There was something sticky between her thighs. Lifting up the cover she looked underneath it. There was fresh blood smeared all over her thighs and the bedsheet. With a horror-stricken face, she jumped out of bed, yanked on the sheet, which ultimately woke up Malgus.

From her frightened face, he looked at the blood-drenched sheet and then lifting up his hand, with a mischievous grin, he said.

"I swear it wasn't me."

"I'm." Satele started to say. "I… please turn around." She said with a pleading, nervous tone.

"Why?" He asked as he sat up. Then he added with a sly smile. "What did you do Satele?"

"Please." She begged as she pulled down her nightgown, which was also bright red around her private area.

"Stop looking at me!" She growled, feeling extremely irritated.

"Alright." He said lifting up his hands in defeat. "I'll go and get the servants to clean up."

For a few uncomfortable seconds, Satele fidgeted at the bed thinking about how embarrassing it's going to be when the servants would come in and see her monthly curse on the sheets. Tugging on the sheet again, she tried to take it with her into the refresher, but Malgus stopped her.

"Satele." He firmly said. "Stop. Let the servants do their job." Then with a softer tone, he added.

"Go and clean up, I'll go get Eleena to get you something for your condition."

With a reddened face, Satele rushed toward the refresher. While she stood beneath the hot shower, she heard the door open and through the milky glass of the shower wall, Malgus's tall silhouette appeared.

"What are you doing?" She asked backing away from the glass.

"I just wanted to see if you were okay." He said as he stood on the other side of the shower. Then with a sly grin, he added. "And was wondering if you need a hand."

"No thank you." She replied feeling annoyed and angry. "Please...can you leave?"

Malgus was not able to see much of her, but what he had seen was enough to make him feel excited. The silhouette of her body looked beautiful behind the frosted shower glass. He wished to open the door and step inside, but he knew this was not the right time.

Reluctantly, he turned away and as he walked toward the door, she said.

"Do you know what the Revanites are?"

"Revanites?" He asked puzzled.

"Yes." She replied.

"No. I don't recall hearing about them." He replied standing in the doorway. "Why are you asking?"

For a few seconds, Satele stayed silent. She wasn't sure if she should tell him about her peculiar dream. However, if she wanted to find out about the Revanites, she needed help.

"I had a dream last night." She said. "I'll tell you about it after I'm done."

"Alright." He replied, and then he stepped out of the refresher and went to look for Eleena.

After he left, Satele took her time to clean up. She couldn't believe what just had happened. She felt embarrassed and angry at the same time. Why it had to happen now? She asked herself as she watched the pinkish water rushing down the drain. A few minutes went by when there was a knock on the door and then Eleena's muffled voice was heard.

"May I come in?"

"Yes." Satele called out.

Opening the door, Eleena walked in and placed a few items on the sink next to Satele's bloodied nightgown. Then she picked up the gown and as she started to walk out, she said.

"I brought you some clothes and pain medicine and a few things for your condition."

"Thank you Eleena." Satele replied as she turned off the water. "Would you mind handing me a towel?" Satele asked standing at the shower door.

"Certainly." Eleena replied.

After hanging the towel over the shower wall, Satele wrapped it around herself and stepped out of the shower.

"You look tired." Eleena said sizing Satele up.

"I feel exhausted." Satele replied with a tired smile. "I didn't sleep well last night."

With a sheepish smile, Eleena asked. "Did my Lord keep you up?"

"Oh no." Satele swiftly replied. "Nothing like that."

"Ok." Eleena replied with a smile. "I'll let you get dressed." Then before she left, she turned around and said. "He truly likes you, you know that, right?" With that, she was out the door leaving the slightly confused Satele alone.

He truly likes to annoy me, she thought as she started to get dressed. Then last night's dream came into her dazed head. She wondered who she should ask to find out where these Revanites lived. Suddenly millions of goosebumps enveloped her skin again as she thought about the man in her dream. She had no idea who he was, but for some reason, he felt strangely familiar.

The empty mansion smelled of a freshly cooked mouthwatering meal as she walked toward the kitchen. Upon entering, the first thing that caught her attention was Malgus standing in front of the stove cooking. With a surprised expression, she stepped inside and sat at the long bar that took one side of the kitchen facing a large bright window.

