Alexander's men lowered the crucifixes to the ground. Alexander went to Lysimachus as Seleucus located tools to release him. It was too late for Lysimachus, he was dying.

He opened his eyes, to gaze on Alexander. "I failed you."

"You could never fail me," Alexander replied.

A tear ran down the old man's face. "I saw Hephaistion. I held him. He tried to save me."

"Where is he, Lysimachus?"

"I saw them kill him, Alexander. Hephaistion is dead."

Alexander closed his eyes, fighting back the pain. When he opened them Lysimachus lay dead before him. Alexander threw back his head and roared with grief. He picked up his sword, needing revenge. Quickly cutting through the Tyrian ranks he saw a man cowering down in a corner. He raised his sword, stepping forward, about to bring it down for the killing blow.

The man tried to shield himself with his hands. Overcome by fear he managed to speak…to shout…in Greek. "I have the protection of Hephaistion Amyntor…I have the protection of Hephaistion Amyntor."

OOXXOO

Philotas followed the slave along the streets of Tyre, they were deserted, the vast majority of civilians had barricaded themselves in their homes. "Faster," he cried, pushing the slave along. He needed time to kill, and then go back to Alexander, before the battle was won.

"Here. It is here," said the man, gasping for breath.

Philotas looked at the wooden door, at the windowless building. Not believing that Hephaistion could have been kept in such a place. He looked at the slave, trying to ascertain if the man was lying. Why would he lie? He pulled the knife from his belt and opened the door.

It was dark inside the small room; Philotas pushed the door open to let the daylight in. The room stank of goats, dirty straw upon the floor…but no Hephaistion. He closed the door, grabbing onto the slave once more and holding the knife to his throat. "You lied to me. Where is he?"

The man stuttered, trying to think. "He was here. He was."

"Where would they have taken him?"

The man got a sudden inspiration, pointing to the building behind Philotas. "To the palace. He will be in the palace."

OOXXOO

"I am Aristander."

"Where is Hephaistion?"

"They had him in a cell. I was waiting. He needed water."

"Show me."

"He is not there, Sire…King Alexander…he is not there." Aristander looked at the man before him. He looked god-like. He looked like the God of War. Surrounded by soldiers, ready to defend him and fight to the last. His face blood-spattered, desperation in his eyes.

"Where is he?"

"They took him to the palace. I saw them. They took him to the palace."

"Show me. Now!"

Aristander did not hesitate; he set off at a run towards the palace. He heard the King shout orders as he followed. He looked back and saw Alexander with two other men, running with him. He hesitated as he reached the palace.

"What is it?"

"I do not know my way around the palace. I do not know how to guide you."

Alexander placed a hand on Aristander's shoulder, staring at him, wanting him to understand. "I sent emissaries."

"The men they crucified?"

Alexander nodded. "Yes."

"Is there a place they might have been taken? To meet with Azemilk."

"He does not know, Alexander, let the man be," said Ptolemy.

Alexander ignored him. "It would be a grand room…something that would impress visitors."

"The Great Hall. Yes," cried Aristander. "I know it. I know the way." He took off at a run once more, Alexander followed.

Ptolemy turned to Cleitus. "Why are we running? Hephaistion is dead."

"Because Alexander runs…and we protect Alexander," answered Cleitus, hurrying after the King.

OOXXOO

Philotas was growing impatient. The man was leading him through a labyrinth of passages and hallways. He could hear cheers as the City was taken; he was running out of time. "Where is he?" Philotas asked once more.

"Here…he is here," said the man.

"But where?" snapped Philotas.

The man opened a door and ran into a room, grand in design, but Hephaistion was not there. The man called to two slave girls, who huddled in a corner, terrified. They replied to him, pointing at the door. The man repeated what they had said and they confirmed it. He shook his head. "The man you seek is dead."

Philotas gave a sigh of relief.

"The soldiers… Azemilk's men killed him. He was attacking them."

"Where?"

"The Great Hall. They have told me the way, I will show you…then you let me go?"

Philotas nodded and followed the man once more. It was not far, before they reached this Great Hall. Men lay dead there. Their bodies abandoned as battle commenced. Philotas looked amongst the Persian soldiers, saw two of Alexander's men…and Hephaistion, lying in the centre of them all.

As he looked, he heard footsteps. Alexander had arrived.

