1 Introduction

Crystal, a dark woman learned of life's secrets, stood alone on the beach, gazing over the ocean-colored water with her wretched silvery windows to her soul. Gazing emptily into the wind, she embraced the cool ocean breeze against her scalp. She tried to deny the stirrings in her heart as she discreetly patted at her sheathed dagger. She wore a light brown featureless robe, covering her from head to foot. She had a lachrymose visage with a glowing milky, tinted with sepia, head. An elaborate tattoo snaked its way around her visible skin. Furry ears flicked at the top of her head, and she twitched her pitch-dark tail.

Her thoughts wandered to her days in Francesca's company. It must have been fate in mortal form that brought them together. She knew from the moment she laid eyes on him that they were meant to be. From then on, Crystal was sometimes needy and close, but then suddenly cold and fearful. Blake tried his best to hide his pain, but it was plain in his orbs. That was how it was to this very day.