Faustus's Extraordinary New Student, chapter 8

 The following morning found the pair of them curled around each other in gentle sleep. Freya woke slowly, and found herself pressed gently to Faustus's chest, his arms around her. She couldn't move without waking him, and she so hated to disturb him as he looked so peaceful in his sleep.

Tilting her head up, she claimed his lips in a tender, soft kiss before she pulled back to smile lightly at him. "Good morning, my Love." She whispered. "Faustus….a new day came without you." She giggled softly.

As much as she would love to stay curled up in his arms, her body had other ideas and now that she was awake and better, they both had strict schedules to keep. That is, if Faustus even let her leave the bed for another day. Insisting that she rest or some such silly notion as that. That thought made her giggle again, as he had changed so much from the cold, aloof man he had been to the one who loved her beyond life itself. Still, she would rest one more day if he insisted, but he had work to do, and she would not hold him back from it.

"Come, Love. I must move…" Her smile playful as she arched lightly against him. She needed a bath, among other things and the way they were curled up together, she could not move without dumping Faustus to the floor.

Faustus moaned in his sleep as he felt her body moving. "Mmmm, Freya," he murmured. Then he slowly stirred into awakening.

He blinked over at her. "Yes… Well, please don't strain yourself overmuch, and call for me if you need anything," he said.

A soft chuckle escaped her at how cute Faustus sounded as he stirred awake. "I promise, I will be careful. Could you get some breakfast while I am taking care of things? Please Love? I am starving again." She giggled and kissed him again before somehow detangling herself from him and heading towards the bathroom.

Ugh! She looked as badly as she felt, but she felt better today so she decided, after she saw to her toiletries to take a bath. She ran the water and undressed, kicking her clothes behind her as she slipped into the water.

Closing her eyes, she let the heat of the water soothe her aches and pains. Only, as she lay there, she felt something quite…odd. A few moments passed before she opened her eyes again and when she did, her eyes went wide! Where there should have been her legs, there was a….fish tail!? "OHHHH!" She exclaimed before she caught herself and slapped a hand over her mouth. Faustus couldn't see her like this!

Faustus nodded and went to get them a feast. He reasoned that they deserved it after all they'd been through in the past few days.

When he came back Freya was not out of the bath yet. He knocked gently on the door after setting down their tray.

"Are you quite alright, love?" he asked.

Hearing Faustus's knock lightly at the door, Freya panicked! He couldn't see her like this! What had even happened! This was to weird even for her! "Yes, I am fine, Love. Be right out!" She tried to keep her voice normal, but even she could hear the slight panicked tones.

Waving her hand, she promptly locked the door. Which was stupid because she knew Faustus could either unlock it himself or simply break it down. Also, throwing the lock painted more suspicion on the situation, but she wasn't thinking about that right now. Only…how to get rid of this awful fish tail!!

Faustus didn't believe that for a second, but he respected Freya's privacy and did not try to unlock the door. "Are you sure you don't need me to call a Medi-witch for you? You've not been recovered for long, my love."

"I'm fine!" Freya called out again, trying to get better control over her voice. "I'm fine, Love. Honest!" She somehow managed to pull the plug and arching her back slightly, grabbed a nearby towel and as the water drained, rubbed herself dry rapidly.

"Come on…!" She muttered under her breath. "Go away…go back to legs…what the ever-loving hell!" Those words she kept low for her ears only as she cursed up a blue streak as she dried herself off and watched as the tail faded and her legs returned. Thank Satan!

She sat there a few moments more, before she stood and stepped out of the tub to dress. Unlocking the door, she exited and cast Faustus a shy but bright smile. "Sorry, Love. Didn't mean to worry you."

Faustus nodded, assuming she had merely had a clumsy moment and been embarrassed. "Very well, then. Breakfast is served." He took her hand and kissed it, then led her to the table.

Upon seeing the feast that awaited them, Freya's eyes lit up. Soup was all well and good for a start the other day, but this, this she would enjoy immensely! "Thank you, my Love. It all looks so good."

She settled into her seat and taking a plate, took a small bit of everything and began to eat. Slowly, so as not to make herself sick or make another mess. Her hands weren't as shaky today either, she noticed and though some of her joints still felt stiff, she didn't hurt as badly either.