OOXXOO

Alexander surveyed the scene before him; a battle had taken place here. Blood ran across the marble floor, the bodies lay like broken statues upon it.

Alexander descended the steps before him, his eyes on Hephaistion. He walked slowly, afraid to have all hope extinguished. He thought of the empty tent, of the feeling of loss it conjured up in him. Was that all he would have now? Would he never be with Hephaistion again?

He stood still, aware that Ptolemy and Cleitus were standing on each side of him. They too were hesitant. Disbelieving.

He owed it to Hephaistion to go to him. If he could do nothing more, he could be with him now. He looked at Hephaistion's body and saw the boy running towards him, calling his name, he remembered the late nights of whispered conversation, a hand reaching out for his, laughter, comradeship…love. No more…no more.

He went towards Hephaistion, kneeling by his side; his hand hovered over his body, afraid to touch…afraid to feel the cold grip of death. He saw the blood on Hephaistion's face, the damaged leg…the chains. He needed to get the chains off…Hephaistion should not be in chains.

"Cleitus, find the key, I must undo the chains."

"Yes, Sire." Cleitus began to search the Persian soldiers; one of them might have it.

Alexander looked at Hephaistion's face; a strand of hair lay across it, held there by the blood. It shouldn't be that way. Nothing should cover Hephaistion's face. He raised his hand, and brushed it away, bending forward to kiss Hephaistion's lips. He broke the kiss, hesitating a moment before putting a hand on Hephaistion's shoulder.

"He lives," he whispered. He turned to Ptolemy. "He breathes, he is warm…fetch my physician…fetch Philip!"

Philotas ran over. "He lives, Sire?"

Alexander grinned. "Yes. Fetch a cloak, something to keep him warm." He explored Hephaistion's body, rolling him onto his side, frowning darkly at the whip marks. Then, lifting him into his arms, he held him close to his heart. Philotas returned with a cloak from one of the dead guards. He helped Alexander to cover Hephaistion with it.

"I found keys," shouted Cleitus, hurrying back across the room.

Alexander took them from him, releasing Hephaistion from the cruel chains, noticing the damage they had done. "They have whipped him, Cleitus. See what they have done to him? But no wounds from a sword or scimitar." He removed the rope from Hephaistion's neck, throwing it to one side.

Cleitus stood by, unable to think of what to say.

Philotas returned with the physician, accompanied by Seleucus and Leonnatus. "The battle is won, the City is ours," cried Seleucus, about to say more, until he saw Hephaistion in Alexander's arms.

Alexander was reluctant to release Hephaistion; only Philip's appeals to let him examine the injured man, made him give up his treasure.

All gathered around, waiting for the diagnosis.

The physician looked at Alexander. "He is unconscious, nothing more, but he has a fever that we must treat or we shall lose him."

Philotas spoke. "Just here. I saw a room, there is a bed."

The companions went to assist Alexander, to carry Hephaistion, but Alexander would not have their help. He lifted Hephaistion and carried him, following Philotas to the room he had spoken of. He laid Hephaistion on the bed. Philip was shouting orders, he needed water, cloths, a knife, and his medicine.

Alexander stayed by Hephaistion's side, while the items were being fetched. "Hephaistion…" he whispered. "Wake up." But Hephaistion did not.

Philip used the knife to cut the chiton from Hephaistion's body. He then wet a cloth and began to clean the blood from his face; using vinegar to clean the wound, he then dressed it. "He has been hit twice," he remarked. "One some time before the other."

"He has a hard head," Seleucus said, wishing to relieve some of the tension from the room. They had all been eager for Hephaistion to act as emissary. They were all guilty of believing Koinus.

Philip washed Hephaistion's body with cool water, in an effort to contain the fever. Alexander sat on the bed, lifting Hephaistion up so that the physician could attend to the whip marks. He washed Hephaistion's back and rubbed salve into the wounds before bandaging the injuries. He nodded to Alexander, who reluctantly let Hephaistion go. Then a different salve was rubbed in to Hephaistion's right leg, to heal the bruising. Philip assured Alexander there was nothing broken.

Alexander took Hephaistion's hand in his. "When will he wake?"

"That I can not say," Philip replied.

The door opened and Parmenion entered. "We have Azemilk."

"Bring him here."

