On Champala, Vitiate was ready to discuss the future of their race with the elders and the rest of the council who were left behind by the Rakatans.

Within hours of his arrival, he was able to convince them to join him. After the meeting, he returned to his ship and approached one of the Dread Masters.

"I have a feeling something happened to Raptus." He said with an irritated tone.

"I am certain that he has been captured, my Lord." Calphayus replied. And then he added. "I tried to reach him but I was unable to get in contact with him. I have a feeling that something terrible has happened to him."

"I'm going to see if I can reach him." Vitiate said looking at Calphayus's worried expression.

"Thank you, my Lord." Calphayus replied with a bow. Then Vitiate asked. "How is my son doing?"

"He is strong, but not as strong as you my Lord." Calphayus said. Then he added. "Give me a little more time and I'm sure I can break him."

"Very well." Vitiate said and then he walked away. He didn't want to think about Arcann or Lana. Eventually, they will become his loyal subjects just like the rest of the Sith that followed him without question, and everyone else, he thought as he stepped inside his chamber. However, the question was when? They were both stubborn and his patience was running thin.

After locking the door, he sat at his desk, and then taking a few deep breaths, he relaxed his body. Closing his eyes, and through the Force, he started searching for Raptus. First, he only saw blurry images of planets and stars passing behind his eyelids. Then he saw mountains and forests with animals rushing away in haste. Then a huge mountain came into view. There was a faint purple glow surrounding it. Hesitantly, he approached it and then dove in. The astonishing view that greeted him made him feel weak and scared. The wide gate with its purple color stunned him. Vitiate knew this gate, he had seen it before in his visions. However, he didn't know its purpose. For that, he needed to find Raptus and merge with his mind hoping to find some answers.

"Raptus." Vitiate's voice was heard in Raptus's head. "I'm here my loyal friend."

"My Lord?" Raptus said as a warm sensation traveled through his body. "I knew you would find me." He said with delight feeling temporary relief from the agony that he had been experiencing.

"Show me Raptus. "Vitiate demanded. "Show me what you know and how to find you."

"As you wish, my Lord." Raptus replied.

First, there was nothing but darkness. Then the screams of thousands echoed through Vitiate's head followed by sounds of feet marching. But as he carefully listened, there was something else coming with the darkness, something terrifying.

Millions of goosebumps enveloped Vitiate's skin as a bright purple light cut through the darkness like a huge lightning strike showing an image that was amazing but also petrifying. Behind the marching Rakatan army came a creature that made Vitiate tremble with fear. The long, black muscular appendages shook the ground as the creature from another dimension stepped through the glowing gate, followed by many of his species. In front of the gate stood more Rakatans with their leader King Zael ready to greet these ungodly creatures.

To Vitiate's surprise, the monster stopped in front of the king and bowed his large, bulbous head, like a loyal servant.

"Is this a vision or has this already happened?" He asked perplexed.

"A vision my Lord." Raptus replied. "Which could become reality soon."

"How is this possible?" Vitiate whispered feeling mesmerized.

"My Lord." Raptus said. "We have to stop this madness. If we let them open the gate and let these monsters in, the world we know will cease to exist. Our squabbles over Sith and Jedi, Republic, and Empire will become minuscule. The Rakatans are going to unleash them to terrorize the galaxy with fear. We would not stand a chance against them."

"But how is this possible for the Rakatans to control them?" Vitiate asked puzzled.

"These creatures they call Nharqis'Al ceased to exist thousands of years ago. They were known to destroy anything and everything in their path. They were an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. Therefore, the ancient Kwas banished them from this world into another dimension, where they've been waiting for someone to free them again. Although the Rakatan's vicious attack was well calculated and fairly successful, they are weak and they know in the long run they wouldn't be able to keep up their reign. They fear us my Lord and want to get rid of us, so they can rule the galaxy over everyone else. While they were repairing the gate, one of their scientists found a way to extract data from it, allowing them to construct the AARCODs that were specifically designed to find and destroy Force users. However, they are not invincible. There is a way to destroy them."

"If there are no more Force users left, the Rakatans can rule without objection." Vitiate murmured.

"Yes." Raptus replied. "And the answer to your question is, as soon as these monsters step through the gate, unbeknown to them they will be branded with a special code that will allow the Rakatans to control them. And when their services are fulfilled, the code that was embedded into them will expire, killing them all."

