Disclaimer: I make no profit from this. Nuada and all of the other Hellboy characters do not belong to me. Also, all song lyrics, when used, belong to their respective companies. Lyrics will be italicized.

A/N: I know this chapter seems a bit rushed but I needed to transition to what is coming next. :)

Lyrics: "You Got Me" by One Block Radius

Chapter 6-Escape

Emily's tears had dried long ago but she still sat in Nuada's embrace. He had just told her that he planned to kill everyone she held dear yet she felt comforted in his arms. She hated herself for that.

"We must go." He said quietly.

Emily looked up into his golden eyes, "You're going to make me help you with this?"

He shook his head and smiled softly, "No, I will retrieve the crown piece from my father. You only need be there."

Emily nodded absently as Nuada helped her to her feet. She knew that she should be angry with him, that she should shun his very touch. But she was too stunned to react in any way. She felt as if she was lost in a fog, everything was muted, as if she was in a dream.

Half an hour later Nuada was leading her through what looked like an abandoned building. Like his own domain, there were leaves scattered along the floor. They came to a doorway that led to a small room.

"Stay with Wink." He told her as he walked into the room and was instantly surrounded by tall figures in black robes.

She watched as he refused to give up his weapon; only agreeing to do so when Nuala walked into the room. Emily knew she should have noticed something about the intense look he gave Nuala but the thought was gone almost before it was complete. Then Wink was leading her further into the structure and into what resembled a make-shift great hall. Elves lined the walls and a regal elf with a funny crown held court at the front of the room.

It wasn't until the fighting began that reality finally crashed down on Emily. She began to see things clearly as she watched Nuada fight the numerous men; or birds. She really couldn't tell what they were. Half of her was entranced by how beautiful he was as he fought, the other half was worried that he was outnumbered and wouldn't survive the fight.

Then, as he climbed the stairs and plunged his sword into his father's chest she was finally scared, terrified of who he had become during the fight. She didn't see the pain etched across his face as his father turned to stone. She was too busy looking for an escape. She saw her chance as Wink was preoccupied with Nuada. Her eyes caught Nuala fleeing the room and she decided to do the same. Emily took one final look at Nuada's back and with a pain she never could have expected, she turned and ran.

It wasn't until many long moments later that Nuada felt the loss of her presence. He turned to find her and she was gone. He whispered her true name like a curse under his breath. He was about to dispatch Wink to go after her when his old friend lumbered up to inform him that his sister was also gone.

Nuada's face hardened, "Find them both." He ordered, "Bring them back."

Emily knew she couldn't go home. Nuada would only find her there. She couldn't go to her shop either because she had made the foolish mistake of telling him about it. She didn't know where to go. She had never felt more lost in her home town in all of her life. She ended up outside of her parent's house. She wanted to see them one last time before Nuada carried out his plan. She never doubted he would succeed. She watched them through the window. Emily knew if they saw her they would insist she come inside. They would never understand what she had been through and they wouldn't let her leave.

So she said goodbye through the glass and turned away from the life she knew. The more distant it seemed to become the less she thought she would miss it. The longer she was gone the more she knew there would be no out running Nuada. Any effort she made to stay away would be useless. So she made her way to Central Park, found a bench and sat down to wait for him.

Nuada turned the moment he heard Wink shuffle through the door.

"Have you found her?" his tone a cross between worry and agitation.

Wink shook his head, obviously upset that he had failed in his task. He mumbled a question in his language that only few understood.

"So you're worried for the woman are you?" Nuada smirked. "She made her choice when she left." He spat. "She ran away, just like the cowardly human I knew she was."

The litany of words that came next from Wink surprised even Nuada who had known him for ages.

"You're defending her now? Isn't that rich. Did she weave her spell on you so easily? Don't think for a moment she truly cared for you Wink. She only ever cared for herself. She is one of them and I was a fool to believe she could ever be otherwise."

Wink didn't reply. He turned to leave the room.

"Forget the woman!" Nuada called after him. "Find Nuala."