Parmenion left the room, returning shortly with Azemilk, who fell to his knees before Alexander. Alexander remained seated on the bed, holding Hephaistion's hand. He put his hand up to his belt and pulled a leather pouch from it, throwing it at Azemilk. It was the same bag of money that Evemerus had given to him.

"Hephaistion is not for sale," he said.

"He lives?" Azemilk asked.

Alexander ignored the question. He ignored Azemilk, turning to look upon Hephaistion. "Take him out of here, put him in Hephaistion's chains, whip him and await my orders."

Azemilk cried out. "No! You can not do this…I am a Satrap…he is just a soldier…your whore…"

"He is the other half of me," snapped Alexander, rising from the bed. "What you have done to him, you have done to me." He was enraged, here was the man responsible, the man who had killed Lysimachus, might yet be responsible for Hephaistion's death. "Chain him, whip him…and then crucify him. Crucify his men, every last one of them."

Cleitus had fetched the chains. Azemilk was frozen with fear, unable to struggle as they were placed on him. Unable to walk, he was dragged from the room, his screams dying off into the distance.

OOXXOO

Alexander stayed by Hephaistion's side. He gave orders to his companions, and watched them leave. He assisted Philip in Hephaistion's care, holding him as Philip bathed Hephaistion once more before pulling back the covers on the bed and wrapping Hephaistion in them.

"Will he live?"

"I can not say, Sire," the physician answered. "I would have expected him to have come round by now. It is troubling. There is nothing more I can do for now." Philip picked up a bowl of water and left the room

Alexander lay by Hephaistion's side, watching him, placing a hand on his chest to find comfort in the rise and fall of it. As he prayed for Hephaistion to wake, his own eyes closed. The fatigue of the last few days finally catching up with him, he fell asleep.

OOXXOO

Philotas located his father in a room of the palace he had taken over to use as a command post. Parmenion took him to one side. "You failed me," he whispered.

"I tried, Father."

"Not good enough. After all I have done, all I have been through, nothing has changed."

"He may still die."

"Not soon enough." Parmenion checked himself; in his anger his words grew louder. "We have lost our chance, we must suffer the consequences and be glad we still have our lives." He sighed. "It takes a strong man to order the assassination of another…perhaps I am not strong enough. I had hoped…but now I will settle for what I have."

"You may have another chance, Father."

Parmenion shook his head. "I should have kept this to myself. I should not have implicated you. You are my son, I will not endanger you again."

Philotas smiled and embraced his father, quickly exiting the room before he cried like a baby.

Parmenion smiled. "You will be the death of me, Philotas," he said, before getting back to his work.

OOXXOO

Alexander awoke, to stare into blue eyes. "Hephaistion?" he breathed, not sure if he was still dreaming.

"My Alexander," Hephaistion replied, reaching to take Alexander's hand.

Alexander sat up. "You are awake."

Hephaistion nodded, and then grimaced a little, as his head complained at the movement.

Alexander moved off the bed. "I will fetch Philip. He can give you something for the pain." He kissed the back of Hephaistion's hand, before letting it go, and hurried to the door, calling for Philip. When he returned he was afraid that Hephaistion would no longer be awake. The blue eyes were still staring at him.

"You are a dream," Hephaistion whispered.

"No, I am here," Alexander replied, taking Hephaistion's hand once more and clasping it to him.

Philip came in, followed by Alexander's servant, Leptine. "So the patient is awake," he said, putting his hand up to Hephaistion's face. "The fever is still there." He turned to take a bowl from a page. "Here, Hephaistion, I want you to drink." He lifted Hephaistion's head up, holding the bowl to his lips.

The medicine in the bowl tasted bitter. Hephaistion pulled away from it. "It tastes dreadful," he muttered.

"It will heal you."

Hephaistion was reluctant to drink more.

"Drink it, Hephaistion," Alexander ordered gently, smiling as his soul mate swallowed the medicine without any further protest.

"You have taken the city?" Hephaistion asked.

"Yes."

"And Azemilk…"

"If my orders have been followed, he is crucified…along with his men."

"Be merciful…"

Alexander gazed down at Hephaistion. "If you wish it, Hephaistion, I will spare them…but they will be sold into slavery…that is as much as I will grant them. They shall have a taste of what you suffered. There will be no clemency."

Hephaistion closed his eyes.

"The medicine will make him sleep, Sire. It will let him rest."