"These Rakatans are smarter than they look." Vitiate said with a sly grin. "I want that gate."

"My Lord?" Raptus objected. "How are you going to control them? You don't have the knowledge or technology to accomplish this kind of task. You could die."

Thinking for a second, Vitiate stayed quiet until the image of a blue Rakatan with a scarred face came into his head, and then he asked. "Who is the Rakatan who locked you in here?"

"He is a scientist." Raptus replied.

"Hmm...I might be able to use him, once I find you and free you." Vitiate murmured. Then he added. "They are still weak and this is the perfect time to strike."

"Hurry up my Lord." Raptus urged him. "There isn't much time left. I can feel it. Please, free me from this nightmare."

"Won't be long my friend." Vitiate assured him. "Stay strong." He said and then his voice and presence left Raptus's pod leaving him to his suffering.

Sitting at his desk, drenched with cold sweat, Vitiate blankly stared in front of him. He was aware of the dangers of this mission and he needed help. The only strong ally, besides the Dread Masters who were capable of taking on such mission, was his son, Arcann. So far, he resisted the torture, but there was another way to persuade him, Vitiate thought with an evil smile. Then his mind went back to the dark vision he saw through Raptus's mind bringing a grin to his face thinking about the possibilities of infinite power.

"Welcome to Zakuul." Senya said with a smile shaking hands with Revan.

"Senya Tirall?" Revan asked.

"Yes." She replied trying to contain her excitement. She had heard of him and knowing who he was and what he has done made her feel nervous and also excited. He looked younger and shorter than she imagined, nevertheless he was here making Senya and everyone else happy. "Nice to meet you, Lord Revan."

"Please, just call me Revan." He said with a wink. "I am no lord, but a humble servant of the Force."

Letting his hand go, she smiled again and said. "As you wish." Then her eyes landed on Adraas and a small, frustrated sigh left her mouth. Senya knew how Vaylin and Zallow felt about him. She was not looking forward to any unnecessary confrontations.

"I know what you're thinking." Revan said looking at her concerned expression. "Don't worry, he is under control."

Nodding her head she said. "I'm glad to hear that."

Then Revan's eyes found Scourge's. A shadow of worry passed the tall Sith's face looking at his old ally. The momentary silence was broken by Revan's voice.

"Lord Scourge, I wasn't expecting to see you again. But here you are, helping the same people I came here to help as well." Folding his arms in front of his chest, Revan continued. "Don't worry, whatever happened in the past between us will stay in the past. Satele already told me everything that happened and I'm not here to seek revenge with you or anyone else."

"Thank you, my Lord." Scourge replied feeling relieved. He was nervous about this meeting knowing that he betrayed not just him but also his companion as well. "I truly appreciate your forgiveness. It means a lot to me."

"I also heard you became a Revanite as well." Revan said searching his eyes.

"Yes. I lived, learned, and prayed with them for years, so did my wife." He said.

"I hope my teachings took you down the right path." Revan said with a hint of sarcasm.

"Indeed they did." Scourge replied nodding his head.

After introducing Lyrna to Revan, and while they talked, Scourge turned to Adraas and with slight contempt, he said.

"Lord Adraas. I thought you were long dead."

With an irritated smile, Adraas replied.

"Lord Scourge what a coincidence. I thought the same about you."

Stepping closer, and towering over Adraas, Scourge looked down on his smug face and said. "Some practical advice to you, stay out of my way."

Frowning, Adraas looked up to his crimson face and then he said.

"Good idea."

A half an hour later they all gathered inside the palace to discuss the upcoming war. While Revan spoke to the crowd, Vaylin and Zallow suspiciously looked at Adraas who stood behind Revan, lazily leaning against a pillar. They wanted nothing more than to get their hands on him. However, Senya asked them to be polite and reminded them that they are all in this together, and there was no room for fighting over something that happened in the past. Reluctantly, Vaylin and Zallow agreed to keep their distance from Adraas.

"If he tries anything, please kill him for me." Vaylin whispered into Zallow's ear.

"Anything for you." He said with a thin smile.

Then his eyes landed on Revan and then on Aryn as she intently listened to him. Zallow was aware of her feelings. Every time they talked, he was able to sense her frustration. He hoped that eventually, she'll come around to the idea of Sith and Jedi living a harmonious life, just like us, he thought looking at Vaylin's profile.

