Chapter 1

As I blacked out into the darkness I slowly began to adapt to my surroundings in the human world. As much as I missed and loved Heath, I had duties to fulfil and enemies to defeat; Heath's world was so peaceful, so beautiful and as I thought of that place I had just left more and more, I began to loath Heath. Although knowing he'd much rather be here with me, I wish my life was as simple and easy as his.

'Zoey!' As my hearing adjusted itself to compromise with my mind, I heard him cry my name in not much more than a whisper. I recognized the manly tone in this voice; it was Stark. The pain, sadness and the defeated voice carried on.

'Nyx, I beg you, please bring Zoey back to me; how could I possibly live without my soulmate? I'd rather die than be without her.' His sweaty palms squeezed my hands nervously and I wanted more than anything to tell him that everything is going to be okay, that we are going to be okay. Once again my body responded to deal with my needs.

'Stark…' The sound of my voice was so dull but somehow alerting and impatient. Perhaps it was my inability to hold back my irresistible urge to stop him grieving. His strong and passionate feelings were driving me to insanity let alone him. If this carried on, I would eventually be on the verge of suicide, this pain and anger was still growing on me.

'Stark, I'm here and I doubt I could be in any other heaven other than beside you.' My eyes fluttered open and as I watched him, his eyed suddenly seemed very cloudy and full of tears. He was speechless. In a matter of seconds, his lips twitched into a broad smile, happiness reflected in every direction off his gleaming skin.

'Zoey! I thank you so much Nyx for bringing back my Zoey, for giving me back the other half of my soul; I promise to love her and look after her always from now on. I give my word to never let down you or her ever again and I would understand it if you punish me severely for this sin. As long as I live, I will be a faithful and strong warrior for my High Priestess. I will never fail you again.' He seemed very distant and this reminded me back to his prayer to the goddess not too long ago.

'It wasn't your fault Stark; you have never failed Nyx as like you have never failed me; and you already are my strong and faithful warrior. I love you Stark.' I could make out a very distracted and confused face and as I paid attention to his thoughts I could hear his million questions unanswered in his head.

'Why doesn't she hate me? Does she really love me? Why? When have I ever done anything to deserve such a beautiful, talented, powerful High Priestess? I have failed her and she must be lying to make me feel better; as soon as she is well again I will ask her if she no longer wants me by her side; banishing me would be for the better…'

'James Stark, now you listen to me loud and clear. I don't hate you because there is no reason to and I wouldn't lie to you; if it weren't for you I would probably be dead by now. With you by my side I feel safe and loved; I can't bear live without you and I promise you, I will never banish you. You have done everything to deserve me, although I do ask myself that question regularly, if I deserve this handsome, caring, honest and mostly loving Warrior when I have done nothing to prove myself worthy of you. I am well, but I don't want you to leave my side, ever… well unless you do not want to be here…'

As he was about to argue back, a small, timid sound came from the door. I knew instantly that Stark and I bawling at each other had been awfully loud and they didn't know I was awake.

'Come in! You know, you lot are awfully unsubtle!' I said as the door slowly slid open and I saw each of my friends bustling loudly into the room. As soon as they saw me, a huge grin slip across each of their faces, as they gathered around my bed I felt joyous and content of having almost all the people I loved and cared for around me.

'Z, how you doing? Need anything? Brown pop?' Jack asked helpfully.

'I'm not dead, brown pop sounds lovely! Thanks Jack!' The crowd around me passed uncertain looks around me; something was going on and I wanted to know. I carried on.

'What? Stop trying to hide whatever that secret is because you know you guys can tell me anything.'

'Urm… well… okay but I doubt you'll like it. Guys, she would find out sooner or later and if she finds out now, it will be easier for her instead of finding out herself,' Aphrodite began.

'Yeah, good point… basically Z, your tattoos have gone,' Erin started.

'But your mark is still there,' Shaunee finished. My fingers slowly fumbled towards my mark. Just then Professor Lenobia walked in.

'Oh Zoey, you've woken up and I'm guessing your wonderful friends have told you about your mark,'

'Yes, I found out just now,' I said glaring at the innocent smiling faces surrounding me.

'Well, I think it may be because half of your soul has born into someone else.' She said mysteriously leaving me in total blackness; I was curious to know and I wouldn't and couldn't leave without an explanation. This is most likely crucial information, which I needed to know.