"What are you doing?" She asked watching him flipping something up in the air and then with skill, he caught it and placed it on a plate. Then he placed the plate and a cup of water in front of her. Taking a seat across, he gestured for her to eat.

From the plate, she looked up and as her eyes found his, she asked.

"What is this?"

"My mother used to make this for me when I was younger." He said with a serious face. Then he picked up the fork and placed it into her hand.

Taking the fork from him, she looked at the food again and asked.

"Where is she now?"

"She is long dead." He replied with a calm expression.

"I'm sorry to hear that." Satele said feeling awkward.

"Don't be." He said with a frown. "Eat." He urged her.

Cutting off a piece, she put it into her mouth. The food tasted pleasantly good and as she started to eat, she asked.

"Where is yours?"

"I already ate." He replied intently watching her.

"I thought you used servants for everything around here, including cooking." She said between bites.

"Not for everything." He said gazing into her eyes.

"Oh." Satele replied turning her attention back to the food. With a nervous smile, she said. "You are definitely a better cook than me."

"So what was the dream?" He asked eyeing her.

Swallowing her food, she took a sip of water, and then she looked at him and said.

"I was back on Korriban. The place looked different, more inviting. Somehow I got sand in my eyes and I was blinded. There was a man, I don't know who he was, but he helped me to see clearly."

"Clearly?" Malgus asked with a frown watching her face.

"Yes." Satele replied putting her fork down.

"The Revanites?" He asked searching her face. "Is that what you mean to see clearly?"

"I believe so." Satele replied, feeling a little unease under his stare.

"And who do you think that man was?" Malgus inquired.

"I don't know." Satele replied staring at her plate.

"There is one person who might be able to answer your question." Malgus said as he got up and placed the empty plate into the large metal sink.

"Who?" Satele inquired looking at him.

"Darth Marr." He replied, walking back toward her. "He is the type of person who always knows more than the average."

Satele's eyes lit up and with a smile she said.

"I'm glad it's him and not someone else."

"What do you mean?" Malgus asked puzzled.

"He was nice to me." Satele swiftly replied.

"Oh, so you do like some of us?" Malgus asked with a mischievous grin leaning over the bar.

"It's an overstatement, but yes." She said gazing into his eyes. "I do like some of you."

Then she quickly averted her gaze and stood up.

"Thank you for the breakfast, it was very nice of you."

Coming around the bar, she was about to leave, when he stood in her way. Folding his muscular arms in front of his chest, he looked at her and asked.

"Where are you going?"

"I wanted to see if I could go and visit the animals." She replied looking up to his face.

For a few uncomfortable seconds, they stared into each other's eyes. Satele wanted to leave, but she sensed he wanted something else.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped closer and pulling his face down, she planted a soft kiss on his lips. Instantly, his arms enfolded her waist and as he pulled her closer, his tongue invaded her mouth savoring the sweet kiss.

A few seconds went by when Lana's loud voice cut through the quietness of the kitchen. As she walked in, she was followed by Darth Marr and Malgus's father.

"Good morning love birds." She chimed walking up to the bar and then slumped down on one of the chairs.

Quickly, Malgus let go of Satele. Then he looked at his father and then Darth Marr standing beside him with arms folded over his wide chest. Unable to see his face, he couldn't tell what he was thinking at the moment. Despite the fact that Malgus respected him, and deemed him as a friend, he never understood why he wore that useless mask at all times.

Satele felt her face flushed hot with shame as she looked from Malgus's father to Marr and then to Malgus. She shouldn't have kissed him like that but for some reason, again, she enjoyed it and she just couldn't help herself.

It's my fault; she reprimanded herself staring at the floor in front of her boots.

"We have visitors." Malgus's father said, giving Malgus and Satele a disapproving look.

"Yes, I see that." Malgus replied looking at Lana's smiling face. Then his attention turned back to Marr and to his father.

"A pleasure to see you at my house, Lord Marr. What is the reason for your visit?" Malgus asked.

Marr looked at Malgus and said.

"I wanted to talk to you in private about your unfortunate visit to Coruscant."

