| Prelude: Illiana Vresk
Prelude
Illiana Vresk
“So, Illiana,” Derrick said, “you’ll meet Torrent at the Poison Apple shortly before the start of the New Year tomorrow night. You’ll leave Gate Pass and travel to Seaquen, in Dassen. There’s a magical academy there called Lyceum. They’re willing to stand against the Ragesians, so we’re hoping they’ll be able to help defend Gate Pass.”
Derrick paused. He pulled the blanket he and Illiana shared further up on his lap. The winter cold soaked into everything - walls, floors, furniture. His room's fireplace was filled with flames, and still he and Illiana were nearly huddling for warmth.
He hesitated briefly before sliding closer to Illiana on the bench. “I didn’t invite you over just to give you a mission,” he said. “The truth is, when I found out you were leaving, I – well, I don’t know how I felt. I guess I was sad. Nervous, too. For some reason, the idea of you dying when the Scourge attacks is easier for me to think about than you leaving. Deep down, I expected our relationship to ultimately end because one of us died in battle, so I prepared myself for that. What I didn’t prepare for is the idea of you being alive and out there, somewhere, where I can’t ever see you.
“I know things between us are the way they are,” Derrick said, “I’m fine with it, but not dating and not seeing you at all are two very different things. If you stayed I could at least hear your voice, see your smile and hear your laugh.” He sighed and took her hands in his. “This is probably the last night I’ll see you, and I don’t want it to end, not with me giving an assignment and you walking out. Not with a handshake and a pat on the back.” He cupped her cheek in his right hand. “The idea of you leaving my life forever is just terrifying.”
He gently pulled her forward and leaned in for a kiss … | 
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