Despite what Vaylin had done, she was everything that he had hoped for in a partner. She was strong, independent, and also kind. She had a gentle heart when it came to her family and to him. Not many people had seen her smile, but when they were alone she was nothing but a carefree person who liked to cheer his days up. He loved her and dreaded the thought of losing her and the baby. His faith in Revan was strong, and he knew with his help and the help of the Revanites they could win this war and have a normal life, where he can marry Vaylin and raise his child. Although the concept of marriage never came up, secretly he wished to have her as his wife, possibly before the child arrives.

While Revan delivered his speech, Adraas curiously looked around. When his eyes met Zallow's and Vaylin's, with a smug smile, he nodded his head toward them and then looked away. He knew they were here and he was not looking forward to seeing them. He wished to make them suffer for what they did to him, but this was not the right place or time for that. As he scanned the crowd, he noticed the prostitute, cuddling with a tall, dark-haired man who looked like a republic soldier. Standing behind her, his hands rested on her hips, those hips that I used to grab with pleasure, Adraas thought licking his lips. So far she didn't notice him or if she did, she paid no attention to him, which made Adraas a little upset and even jealous seeing them together. But then as his eyes roamed over the excited faces again, there was one that looked different. She doesn't belong here, just like me, he thought, feeling her pain as she stood there looking bored. Curiosity took over him, and he wanted to find out why she was displeased. The woman looked to be in her late thirties or early forties with sun-kissed skin and chestnut brown hair set in a ponytail. Her blue eyes intently stared at Revan and then those eyes found his. A flicker of concern was shown on her face which sported a long jagged scar when she looked at Adraas. Then she folded her slender arms in front of her chest and looked away.

"She must be a Jedi." Adraas murmured gazing at her. She looked arrogant and just typical Jedi scum, he thought, measuring her up. However, there was something in her gaze and her attitude that made him want to get to know her. Not seeing anyone with her, he wondered if she was alone. After the meeting, while Senya, Scourge, and Revan talked, Adraas pushed away from the pillar and followed the Jedi. After she left the building, outside, she stopped for a few seconds talking with another Jedi. Then saying goodbye, she hurried toward the garden and disappeared from his view.

Where did she go? Adraas thought, as he quickly scanned the area. The bleak garden brought some unpleasant memories to Adraas. Not just the garden but also the whole place gave him a sour taste in his mouth thinking about what happened there. Thankfully Arcann and Lana weren't here. Otherwise, he wasn't sure if even Revan could have stopped Arcann's fury over what he did to his sister.

His troubled thoughts were interrupted by the Jedi's stern voice.

"Why are you following me?" She asked as she stepped out from the bushes.

"I thought I would introduce myself." Adraas said with a wicked grin looking at her.

"Don't play with me Sith." She warned him. "I'm not here to get acquainted. Especially not with someone like you." She added with a frown.

"No need to be defensive." Adraas said lifting his hands. "I'm just a humble Revanite who is looking for a new friend."

Scoffing, she said. "Friend? What kind of friend?"

"The perfect kind." He said gazing into her eyes. Then he added. "I saw you in there looking upset. Why is that?"

Stepping closer, she placed her hand on the hilt of her lightsaber, and then she said.

"I don't think you want to have a friend like me. I'm unpredictable and dangerous, especially to your kind...Sith."

From her hand, his eyes traveled to her face. With a sly grin, he said.

"I live and have lived in danger. I would gladly accept your challenge."

Aryn felt like wiping that smug grin off his face, but she knew better. Although they were considered enemies, and just the thought of talking to a Sith pissed her off, right now they needed each other to survive.

"Tell me about your Master." She said looking into his eyes. "What kind of man is he?"

"He's a man of his word." Adraas replied with a smile. And then he added. "Do you like to drink?"

"Drink?" She asked confused. "Why?"

Shrugging, Adraas replied with a sly smile. "My tongue works better after a few."

"Oh, I see." She replied with a mischievous grin. Even though she was not looking forward to spending time with him, on the other hand, she wanted to find out about this man called Revan. If she was going to fight alongside the Sith and everyone else, Aryn wanted to know everything about this leader they all trusted blindly. "I'm not a drinker but if you can find some around here, I'll share one drink with you."

"Sounds like a plan." Adraas said holding out his hand.

Taking his hand, Aryn gazed into his eyes and said. "Only one drink."

