A Quest for Power

SPECIAL THANKS to Nylian for proofreading this chapter for me.

Chapter 3 – Shadows in the Darkness

STORY CODES: M/m, interracial, BDSM, slavery, gothic, Extreme, chastity belt, torture, consensual, blackmail

*** PLEASE NOTE EXTREME CONTENT SETTING WITH TORTURE – YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

The room was once again teeming with Amoureux when Akkei returned with Bellar. She had planned it that way. She wanted to remind them who was in charge and the price for failure to obey. Of course they would have found out anyways, for by tonight she was sure the whole place would be buzzing with the news.

As soon as they entered the room the noise stopped. Roused by this change in atmosphere Runory, who had been only half paying attention to his surrounds, looked up sharply. There had been too many surprises today, too many unexpected encounters, and he did not want another one.

Akkei ignored them all and strode to the bed beside Runory. Carelessly she tossed Bellar's unconscious form on the cot. Then she paused, just to make sure all eyes were upon her, before bending to kiss Bellar's forehead softly. It was a planned gesture, a calculated one. She wanted to make sure everyone understood that the elf was still in her good graces, still under her protection. After all, it would not do for someone to try to take advantage of his weakened state and kill him. Bellar had information, which she needed. Information that she would take from him, by any means necessary. However, after this last punishment, Akkei was sure the elf would tell her whatever she desired to know without the slightest problem at all.

No one moved at all while Akkei straightened and walked out of the room without a word. As soon as she was gone, the drow crowded around the elf, whispering, speculating, and some even planning. After all, the position of head Amoureux was not without its perks and rewards. Runory did not pay attention to them. His focus was on the elf. Bellar's skin was naturally pale, but now he looked as white as the snow, without any colour whatsoever. It seemed eerie to see him like that. And his breath was coming in shallow, uneven gasps. Runory had seen death all too often and wondered if the elf would make it through the night, or if death would tighten the grip it already seemed to have and claim its next victim.

No one budged to touch the elf, and when he remained still, they drifted off each to do their own thing. Runory stared at him for a moment longer. That could have been him. If Bellar had not spoken up as he had done, he would most likely have shared in the elf's fate. What horrors had the elf suffered at the hands of Akkei? He knew they could be cruel. He had not only seen it, but experienced it on several occasions. Briefly he looked down at the chastity belt, which encased his cock, and knew he was lucky, very lucky indeed.

Runory rolled off his bed and knelt beside the elf. Gingerly, he swept the long blonde hair away from Bellar's face. A frown marred his features. The elf was hot to the touch, extremely hot, as if he were burning up. Without really thinking about it, Runory stood and crossed the room to the basin of cool water. He took a cloth and wet it before returning to the elf's side. Soothingly he pressed the cloth to the elf's forehead.

Bellar moaned softly, but did not open his eyes. Runory realized the other drow were watching him, assessing his actions, but did not want to think to deeply on the implications. Kindness was not something that was ever shown. It was considered weak among the drow, and the weak were killed. It was the way things were.

Runory did not care what these males thought of him. He had proven himself in battle on many occasions, especially today. He could take care of himself. However, the elf lying on the bed could not. Briefly the memory of the elf's mouth around his shaft came to mind, the exquisite pleasure, which only Bellar had brought to life. A twitch of his cock and a tightening of the jaws of his chastity belt reminded the drow this was not a wise thing to remember at the moment. Nevertheless, Runory felt some sense of duty towards this elf.

It was days before Bellar finally felt something again. It was strange, he was lying there with his eyes closed while long, firm fingers stroked his hair and massaged his tight muscles. It was so soothing, so peaceful, he was tempted to give in and let the darkness take him again. But something nagged the back of his brain that all was not as it should be. Bellar struggled to feel more, when the pain hit him in wave after wave. He felt his whole body quiver, and he knew he was going to be sick. A strong pair of arms went around his body, holding him on upright on an angle, so his head stuck out further than his body. He heaved and heaved, but only a small amount of fluid escaped his mouth. It hurt, everywhere, his muscles still battling for control over his body. The pain was too much to focus on anything else. When the shaking subsided somewhat, and his stomach did not feel as if it were trying to leap out of his mouth, Bellar felt the soft pillow beneath him once more, the strong hands continuing in their soothing motions against his head.