A sudden frown appeared on Malgus's face. Then he gestured for Marr to follow him and they walked outside.

"Would you like some breakfast Lana?" Malgus's father asked with a smile.

"I would love some." Lana replied, smiling.

"I'll send for the servants." He said and then he left the kitchen.

"He must like you." Satele said feeling a little amazed by his warm attitude toward Lana.

"Our parents are good friends." Lana replied. Then with a grin, she added. "I'm so excited about you two. You know it's uncommon to fall in love and be a couple around here, but it's always fascinated me how some of us get away with it."

"We are not in love." Satele said firmly. Then she quickly added. "What you saw earlier was just…" Then she stopped.

"Just what?" Lana asked with a wicked smile, placing both of her hands beneath her chin. "Tell me, I'm curious. How long are you going to deny it?"

Letting out a frustrated sigh, Satele walked to the window and looked out to see Malgus and Marr talking beneath a large ancient tree. While Malgus was explaining something to Marr, he glanced toward the house and then back to Malgus again.

"Lana." Satele said. "It's complicated."

Wanting to change the subject, Satele asked.

"Have you ever heard of the Revanites?"

"Yes, I have." Lana replied. "Why?" She asked.

"I need to find them." She replied as she turned away from the window.

"Why do you need to find them?" Lana inquired searching her face.

Walking closer to her, Satele sat down at the bar, and then she said.

"I don't belong here and I never will. I need to find my own path now. And I think they would be the key to my future."

"And do you think Malgus or the Dark Council would just let you go?" Lana asked pulling up one of her blonde eyebrows.

"I don't think so, but I might need your help." Satele said. Then with a pleading tone, she added. "Would you help me?"

"You want me to defy the council and get mauled by Malgus?" She asked incredibly.

"You could always say I forced you." Satele replied.

"Yeah right." Lana said with a grin. "Like they would believe me."

Looking at Satele, there was true desperation written on her face and Lana felt horrible to see her like this. Since they met, Lana became fond of her and thought of her as a friend. She didn't want to see her sad, just happy.

"Nico is still here." She said. "I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you Lana." Satele said with a nervous smile. "You are a true friend."

"Don't thank me yet." She replied. "The one thing I've noticed over the years around here that things can go bad very fast."

While the servant arrived and started to prepare breakfast for Lana, the girls changed the subject and talked about other things.

After the guests left, Malgus approached Satele and as he gently grabbed her by the arm, he said.

"Let's go."

"Where are you taking me." She asked.

"I want to show you around the city where we can talk in private." He said pulling her with him.

While driving around the city, he explained the history behind every building and monument. To Satele, he looked excited and energized as he talked about the magnificent architectural sites that left her amazed. Every time he looked at her or smiled at her she felt horrible to think about what she had planned in her head.

Then unexpectedly he said. "Lord Marr had informed me about your Revanites."

"You told him about my dream?" She asked with amazement.

"Yes I told him and he happens to know of their secret location." Malgus replied while he focused on the traffic ahead.

After a few seconds of silence, he said.

"I know this place is not your ideal place to live, but you are more than welcome here." Then he turned her way and said. "Just give me some time and I can show you that you can be happy here as well."

Satele knew that nobody, not even he could make her happy here. She had already made up her mind and there was no one who could stop her now. Then suddenly a crazy idea came into her head and before she even thought it through, she swiftly spoke up.

"Why don't you come with me to find them? Leave everything behind and start a new life….with me."

His puzzled expression amused her. With disbelief, he said pointing to his chest. "You want to start a new life with me?"

"Yes." She said gazing into his eyes.

"I wish it was that simple Satele." He replied with a frown. "I would love to leave everything behind and run away with you, but this futile plan would never work. We would be hunted by not just the Sith but also the Jedi as well." Then he added. "Is that what you want?"

No, that's not what she wanted, but if this was the price that she would have to pay for her freedom she'll take it without question.

"Forget what I said." She replied annoyed and then turned away from him and looked out the window.

Malgus was shocked to hear what she said. Does she want to run away with me? He thought with a smile. This was something unexpected to hear and throughout the day he couldn't shake this tempting thought.

