Chapter 4

The sound of a strange animal awakened her from her slumber. As she opened her eyes, she noticed she was on Malgus's side of the bed. Thankfully Malgus was nowhere to be seen, she thought, as she sat up. Suddenly, the memory of last night invaded her foggy mind. Swiftly, she looked under the cover making sure she was still in her nightgown. When everything looked as it should be, she took a deep breath and then as she slowly exhaled, she stretched her lean limbs out, cracking a couple of her vertebrates along the way.

Ouch, she thought with frustration, my back is still sore from the fight.

Then her eyes landed on his pillow and with a frown, she looked around. Where is he? She thought puzzled. Then she heard the sharp, loud guttural sound again.

Getting up, she walked to the balcony door that was now wide open and stepped outside.

The sun was already up, baking the top of the trees with its bright yellow color.

The jungle that surrounded the home stretched all the way into the bright horizon. In the distance, huge snow-capped mountains loomed over the amazing scenery.

Looking down, to her left, she noticed Malgus standing in the middle of a large animal pen feeding a lizard-like creature. Every time he raised his hand, the animal looked at him with curiosity shaking his giant lizard head left and right. Then Malgus threw something up in the air, and the animal got on its muscular hind legs swiftly reaching for the treat, gulping it down in one bite.

Leaning against the balconies railing, Satele curiously watched him as he entertained the same beast she had seen carved into the stone pillars.

He looked different, even relaxed, she thought, watching Malgus throwing another piece of meat up in the air.

After a few minutes, she turned around and went inside to use the refresher.

Quickly, she took a shower and then she left the room. As she stepped out of the room she ran into one of the Twi'lek male servants.

"Good morning my Lady." He said bowing his head.

"Good morning." Satele replied feeling awkward about this new title that everyone used around her now.

"Please." She said. "Call me Satele."

"As you wish, Satele." The pale blue alien replied with a smile.

"Lord Malgus instructed me to escort you to him." He said looking into her eyes.

"Did he now?" She asked with slight cynicism.

"Yes Satele." He said bowing his head again.

"Lead the way then." She said with a smile, gesturing for him to go ahead.

While she was escorted through the expansive mansion, Satele couldn't help but gape at the beautifully designed architectural elements of the home. She had never thought that Malgus came from a rich family. He definitely didn't act like an upper-class citizen, she thought as they made their way toward the back of the house.

Stepping into the sunlight, Satele shielded her eyes until they reached the treeline where they continued their way on a wide stone path beneath the comforting shadows of the exotic, tall trees that led toward the large pen, where Malgus was.

When they got closer, the animal picked up his head and looked their way. Suddenly, a loud scream came out of his wide mouth, making Satele cover up her ears.

After the servant left, Malgus gestured toward the animal and said.

"This is a male Varactyl. He might look frightening, but these animals are very tame."

From Malgus, her eyes traveled to the animal that now looked at her with interest. His exotic look matched the surroundings, she thought, sizing him up. He looked like he belonged in the jungle. Along the ridge of his back, his long, lean body was covered with bright blue and green feathers, while the rest of his body was covered in scales of the same colors. He looked beautiful, she thought with amazement.

"I named him Nai'zu, it means brave in the world of Utapau." Malgus said patting the head of the lizard.

"Is that where he comes from?" She asked gazing at the animal.

"Yes." Malgus replied. Then with a sly grin tauntingly he said. "Come closer little padawan, he won't bite you."

Satele was not in the mood for his attitude. Still, she didn't want to look weak or frightened in front of him. Composing herself, she stepped closer and slowly she reached out and touched the animal's head.

To her surprise, the lizard creature without objection allowed Satele to pet him.

His skin felt warm and dry, she thought with awe, as she ran her hand over the side of his face, and then she lightly touched his feathers feeling their soft texture between her fingers.

While she was occupied with the lizard, Malgus couldn't take his eyes off her. She looked beautiful, he thought gazing at her lips. The desire to kiss her and have her was so strong; he had a hard time containing himself. He felt like a bewitched teenage boy when she was near and he hated this feeling.

