Alaska

I lie to one of the city's most ruthless men.

And it feels so good.

Deception is a drug, and I'm quickly becoming an addict.

Each time we speak, Zuko has no idea it's me.

The lie tastes sweet leaving my mouth.

I couldn't stop now, even if I wanted to-which I don't.

He thinks our conversations are more than just sex. He's wrong.

The intimacy he feels is all a facade.

Until the day an embodiment of my darkest fantasies walks into my bar, and his unmistakable voice sends a shiver down my spine.

It turns out I'm not the one in control.

But when he calls tonight, and he will, I'll be ready...

... with a lie.

Zuko

My job is to hunt. Dispose of problems like they never existed. And I'm incredibly good at my job.

It's brutal and violent. But, then again, so I am.

I crave destruction. Death is merely a consequence of my dark pursuits.

And I won't lose a wink of sleep over it, either.

Nothing bothers me.

No one affects me.

Except the vixen with the lilac hair.

When I reveal my true self to her, she laughs it off, enticed by the game we play.

She's keeping secrets.

And I know all about prying information out of people.

She won't like my methods.

But I'll keep playing her little game until I decide what to do about her.

I can't tell if she is destined to be my wife...

... or my next victim.

T.L. Smith