The loud voices of birds and animals of all kinds drifted through the warm afternoon air, as they came upon a wide metal building, surrounded by lush jungle.

"What is this place?" Satele asked, looking around hoping to see some of the animals.

"This is one of the many medical facilities within my father's estate." Malgus casually replied as he opened the door.

"Is he a doctor?" She asked wincing, as she slowly followed him in.

"Sort of." He replied. Then he walked up to one of the stainless steel cabinets that lined up one side of the medical facility. After unlocking the cabinet, he took out a few small bottles containing clear liquids and a long syringe as well.

With a frown, she looked at him and then she asked.

"What are you doing?"

Turning around, he motioned her to sit down on the table that was surrounded by strange contraptions.

"My father is not a doctor, he is a biologist and a veterinarian for the Zoo." He said as he took off his gloves and pierced the end of the syringe inside of one of the small bottles.

She anxiously watched, as he sucked up some of the liquid and then he pressed the trapped air out of the syringe. Then he asked her to place her arm out front.

Satele was skeptical. She didn't want to accept the help. However, the pain on her side was getting unbearable and she knew if she didn't ask for his help now, she would regret it later.

Reluctantly, she placed her arm in front of her and allowed him to give her the shot.

"This will help with the pain." He said as he carefully found the vein in her arm.

As soon as he pushed the needle into her arm, the medicine swiftly rushed through her body.

"I can tell you have done this before." She said feeling a little dazed.

"I watched my father many times when he did this to one of the sick animals." He replied, as he placed the now empty syringe down on the stainless steel table and then he picked up another bottle and took off the lid.

The smell that came from the bottle instantly made her stomach turn.

Her frowning face amused him. Then he noticed her eyes started to cloud up a little and her speech became slurred as she said.

"I wanted to kill him."

"I know." He replied getting ready to tend to her wound.

"No." She mumbled. "I...really, truly…. wanted….to hurt him."

"That's good." He said with a mischievous grin. "He deserved it."

"You are so bad." She replied, while she tried to keep herself upright on the table.

"I know." He replied with a smirk. Then he said. "I have to remove your top."

"What?" She asked, not understanding what he just said.

"To tend to your wound, I have to remove your top." He explained, while his eyes searched hers.

"No." She said clutching the front of her tunic.

"Don't fight me." He said. "I'm just trying to help."

"Lay back." He instructed her, gently pushing her down by her shoulders.

Reluctantly, she obeyed him and lay back.

Satele's stomach muscles involuntary clenched, as he hooked his finger inside the long gash that was left by Nox's lightsaber, and then he ripped the fabric all the way down to her hips.

Then he lifted one side of her top to her neck.

The remarkable view of her left breast left Malgus speechless for a second. He had seen many before, but to see hers was somehow a different experience for him.

Quickly, he tore his gaze away from her erect nipple and turned his attention toward the long gash that ran from her hip bone to all the way to the bottom of her ample breast.

The wound itself looked shallow enough, however, the burn marks that the lightsaber left behind would scar her perfect skin for life.

After dabbing the smelly liquid on her wound, he then picked up a pen device from the tray and slowly pulling its tip along her skin, he swiftly closed up the gash, leaving a long jagged scar behind.

Satele felt extremely tired and sleepy. Thankfully, she didn't feel anything while he was taking care of her wound. Then she remembered that she was shamelessly exposed to him, and a small chuckle left her mouth. She had never been in a situation like this before and for some reason, she thought it was comical and ironic at the same time.

"What is so funny?" He asked as he placed several bandages on top of her swollen, red scar.

Still drugged up from the concoction, she turned her head toward him and as he rolled down her top, with a smile, she slurred.

"I...never… let anyone... see...me like this."

Looking at her flushed face, he knew she felt embarrassed. Although, he enjoyed this very much, he was certain she most likely felt the opposite of that.

"Don't worry." He said with a sly grin. "I've seen plenty before. You are not the first."