As Satele pulled her hand back, the animal flipped out his long pink tongue and licked the side of her face, leaving thick drool of saliva on her face and neck.

"Yuck." Satele shuddered, as the warm, thick goo ran down her face and neck into the top of her shirt.

Instantly Malgus burst out in laughter looking at her disgusted facial expression.

"Not funny." She scolded him, as she started to wipe the goo off her face. Then she looked at him again. This was the first time she had seen him laughing and for some reason a smile on his face made him look somewhat less frightening and more captivating? She thought, gazing at him.

Suddenly, he stepped closer and as he wiped the saliva off her face he gazed into her eyes and said.

"Looks like someone likes you."

Then without warning, he pulled her closer and pressed his lips to hers.

AT first, Satele wanted to protest, but as his tongue found hers, she returned the favor, enjoying the kiss.

His demanding kiss gave her a pleasant sensation that rushed from the top of her head all the way to her toes. It's so much different than Jace's, she thought astonished, leaning her body against his. Where Jace's kiss was soft and sweet, Malgus's was the complete opposite of that.

The roughness of his lips felt remarkably good and Satele found herself slowly giving into this sinful pleasure that she should have been denying.

Sensing her enjoyment, he enfolded his arms around her and tightly pressed his body against hers. He felt lost within their kiss. It had been a long time since he had this type of intimacy and this blissful sensation felt intensely good. He didn't want to let go of her when she abruptly broke the kiss and pushed him away.

"You bastard." She growled, breathing hard and fast. Her flushed face looked confused and for a split second Malgus thought she was going to slap him.

"This," She pointed her finger at him. "Will never happen again."

Then she deftly turned around and ran into the jungle.

Letting out a frustrated sigh, with a frown, Malgus watched as she disappeared from his view and then he ran after her.

He quickly caught up to her.

"Satele stop." He said looking at her back.

Holding onto her left side, Satele was breathing hard from the exertion she had felt at the moment. I should have known better not to run, she berated herself as she painfully clutched at her side.

Sudden anger engulfed her. As she spun around, she sent a powerful Force push toward him, which caught him by surprise.

The energy blast sent him flying through the air, colliding him with a large tree.

For a split second, Malgus felt disoriented. Shaking his head, he quickly regained his equilibrium and pushed himself up. Then he swiftly Force grabbed her.

As he pulled her toward him, she struggled in vain against his powers.

"Let me go." She growled.

Levitating her in front of him, he raised her up until her face was aligned with his.

"Well, well." He said clicking his tongue. "What have we got here?"

The feeling of helplessness made Satele angrier. With madness in her eyes, she said.

"Give me a weapon and I'll show you again what I am capable of."

"You are angry with me." He stated feigning hurt. "All because of one kiss?"

"It was that bad?" He asked with a smug grin.

A low growl escaped her mouth while she stared into his eyes. She wanted to hurt him badly. His mocking attitude didn't sit well with her.

When she didn't reply he said.

"I would love to train with you, however, you are in no condition to do that right now."

"Can you put me down…please?" She asked gazing at his calm face.

"Only if you promise not to run away again."

Rolling her eyes, and with a grin she said.

"I promise, only if you swear that you won't kiss me again."

He cracked a smile and said.

"I swear I would not kiss you again unless you ask me to."

"Well." She said with defiance. "That would never happen."

"We'll see about that." He replied with a sly smile.

Letting her go, he placed her on the ground and asked.

"Do you want to see the other animals?"

Looking up to his face, she replied.

"I would love to."

A few days later they arrived at the Dark council's palace. As they walked up the steps, he turned to her and said.

"Make sure to conceal your thoughts."

"I will." She replied, feeling a growing tension at the base of her neck. Rolling the kinks out of her neck, she took a deep, shaky breath as they stepped inside the building.

Gathered around the large stone table were seven council members. They all looked up as they approached them.

The Sith, who had greeted them the other day, stood up. As he walked closer, he said.

"Lord Malgus. Did you bring it?" He asked looking at them both.

"Yes." Malgus replied placing Vindican's lightsaber on the table.