Emily waited, and waited but he never came for her. Days passed and she found that she wanted him to find her. When did that happen? When did it go from her capture being inevitable to her yearning to see him again? She left the park and began to wander. Sure enough she found herself at the large circular door he had carried her through the first night. It was at that moment she knew she had made her choice.

"You Got Me

No need to wonder why.

Don't have to question,

So clear your worried mind"

She had to hide nearby for many hours before the one she was looking for appeared. When he did she ran up to him and threw her arms around him.

"Wink!" she cried

Wink looked down at her in surprise then began chattering away.

"I'm sorry I ran away Wink. It was stupid and selfish but I was so afraid. I need to see him. Will you help me?" Emily pleaded.

Wink thought for a moment before smiling and reaching for the combination.

She watched him through the darkness. The only light came from the small fire and the moonlight above. Wink had directed her to Nuada's training area while he returned to the market to take care of some business. She remained hidden in the shadows as he flew around the small room. Every movement he made was as beautiful as it was deadly. Emily found she was no longer afraid of him but entranced by the quiet strength he held.

"What do you want Woman?" he asked and Emily saw that he had stopped. He didn't face her as he asked his question.

Emily was silent, not sure how to answer.

"I asked you a question." He said dangerously. "Why are you here?"

Emily stepped out of the shadows. She hadn't anticipated him being this angry with her but she should have.

"You didn't come for me." She said in answer.

"And what made you think I would?" he smirked.

"I don't know, only everything you have told me before now." She retorted.

He turned towards her then and fixed her with an icy glare, "You only proved me right. You're nothing but a lowly human. You're just like them!" he said as he gestured violently to the streets above them. "I didn't come for you because I saw a way out. Beloved or no beloved I don't want you."

Emily shook her head, "You don't mean that, you can't."

"Oh, I do. Now get out of my sight. I have a race to destroy." He said as he turned away from her.

"No!" she cried. "I will not leave. I can't believe I'm hearing this from you. Two days ago you told me that I had no choice but to marry you and now you are sending me away? I don't understand."

"I was thinking foolishly then." He said as he set his spear down on the rock ledge. "I thought you were what I needed. It turns out you were simply a distraction."

"You're lying. At least have the decency to tell me the truth."

"The truth?" he chuckled. "I could demand the same of you."

"I haven't lied to you."

"Tell me why you are really here!" he demanded.

Emily readied to throw a quick retort but she stopped herself. Why was she really here? A few days ago she would have given anything to be released from Nuada. Then, when she had her freedom she had come right back to him. The force of the truth hit her so hard she nearly stumbled backward. Gosh, how she had been blind.

She walked up to him and raised her hand to his back but stilled, "You've got me." She said simply.

Nuada froze, his head turned slightly towards her. "What did you say?"

"You've got me Nuada. For as long as you want me. I'm not sure when it happened but of all the places I could be, I'm here. And if you want me to leave then you're going to have to force me out of here yourself."

He did turn to look at her then. "You're certain?"

Emily placed her hand on his pale chest. "Yes." She held her other hand out to him. "I think it is tricky glamour removal time."

Nuada took her hand and smiled, yes, actually smiled. Emily found she liked that.

"Is it going to hurt?" she asked.

Nuada looked down at her, "It's already done."

Emily stepped away and looked down at herself. Her worn jeans and black top had become a thin blue gown that hung on her in what she guessed was a roman fashion. Her normally pale skin had darkened considerably to an olive tone and her chin length black hair now fell in golden waves down her back.

"This is how you see me?" she whispered.

"Aye, and now this is how you will be seen to anyone who lays eyes on you."

He must have seen her worried expression, "Are you sure this is what you want?" he asked.

Emily was so touched by that simple question; amazed that he was worried about her feelings. It gave her the courage to say what she did next.

"You're not done yet. I want, no, I need to hear you call me by my name."

Nuada closed the distance between them. His pale fingers brushed against her cheek and he brought his lips down to hers in a quick but lingering kiss. "Isella, your name is Isella."