"Plenty, huh?" She asked with a mocking grin. How many? She thought, but it felt too personal to ask a question like that.

"Not as many as you think." He said, as he pulled her up from the bed.

"Can you walk back to the shuttle?" He inquired, while he watched her staggering off the bed.

Looking into his eyes, and as she tried to make a serious face, she mumbled as she lifted her hand up and pointed her index finger toward the ceiling.

"Since meeting you, I've been knocked unconscious on several occasions." Then she lifted her middle finger and resumed. "I've been imprisoned and shackled." Then she lifted her ring finger. "I've been cut and stitched up."

With a frown, she added. "That is how you think you are going to win my heart...Sith?"

Malgus was shocked to hear her words. She is just drunk from the concoction, he thought, watching her face and trying to figure out if she was serious. In a way, yes, he wanted to win not just her heart but also everything that came with it. Since their first encounter on the space station, he knew she was a worthy opponent, strong and full of possibilities. She fought bravely and he respected that.

Over the years, he had come across a few females that appealed to his needs, but none of them made him feel the way he felt for her. He didn't understand this strange, unexplained feeling that took over his body every time she was near. She was like a magnet that pulled him in and wouldn't let go.

He hated and cherished this confusing and torturous sensation that he had never felt before.

There was an awkward momentary silence between them. Then he stepped closer and as he cupped her face between his hands, and while his warm breath tickled the soft skin of her face, he said in a low voice.

"No Satele. This is how I'm going to win your heart." Saying that he leaned forward and was about to kiss her enticing lips, when the door behind him opened and his father's deep, raspy voice filled up the room.

"Veradun." He called out. "What is going on in here?"

Swiftly, he let her go, and then he turned around and said.

"I was just tending to her wound father."

Satele was dazed about what had just happened between them. We almost kissed, she thought perplexed. What is wrong with me? He is a Sith and enemy. She berated herself, feeling like a foolish girl.

Then she looked behind him and saw an older stocky, tall man entering the room.

"Tending to her wound, right?" His father said with slight mockery, quickly sizing up the situation. "And who is this young lady?" He asked while his eyes roamed over Satele.

But before Malgus had the chance to reply, Satele spoke up.

"I'm his prisoner."

"Do you have a name, prisoner?" He asked with a wicked smile.

"Yes, of course." She replied pulling her top tighter on her body. "My name is Satele." She said gazing into the older man's deep blue eyes.

The man respectfully nodded his head toward her and then he approached Malgus and gave him a welcome hug.

"I'm glad to see you son." He said as he lightly squeezed Malgus and then let him go.

"I won't be home for long." Malgus replied. "The council wants to send me on another mission."

"I'm so proud of you son." He said with a gleeful face. "You're a great asset for the glory of the Empire." Then he added with a wide smile.

"We have to celebrate."

"Father this is not necessary." Malgus spoke up.

"Not necessary?" His father asked with a surprised face. "Of course it is. At least for me."

From his son's face he looked at Satele and then back to Malgus's face again. With a sly grin he said.

"You were not just victorious but also brought a beautiful slave with you. Well done, my son."

"She is not a slave, father." Magus replied feeling slightly annoyed.

"Oh well, then what are you going to do with her?" He asked, eyeing Satele.

Satele was amazed and disgusted by this rude conversation. She couldn't believe how these two were talking about her like she was a fine trophy. It sickened her to the core.

"Can we talk about this later…father?" Malgus asked as his eyes deeply penetrated into his father's.

Sensing that Malgus was not in the mood to talk, his father respectfully nodded his head and then he said.

"I'll see you both at the mansion."

With that he stepped out leaving Malgus and Satele alone.

As he turned back toward her, right away he noticed she was upset. He was about to say something when she abruptly cut in.

"You and your kind make me sick." Her voice was cold as ice. "No wonder the Jedi hunt you down to extinguish all that you are." She said while her voice rose with anger. She didn't care if he got upset or not. She felt annoyed, angry and tired. She also felt stupid letting him get so close to her.