From the lightsaber, the Sith's crimson eyes landed on Malgus and then on Satele who stood quietly behind him. This time her feelings were hidden; he was unable to read her.

Picking up the lightsaber he turned it in his hand and then as he let out a deep sigh, he placed it back on the table and looked at Malgus.

"Tell me Lord Malgus, how were the Jedi able to kill your Master?"

Malgus wasn't expecting a question like that, especially not in the presence of Satele. Quickly composing himself, he stared into Vowrawn's eyes and calmly replied.

"I'm not sure how it happened, but when I found them, they were both dead lying beside each other." Then he added. "Most likely they ended up killing each other."

As soon as he said that Satele looked his way with a suspicious frown.

"I see." The Sith replied. His expression mirrored his deep thoughts.

Then he looked up and asked again.

"So where were you when all this happened?"

"I was battling the rest of the crew...my Lord." Malgus swiftly replied.

Satele quietly listened to their peculiar conversation. She had no idea what truly happened that day, however, she was certain about one thing, he said he killed his Master and now he was lying about it. She wondered what else did he lie about and what would they do to him if he were to get caught.

"Fair enough." The Sith replied. Then he said.

"We have made a decision on your next assignment. You will be going to Ord Radama to capture and take over its capital, Livien Magnus. Darth Venemal will accompany you for this important mission. We need that planet back under the Sith Empire's control again."

"Yes my Lord." Malgus replied. Although he was not happy about this assignment, he craved for war and also this mission will give him a perfect opportunity to train Satele against her precious Republic. She'll see my reasoning soon, he thought as his eyes landed on Vindican's weapon.

"When are we leaving?" He asked looking at Vowrawn.

"Be ready by tomorrow morning." He replied. Then his eyes landed on Satele and said.

"While you are bringing the victory back to us, she will stay here and complete her training."

Instantly, Satele's worried eyes shot to the back of Malgus's head and as he turned around and his eyes met hers, she noticed a mixture of confusion and anger.

"My Lord." Malgus started addressing the Sith. "Her place is with me. She is my prisoner and I am more than capable of training her."

"Are you now?" Vowrawn replied with slight mockery.

Clenching his jaw, Malgus felt sudden darkness descending over his mind. He hated the thought of defying the council but she was his property. She belonged with him and no one else.

Nobody will take her from me! He thought with anger.

"Take her." The Sith ordered. As two of the Sith lords came around the table to collect her, Malgus yelled.

"No!"

Then he picked up Vindican's weapons and as he held it in front of him he said.

"You will not take this woman from me. She is mine!"

Then he added as he ignited Vindican's lightsaber.

"I want a challenge to prove my worthiness of a Master."

Satele's eyes grew wide with astonishment. She couldn't believe what was happening. From the two Sith that were approaching her, her eyes landed on Malgus.

Holding his weapon in front, he looked determined and ready to fight. To Satele, his facial expression looked like a vicious animal that was about to pounce on anyone who dared to take his prey.

After a few seconds of eerie silence, Vowrawn spoke up as he signaled the two Sith to stay put.

"Very well. Your challenge is accepted." Then he asked. "Which one of us do you want to challenge?"

Looking around the table, Malgus's eyes landed on Nox and without hesitation he said.

"Nox."

Then he looked to the left and said.

"Thanaton."

"Two?" Vowrawn said in amazement. "Very well...Lord Malgus." He then slightly bowed his head and stepped aside, as the two Sith who had been chosen stepped forward to accept his challenge.

"Stay back Satele." He said to her.

As he looked at her, there was a slight worry in those crimson eyes. He is doing this for me? She thought astounded.

Then he ignited his own weapon and was ready for the fight.

With a swift move, Nox attacked Malgus. The loud buzzing sounds of their weapons quickly filled up the expansive chamber. A crimson glow enshrouded Malgus's features, as he held his own against Nox's weapon. Then his attention turned to Thanaton who was ready to strike him down with powerful Force lightning. Swiftly, Malgus pushed against Nox, making the masked Sith stagger back, and lose his balance.

Malgus quickly and efficiently deflected Thanaton's attack. While both of his weapons absorbed the powerful Force strike, he quickly let go of one of them and threw it at the Sith.