Hephaistion's eyes opened once more, alarmed. "Aristander. There is a man called Aristander…"

"He is safe," Alexander soothed. "Rest now, Hephaistion. You must get well." He kissed Hephaistion's forehead, nose, and lips.

Hephaistion smiled. "My Achilles…your Patroclus will dream of you."

Alexander kissed his lips once more.

"I love you," Hephaistion whispered, as he drifted into sleep.

Alexander looked at Philip. The physician knew Alexander's fears. "He will recover," he assured his King. "He just needs time." He smiled. "You should go wash, eat and rest some more. I will stay with Hephaistion, I will not leave his side, I promise you."

Alexander nodded. He spoke to the page, asking him to go and prepare a bath for him. The boy hurried from the room, to carry out his bidding.

Alexander took a step back from the bed, his eyes not leaving Hephaistion. "And you will tell me when he wakes?"

"Yes, Sire," replied Philip.

Alexander took another step backwards. "And if he needs me?"

"Yes, Sire."

Alexander took one more lingering look, before heading from the room.

OOXXOO

Aristander had been waiting for the King. He had spent so many years in service that his newfound freedom felt uncomfortable to him. He felt as if he belonged to Alexander.

Not knowing any protocol, he hesitated on seeing Alexander leave the room, where they had taken Hephaistion. He stepped forward, and then took a moment to study the King's face; it showed a mixture of concern and happiness. Aristander had become an expert at studying people, it often saved him a beating if he could pre-judge a person's moods.

When he had first seen Hephaistion, he had been overwhelmed at the man's courage in the face of adversity. He wanted to know the man, like he wanted to serve Alexander.

The god-like image of Alexander in the midst of battle, stayed with Aristander. Tempered with the image of him caring for Hephaistion, the love that was there. The love that was there. Aristander suddenly realised the nature of the relationship between the two men. Like the sun coming out from behind a cloud. He smiled with the realisation; the two men deserved each other, that's why they shone.

He stepped forward, wanting to bask in the light. Then he hesitated as Alexander looked at him, not knowing whether he should bow or kneel, he opted for the latter but Alexander stopped him.

"Stand up, Aristander," he said, taking his arms and raising him up. "Hephaistion gave you his protection, I intend to repay any kindness you showed to him."

Aristander shook his head. "I do not need anything…Sire, King Alexander, my lord. I saw what they did…when they whipped him in the square. He was so brave to bear it. I looked for him then, and when I could I gave him water. I wanted to do more. He told me to keep safe, but I had to come and find you, to tell you where he was."

"And I almost killed you for your trouble." Alexander smiled. He put his hand on Aristander's shoulder. "I will make sure you are rewarded, Aristander."

"How is General Hephaistion…Sire?"

"He is resting."

"King Alexander…Sire, I don't know what to do. I am so used to following orders. What should I do?"

"My physician, Philip, is attending to Hephaistion. If you like you may go and assist him."

Aristander grinned. "Yes Sire, King Alexander, my…"

Alexander returned the grin. "You may call me Alexander." He walked on, seeking the page to show him to his bath.

Aristander watched him go, his mouth open with surprise. "Thank you…Alexander," he said, smiling at the sound of his words, he went to find Hephaistion.

OOXXOO

It took a few days before Hephaistion fully recovered from the fever. By this time things were well in order, and Alexander was preparing to move on. He had spent every spare moment he had at Hephaistion's side. Cajoling him to take his medicine, and to eat what Philip said he could eat.

Likewise, when Alexander could not be with him, Aristander informed Hephaistion of Alexander's whereabouts, and what was happening in the city.

Two thousand men had been crucified, along the causeway. The other citizens had been enslaved. As Alexander had said, that was as much mercy as he was prepared to offer. He needed to set an example, to show other cities what would happen if they resisted. He had done the same at Thebes, within the first year of his reign.

Aristander wished to follow the army, but Alexander would not allow it. The man had no fighting experience, and would surely be killed in the next battle, no matter how bravely he fought. Aristander could not be expected to serve; he could not cook, write or handle horses.

Hephaistion had spoken to Alexander about what would be best for Aristander. Alexander had already rewarded him well for the kindness he had shown, and on talking to him; he could see that Aristander regarded Tyre as his home, no matter how bad the memories.

He also had a family to think of, a baby daughter to consider. He had brought the little girl to Hephaistion, showing her off like any proud father.

"You did not tell me of her," chided Hephaistion.