Bellar felt himself relax against the touch. He knew he should somehow be afraid, that someone touching him while he was as weak as he was could only mean to harm him in the world of the drow. But these hands offered something he had not expected to find: comfort. It reminded him of home, of the wandering elves of his own race. He sighed deeply, letting this body accept the gift being offered and calming even further.

His eyes flickered open, as Bellar struggled to make sense of what was happening. He could not really remember anything at the moment; the pain took all his focus, just to keep it from driving him insane. If it were not for these hands upon his body, Bellar was sure he would have looked for the nearest weapon and ended his life. But some deep part of him recognized this pain. He had it the day he had been captured by the drow, the day his life had been irrevocable changed. He had been bound then, to prevent him from ending his suffering until the worst of the pain had passed. He wondered why they had not done it again this time.

Bellar struggled to keep his eyes open. He wanted to see who was showing him such kindness. Perhaps he had a change of fortune again, and he was now with his people. Or, better yet, maybe it was Sillian. Yes, Sillian. His light. His hope.

Whatever else he may have thought, Bellar was not prepared for the sight of the drow sitting on the side of his bed. But he did not have time to ponder the significance of it, as the pain from the light of the few candles stabbed deeply into his brain, forcing him to retreat into the darkness of sleep.

Over the next few days, Runory took it upon himself to care for the elf. The drow bathed his heated body, gave him water to drink, even broth when he was able. The elf's tongue was strangely swollen, and he did not say a word. Runory wondered what would have been the elf's fate had he not stepped in, for no one else seemed to care in the least, nor did they do anything to help the injured male. If not for Runory, the elf may simply have starved to death with no food or water, and no one would have raised an eyebrow in surprise.

It was a week before Bellar opened his eyes, and they looked clear. His fever had broken sometime during the night. Runory smiled, as he lifted the elf's head and held a glass to those chapped lips. To his surprise, Bellar shook his head and clutched feebly at the drow's arm. His lips were moving but no sound was coming out. Runory could see the anxiety clearly in the elf's eyes. He put the cup down and leaned forward straining to hear.

Bellar tried to lick his lips, but his tongue was still so swollen from the poison. "Zoooor," he croaked.

"Zoor?" Runory shook his head, not understanding. "Do you mean boar?" When Bellar shook his head, he tried again. "More? Whore? Lore? Pour? Core? Four? Sore, are you sore?" Bellar let out a frustrated hiss and motioned with his eyes. The drow followed the movement. "Door? You mean the door?"

Bellar nodded, relief in his eyes. Runory smiled at him. "Do not worry, it was a simple mistake. I do not hold any ill will toward you." He leaned forward, as if he was unable to help himself, and stroked the silky blonde hair while whispering in the elf's ear, "For me, it was worth the erotic experience." It surprised the drow to realize how true his words were. While he had been caring for the elf, Runory knew there was no reason to touch the other male as much as he did. But it seemed as if he could not resist the temptation. The elf just felt so good.

Bellar smiled, glad the drow had been pleased, before he shook his head. Feebly, he lifted his hand, noticing the way it trembled. He knew he was in danger, and just by helping him Runory had also placed himself at risk. He had to make the drow understand, or it may cost them both their lives. His body ached, and every movement was a monumental effort. With a great force of will, he pointed to himself, hoping Runory would understand.

"You?" Runory asked. Bellar shook his head and gestured with his eyes towards the door. Tension caused a knot to form in the drow's stomach. "Not you, door. You didn't leave the door opened, did you?"

Bellar nodded his eyes alight with accomplishment, as his lips struggled upward in the smallest of smiles. With a sigh he closed his eyes, relieved that Runory was cunning enough to figure it out. The drow knew; it was all he could do for now. The effort to tell him had taken its toll and sleep beckoned enticingly. He knew he needed rest, to regain his strength if he was going to survive.

Runory frowned as he watched the elf drift off into sleep. If Bellar did not leave the door open, it could only mean that someone was trying to get them in trouble. But who was the target? The drow or the elf? And what was it this unknown person hoped to achieve by this treachery? He did not know, but he was going to find out, one way or another.

He took little notice as the females entered the room to choose their mates for the night. None of them had taken any notice of him. Well, that wasn't entirely true. They had looked, openly with lust in their eyes, at him, but none had attempted to get him to come with them. Runory highly suspected that there were orders from above that he was not to be taken for the night, although several had teased and taunted him, touching him until his cock hardened and the jaws closed painfully. It was all probably part of his punishment.