As the weapon sliced through the air, Satele watched in amazement, as it came dangerously close to the other dark Lord. However, Thanaton moved aside just in time to avoid being cut in half. Then conjuring up his great Force powers again, he sent another blast toward Malgus.

Malgus had no time to deflect this powerful move, and it hit him in the chest making him fall back and hit the ground with a loud thud.

As Nox reached Malgus, he brought his weapon down, ready to stab him through the chest. At the same time, Malgus extended his arm and sent a powerful lightning strike into Nox's helmet.

Then he sprung up and called for his lightsaber that quickly flew into his hand, and attacked Nox who was still dazed by this unexpected move.

As they lightsabers collided again, Satele anxiously watched them. She was truly amazed by Malgus's powers. It almost seemed like when she fought him on the space station he restrained himself, but not now, she thought with awe while she couldn't take her eyes away from their insanely powerful battle.

Malgus was holding his own against Nox, but every time Nox attacked, he also had to watch Thanaton, who was sneaking up on them, unleashing his deadly Force power. As another wave of lightning was coming their way, Malgus quickly grabbed hold of Nox's arm and pulled his body in front of him, using him as a human shield.

As soon as the Force lightning hit Nox, a loud scream was heard behind his mask. Using the opportunity, Malgus quickly stabbed Nox through the stomach. The end of his lightsaber erupted through the Sith's back, impaling him. Then he deactivated his weapon and kicked Nox's body away, which landed in front of Thanaton's boots. He was glad to get rid of this one. One down, one to go, he thought as he felt the cold sweat running down his back.

Not wasting time, Malgus attacked the other Sith. Holding his weapons, he flew through the air and landed in front of him, colliding his lightsaber with his.

While they furiously slashed at each other, Satele's heart was throbbing in her throat.

She didn't know how this fight would end.

With all her heart she wished that Malgus will come out of this victoriously. She was afraid to lose him. She didn't want to think about what could happen if he were to lose this fight. With clenched fists, she watched as another powerful Force strike left the other Sith's hands and traveled into Malgus's body, making him roar with pain.

Then another blast hit Malgus, bringing him to his knees.

With a horrified expression, Satele watched him shuddering with agony.

She wanted to rush over to help, but she knew it would have been futile.

The pain was unbearable, but it gave Malgus the boost that he was looking for. Feeling charged up with pure rage, he pushed up and sped toward Thanaton. Within seconds, Thanaton's head flew off and landed in front of Satele's boots. His gaping mouth formed a silent O, as his lifeless blue eyes accusingly stared into hers.

Quickly, Satele looked away from the severed head. As her eyes found Malgus's, a huge sigh of relief left her lips. For the first time since her abduction, she felt happy.

Deactivating his weapons, Malgus turned toward the council and respectfully bowed his head.

"You did well Lord Malgus." Vowrawn said. "You have truly earned your title. Take her as your new apprentice."

"Thank you, my Lord." Malgus replied as he took a few shallow breaths to calm his heavy breathing down.

"Now that we have a few openings, I would like to offer you a seat in the council." The Sith said looking at Malgus.

"I'm honored, but my place is on the battlefield my Lord. I would only do a disservice to the council."

"As you wish." Vowrawn replied.

While Malgus exchanged a few words with the other lords, one of them approached Satele.

Wearing a red and black helmet with matching armor, he stood beside Satele. He then folded his muscular arms in front of his chest and said.

"Your name is Satele Shan, right?"

Turning toward him, she looked at his mask and then her eyes landed upon a spiky shoulder piece. While she gazed admiringly at his unusual armor, she asked.

"How do you know who I am?"

"I read your file." He said with a distorted voice that came from behind his mask.

"Oh, I see." She replied sensing he wanted to say more. Then she asked. "And who are you?"

"My name is Darth Marr." He said. "I've been in this council for some time now, and I've seen many fights before. However, I have never seen someone so passionately fighting for a woman like he did today."

Really? Satele wanted to say but then she quickly stayed quiet. She didn't want to look like she was glad to hear this.

