“I'm not going. I do have a choice babe, you see I know that you’re desperate to collect souls for your mission and whatnot, but I’m fighting for my life here.” Arsinoe was beyond shocked. Refusing a chance for glory in Valhalla was another matter altogether, but now for the love of Odin did he know that she was missing her horn! "Look, you're beautiful babe, but it's just not going to work. At least not until I get my body back." Hale shrugged, carefully observing the woman before him, looking for signs that she was angry, or impatient or even amused, but she gave nothing away. "You cannot leave.” Her voice reverberated in command again. Hot, Hale thought, letting his imaginations run wild. Hmm, that voice in bed..., whispering in his ear, telling him exactly what he wanted to hear. He broke out from his reverie when he felt her grasp—firm and restrained—on his wrist. "Hey." He tried to pull back without success. Damn, the woman was strong. “I am not dead. If you would let me get back to my body I'll be perfectly fine." He tugged again. "Now that," she said in an unhurried voice, the sound filling the air around him, entering his ear in a gentle caress, "is something I can't allow. Stop fighting destiny Hale Caradoc.” ********************* As an Incubus, Hale Caradoc has had centuries to make a name for himself as one to 'make love not war'. But with growing unrest in the underworld, Hale is forced to take a stand and leave the luxury of his extravagant life for the battle of Nark. Arsinoe Rowan Asger has spent millennia collecting warriors for Valhalla, her sole purpose was to serve as the most devout Valkyrie. But when her new ward tries to run off on her watch, it is more than just a question of duty. This time, pride is on the line and something far greater... Lana_sky Para-nor-mance Contest Entry Character Pairing: Hale and Arsinoe Challenge Element: Good/ Seer - Devony Word Count: 8750

All Reign Masters knows, is duty. All his life he has committed to upholding 'The Laws'. In a world where vampires run free, hidden away from human eyes, his kind are the only ones capable of maintaining balance. Gabrielle Emily Ford was the daughter everyone wanted; successful, popular and kind-hearted. All her life she has been adored. All she's known is peace. But life's a bitch and Ellie's gotta grow up to the 'big bad world' someday. Only she never anticipated how 'bad' the world really could be.

For all it is, Life is worth it!