"Quiet woman." He growled. "Do not speak to me like this."

"What are you going to do?" She asked mockingly. "Are you going to kill me?"

A sudden anger and frustration engulfed Malgus. With clenched fists, he stood there contemplating about what to do with her. On one hand, he wanted to grab her and shake some sense into her, but on the other hand, he wanted nothing more but to press his lips to hers and devour her smart mouth.

Gradually he unclenched his fists. As he let out a deep sigh, he said to her.

"I know you're angry and I'm not here to hurt you. I'm offering you an opportunity to become more than what you are right now."

"Your dark seduction will not work on me." She replied in defiance. "I will not bow to you or any of you….ever."

Her defiant attitude angered and amused him. Still, he knew that with time and with the right training she'd eventually give in and join his cause to win this war that had been fought for thousands of years now between their people.

"Very well then." He said as he opened the door and gestured for her to step out.

"Where are we going?" She anxiously asked.

"I'm taking you back to the council." He casually said.

With a horrified expression, swiftly, she grabbed hold of his arm and while her pleading eyes were on him, she nervously bit her lower lip and said.

"Please, do not take me back there."

Malgus grinned on the inside. He knew she would choose him over the council. With a satisfied grin, he looked at her and said.

"Do as I say and you will be rewarded greatly. Defy me and I will make sure you are punished accordingly."

Nodding her head in agreement, Satele gave in, in defeat.

The mansion that his father had mentioned earlier was an enormous stone and metal fused house settled in the middle of the jungle.

The huge stone pillars that held up the metal roof were beautifully engraved with countless symbols of animals of all kinds. Satele was awestruck looking at them. Stopping in front of one of the pillars, she ran her fingers over the rough stone carvings admiring its beauty.

"It's beautiful." She whispered.

"My father loves animals." He said as he watched her hand tracing the back of a stone Varactyl.

"This animal can be very loud." Malgus said looking at her delicate fingers.

"I've never seen this animal before." She replied and then she turned to face him.

"My father has some." He said with a thin smile. "I can introduce them to you tomorrow."

"Really?" She said as her eyes lit up with glee.

"Come." He said. "He is waiting for us."

As soon as they stepped over the threshold, a few male and female Twi'lek came to greet them.

After exchanging a few words with Malgus, one of the female Twi'lek approached Satele and as she bowed her head, in a soft voice, she said.

"Come my lady, I'm here to assist you with all your needs."

My lady? Satele confusingly thought. I am no lady, she was going to say, but as she looked at the exotic servant, she noticed great eagerness written on her beautiful pale blue face.

Reluctantly, Satele followed her to what the servant called the right wing and found herself in a lavishly decorated room, with a large balcony looking over the endless jungle.

"Come, my lady." The servant called to her. "Let me get you ready for tonight."

"Please stop calling me lady." Satele said as she turned her gaze away from the amazing view.

"Call me Satele, okay?" She said looking at the alien.

"Yes, as you wish...Satele." She replied bowing her head.

Stepping closer to her, Satele stopped in front of her and asked.

"What is your name?"

Gazing at the ground, the servant replied.

"Eleena."

"Tell me Eleena," Satele started. "Are you a slave in this household?"

"I'm a servant of Lord Kasdar." She curtly replied.

Satele was very much aware of how the Sith used slaves on a daily basis for their needs. She wondered how many times this woman had been used or hurt while serving this household.

Averting her eyes away from Eleena, Satele looked around the room.

There was a big comfortable bed with matching nightstands. Two plush loungers with a gray coffee table, a large walk-in closet and another door that led to a lavishly decorated refresher.

"Is this a guest room?" She asked as she walked back to the balcony and looked down. I think I can jump this, she thought with a frown looking at the ground below.

"No Satele." Eleena replied. "This is Lord Malgus's room."

"Why am I here?" She asked confused.