After a few bites, she lifted her eyes back to Faustus's and smiled. "So, what is on the agenda for today, Love?" She asked, curious as to what the day would hold. Classes had resumed considering the festival, and she desperately wanted to attend, but knew she might have one more day of rest ahead of her. She also wanted to attend to show….whoever it was that had cursed her, that she was fit and fine and still kicking. That taking down a Hew was next to impossible…not entirely true, but it made Freya giggle to think of it in those terms.

Faustus raised an eyebrow. "There's school, of course. Unless you wanted to take the day off and relax," he offered

"No, no. I'm good." She giggled as she realized she spoke to fast. "That's what I was hoping you would say." She smiled up at him, playfully.

He smiled back at her. "Then eat up, my love. You'll need your strength. I won't go easy on you in class," he said winkingly. Truth be told, he did intend to be a bit lenient, but only because she was still recovering.

"I would hope for nothing less, my love." She chuckled softly and finished her meal. She ate every bit of what she took and even went back for seconds; but once she was done, she stood and went back to the bathroom to brush her teeth.

Though, the sight of the water coming out of the faucet made her pause. Only a second before she completed her necessities and returned to gather her things. "Have a wonderful day, My Love. See you in class." She said softly as she kissed Faustus goodbye and turned to head out to her first class of the day. It being an odd day, it was herbology.

Upon walking into class, every single person went silent at seeing her. Anton, she noticed, looked happy to see her as did a few other people she had been getting to know. Her eyes raked over her fellows as she made her way to her seat and they paused on Ursula, who looked confused and then furious! Freya paid her no mind and sat back to learn once the teacher began the lecture.

While Freya was safely tucked away in class, or so Faustus thought, Faustus set about catching up on the work he had missed while tending to her. Thankfully, there were no urgent matters. As for his lesson plan, he supposed he would have to wing it. He sighed to himself.

"A pop quiz sounds in order," he muttered aloud.

Herbology class went well. Freya took notes that would help her catch up and she answered a few questions that she did know. Overall, it was a good class and Freya felt refreshed in a way that she hadn't missed much while she had been out.

Once class was dismissed, Anton came over to walk with her to their next class and gushed about how glad he was she was alright and back in classes again. Freya smiled at him as they conversed, for he was a good friend and it was as they were walking together, that she heard it. A low whisper, but not low enough, meant for her to hear surely. She froze in her steps and turned to look behind her, only to find Ursula standing a few feet from her. Seemingly having noticed that Freya had caught her whisper and smiled that sappy, smug smile at her.

"Can I help you, little witch?" Ursula's voice was sickeningly sweet as she tilted her head ever so slightly.

"What did you say?" Freya asked, feeling her body stiffen at the words she thought she had heard. Anton, at her side in a moment, in case she reacted again.

"Freya…come on." He urgently whispered to her.

"No, no. I want to know what she said." Freya's eyes flashed in warning as she glared at Ursula.

"You know what I said, Little Witch. I didn't stutter." Ursula's tone dripped acid.

"I know, I just want to see if you would be stupid enough to say it again."

At this, Ursula stiffened. Freya was not backing down nor looking meek like she had been the first time she had bullied her. But then, she had never directly said anything as badly as she had just now either. That it was about the High Priest, of all people was considered blasphemous. But, not one to be put off either, her eyes narrowed as she spat that venom back at the witch she hated.

"I was just saying I wondered what the High Priest gave up to make you better. Word has it that you were dead, and yet, here you stand. Pity. To cuckhold such a man as him, to get a worthless piece of spellcaster like you, back. If that is true, then surely the Dark Lord should replace him….with someone more HIS equal."

Freya grew only angrier as she heard the venom Ursula spit from that wicked mouth of hers. But this time, it was different. Instead of casting outwardly, she held tight to that infernal fire within her and shoved it into her eyes instead. Allowing Ursula to see the hellfire within her as she slowly advanced upon her. By this time, every student in the halls had frozen and watched. For no one would EVER dare to openly speak that way. Even more so about their High Priest.

"I would be very careful of what I say from now on, if I were you, Ursula." Her words clipped with anger, and she revelled that the girl took a few steps back from her after looking her in the eyes. "A curse such as that, is not for the faint of heart, and we wouldn't want to be throwing such curses around, now would we?" Her smile wicked as she said in no uncertain terms that she knew or at least suspected Ursula of hexing her.

