Scents Within

Some time later, Pyre called Dark to aide her with another investigation. When he arrived, she noticed several changes, namely his glowing green eyes. Initally suspicious of it, she listened as Dark explained that he had drained a mage's life and gotten his knowledge.. with some side effects. Her growing trust in Dark led her to accept the explanation easily and they continued on their mission. However, she starts to notice that Dark has suddenly become far more possessive and controlling than before. Hurt and believing that he does not believe in her abilities, Pyre seeks to try to prove herself, causing a few minor fights. This culimate when they raid a Circle of Thorns sect and she scents a mage nearby that she cannot see. Tracking it, she is horrified to realize that it is her love, Dark, that smells like a mage.

Feral fury takes her as she shrieks at the "mage" that she will never surrender to them again. She flees a confused and distraught Dark but returns as her feral instincts demand the mages immediate death. As she threatens the possessed Dark, the mage forces him to attack Pyre. Nearly being strangled, Pyre lashes out and frees herself, forcing the possessed man away from her. She moves in, the killing magic on her fingertips, to finish him off when the flickering torchlight in the cave catches on her ring, reminding her of Dark's love and her own promise to stand by him, no matter what. Her energy spent, the feral Pyre utters one word, "Forever." and collapses. Dark rouses, seemingly unaware and confused as to what happened. No longer feral, but in full possession of her memories, Pyre bursts into tears and pleads for Dark's forgiveness. Confused, Dark asks why she is asking to be forgiven when he notices the marks on her neck left by his hands. Distraught, Dark collapses as well, unable to believe that he had attacked his love. No longer sensing the mage, Pyre attempts to comfort Dark when the mage seizes control again and grabs Pyre, announcing that Dark is no more. Filling with fury again, Pyre lashes out, connecting a solid kick to Dark's head, knocking him out.

Knowing that this is beyond her skills to fix, she takes Dark back to the volcano and finds Baal'it, begging her to help Dark. Baal'it quickly figures out what is going on. Using her magical skills, Baal'it suppresses the mage and tells Dark that he'll need to be strong to fight this off. She sends Pyre to retrieve the mage's body for the next phase of the ritual. The mage threatens to kill Dark, which doesn't even phase Baal'it who declares that she will claim his soul whether Dark dies or not. Pyre returns with the mage's body, to which Baal'it gives her blood and kisses. With one last reach, the Mage surcumbs to Baal'it's power and leaves Dark forever.