A few days later he was called back to the council's palace.

With confidence, he walked through the door and stopped in front of the council.

"My Lords." He said bowing his head.

"Lord Malgus." One of the council members spoke up. "I see you have recovered."

"Yes my Lord." Malgus replied.

"We need strong and able-bodied soldiers like yourself." He said eyeing Malgus. "The Jedi are fighting back alongside the Republic to take what is ours. We cannot let them win this war." His strong voice echoed through the tall chamber.

"We have decided to send you back to Ord Radama." He said as he stepped closer to Malgus. "This time you will take the planet and keep it firmly under the Sith's Empire rules."

"Yes my Lord." He replied with a satisfied grin. "I'll be victorious."

"Of course Lord Malgus." He said. "We decided to put our trust in you once again. Do not disappoint us."

"I won't." Malgus replied.

Then he heard Lord Vowrawn's voice.

"I would like to have a word with you in private."

"Certainly." Malgus replied as he looked up and saw Vowrawn beckoning him to follow.

When they reached his office, Vowrawn closed the door and turned to face Malgus.

"I wanted to talk to you about your apprentice." He said in a serious tone.

"Yes my Lord." Malgus replied feeling slightly anxious. "What do you want to talk about?"

Walking to his desk, Vowrawn sat down, and then he said.

"The term of Master and apprentice has been with our kind for thousands of years now. We have been using this method for a long time and as you know we take pride in our teachings and the way of the Sith. However, it was called to my attention that your relationship with the Jedi is more complicated than I have thought to believe." Taking a deep breath, he continued while Malgus silently listened.

"I have good connections all over the galaxy. I know that while you were imprisoned on Coruscant, the Jedi council appointed this woman to a Jedi rank. As for why she aided in your escape I have no idea, but I can guess." Saying that a small smile appeared on his face. Then he resumed. "It's very uncommon amongst us to have a relationship let alone to get married. However, I did encounter a few who had defied the way of the Sith and went with their hearts. We are all living creatures of the Force, and I was young once so I know what it feels like to have someone to love and care for."

"You do?" Malgus asked confused.

With a chuckle Vowrawn replied.

"Of course. I'm not made out of stone."

Then his face turned serious again and he said. "I know that you have been sharing not just your home but your bed as well with her. This is not the way it should be."

"There is nothing between us." Malgus swiftly spoke up. Then he clenched his fists, thinking about who could have given him this information. He would have loved to strangle that person to death.

"I don't know what you two are doing in your private time, but to sleep in the same bed is unacceptable."

Before Malgus had a chance to speak up again, Vowrawn lifted up his hand quickly silencing him.

"If you continue with this relationship, it will cost you dearly in the future. I know she is a strong individual and perfectly capable of defending herself. However, if she ever got captured and they found out about you two, they will use this against you. Under no circumstances will we allow ourselves to be blackmailed. Sorry, you gave me no choice but to have her removed from your side. I have already sent someone to collect her from your father's estate and she will be assigned to someone else to be trained. Someone who is most likely not going to give in to her charms."

Hearing his harsh words caused an immense rage inside Malgus.

Taking a few deep breaths, he slowed down his rapid heartbeats and as calmly as he could, he asked.

"And who is going to train her?"

"The council and I have decided on Lana Beniko. She is an excellent fighter and loyal to our ways. Her credentials are superb. I'm certain that she won't disappoint us."

Malgus had a hard time accepting the fact that he had lost Satele. However, after hearing Lana will be taking her in, it made him feel a bit better. Still, he had lost her and soon they will be sending him back to Ord Radama while she stayed here. He had no idea how long he would stay there this time and the thought of not seeing her for months or perhaps a year angered him. His head felt like it was on fire, as he left the council's palace and headed straight to Lana's home.

However, when he got there and knocked on the door, no one answered. Then as he was about to leave, he heard someone talking. As he turned the corner of the house, he noticed Lana and Satele in the private backyard, surrounded by tall, lush trees, talking to the smuggler, Nico.

"What is he doing here?" Malgus spoke up as he approached them.

Satele's heart instantly jumped and her pulse accelerated as she watched him come closer. He looked angry and she knew he was here because of what had happened.