"You know," He started. "If you ever need to talk about anything you could always come to me. I'm very reasonable."

"Thank you, I'll keep it in mind." Satele replied wondering what would be the reason for her to ask for the Sith's help.

"I'm sure our paths will cross again." He said, then left to join the rest of the council in their conversation.

It was late at night when they finally got back to the mansion. By fighting and killing the two Sith, Malgus indeed proved himself worthy to become a Master. Although Satele was not looking forward to becoming his apprentice, she was glad nevertheless about today's outcome.

As they walked in, a few of the servants quickly approached them assisting Malgus to get to his room.

He felt totally exhausted and needed help to get out of his armor. He was certain that some part of his armor burned into his flesh. Every time he moved his right arm, a painful sensation shot through his elbow all the way to his shoulder.

As he was helped into his room, Satele worriedly watched while the two servants removed his armor and boots, leaving him only in his undergarment.

There was a long, red gash on his right arm from elbow to shoulder. Also, he had several burns on his back and abs, even on his muscular thighs, she noticed with interest. As he sat on one of the loungers, he winced every time one of the servants touched him.

"Leave us." Satele spoke up looking at the Twi'leks. "I'll take it from here."

"Yes, Satele." One of them replied and then gathering up his armor, they left the room, closing the door behind.

"What are you up to?" He asked looking at her concerned face.

"I know what you did and I appreciate that." She said as she stepped closer.

Placing her hand on his shoulder, she looked down on him and as she bit her lower lip, she said.

"Thank you."

Looking up to her face, he placed his hand on top of hers and as he lightly squeezed it, he said.

"I hope from now on we could get along better." He said with a mischievous grin.

"Let me draw you a bath." She said as she pulled her hand out of his.

In the refresher, she approached the large jet tub and turned on the faucet, quickly filling up the tub with hot water.

Then she went back to the room to get him. Leaning against her, she helped him to the tub.

As he stood in front of her, for a few awkward seconds, he contemplated removing his shorts. Gazing into her eyes, he tried to figure out what she was thinking at the moment, but she shielded her mind and he was unable to read her.

Slowly, he placed his hands on the waist of his shorts and pulled it down all the way to his ankles.

Satele wanted to look away but she just couldn't help herself.

Instinctively, her eyes were drawn to his manhood. She had never seen a naked man before and the view was somewhat astonishing.

"Do you like what you see?" He asked with a grin looking at her face.

"Er...hmmm." She mumbled and then quickly composing herself she looked toward the tub and said.

"The water is high enough now. Get in."

Holding onto his waist, she helped him into the tub. While he submerged, she removed her boots and folded up her pants to mid-thigh. Then she grabbed the bottle of ointment that the servants left behind and as she sat behind him on the edge of the tub, she said.

"Move forward a little."

Placing her feet in the water on either side of his body, she started to rub the ointment into his shoulders, back and on both of his arms.

The touch of her hands felt pleasantly good, he thought as he closed his eyes and enjoyed this moment with her alone.

"You are really good at this." He said leaning his head back against her stomach.

Not saying anything, she placed her hands beneath his chin and as her fingers massaged his neck, in a low voice she said.

"If I want to, I could hurt you right now."

"Would you?" He asked as he felt her fingers lightly tightening on his skin.

"Why did you lie to the council?" She asked.

Taking a deep breath, he replied.

"Because if I told them about what I had done, most likely I would be dead by now."

"What else have you been lying about?" She inquired, as her hands tightened on his windpipe again.

"My promise." He said as he swiftly grabbed hold of her arms and pulled her down into the water and pressed his lips to hers.

His sudden move took Satele by surprise. However, as his tongue invaded her mouth, this time she didn't feel like protesting. On the contrary, she kissed him back enjoying this intimate contact with him.

Letting her go, he looked into her eyes and said with a smile.

"I think we better stop before there is no turning back."

With a puzzled expression, she looked at him and asked.

"What do you mean?"

"You are so naive little padawan." He said with a sly smile. Then he added as he traced the curve of her beautiful face.

"We better get some sleep. Tomorrow my little apprentice, your new life will begin."

To be continued...