Chapter 25: The Mark

Finn walked around to Lily's side and bent down next to her head and gazed into her eyes. If Lily wasn't in so much pain, a moment like this would make her blush. Finns eyes were so clear, she could see the emotion in them. Lily reached her hand up to Finn and he squeezed her hand tightly. "It's gonna be ok. Arlo and Gerry know what to do." Finn smiled weakly but still Lily could feel him shaking. Arlo and Gerry mixed several concoctions together and a puff of smoke came from the bottle that turned the liquid to an unappetizing yellow. Arlo bent down to Lily's eye level. "I will not sugarcoat this. This is going to hurt. You must drink every drop of this mixture. It's the only way to keep you from going mute. Stay lying still and drink as much as you can. The quicker you drink, the faster you will heal." Arlo saw understanding and panic mixing in Lily's eyes. Lily grabbed the bottle and began to drink. The first gulp felt like razors digging into her throat and she tasted blood. The pain was excruciating. Lily clenched Finns hand so tightly his knuckles turned white. Finn quickly glanced at his hand and back at Lily's face. She continued chugging the tonic but had to pause for a few seconds in between. Tears were streaming down her face and her skin was pale white. Lily's entire body lurched in pain. As soon as she finished the tonic she began to pass out again. "Lily! Finn cried. "It's okay" Arlo said plainly as he checked her pulse. "She has just passed out due to shock." The men watched as the black mark slowly began to fade away from her thin precious neck. Arlo slowly turned Lily over and brushed her blonde hair up on the pillow so he could dab the sweat on the back of her neck. There a tatoo appeared. It was also black like the aura ring but was smaller and located on the back of her neck right under her hairline. It had swirls and small characters of what looked like birds. It was quite entrancing. Arlo looked at this very puzzled as he had never seen it before. Luckily it wasn't physically dangerous at least from what he could see. It wasn't constricting her airway like the previous mark. "What is that?" Finn asked. Suddenly Gerry dropped to his knees. "In my almost three thousand years, I did not think I would see this." Arlo quickly whipped his head backwards as he watched Gerry mutter to himself. "Gerald?" Arlo called to him seeking inquiry. Arlo put his hand on his shoulder. "I want to know about this. But I want Lily taken care of first. Meet me in the kitchen in 5." Arlo stood up and picked Lily up and started up the stairs. Looking back over his shoulder he saw Gerry being helped up by Finn still muttering to himself.

Arlo felt a wave of guilt wash over him as he placed Lily under the covers. "She wasn't ready for this training. It's a master level technique. I should have known better than to tell her about it." Arlo continued to think to himself as he brushed Lily's blonde hair out of her face. "I knew this would be too much, but I didn't want to scare her into thinking the other two options were absolute. I just wanted her to feel like she didn't have to sacrifice her humanity or her modesty. I already am so deep in love, I would rather spare her feelings than tell her the truth. But look at what this has cost her? She almost lost her ability to speak and now it will take her days for her body to recover." Arlo leaned down and planted a deep kiss on Lily's lips. He then shifted to her ear, voice trembling "don't worry my love, no matter the situation, I will always protect you and that's a promise." Arlo stood up to see a smile on Lily's face. "Good. I hope she is having sweet dreams." With his love safely tucked into bed he headed down the stairs to seek out Gerald.

As Arlo entered the kitchen he saw Finn pouring tea for Gerald who looked worn out. Whatever this is, it must be shocking. Gerald never lost his composure, especially not in front of his master. "Is Lily okay?" Finn asked Arlo with genuinely. "Yes she's sleeping soundly and probably will be for the next few days. Her body is worn out and she needs to recover." "Okay" Finn answered with relief and sat down at the table. "You can go now." Arlo growled. Finn grimaced. "No. I want to be of help. I love her too." Finns passionate gaze broke deep into Arlo's. He already knew that but to hear it out loud angered him and relieved him. Arlo smiled at Finn smugly. "She is already mine and I will not give her to you. I will however allow you to let you be in her presence as long as you know your place. It would hurt her if I sent you away." Finn rolled his eyes and exhaled. "Whatever." Finn snapped. But he would not give up on Lily so easily.