That was why he was surprised when the female approached him, ordering him to follow her. What was the game now? Was he finally to be used as an Amoureux? Or perhaps he was to be punished some more. Truthfully, Runory hoped she would take the chastity belt off, however, he did not think that he would be that lucky. He knew Jadi had been watching him for some time, as if she were waiting from a command from above that she was allowed to take him. And now it was happening. But something nagged at Runory as not being right. Perhaps it was just the fact that the elf was still so helpless. He did not want to leave him in this state, but he had no choice. To protest or show concern for the elf would only serve as a weapon to be used against him. A weakness that someone would exploit. It was better to show nothing, no matter how anxious the thought made him. Besides, it was not as if the females would listen to a male even if he did speak up. As far as they were concerned, males should only speak when spoken to, which was not very often.

So Runory simply bowed to Jadi and followed behind her along with the other drow selected for the night's activities. Despite his apprehension over the elf, he was very curious as to what his duties were going to be. He had very little experience with females; mostly those who did not belong to a house so had no Amoureux to choose from, who had simply used him for the night after he had won some sort of fight. But these were powerful drow, ones to be greatly feared. If he displeased them, they would have him tortured painfully for year after year, surviving, enduring, but not really living. He had seen one of those unfortunate souls once. It was as if there was simply a broken shell that lay where a person once did. The pain and suffering in his eyes was enough to shake even his tough hide. Runory had pitied the creature, and made a mental note: never cross a drow more powerful than he was – unless he was sure he could get away with it.

The further they traveled from the rooms of the Amoureux, the more his sense of foreboding grew. In small groups of two or more the other drow left them until they were alone. Something was not right. And it had nothing to do with his upcoming encounter with Jadi. Of that he was sure he could handle himself. If he did not know, he would learn quickly. It was one of his assets, which had kept him alive. Runory's eyes darted from side to side, his hand closing around the hilt of the dagger he wore at his hip. A door to his left opened suddenly, and instinctively, he threw Jadi against the wall, shielding her with his body, withdrawing his dagger, as he face the enemy.

"What are you doing?" Jadi hissed furiously, as she placed a hand on Runory's arm, her other hand withdrawing her sword. "I can fight better than you, get out of my way."

Akkei cocked her head to the side, assessing the pair that stood before her. "Why is he out of the Amoureux's compound? I left strict orders that he was not to be taken until I said otherwise."

Jadi's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "There is a notice posted in the dining hall with your seal on in, removing the ban on the warrior."

Akkei shook her head in denial. "That order was not issued from me."

Runory felt as if he were kicked in the stomach. "Bellar," he muttered, as he ignored the females and ran back towards his room. He knew he would be punished further for his disrespect and insolent behaviour towards his superiors, but at the moment he didn't care. He did not even care if he was to end up like Bellar, as long as the elf was still alive.

***

Bellar struggled to bring himself awake as the pain radiated from his leg, worse than the ache he still felt in all his muscles. It was such an effort, but he knew that he had to open his eyes. It was a matter of life and death. As he blinked in the gloom, he could only see a shadow of the night standing over him. He let out a shaky breath. Death had come to claim him. Death was going to end his suffering. Bellar moved his hand towards the figure, wanting to hold its hand and follow it into the never-ending darkness when it brushed against his throbbing leg. A frown marred his brow, as he looked at the dark stain that was spreading across his blanket. Blood. This was not someone here to help take his soul to a better life, a place of rest and peacefulness. This was someone here to kill him. And not just kill him but hurt him. The assassin could easily have plunged the dagger into his heart while he slept, but instead the hilt was sticking out of his leg.

A gloved hand reached for the dagger, turning it cruelly, watching in glee as the pain washed over the elf's features, his breathing ragged, and the fear in his eyes. He was too weak to do anything other than lay there. He could not even cry out for help. Tears stained Bellar's face, sliding down one after the other, as he struggled to do something, do anything. It was hard to hold back a laugh at this pathetic creature. This was long overdue. Finally a mistake would be corrected, something that should have been done long ago. His assailant moved, pulling the dagger from elf's flesh. It was time to make things right.