"You don't frighten me, Hew!" Ursula said hastily.

"No? Then why is it in your eyes?" She giggled softly before turning serious once more and all but leaned in her face. "One word. That's all I need, Ursula. One word and I would have you on your knees before HIM and the High Priest both! And who knows what they will decided to do with you for saying such a blasphemous statement. Keep that in mind before you slag off my intended, YOUR High Priest again. Because next time, I will not be so…magnanimous….and before I utter said word, I will have my fun with you first." She let her eyes flare just the briefest moment and giggled softly to herself as Ursula gulped and paled. "Good, I can see you agree. Have a lovely day." She turned, walking off and smiled to herself as Anton turned to follow.

"What—what was that?" He asked.

"Nothing, Anton. That was nothing at all."

"If you're wondering anything about me," Faustus spoke up from behind Ursula as Freya and Anton turned to leave, "why don't you have the courage to come ask me yourself? As for the Dark Lord, would you like to take your concerns to him as well? I'm certain he'd be interested to know that you think you can run his affairs better than he can." He stood tall, with folded arms, a vaguely amused smirk crossing his lips. His expression turned serious when he was certain he had her attention.

"You realize I have every right to expel you and excommunicate you," he said. "I do not care how you feel about Freya or myself, but you will keep a civil tongue in your mouth if you wish to remain in the Church of Night. Do I make myself clear?"

Freya hid a smile as she heard Faustus's words and it was noticeably clear that he was angry. She could all but feel it from where she stood, and she shivered a little in delight. She turned back to watch as Ursula caved in upon herself at the High Priests words and Freya got some sick sort of delight out of that as well but didn't let it show.

——

Turning on her heel, hearing the voice of the High Priest behind her, Ursula paled as she had been caught in her words and actions before all assembled. There was no way out of this this time, for it wasn't just Freya and herself; but half the school had frozen at the confrontation within the halls and was watching.

So much hate raged within her. At Freya, at the High Priest. Yet she tried to keep it off her face as she stood there and took Faustus's tirade, knowing he was right. And knowing that, made her hate them both more! Why should Freya get the High Priest's attention? What made HER so special! Why would he change his ways, completely, for HER!? When she had been trying for years to catch his eye. It wasn't fair!

But she could only stand there and nod, when Faustus was finished speaking, lowering her eyes in what she hoped was a deferential way. "Yes, Father. Forgive me." She said softly, hoping to keep the malice out of her voice and turned to head the way she had come.

They would pay! Both of them! There was more than one way to get what she wanted. The Anti-pope was set to visit the coven in a month’s time. She had to figure something out before then, because he was coming not only to see how the Coven faired, but to meet Freya. NO! That couldn't happen! He couldn't give his blessing to this! It wouldn't happen!

Faustus gave a brief nod and went on his way to run his demonology class.

He stormed through both doors, throwing them wide open, and slammed his books down on the podium. "Listen up, you little shits," he snarled, "I can't be bothered to teach you nitwits today, so instead, we're having a pop quiz. Do well, and you'll be permitted to remain in my class. Do poorly, and you're all put on your arses. Luckily for you dunderheads, today's quiz will be graded on a curve. May the odds be ever in your favour."

Most students had noticed he had been completely out of commission the last couple of days and had probably not prepared a lesson plan. But this…this was their calm, composed Headmaster and High Priest? Was he… possessed? Had he been body snatched?

Settling into her seat, Freya got ready for class as she took out her notes and textbook and smirked over at Anton, who rolled his eyes playfully about what had just transpired.

Only to nearly jump with the rest of the class when both sets of doors banged open and in walked the High Priest, full of righteous anger. All eyes turned as one towards him as he spoke, and a few jaws even dropped at hearing the harsh way he spoke to his class. A few eyes even subtly turned to glance towards Freya, who was staring at Faustus with her eyes furrowed and head tilted. This wasn't like him. Normally, he was so well controlled. But the events over the past few days, she didn't blame him for acting this way. Still, it was odd.

Putting such thoughts from her mind, she took the test given to her and felt her eyes subtly flow to Faustus as she did so, every so often. It was as class was dismissed that she hung back and not even Anton dared wait for her as everyone practically scattered to get out of the room. Standing, she walked up to Faustus's desk and laid her test atop the rest.

"Are you alright, Love?" She ventured softly, giving him a look full of concern as she stood before him, waiting. She had never seen him act like this before.