"There was no time to talk," Aristander reminded him. "I was concerned for you, Hephaistion."

"Alexander has offered you a position here, in the city?"

Aristander grinned. "Yes. As adviser to Demetrius, who will stay here as commander of the garrison. He will not need me to advise him of much, but it will keep me busy." He sighed, and smiled. "My life has changed so much. I thank you for it."

Hephaistion smiled in return. "I am glad."

Aristander hesitated. "They say that Alexander will leave for Egypt tomorrow. Will you go with him?"

"Yes. My place is with Alexander."

"And his is with you," noted Aristander. "Are you well enough?"

"I am anxious to be up, Aristander. Alexander will not allow it, although Philip says I have regained my strength. I feel my strength returned. I wish to be up, if it were not for you advising me of what is going on…"

"You are to stay in bed until I tell you otherwise," Alexander had entered the room; he went over to Hephaistion, sitting on the bed beside him. Alexander smiled, and held his hand against Hephaistion's face, as if checking for any sign of fever.

Hephaistion took Alexander's hand, lingering a moment longer than necessary, before letting it go. "I wish to see what is going on outside of this room," he complained.

"And I say you stay in bed, and regain your strength."

"I have regained it. I am well, Alexander. Fetch my clothes, and let me up."

"Tomorrow, when we leave, will be soon enough. What do you say, Aristander?"

"Do not involve me in this, Alexander," Aristander laughed. "I shall go, and leave the two of you alone."

Alexander smiled. "Tell the guard we are not to be disturbed."

Aristander grinned and hurried from the room.

Alexander turned to Hephaistion. "So you have regained your strength, and you want to be with me?"

"You were spying on us?"

"I may have listened at the door before I entered," admitted Alexander, moving to straddle Hephaistion on the bed. "I asked a question, you have still to answer. You think you have regained your strength?"

"I am stronger than ever."

Alexander kissed Hephaistion's forehead, his nose, and his lips. "Let me be the judge of that," he whispered, lowering himself on to Hephaistion's body.

OOXXOO

The next morning the army prepared to head to Egypt. Alexander appeared with Hephaistion, greeted by cheers from the army. Each man, from cavalryman to cook, knew how important Hephaistion was in Alexander's life. They worried for him when Hephaistion was taken. Now they felt relief that their King had his closest friend beside him once more.

Ptolemy, Seleucus, Perdiccas, Craterus and Cleitus were there, waiting. They slapped Hephaistion on the back, joking with him, happy to see him amongst them once more.

Hephaistion went to his horse. Alexander hurried over, anxious to help him. Hephaistion laughed as he leapt on to his horse's back, before Alexander could reach him. He offered to dismount and help Alexander on to Bucephalus, if he needed it, that he might be particularly tired himself this morning.

Alexander grinned, and mounted Bucephalus. Trumpets sounded, and the army began to move.

Hephaistion saw Aristander, standing on some steps. He had already said goodbye, but goodbyes are hardest when you are unlikely to see the other again. He pushed his horse on, going over to Aristander; then saying nothing, he leaned forward and kissed Aristander's cheek. As he straightened up, he could see tears rolling down Aristander's face. Hephaistion smiled, reined his horse back a few steps, then turned and went to join Alexander.

They headed out along the causeway. The crucifixes still remained. Among the first few, was that of Azemilk. Hephaistion halted to look at it, Alexander stopped too.

"He could have kept his kingdom," Hephaistion noted. "All he had to do was open the gates."

"He signed his own death warrant," said Alexander.

Hephaistion rode on, with Alexander alongside him. "I always hoped that I would see you again. I just had to wait…and you did not make me wait too long."

"Long enough, Hephaistion. I almost lost you."

Hephaistion held his hand out to Alexander. Alexander took it. "You will never lose me, Alexander. I will always be with you. My love is eternal."

Alexander smiled. "Likewise," he replied.

They rode on, happy to be moving on after the long siege. Alexander was in high spirits, galloping along the line on Bucephalus, stopping to joke with the soldiers, telling them what he knew of Egypt, inspiring them.

The camp had been dismantled and moved a short distance away from Tyre. Alexander had not wanted to push Hephaistion too hard on his first day on horseback since the events at Tyre. Calling his companions to him, he invited then to a feast at his tent that evening. He ordered Hephaistion to go to his own tent and rest beforehand.