The blade made a horrible squelching sound, so wet, so sticky as the blood began to flow faster and faster now. Bellar gazed with fear upon his attacker, knowing his life was about to end. As the shadow moved, he could see the green eyes glowing in the darkness; the hate and maliciousness seemed to make them sparkle with life. He even thought he detected a hint of a smile, as he saw the blade being swung down towards his chest.

A scream interrupted the blade's downward journey, as the shadow turned to see a black ball of fury hurling itself straight for it. With no time to do anything, the two figures collided, crashing to the floor beside Bellar's bed. He could not see, only hear grunts and groans, the smacking of fists before someone screamed in pain. As the drow around him woke, candles were being lit, and Bellar saw the shadow in the cloak streak towards the door. Then he closed his eyes and saw no more.

Runory groaned, as he managed to pull himself upright and look at the elf lying in the bed. Blood was everywhere, but at least he was still breathing. Quickly he located the wound on the elf's legs where blood was running out like a river. By now the other Amoureux had gathered around, watching.

"Stand aside," a voice interrupted. Immediately the males parted to allow the females through. Akkei held a torch in her hand as she gaze upon the elf, her eyes impassive. "Runory, hold him down."

The drow jumped to do as she said, holding the elf's upper body. Akkei moved swiftly, pressing the torch against Bellar's leg. "What are you doing?" Runory yelled, forgetting himself and letting go of the elf as the smell of burnt flesh reached his nostrils. He went so far as to put a hand on Akkei's arm before her gaze stopped him.

"You know it must be done."

Indeed, as a warrior there were many times which he had to cauterize wounds. But the elf had suffered so much; it seemed unlikely that he was going to make it. Why put him through this kind of suffering? Reluctantly he let go of the female, watching as the elf's body twitched with spasms. Bellar's body had been through too much, it was too weak to struggle a lot. It seemed like an eternity before the flame was finally pulled away. Runory watched the smoke rising from the seared flesh, as he hung his head.

Akkei exchanged a look with Jadi. "Runory, bring the elf and follow me."

The elf had not eaten in several days, taking in only a small amount of water and broth. He seemed so weak, so feeble in Runory's arms. Light as a feather. Where was the passionate lover who had taken him the first night in this house? Would he ever be seen again? Runory's heart was heavy, as he trudged along behind the two females.

No one said a word, as they walked through the halls, each one caught up in their own thoughts. Finally Akkei stopped before a door, and took out a key. She unlocked it and led the group into a large sitting room. A few pieces of coal sat in the fireplace, and without warning a fire flared to life. Runory took no notice. He had seen females do that trick before with their magic. He just continued to look down sadly upon the ruined body he held.

Akkei moved past the door to the bedroom and unlocked another door. Obediently, Runory followed. Inside were all sorts of instruments of torture and bondage, hanging from the ceiling, the walls, and even laying on the floors. There was an interesting looking table as well as a couch and a cot. Seeing there was no other way out, Runory moved to the cot and used his foot to kick a pair of cuffs and a couple of whips onto the floor before lowering the elf gently onto the soft mattress. Bellar did not stir at all. The drow frowned before turning to look at Akkei.

"No one but me has a key to this room. You should be safe here. I am charging you with responsibility for Bellar's life. If I were you, I'd hope he lives for your sake." Akkei turned to go.

"You're leaving us here? Locked in this room with no way out?" Runory was not sure if he liked this idea at all. With no way to escape anything could happen. And now that his life was linked to Bellar's, he had no intension of letting anything harm the elf.

"And no one can get in. As I said, you will be safe here. There's food and water over there." She gestured carelessly towards a cupboard in the corner.

Runory only nodded and watched her go. There was no point in arguing. In fact, alone they probably stood a better chance than if they were with the main group of Amoureux. Obviously there was something going on here, and he had no desire to be caught with a knife in his back, in the middle of the night.

Akkei carefully shut and locked the door behind her. The drow would take care of the elf, she was sure of it. They seemed to have forged some sort of bond, although she was not really sure why. She was going to take full advantage of that fact. Runory was the best male fighter. While he would not stand a chance against the quicker, more agile females, especially considering their magic powers, he was still a foe to be contented with. Although it was strictly forbidden, she could see that Runory would be able to kill a lesser female. She smiled. After all, it really did not take much to slip a knife into someone's back. Considering the threat that he faced, it could very well be from another female. It bothered her that this menace was in her house, and she did not know who it was. But she was going to find out.