"He instructed me to bring you here." Eleena replied. "While you are here, you are going to share his room."

The complete shock that was written on Satele's face caused Eleena to smile a little. She was not the first woman who would spend the night in this room. Over the years, in a few occasions she had seen some come and go, but she had never seen someone who looked as prettified as Satele.

"Are you okay?" Eleena inquired staring at Satele's astonished face.

"I…" she said, "I'm okay."

"You know he is not a bad man." Eleena assured her. "Yes, sometimes he can be hard and cruel, but I have never seen him hurting any of his lady friends." With a mischievous smile she added. "They have all left this room with a smile on their face."

"Did he ever put a smile on your face?" Satele asked searching her eyes.

"Oh no." Eleena replied with a smile. "His people would never mingle with mine. However, he did kiss me once, a long time ago."

"And…. how was it?" Satele asked, as her pulse quickened a bit.

"It was very sweet." Eleena replied with a meek smile.

An hour after dinner, while lounging in one of the plush recliners, Satele stared out the window watching the setting suns last rays disappearing behind the lush treeline. She still felt weak and tired, and she didn't know when she would be able to make her gateway. Tomorrow, she thought optimistically, yes tomorrow I will do that. Thinking about what happened at dinnertime made her bitter and sad. Although the food that was served was delicious, she couldn't really fully enjoy it.

The disturbing conversation around the table upset her enough that she was only able to pick from her plate, unable to eat much. During dinner, many times she wanted to speak up and tell them how wrong they were, but she knew better. Thankfully, there was no mentioning of her family that would have peeked Malgus's fathers interest in her further.

Veradun, that is how he calls him, she thought amusingly thinking about his birth name.

Then she heard the door open and saw Malgus walking in.

Sitting down on the other recliner across from her, he pulled off his boots and then stood up and started to peel his top off.

"What are you doing?" Satele asked baffled, as her eyes landed on his perfectly chiseled pale, muscular upper body.

"I didn't have the time to take a shower before dinner." He said, as he removed his pants, leaving only his dark undergarment on.

Then he walked into the refresher, but left the door halfway open. After a few minutes, Satele heard the shower turning on. This whole situation felt so surreal to her. She wanted to scream from the frustration she felt at that moment.

She didn't want to be his plaything like the others before her. She was a strong, independent person and she was definitely nobody's toy to play with. Getting up, she walked to the other recliner and picked up his clothes hoping to find something useful. Not finding anything, she placed it back on the seat and then letting out a frustrated sigh; she went to the balcony again and stepped outside.

Looking down, she tried to measure out the distance between the balcony and the ground. Then she looked on both sides, where the balcony met the rest of the building. Unfortunately, there was nothing that she could have climbed onto to help her to descend to the ground.

A few minutes had passed and she was still contemplating on how she was going to accomplish her escape, when she heard his voice behind her.

"That's a long way down."

Turning around she looked at him. Standing behind her, and wearing dark pajama pants, he looked casual, she thought while her pulse started to elevate.

"Come inside." He said. "I need to lock the door."

Reluctantly, she walked back into the room and then she lay down on the recliner, crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"Is something wrong?" He asked looking at her sullen expression.

"If you don't mind." She said. "I would like to sleep here."

"Suit yourself." He replied as he locked the balcony door.

Then he walked to the bed and got under the covers. Then he turned down the lights and folded his arms beneath his pillow gazing at the ceiling. His troubled thoughts were on the council. He didn't know what to expect when in two days they had to return. He was certain it was another conquest for the Empire that the council wanted him to do. But where? He had no idea. What he truly hoped was to be sent to the Unknown Regions. He had never been there before and he was curious about it. That region could provide endless possibilities to expand the Empire. Although, his people frowned upon other beings, Malgus always found them interesting. He hoped that one day this senseless mindset would change and with that the Empire would be able to embrace more territory making the Sith undefeatable within the galaxy.

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by her voice.

