"Perhaps it isn't. May I ask as to what your point is with that statement?" D'Artigo was finding this amusing. And at least Ciridia wasn't so depressed anymore.

"I know you're not stupid."

She ran a hand down his chest.

"Figure it out."

"That, Lyca, is the woman's job. I know you're not stupid. You should've known that."

"I'm scared you'll bite if I touch the mask."

"The mask comes off when I feed. I don't plan on feeding tonight, so the mask stays on. Unless you want that. Everything else however," D'Artigo's eyes flickered with a dangerous glare. "Is fair game."

"Bite then. But don't kill."

"Unless you can't handle that.."

"I can handle the biting. But when you combine the biting with the ecstasy of sex, then not all of my lovers can handle it. I would say that until we know how this goes, the mask stays on. What do you say?"

"Hmmm, fine."

She closed her eyes alittle and began stripping him.

D'Artigo had almost forgotten, but as Ciridia's fingers began touching his skin, he remembered his scars. He didn't want her to see them. Focusing inward, and taking deep breaths, he felt his illusion magic coursing through him. Quickly, his skin was being covered with magic, as his scars disappeared from sight. His breathing shallow and strained now, he looked down at Ciridia, silver flecks now obvious in his golden eyes, from having to have worked magic that fast.

"You know I don't care about them."

Her eyes locked onto his as she said this.

"Don't ask how I know. It's for another time."

"You saw them at the witches house, didn't you?" D'Artigo looked away. "You... you weren't meant to see them. Nobody was."

"No, sometimes I just know these things. And it truly doesn't matter to me."

"But it matters to me. I don't want these scars to show when I am with another woman. If I have them visible, it reminds me of when I was with her... the second time. I do not wish to relive that."

"It dosn't matter what you choose to do. I'm fine."

"Do you wish to take the lead?" He looked at he challengingly. "Or should I?"