"Adraas." He said with a cunning grin.

"Aryn." She replied and then she pulled her hand out of his.

"Malgus." Vowrawn said while he held the baby in his arms. "I think we have a problem." He added with a terrified expression.

"What's wrong?" Malgus asked stepping closer.

"Can you smell it?" Vowrawn asked scrunching up his nose.

Sniffing the air around the baby, Malgus made a disgusted face and then he said.

"I think it's time to change him."

"He soiled himself in my arms." Vowrawn cried. "What a disgrace."

Taking the baby from him, Malgus said with a grin. "Consider yourself lucky. He could have thrown up on you."

Shaking his head, Vowrawn looked at Malgus and said.

"No wonder I never wanted kids. I would have been a lousy father."

"Don't be so hard on yourself." Malgus said suppressing a smile. "You are doing a good job and he likes you, you know that, right?"

"He does?" Vowrawn asked puzzled. He had no idea how to deal with babies but he knew one thing, the child was powerful just like the doctor said. Vowrawn couldn't wait to teach him the ways of the Sith, or best to say the ways of the Force. Satele would never allow him to get full control over the child's teaching, but with time, she'll see the benefits of his knowledge and he knew Marr was also ready to play 'grandpa' on the training field.

Placing the baby down on the table, Malgus opened up the blanket and immediately made a disgusted face looking at the soiled cloth beneath the baby's buttocks. Swallowing hard, he lifted up the corners of the cloth and folding it over, he wiped away everything with the clean part and then threw it into the basket they used for dirty laundry. Thankfully, Satele was the one who washed everything. Malgus was glad he didn't have to do laundry.

"Oh, my." Vowrawn said pinching his nose together. "I can't believe THAT came out of this child." He moaned with a sickening expression looking inside the basket.

"Take it outside will you?" Malgus asked looking at Vowrawn.

"With pleasure." Vowrawn replied. Then he picked up the basket and walked outside.

"Look what you did?" Malgus cooed gazing at his son. "You almost made the cranky red man lose his lunch."

In the past few weeks, the baby had changed so much. His hair has gotten a little longer and thicker and his eyes were focusing much better now. He looked so adorable, Malgus couldn't take his eyes off him. Although the baby spent most of his time feeding and sleeping, however, Malgus always found a way to spend time with his son. When Satele was resting, he loved to cuddle with him. There was a powerful aura around him, which was pointed out by Vowrawn a few days ago. Malgus knew his son was not a usual child and he felt proud to be his father.

"I love you son." Malgus said in a low voice, looking at his tiny hand wrapped around his finger. "I have so much to teach you, but for that to happen I have to keep you and your mother safe." A shadow of concern passed his face thinking about the future. Now that he was here, everything had changed. A few times they even got into an argument over Satele's hardheaded decision of leaving him behind, but Malgus understood. She wanted to fight and keep him safe just as much as he did. The decision of leaving him was going to be hard. If it was up to him, he would have spent his days just looking at his adorable face, but he knew this was just wishful thinking. In the upcoming weeks, Revan was coming back and after hearing back from the spies, Malgus had a bad feeling. The Rakatans were building a gate using Force users as fuel. This made him angry but also scared as well. We have to destroy them and their damned gate before they unleash something on us, he thought with determination.

Walking back to the kitchen, Vowrawn placed the empty basket down and then looking at Malgus he asked.

"Have you done this before?"

"A few times." Malgus replied as he picked up a clean piece of cloth from the table. Usually, it was Satele who changed him, but occasionally, Malgus had to take on this task, which he still had some difficulties with.

Smiling on the inside, Vowrawn amusingly watched as Malgus struggled to fold the cloth properly over the baby's bum. After a few tries, and while his son curiously watched him, Malgus ran his hands over his face and as he let out a frustrated sigh, he said.

"I am capable of fighting and killing anyone who opposes me, but when it comes to changing a baby I feel like an imbecile."

"No one said being a father was an easy task." Vowrawn said taking the cloth from him. "I might not be the best fighter or a future father to be, but I'm a fast learner." Motioning for Malgus to move over, he stood in front of the baby and said.

"Now watch and learn."

However, Vowrawn's great teachings came to a quick halt when a shot of warm liquid hit his face, followed by Malgus's snickering.

After wiping his face with his sleeves, Vowrawn cleared his throat and said.

