and brightest he didn't want to lose his prodigal son."

"It was your choice at the end of the day." I turn to face him. "You could have said no. God damn it, Andy, you could've walked away from this! Why did you become an Incubus again?!"

"I think you know why Corinne." He meets my eyes.

"No, don't you dare pin this on me. I should not be the reason you sell your soul to the devil." I take a huge drink of my Pepsi.