"You know you are fighting for the wrong side."

"Am I?" He asked eyes locked onto the ceiling.

"Yes." She replied. "You and your father and everyone else including the council are deeply delusional."

"And why is that?" He inquired.

"Because you are not creating life, but taking it and destroying it." Her fragile voice drifted through the room.

"Do you think your precious Republic is full of innocent people?" He asked as he sat up on the bed and looked her way.

"Why would you say that?" She asked, also sitting up looking his way.

A small chuckle left his mouth and then he said.

"You are so naive Satele."

His cynical tone angered her. She knew he was taunting her and his goal was to piss her off.

I'm not going to fall for his trap, she though with determination, as she pulled her nightgown tighter around her body to try and get warm.

"Are you cold?" He asked while a sly grin appeared on his face.

"No I'm not." She lied.

"Why don't you come and lay down." He said gesturing beside him. Then he added. "I'm not going to do anything...I promise."

"No thank you." She said defiantly. "I'm fine."

Shrugging his shoulders, he laid back down and then stared at the ceiling again. Then he heard her voice again.

"The Republic stands for good and moral beliefs. The Jedi are their templars. We are part of their system to help and to protect."

"We?" He asked. "You mean the Jedi and not you….padawan."

"I…" she started to say, "I am also part of the system…"

"The system that is corrupted to the bone." He finished her sentence.

No! She thought feeling the anger bubbling up inside her again. He is lying and trying to get under my skin!

After a few minutes of eerie silence, he spoke up again.

"You have nothing to say….padawan?"

"You are evil and need to be eradicated, that's all I can say." She said, as she leaned back on the lounger and turned her back on him.

Then she added with anger.

"Your precious Empire will betray you and abandon you. The Republic would never do that to its citizens. Your Empire is a lie, but you are just too simple minded to understand this."

Getting out of bed, he approached her and swiftly picked her up.

A short, sharp cry came out of her as he threw her over his wide shoulders and then he walked back to the bed and threw her down on top of the covers.

Leaning over her trembling body, he looked into her frightened eyes and as his piercing gaze was on her, through gritted teeth he said.

"I fight because that is what I was made to do and the Empire is the instrument through which I realize my purpose. The Empire is war made manifest. That is why it's perfect."

Breathing hard and fast, she placed her hand against his chest to keep his body away from hers. Through her fingertips, she felt his rapid heartbeats as he took a few shallow breaths.

For a few seconds, they stared into each other's eyes.

Satele felt her heart was beating so fast it was going to burst through her rib cage at any moment. Then to her surprise, instead of taking advantage of the given situation, he pushed himself off of her and slumped down on the bed beside her.

Satele was just too scared to move. Glancing toward him, she noticed his face was turned away from her. He looked like he was in deep thoughts.

Then he turned her way and said.

"Go to sleep."

Getting under the covers, and not wanting to turn her back on him, she faced him, looking at his stern face.

She wanted to tell him that his beliefs were based on lies and treachery, but she was just too exhausted to start a pointless argument with him. He would never understand, she thought disheartened.

After he closed his eyes, she watched his face for a while. He looked almost innocent, she thought, almost. From his dark eyebrows, her eyes traveled to his long dark eyelashes, then to his straight nose, and then to his thin lips. For a split second, she wondered how would they feel if she were to kiss them. Then she quickly dismissed this odd thought. Feeling embarrassed about her unconventional thinking, she closed her eyes and slowly she drifted off to sleep.

This time, instead of the hellish nightmares that she had been having since setting foot on Korriban, her dream was enjoyable.

In the middle of the night, Malgus opened his eyes and noticed Satele's body pressed against his. During the night, somehow she had shifted toward him and now her head was resting near his shoulder. Through her parted lips, her soft, shallow breaths left pleasantly warm sensations on his skin.

Gently, he touched her hair. Then he withdrew his hand and tucked it beneath his head and watched her face until sleep took over.

To be continued...