"One thing I have learned over the years, nothing can surprise me anymore. Not even a baby."

While he changed Drade, the sounds of their deep laughter carried through the house waking Satele up from her slumber. Lying in bed, she opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling thinking about Revan. She hoped the people of Zakuul will follow him without any resistance. When they heard back from him and after finding out that Senya and Vaylin and everyone else they cared about was on Zakuul, they all cheered knowing that soon they were going to be reunited with their loved ones. Just thinking about Marr and Vowrawn's elated faces was enough to bring tears to Satele's eyes. However, those tears were not just from happiness but also from sorrow knowing that Lana and Arcann were not amongst them.

"What do you want?" Arcann growled looking at his father standing in the room.

"I want to show you something." He replied stepping closer to the machine that Arcann was kept in. Before Arcann could have protested, Vitiate forcefully invaded his mind. As the pain slowly subsided, Arcann suddenly found himself within a large cave.

"What am I looking at?" He inquired feeling confused.

"This gate could be our future or our doom. It is up to you." Vitiate replied standing beside him.

"Gate to where?" Arcann asked puzzled.

"Look." He said as a dark vision enveloped his mind.

"What is this?" Arcann asked with a perplexed expression, as images of strange occurrences unfolded in front of his eyes. "Why are you showing this to me?"

"Don't you see?" Vitiate asked looking at his son. "This is our chance to establish a new Zakuul or something far more superior."

"You are insane." Arcann said with distaste.

"No, my son." Vitiate replied. "The insane thing would be declining this opportunity."

"An opportunity for what?" Arcann asked. "To madness?"

Shaking his head, Arcann added. "I know why you came here. But the only reason I would consider helping you is if we destroy it. Otherwise ..."

But before he could finish his sentence Vitiate cut in.

"Otherwise I would have no choice but to give your girlfriend to my men. I'm sure they would love to have some fun with her."

"What?" Arcann exclaimed. "NO! You can't do that!"

"Then you better take my side and fight with me...son." Vitiate coldly replied. Then he added. "If you choose to be my ally, I will let you out of here and allow you to have your own cabin and also your precious girl back. I know you miss her."

Breathing heavily, Arcann wanted to smash his fist into him, but he knew it was pointless. With a heavy heart, reluctantly he nodded his head and said.

"As you wish, father."

Vitiate cracked an evil smile hearing his son's answer. One thing he realized over the years that using loved ones will bring better results than torture itself.

"Very well my son." He replied. "I'm glad we are on the same page."

That evening inside their cabin, Arcann pulled Lana closer and planted a kiss on her lips.

"I missed you." He said gazing at her.

"I missed you more." She said with a tired smile snuggling up to him. When Arcann told her what his father was planning to do if he doesn't agree, a sudden fear and disgust engulfed her, thinking about what could happen. Thankfully, Arcann cares about me, she thought with relief. Then she added. "What are we going to do?"

Taking a deep breath, and as he stared at the closed door, Arcann said.

"We just have to play his game, at least for a while."

"And let's hope that we survive?" Lana asked with a troubled expression.

"The vision he showed me was something out of a nightmare. He thinks he can control it, but I know better." Arcann replied with a deep frown. "We have to find a way to kill him before he executes this mindless act."

"And how are we going to do that?" Lana inquired.

"We have to let him get to where he wants to be." Arcann replied. Then lifting her chin up, he looked into her eyes and said. "Trust me, Lana, I know my father. His greed will be his downfall."

Pulling his face closer, she pressed her lips to his. Then she mounted him, and with a sly grin, she said. "Let's forget about your father and everyone else. I want to enjoy this night."

"I love the way you think Lana." Arcann said with a mischievous smile as he held onto her hips.

"Congratulations on becoming a grandmother." Revan said looking at Senya sitting across from him. "I'm a grandfather as well, so to speak." He added with a thin smile.

"Yes, I heard." She said smiling. "I'm happy for you and for your family."

"Thank you, and more reason to get prepared for what may come our way." He replied as he lifted his cup and took a sip of water.

"I agree." She said also picking up her cup. "Finally, after all these years I have my daughter back. And now, she is going to have her daughter soon. I will do anything to keep them safe."

"Exactly." Revan said. "We are creatures driven by love and emotions. Isn't this the beauty of life?" He asked leaning forward.