Hephaistion followed Alexander's orders but could not sleep. It was the first time he had been alone for a long time.

He tried to read, then to write a letter. Finally. he ordered a servant to fetch water so that he could wash and dress for the evening. He took trouble over his appearance, hoping that Alexander would ask him to stay with him that night.

He also hoped that he would be early enough, to spend time alone with Alexander, but Perdiccas and Seleucus were already there. He greeted Alexander and his other friends, taking wine that was offered him by a servant. As was the Macedonian way, the wine was watered down. A little too well watered down, Hephaistion thought.

Obviously, Alexander did not wish anyone to get drunk tonight.

It was a good feast. Just the companions, talking over past times, remembering Lysimachus, events at Pella, how they met and their education at Mieza.

Alexander could not take his eyes from Hephaistion all evening. As it got later, the companions thought it best to leave Alexander and Hephaistion alone. Ptolemy got to his feet and the others followed his lead. Hephaistion stayed seated.

"And you, Hephaistion," Alexander smiled. "Do you not wish to get to your bed?"

Hephaistion hesitated a moment before standing.

Ptolemy put his arm around Hephaistion's shoulder, laughing. "Come, Hephaistion I will act as escort.

Perdiccas and Seleucus fell in behind, acting as an inept pair of foot soldiers, tripping over their feet and unable to march in time. Hephaistion looked over his shoulder at Alexander, as Ptolemy led him away. They had been too long separated, this did not seem right. He smiled though, at his friends' jesting, Alexander was smiling too.

Once outside, the small procession turned to the left. Making a parade of it. Ptolemy kept a firm hold of Hephaistion, and as they arrived outside of a tent Perdiccas and Seleucus became trumpeters…inept trumpeters. Hephaistion laughed. "This is not my tent."

"Not your tent?" asked Ptolemy. He studied it for a moment and then turned to his two men. "This is not his tent," he stated.

"The wine was not so strong tonight, Ptolemy. What has got into you?"

Ptolemy turned Hephaistion around and the procession headed off once more. "I am happy to have you back, Hephaistion. I am happy to be heading away from Tyre. I am happy to be amongst friends. Happiness, Hephaistion…that has made me like this."

As they approached Hephaistion's tent, Ptolemy released him. The ill-trained foot soldiers saluted, and then disappeared into the night.

"Sleep well, Hephaistion, I am glad that you are back. I dreaded to think what dark days there might be if you had gone," said Ptolemy, suddenly serious and looking over to Alexander's tent as he spoke. Hephaistion could not resist glancing in that direction; the lamps were being dimmed, he saw the pages leave the tent.

He embraced Ptolemy closely. "I am glad to be back," he replied. "Sleep well, Ptolemy."

Ptolemy went on his way. Hephaistion sighed and entered his tent; a single lamp glowed, left by a servant to light his way to bed.

"I thought you would never get here."

Hephaistion looked up. Alexander was lying, naked, in his bed.

"I took the long route home," smiled Hephaistion.

"Too long," replied Alexander.

"Not that I am complaining, but what are you doing here?"

Alexander smiled. "I wish to make some memories of being here with you. Now do you want to talk all night, or are you coming to join me?"

Hephaistion mirrored Alexander's smile. He removed his sandals, before undoing the belt on his chiton. Slowly, he reached up to unclip the chiton, letting it fall to the floor, leaving him naked.

Alexander watched him, with hungry eyes. Pulling back the blankets, to invite Hephaistion to lie with him. Letting Hephaistion see how aroused he was.

Hephaistion did not hesitate, needing to feel Alexander's warmth against him. "What memories did you have in mind," whispered Hephaistion, placing a gentle kiss on Alexander's mouth.

Alexander kissed him back. "To feel alive, Hephaistion…I much prefer this place the way it is tonight. With its half-written letters, clothes tossed aside and discarded books…and you here amongst it all." He caressed the side of Hephaistion's face, tears in his eyes. "I almost lost you, Hephaistion. I didn't like the feeling."

Hephaistion embraced Alexander, holding him tightly. "I am here now, Alexander. You didn't lose me."

"But…"

"Don't, Alexander. Don't do this to yourself. Let us live for the day…"

"And make love in the night," smiled Alexander, returning Hephaistion's embrace. He sought Hephaistion's lips, kissing with a passion that was returned in full.

THE END