Faustus shook his head. "Truth be told, I am a bit stressed out," he admitted. "You were gone for two days, and it was the worst time of my entire life. Last night was the first I had eaten or slept since you passed out. I suppose I just let it get to me."

Hearing his words, Freya felt badly for what her Beloved had been through while she had been lingering. She walked around the desk, and gently caressed his cheek, leaning forward to lightly kiss his forehead. "It's alright, my Love. You have been through a lot the last few days. It's understandable. But things are alright now, and I promise, I am not going anywhere." A soft chuckle escaped her, and she smiled down at him. "I will see you later today, alright? I love you, Faustus." She claimed his lips in a quick but tender kiss and headed out to her next class so she wouldn't be late.

The rest of the day flew by in a rush, and when Freya made it back to their chambers first, for once, she had decided that Faustus needed a bit of a break. So she had sent for a tray of his favourite foods to be prepared and sent to their room while she sat and waited for him.

Faustus kissed her back. "Please don't tax yourself," he reminded her.

As she was going about her day, he doubled down on his research regarding curses, going through book after book, increasingly frustrated that he wasn't getting anywhere. By the time he returned to his chambers, the sight of Freya with his favourite foods was most welcome indeed.

"Darling…." He didn't know what to say.

"Hello, My Love" Freya smiled as she stood and went to stand at Faustus's side. "Hungry?" She reached out and took his work robes from him as she kissed him, turning to go hang them up properly. She fully intended to spoil him tonight, as he had her on so many occasions. Tonight, was his turn.

"Did you have a good rest of your day?" She asked as she came back out and smiled brightly up at him. She had kept the food hot with a warming spell, as she wasn't sure how long he would be working, so the food was still warm and fresh.

"No, but this is wonderful," he breathed. "Thank you."

He sat down to sup and gestured that she should do the same. He took the first bite and his eyes closed in sensuous delight.

"Why, this is almost better than lovemaking!" he exclaimed.

A soft giggle escaped Freya at her Beloved's words, but she loved the fact that she had made Faustus happy. He really had had a demanding time, and she was sorry she had put him through that, but that wasn't why she did this. She did so, because she loved him and wanted him to relax a little after their ordeals.

The food was delicious and tasted every bit as good as it looked. She took her time and enjoyed the meal, as they talked of other things. Their wedding for one, which was coming up in a few days. Freya was most excited about that, and it showed.

Once she was done eating, she placed her plates back on the tray and stood. Her smile soft, yet wicked, she knelt at Faustus's feet and slowly unlaced his shoes. Carefully pulling them off and setting them aside, she tucked his socks into the shoes and taking one foot into her hands, gently massaged him as she looked up at him. "I am sorry about today, Love." She began gently, wanting him to relax. "I didn't engage though." She teased, trying to turn that horrible situation into something else. "What were you doing so late, if I might ask?"

Faustus was surprised when she began to rub his feet. Another time, in another lifetime, he would have thought the way she was treating him was good and proper for a wife to do. But now, he dearly loved this woman. He recognized that she was putting effort into pampering him, and he appreciated it.

"It is good that you did not rise. You've learned quite well. When your body is fully healed, we shall discuss your reward. As for what I was doing late… Merely research. I do apologize if I've kept you waiting, my dear."

Her smile warm and soft, she worked one foot and then the other, slowly sliding up his legs as she went. Her eyebrow rose playfully at his talk of reward, but she said nothing. Tonight was simply his.

"I have a great teacher." Her words soft as her eyes met and held his. Though she titled her head slightly, listening. "Research?" She nodded and could guess what about. "That is quite alright, Love. Did you find anything?" She wondered if she should tell him about her 'water aversion' that she had now but was afraid how to go about explain that. It was bad enough she had died, and Faustus had nearly followed her because of it. What would he do if found out that the curse wasn't completely done with her yet?

She sat and drifted into silence for a moment and just let her hands 'talk' for her, as she had reached his thighs and her hands had turned softer, more teasing in nature.

"Unfortunately, I have not," Faustus said, frowning slightly. "Perhaps this curse was an amalgamation of multiple elements. I've never seen such a thing before. Thank Hell the dark lord has plans for us still." He continued eating as she stroked up and down his body, though his breathing was becoming laboured. When he had had his fill of food but was hungry for more, he smiled sharkishly.

