Iliana nodded. At least Joshua knew... not ALL things were accidents. Sadly, her own positive view had slowly started to slip away ever since that terrible night of the Assembly. Marcus' attack hadn't helped matters. And she didn't believe it was dumb luck.

Resting her head on their intertwined hands, Iliana wiped back a stray tear. She breathed deeply, determined to quiet her mind and banish such thoughts from her head. Hearing Joshua's voice, she looked up and she gave him a weak smile. At first, what he said didn't register. But as he exited the room, she looked down at Marcus, willing his eyes to open....

And then they did.

"Oh Marcus," she said. And with those words, the fright left her eyes and was replaced by happy tears. She brought her face to his, allowing them to roll down her cheeks, and kissed him softly.