"He is here because of me." Satele quickly spoke up. She didn't want Nico to get hurt and also she didn't want to lie to him about what she had planned. It was pointless to conceal this from him knowing that she was going to leave soon.

"What do you mean?" He asked intently looking at her.

With a saddened tone, Satele said. "Our time has come to an end. I know soon you'll be gone and I will also be gone to find my path." Then as her eyes searched his, she added. "It's better this way."

Grabbing her by the arm, he pulled her away from Lana and Nico, and in an intense tone, he growled at her.

"You were going to leave me? Without even saying goodbye?"

"Yes." She said looking at his hurtful expression.

"And what was your plan?" He asked irritated. Then he added. "You know you are going to get Lana into trouble if you leave. The council appointed her to train you. You are her responsibility. When they find out that you are gone, she will be the one who is punished. Is that what you want?" He tried to talk some sense into her. He didn't want her to leave. Malgus hoped that once he had returned from the war, he would be spending some time with her.

"I'm coming with her." Lana's voice was heard behind him.

Turning around Malgus looked at Lana and asked. "What?"

"Yes, you heard me right." Lana said with a wicked smile. "I'm coming with her."

"Are you out of your mind?" Malgus's voice rose with anger as he said. "The council would hunt you down and kill you both for this. Your futile plans to join those fanatics are just plain madness. You don't even know if they would take you in. What makes you think that place is safe for you anyway?"

"Because I've been there before, and I like what they teach." Darth Marr's deep voice was heard as he walked out of the lush forest and approached them.

Malgus felt speechless for a second. Then quickly composing himself, he said to Marr.

"Are you going with them as well?"

"Not me." He said walking closer. "It's you who is going with them."

"What are you talking about?" Malgus asked confused.

"Stopping in front of Malgus, Marr looked at him and said.

"For years now, I have tried to change the way we, the Sith, think. Since the day I became a member of our council, I have been trying to change our ways. However, it feels like my words are always against the others and this never-ending argument would never change us only further divide us. I'm getting tired of hearing and seeing what is going on within this society. I know eventually, things will change, but it might not happen in my lifetime. However, you are still young and so are Satele and Lana."

As he placed his gloved hand on Malgus's shoulder he said.

"You can still make a difference. I know you can. If you choose to."

As he removed his hand, Marr added. "It was your father who came to the council the other day to talk to Vowrawn."

"My father?" Malgus asked with disbelief.

"Yes. I know he loves you and cares for you. He wants to make sure that you are going to keep your position within the military and maybe achieve something more in the future. He was concerned about Satele being with you. He thought she would only distract you from your responsibilities."

"My father did this?" Malgus asked not believing his ears.

"Indeed." Marr replied. Then he said. "I believe if the Empire continues on this path we would never see the end of pain and suffering. If you go back to Ord Radama, you find nothing but chaos and more suffering. Or you could leave and go with her and live a normal life, maybe have a few children of your own."

Looking at Malgus's distraught expression, he added. "Make your choice my friend, the girls are leaving soon."

His words left nothing but anguish and great turmoil within his soul.

He felt disappointed in his father, but on the other hand, he understood why he did what he did. Still, the thought of defying everything he had believed in his whole life was not something he wanted to throw away in haste. The council was counting on him and if he decides to leave everything behind, he would be an outcast and hunted for the rest of his life.

Am I ready to make this insane move? He asked himself thinking about what could be the dire consequences of his actions. Am I ready to leave everything behind for a woman?

Looking into Satele's eyes, he knew he had lost this battle.

"Tell my father I'm following my own path. I hope he'll understand." Malgus said as he approached her. Swiftly he picked her up and threw her over his wide shoulders.

Satele let out a small scream and then she playfully punched Malgus's lower back.

As they walked into the woods, Lana turned around and with a wide smile, she waved farewell to Marr.

Watching them go was what he had hoped for. He was certain that because of Satele being the descendant of Revan, they would be welcomed with open arms. Marr stood in the backyard until they disappeared from view. Then a few minutes later, a single ship cut across the late afternoon sky. It headed toward a new destination, where hope for a better future was still a possibility.

To be continued...