"Perhaps a nice bath, to soothe your tired body," he suggested. "You must have worked quite hard to put this together, and you are still recovering. Let me take care of you, my dearest."

Freya was enjoying herself immensely and Faustus seemed to have relaxed considerably since he had come in from his work. She agreed that it was the Dark Lords will, and his alone, that she was back. Otherwise, this would have ended very differently. The fact that HE gave her a choice, instead of just taken her, played over and over in her mind. Did they have yet more to prove for his Will to be done?

Hearing Faustus's suggestion for a bath, Freya found her hands freeze upon him. Her entire body froze at such a thought as she pulled her hands away from Faustus altogether and sat back on her heels. "A bath?" Her eyes flickered up to his and then away. She was a terrible liar at the best of times, but never could she lie to Faustus. He would see! "This was no trouble at all, Love. I did so because I love you, and you take care of me." She bit her lip. "I'm fine. Really, but thank you. You are sweet to offer."

Damn it! She hated this! She hated lying, hated keeping secrets. But she had no idea what was going on with her and so didn't even know how to explain it properly. Was it permeant? Oh Dark Lord…what if it was! That was what scared her the most.

Faustus furrowed his brow. "Freya, what is going on? You love it when we bathe together. You once told me it was your favourite part of the day."

"It—It is! I mean, there is nothing going on. I just—am tired that's all." She winced internally as that was another lie. He would catch her stuttering. She knew he would. The High Priest missed nothing.

Faustus did not like this new secretiveness. She had never kept a secret from him before. He frowned, then summoned a bottle of aloe. He wet a soft piece of cloth with it and gently cleaned her body with the aloe, massaging as he went.

"Freya, I do not like subterfuge," he said, his tone a warning.

She heard the warning in his voice, and it made her shiver. She bit her lip hard to keep herself from apologizing, as she hated this as much as he did. Seeing his frown and yet he was still so gentle with her as he cleaned her body with aloe decided her. He deserved to see, and she couldn't live a lie. Not with him.

Grabbing his hands gently in hers, she stopped his ministrations and nodded. "I can't explain it, Faustus……but I can show you." Her eyes furrowed slightly as she sighed softly and lifted a hand to his cheek. "I am sorry, my Love. I don't like secrets between us either."

Standing, she took his hand into hers and led him to the bathroom. Turning on the tap, she got the temperature exactly right and slowly undressed. Giving him one brief look as she sat on the edge of the tub, she slid into the water and closed her eyes. She didn't want to watch. But she felt it. A few seconds after her body hit the water, her legs slowly disappeared, and a mermaid tail slowly took their place. "I don't—-don't know what happened…" Her voice sounded so sad, laced with a little fear. "It happens, every time I get wet now and it won't stop."

Faustus was taken aback, but he simply nodded.

"I see," he said. "Thank you for trusting me with this. We shall find the underlying cause of it. I will contact some fringe occultists I know and see if any of them may know anything."

Inside, however, he was seething, a roiling volcano about to blow over. But it wouldn't do to frighten the poor girl who had already been through so much….

Now he was the one holding back and though he tried for words that soothed, Freya felt…diminished somehow. Lesser in his eyes now that he knew. "It started the day I woke up. I think—this may be the same curse still working or connected somehow." She said softly, her eyes lowering to the hated fin in the water.

"Ursula did it." She blurted out, still not able to meet Faustus's eyes. "I know for a certainty because she was so stunned and then utterly furious when I walked into class today." Now she was growing angry at the mere thought that one person could do something so horrible to another. A soft sniff escaped her as she quickly wiped her eyes. "I'm half fucking fish! How could she do this, not just to me, but to anyone?" For now, Ursula had taken away one of her and Faustus's intimate times, and she HATED her for it. How could he still want her when she wasn't fully human anymore? Her mind in a terribly dark place as she glared into the tub once more. Hatred and rage radiating off her in waves.

He took in her words. Fury smouldered in his eyes, and he worked to keep it under control. Without further comment, he filed away this information she provided and began to wash her body properly, his touch gentle, with a tenderness reserved for her alone.

This could prove to be a boon, however. If she could breathe underwater, she could travel that way, collect herbs that lived in the sea, speak to the fish, and learn greater scopes of magic. But he kept these thoughts to himself for now. Clearly Ursula's desire had been to diminish and humiliate Freya, and that infuriated Faustus more than anything. The sheer audacity! He would see to it that she was punished indeed.