Jadi looked at Akkei. It was time they had a talk. Akkei moved to take to glasses down from the shelf on the wall with a bottle of red wine. She poured the crimson liquid into the container before passing one to Jadi. "You know it had to be someone from the inside. Someone who knew their way around to post that notice, and someone who was either clever enough to forge your seal or sneaky enough to break in and use it."

Akkei frowned. "Yes, I know. Someone wants the elf dead in a very bad way. Which just makes me more determined than ever to keep him alive and find out what he knows. I have a feeling the elf has information of great importance to our house, which will aid us in our conquests."

The two females were quiet for a time, each one lost in her own thoughts. Finally Akkei smiled. "Start the rumor that the elf has died, and that I am keeping Runory, punishing him for failure to stop the assassin. For if we can get whoever is doing this to let their guard down –"

"We might be able to catch them." Jadi finished for her. The two females lifted their cups, clinked their glasses and drank their wine, each one thinking of how to turn this new chain of events to her advantage.

***

Each morning and evening, Akkei stopped to check on the two who lived in her private dungeon. She could see the changes slowly taking place, as Runory gathered things together, moved them around and made the living space more like his own. Akkei briefly considered asserting her authority and making him put everything back but changed her mind. After all, they had nothing else to do in here. And she could see that Runory had moved aside equipment so that he had room to practice his fighting skills. Each day, Bellar's strength slowly returned. But it was so gradual that it was weeks before he could even talk, and then his speech was slow, slurred almost. Akkei seemed pleased with the progress, and released the drow from his chastity belt. Greatly relieved, Runory focused all his efforts on helping the elf regain his strength.

The first night without the chastity belt on Runory felt his cock grow so hard, as he shifted uncomfortably on the couch. It was really too small to sleep on, however, he did not want to disturb Bellar, who needed his undisturbed rest. He did not know why he seemed to be so aroused. Then he realized it was the room. It seemed to taunt and tease him, whispering words of sex and sensual pleasures, which he had not yet experienced. Restless, he rose and started to pace the confines of his room. While he had lived in worse, at least he was able to leave at some point. In here, there were times that he felt as if he were going crazy. He sighed, knowing exactly what it was. It was the elf that made him feel this way: being so close to him, the deep longings that were stirred to life inside him. It confused him, for never before did another seem to take control of his emotions this way.

Runory blinked in surprise, as he saw he had stopped moving. He looked down at the elf's slumbering form. In sleep Bellar looked so peaceful, but at the same time, so fragile too. As if this tender creature was in need of his protection. The urge to do just that shocked the drow. No, it was every person for himself here. The elf was no different.

But somehow he was. Without thinking about it, Runory reached out and tenderly brushed a strand of that soft silky hair away from the elf's face. Bellar let out a soft moan, and Runory frowned with concern. Was he hurt? Was the elf in pain? Quickly he knelt down beside the cot, and slowly pulled back the blanket, looking for signs of injury or distress.

Runory felt his mouth go dry, as the elf's naked body was revealed to his hungry gaze. That pale skin, so soft, so smooth. As he slid the sheet over Bellar's hips, they moved slightly towards him, and the elf moaned again. It was then that the drow realized what was wrong. Bellar's erection was straining, hard as a rock.

Runory's felt his own cock leap in excitement. What should he do? He had never touched another male before unless it was to inflict harm. He remembered the elf's mouth as it closed over his cock. The memory shook him, his body trembling with excitement. Could he do it? Could he touch Bellar in the same way?

Tentatively, he reached out a hand brushing ever so lightly over the velvety skin. The elf moved into his touch, those sweet lips parting as Bellar's breath quickened. The straining cock was alive in his hand, pressing against him, needy in its quest for release. Overcome with the urge to taste it, Runory lowered his head.

As Runory slid the cock inside his warm, wet mouth, he let out a loud groan. He did not take the time to think about why this felt good, he only knew that it did, and cherished the feelings. Slowly, feeling his way, he took the pulsing shaft into his mouth, sucking softly, before pulling back and finding an easy rhythm.

Runory was so caught up in what he was doing, almost leapt in surprise at the strong hand that closed around his own erection. Looking up, he saw Bellar's blue eyes glittering at him, filled with lust. The hand moved in time with his own movements, and soon he was lost on a sea of sensual bliss.

