I don't know why I offered refuge to Victoria―she was the reason I was oppressed.
Who did I think I was―Michael, the arch-angel come to do battle with Satan? It was preposterous, but not when I considered how I had fallen and succumbed to her charms.
And now I saw myself on some glorious quest, allying forces with Breton to join battle against the forces of darkness, when I didn't know myself which way to turn or go...
It was absurd, but I sensed that beyond my folly I had fallen for her and my inglorious efforts, although pathetic, were somehow admirable because I cared for her.
But how would Breton see things? I shuddered to think he'd view me as a fool, but intimidated as I was, I was committed to see the struggle through.
"You know you're taking a great risk, Gray," the old priest cautioned me, "it's one thing to face and defeat your own demons but quite another to try to support another's struggle when you're still vulnerable yourself."
I nodded knowing he was right, but had to confess the truth, "I love her, Father―I tried to fight it, but can't. I'd rather join my fate to hers and take whatever the devil has in store for us because I'd never be happy otherwise."
He patted my arm, "I hear you, but had to caution you. And I understand, but be aware―this struggle will be twice as hard as anything you've had to endure up until now and once in the battle, there's no turning back."
"I know, but I decided to fight with her, whatever it takes."
Breton sensed my resolve and nodded his assent.
"Bring Victoria here this afternoon and we'll begin the first session but from here on you have to stay close to her to support her. It's a huge commitment."
"I'm ready for it," I assured him. I knew I was committed to her simply because I had already decided to spend my life with her and from that, there'd be no turning back.
Breton spent the afternoon counselling Victoria and teaching her how to defend herself spiritually and not give ground to familiar demons that were adept at being able to exploit her weaknesses and her defences.
It was past seven when we broke for the night.
"Let's go to dinner at Milestones," I suggested, and then we should go home and unwind."
Her eyes were dancing,"Sounds like a plan, Professor, but afterwards, your place or mine?
Her remark stopped me in my tracks. I hadn't thought of that.
"Well, I have a couch that converts into a pull-out bed. You can have my room and I'll sleep there, in the den."
She looped her arm around mine and pulled me toward her. "Looks like we're already joined in this together," she smiled mischievously, "you sure you know what you're getting into?"
"I know I can't live without you, so I don't have much choice," I laughed.
"It's strange the things that draw people together," she chuckled, but I'm happy to be fighting this battle with you. Being alone, never was an option."
It felt so natural being with her, so simple and free. I didn't even consider the cost we'd pay for joining our fates because for both of us there was no other way to be.
We had a pleasant meal and lingered over wine, both of us wanting to enjoy the moment before having to go home to what might be a night of battle when the demons would come to take back what they saw as theirs.
I felt an instant anger rage inside me as I envisioned them attacking Victoria and my protective instincts rose in anticipation of the fight.
The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, Breton had warned us as we prepared to leave for the night, and now we had to be prepared for what would almost certainly be a terrifying and exhausting fight.
It was a battle we had to win because our very souls hung in the balance.