"With my years of experience, I've seen more ugliness than beauty." She replied putting the cup down. "And I have a feeling you have had your share of that as well."

"True, I have seen the face of evil. And let me tell you, it's not pretty." He added with a thin smile. "But I endured and learned. That's what kept me safe."

"I endured as well, and tried so hard to stay afloat, but it still didn't keep my family safe." Senya said with a sorrowful look on her face. With bitter laughter, she added.

"I feel old sometimes."

"Nah." Revan said looking at her face. "You cannot be older than me." Pointing to his chest, he said. "With the exception of Lord Scourge, I believe I am the oldest person in this room."

"He told me you knew each other from before." She said crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"Indeed we did." Revan replied with a frown. "Our so-called partnership didn't last long."

"Because he betrayed you, right?" She asked gazing at him.

"Yes." Revan replied. "But that's all in the past now. I'm not here to collect an old debt. I'm here to help."

"Good to hear that." Senya said with a thin smile. "I hope our friendship is going to last. I like to have powerful allies." She added.

For a few seconds, they gazed into each other's eyes and then Revan broke the silence.

"Did you ever know who he really was?"

Shaking her head, she looked at the table and said. "I suspected, but I didn't find out about it until recently."

"It must have been hard to be married to a person like him." Revan said thinking about the Emperor and his evil ways.

"You have no idea." She replied looking up. As her glossy eyes found his, she said in a low voice. "He is still alive somewhere out there, and I cannot rest until he is dead."

"Are you certain?" He asked puzzled.

Nodding she said. "Yes, but in a different body."

Revan was not surprised to hear this. He had a vast knowledge of the Emperor more than anyone else did. He knew his fear of death and he knew he would do just about anything to stay alive. Looking at Senya, he felt sorry for her. He could tell she loved him once and gave him precious children that he didn't deserve. He was a true monster and Revan yearned to end him. Now that he found out that he was still alive, some part of him wanted to go and find him, but then the image of Satele came into his mind. Slightly shaking his head, he looked at his cup, and then he said.

"Part of me desires to go and find him, but I know this is not my destiny anymore. I'm sorry for what he did to you and to your children. I know one day you'll get your peace."

"I'm looking forward to that day." Senya replied. Standing up, she excused herself and stepped away from the table.

Revan felt a mixture of sorrow and anger watching her walking away. Vitiate had ruined not just his life but also the life of this innocent woman and her children. He wished to comfort her, but he didn't want her to misunderstand his motives. Then a flicker of unconventional thought crossed his mind, but then he quickly dismissed it. His mind and body were in war mode and nothing should be able to distract him, not even a levelheaded woman like Senya Tirall. After finishing his cup, he stood up and left the room. As he headed out, he noticed Adraas and a woman sitting on a piece of concrete block whispering to each other. Not paying much attention to them, he kept walking toward the ship to get some rest and meditate.

"Tell me Lord Adraas." Aryn snickered. "Do you prey on women all the time, or should I consider myself to be the lucky one?"

Leaning closer, Adraas whispered into her ear.

"I'll tell you if you have another drink."

"Another one?" She slurred. "I've already had two and you want me to drink more?"

"You don't have to, but I like you more and more when you drink." Adraas said with mischief.

"You are not just rude but a handsome devil as well." She laughed and then she added. "I hate you and your perfect smile."

"Then show me how much you hate me." Adraas laughed looking at her blushing face. It even surprised him how good it felt having her as company. In a way, she was similar to him, ambitious and hard-headed, but also chatty and funny, which amazed him the most. However, what he found the most impressive was her dislike toward Vaylin. Although she didn't say anything bad about Zallow, her hatred toward Vaylin was enough to call Adraas's attention.

"I don't think you would like that." She replied, lightly smacking him on the shoulder.

"Maybe I will." He said gazing into her eyes.

Aryn hasn't felt this carefree in a long time and she enjoyed this feeling. Although her intention was only getting information on Revan, they ended up talking about other things, making her realize Adraas was not as bad as she initially thought. To her amazement, and despite the fact that they were sworn enemies, they had much in common. Especially when it came to Vaylin, she noticed his detest toward her. And the way he flirted made her feel good and special, making her blush like a teenager every time he looked at her.

"What do you want from me, really?" She asked, searching his eyes.

"I just want to have a good time." Adraas replied. "Is that a problem?" He asked.