It did not take long for the elf to cum. Runory felt the hot seed flood his mouth, catching him off-guard. He had not thought that a male would taste like this, so salty but so sweet. He moaned as he sucked and drank what Bellar offered to him, his cheeks filling to the point where the elf's essence almost overflowed from his mouth. Again the feeling of rightness of this action washed over him. Then Bellar's hand increased its movements, squeezing his shaft tighter, until he too came. Runory smiled, the feelings of content and blissfulness sweeping over him, fulfilling him, as a pair of arms pulled him down onto the bed. Closing his eyes, exhaustion overcame him, and he fell asleep in the elf's arms.

***

It was almost a year before Bellar was finally almost fully recovered. In that time the two males had never left the room Akkei had placed them in. Given all that had happened, however, they considered themselves lucky. There were worse places and many worse things that Akkei could have done to them. In that time the pair grew closer and closer to each other. Bellar used the time to teach Runory all the tricks of the trade to being an Amoureux. The drow, in turn, taught the elf some new skills in the art of fighting.

Once morning, Akkei came in earlier than usual. The two males were snuggled up together on the small cot. She could see their naked limbs entangled with each other. As they both blinked sleepily at her, Runory's arm tightened around his lover, an instinctive gesture of protection. The movement did not go unnoticed by Akkei. "Get up and put some clothes on, then meet me in the outer room."

The two lovers exchanged an uneasy glance. Something was happening. Something was about to change. They slowly pulled on their breeches, boots and a loose fitting tunic each, before brushing each other's hair. Runory wondered at the elf, his beautiful long blonde mane seemed to shimmer around him. Such a slender creature, so graceful, and yet so full of life. So many would have died after all he had been through. But Bellar had fought against the odds and won.

Finally ready, the pair moved into the outer room. It seemed strange after so long, not to be confined in what had become their private sanctuary. Runory glanced towards the door leading to the outside corridor but could see that it was firmly bolted. So much for their freedom.

Akkei smiled at them from where she sat on the couch. She made no move to offer them a seat, as they stood in front of her, wondering what this was all about. "Bellar I have a few questions I want to ask you about the silver haired elf."

She did not need to clarify, Bellar knew exactly who she was talking about. His face drained of colour, as he took a step backwards, his mind whirling. No. They could not take Sillian. He would not let them. She was beautiful, so pure and innocent. Whatever Akkei had in mind would kill that, Bellar was sure of it. "I don't know what you're talking about." His words lacked conviction even to his own ears, as his voice trembled slightly.

"Oh, you do know, Bellar. And you are going to tell me all about her. Everything you know."

The elf took another step backwards, as he looked around for a place to escape. He could not let the world of the drow corrupt someone so wonderful. It would be wrong, a terrible waste. He could not let it happen. He took another step, until he backed into Runory's chest.

"Runory, hold the elf still." Akkei's voice left no room for argument. It was an order, not a request. Runory's arms went around Bellar, holding him gently against his chest.

"Just tell her what she wants to know, and she'll leave us alone," Runory urged, his fingers softly stroking the agitated elf's arms, trying to soothe him. It could surely not be that bad.

Bellar shook his head in refusal. Akkei's eyes narrowed. "I thought after saving your life I would be shown a little more respect. Perhaps that gift does not mean that much to you, Bellar. But not to worry, I came prepared, just in case I was offered some token resistance."

Casually she reached behind the couch and lifted the Jadoku snake up from where it had been hidden in a basket. Compared to the ones in the pit, it was quite small. "Still a baby," Akkei crooned, as she stroked its scaly head, "but its poison is fully developed."

Bellar's body sagged against Runory's as the drow's arms tightened to hold him upright. The elf was trembling like a leave in the wind, with only the branch stopping him from being pulled away. It was then that Runory realized it must have been the snake, which had caused his original injuries. The drow whispered softly to the elf, soothingly, as Akkei continued to stroke her pet.

"And not to worry, Bellar. My pet will have plenty of venom left over for you after he finishes with Runory." Akkei's smile was one of pure evil, and there was not a doubt in either male's minds that she meant what she said. She would kill them both if she did not get what she wanted.

Tears of terror and frustration flowed down Bellar's cheeks. Either way he was about to betray someone who had found a place in his heart. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "Please … forgive me."