It was a month after Isa's kidnapping. My injuries had healed, and even though Isa seemed shaken, there were no lasting psychological problems for her. In the weeks afterwards, she got night terrors more often, but that had finally stopped.

"Hey, Tala?" Came Isa's voice. We were cuddled together on the couch, both reading, just enjoying each other's company.

"Yes, my love?" I asked, shifting a little to face her.

"I have a question," she said, a little hesitantly.

"What is it?"

Isa looks up at me with pleading eyes. "I want to keep training to be an assassin."

"Absolutely not," I said right away.

"But why?" She asked.

"It was because of me that you got kidnapped. I don't-"

Isa interrupted me before I could finish. "No. It was because they could use me as a bargaining chip. Not because I was training with you."

"I lost you once. I'm not doing it again," I said, my voice rising in volume a little.

"Tala," Isa said calmly. "If I do become an assassin, I can protect myself. No one will mess with Shadow, and you won't have to worry about me. Please, Tala. I want to do this, especially after my kidnapping."

She did make a good point. If she knew as much as I know, she wouldn't be in any sort of trouble.

I sigh. "I just don't want you to get hurt," I say truthfully.

"I know," Isa replies. "I know. But I won't get hurt this way. I'll learn. I'll learn self defense. Knife skills. How to shoot a gun. I'll learn, and I'll be fine. I knew what I was getting into, from the first night. How getting involved in your life, even just in passing, would be dangerous. But I did it anyway. I had nothing to lose. No friends, no family, no one but the assassin who cornered me in an alley, and offered me a place to stay."

I look at her, her head held high, her eyes alight with a strong sort of determination. She looks perfect, beautiful and fierce and strong. And mine, I add to my mental list.

"Okay." I find myself saying. "I'll start training you again. But I'm not letting you get away this time."

Isa giggles at this. "I wouldn't have it any other way," she says with a small smile.

"Neither would I," I reply, leaning in. We meet in the middle, a slightly rough kiss that leaves me breathless, and slightly dizzy.

"Thank you, Tala," Isa breathes. "I love you."

"Love you too, my love," I say with a slight smirk. Isa giggles, and I pull her closer, not willing to let her go just yet.

___

A/N- So here's the chapter. I told you guys I was continuing, and I am. But school starts Tuesday, so I won't be able to continue my normal update schedule. I'm not sure what my new one will be, but I will be updating less, because I will be busier, with homework, and clubs, and concerts. I'll probably update twice a week, but I'm not exactly sure. I'll keep you guys, my dear reader, updated, hehehe, on my update schedule. Thanks you for being so understanding!