Shaking her finger in front of his face, with a mischievous grin she said.

"I can see straight through you, my Lord." Then she added as she poked his chest. "I know what you want."

Taking her hand, he lifted it up to his face. While he gazed into her eyes, he sucked her finger into his mouth and swirled his tongue around it.

Her mouth formed a silent 'O' watching him. Then a small whimper left her as he gently bit down on her finger. Then he kissed the soft inner part of her wrist making her pant a little harder. With a sudden move, he pulled her closer, and hungrily pressed his mouth to hers. At first, Aryn wanted to protest but then she changed her mind. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pressed her body against his feeling his rapid heartbeats. She wanted nothing more than to forget about Zallow and everything else and feel his tongue all over her body.

Breaking the kiss, he said in a hushed tone.

"I think we better find a private place."

Running her fingers through his hair, Aryn purred. "I know just the right place."

Taking his hand, she pulled him with her toward the rear of the palace where she liked to go to meditate. It was dark, but she was still able to see the outlines of the broken pillars.

"What is this place?" He asked looking around the darkness.

"It's private." She said and then she started snickering feeling the warm buzzing sensation inside her head.

"What's so funny?" He asked as he reached for her top.

"Wait." She said slapping his hand away. "I want to see you first." Saying that she ignited her lightsaber, engulfing Adraas's surprised visage with a bright blue glow.

Pulling up one of his eyebrows, Adraas said.

"As you wish."

After he removed his top and gloves, Aryn felt mesmerized by the countless tattoos and scars he had on his muscular body. Then her eyes landed on his maimed hand.

"What happened to you?" She asked with a puzzled expression. "Who did this to you?"

"The scars were done by my father, but the fingers, that's all thanks to Zallow and Vaylin." He said looking at her face.

"Zallow did this to you?" She asked perplexed. "When and why?"

Adraas did not feel the need to lie to her. If they were going to work together, it was best if she knew the truth or at least part of the truth, he thought.

Aryn's head felt like it was going to explode after Adraas told her about his defeat and torture by her former Master. Slumping down on the ground, she cradled her head thinking about his words.

"That bitch corrupted his mind, I knew it." She murmured staring ahead.

"Indeed." Adraas replied squatting down in front of her. "He is no different than her."

"And you said there's a way to control her?" She asked looking into his eyes. "Would you mind sharing it with me?"

"This is something I'm going to keep to myself." He replied with a wink.

Wrapping her arms around his shoulders, she pulled him closer and in a sweet voice, she said. "I think I like you more and more."

"Good." Adraas growled into the soft skin of her neck. "Now I'm eager to show you the dark side of the Force."

A few minutes later, while lying on the ground naked, Aryn loudly moaned as his tongue torturously teased every inch of her body. The pure ecstasy that swept through her made her whole body tremble. Then her eyes grew wide with astonishment when he lay on top of her and entered her.

"Oh, Maker." She whimpered feeling his length filling her up.

"Be still." He whispered into her ear. "And enjoy."

As his strong body rhythmically collided with hers and feeling the calming after-effects of the drinks, Aryn gave in to her deepest, darkest senses, as she waited to reach that amazing pleasure from where there was no return.

As a muffled cry left her mouth, simultaneously they both reached their peak, giving them an extraordinary sensation that coursed through their heated bodies.

"What did you do to me?" She asked with a satisfied smile.

"I seduced you." He replied with a sly grin looking down on her elated face.

"Oh yes, you did." She replied and then she ran her hands through his dark hair.

In the middle of the night, while Aryn slept like a baby in his arms, Adraas stared at the dark ceiling thinking about where to go from here.

His pathetic yearning for Satele had to be suppressed. Now that Revan was in her life, Adraas knew his plans that he had thought out so many times were now meaningless. He could never measure up to Revan and pushing this further would cause nothing but his own demise. He was not looking forward to dying.

But he was still relatively young and couldn't live his life alone, not while Malgus enjoyed his life having a beautiful family. This thought depressed him the most. His rival and brother was a thorn in his side. He wanted to crush him and make him suffer. But every time he planned it out, fate intervened, pissing him off even more. He was fed up being crushed and left alone. He needed someone strong and independent who can take care of herself, and also someone who can be his equal.

She is not Satele, but she'll do, he thought looking at her face. Then his eyes traveled down her slender body thinking about how much fun he is going to have with her.

To be continued...