STAR-CROSSED LOVERS

THE MIDDLE, PRYTHIAN

They had agreed to meet in the Middle, not on the soil of any other court that could potentially lead their presence to unexpected surprises. Standing before each other, after discovering they were mates, and without Calamnai's magic as a distraction running through their veins was surreal.

The sunlight brought out the green in her eyes; and among the blooming trees and grass Nyx could understand why they called her the princess of Spring. Layla avoided his eyes as she nodded her greeting, he'd never seen her so quiet before; not even in the Court of Nightmares, where most people valued their lives and safeguarded them by keeping their mouths shut.

"Thank you for coming." Nyx said, somewhat formally.

"This could never work out," Layla blurted, "how can you not see that. Nothing between us has changed, we are still enemies."

Nyx felt his breath leave his chest in a gasp; a terror traveled through him. Did she mean to break the bond? Surely she would not drive both of them into such madness?

"Then why would the Cauldron, or the Mother, or Fate ever bind us together in this way?" Nyx demanded.

"Because they're cruel!" Layla cried. "And they are punishing us."