Raising her eyes to his, Freya saw the fury behind Faustus's eyes and half of her revelled in it, while another part trembled. He was so soft, so tender as he began to wash her. Unheeding to the part of her that was no longer human. It made Freya's eyes furrow in an unanswered question as she finally looked into her Beloveds eyes and held them instead of glancing away as if ashamed.

Did he—not care? Truly? But—-how?! This was beyond the scope of her understanding, but Faustus seemed utterly unfazed by it all. "Do—do you honestly not care?" She asked, more curious then angry now. Her eyes held wonder as he was so careful with her. "I mean—-I'm——I'm different. Till the curse is lifted or it runs its course. How does this not bother you?" She tilted her head, as she raised a hand to lightly caress his cheek.

"My love, the only thing that bothers me is that certain people see fit to attempt to rise above their station and intend to harm or humiliate you in the process. You are, as ever, my beloved Freya, the future Lady Blackwood. I would have to be quite shallow indeed to fall in love with you solely for your body," he scoffed.

At his words, Freya laughed softly, but it was also mixed with the tears that had threatened to slip out earlier. Her hands covered her face a moment as she allowed said tears free reign before she inhaled and smiled back at her Beloved. This was what it was like, to be utterly and completely loved? This wonderful, delightful feeling? "You are perfect, Faustus Blackwood. You know this, yes?" She giggled as she wiped her eyes and cupping the back of his head, pulled him down for a deep and loving kiss.

"Certainly, I do," Faustus replied, a smile in his voice. "And it only stands to reason that I would therefore choose the perfect mate." He was about to say more, but she interrupted him with a kiss, and he lost his train of thought.

"Yes, you see? You are yourself. Your kisses are just as sweet as ever."

She now felt a lot better about this whole mess, now that she realized Faustus didn't think any less of her for it. It wasn't something she could help, but they would work around it till the curse was lifted or it ran its course.

Her gaze all but playful as she smiled lovingly up at him. "Allow me a few moments to dry off, and I shall show you something else that is just as sweet." She all but purred at him as she nuzzled him gently. "Unless you still wished to be spoilt, my Love?" She licked her lips in such a way as to seem sensual, her eyes flashing wickedly.

Faustus chuckled. "Actually, my darling, I do think you could stand to rest tonight. I'd rather you not tax yourself overmuch. But perhaps if you're feeling up to scratch tomorrow…."

She was all set to playfully pout but hearing he would 'indulge' her on the marrow made her smile that much brighter. "For you, Love….Always." She said softly, tilting her head cutely as she looked up at him, bracing herself on her arms against the sides of the tub. "Never even a choice….Always you." She hinted back to what she had said earlier. There was no other choice for her. Faustus was the one who held her heart and always would. No other path existed for her, but his. The Dark Lord had said that they walked the paths together, and that was what she had wanted from the moment her eyes met and held his.

"Shall I carry you to bed, then?" Faustus asked, readying himself to lift her.

She reaches forward and pulls the plug out, so Faustus wouldn't get but so wet, and then nods. "Please, Love?" She held out her arms to him and blushed.

He smiled at her adorable blush. "As you wish, my love," he said, and hoisted her up. He dried her off carefully and carried her to their bed, then took off his clothes and cuddled up beside her, hooking one leg over her tail.

"This is nice," he noted. "Different, but pleasant."

She held onto him as he lifted her and rested against his chest as he carried her back to bed, smirking slightly at how careful he had been as he dried her off and as he carried her. She wrapped her arms lightly around him as he curled himself up around her and she felt that blush tinge her cheeks again as she flexed her tail and lightly tapped the backs of his thighs with just the barest hint of her tail. It pulled a soft giggle from her lips as she lay there and felt her body slowly slipping back to its normal state as she dried off.

"Cuddling with you is always my favourite time of the day, Faustus. Next to bathing. Where else can I hold you and kiss you to my heart’s contentment?" As if to prove her point, she lightly claimed his lips in the most tender of kisses and lightly trailed her fingers through his hair. Just wanting to be close to him before they both faded into dreams for the night. "I love you, Faustus. With every beat of my heart. Nothing and no one could ever take your place. For my heart, is yours."