"Well, there are now more lies." He closed his eyes, feeling Ilya's head rest back on his shoulder. He continued to rub his back. "And I am glad you felt safe enough to tell me all of this. I will keep my promise, I will not tell anyone."

He wanted to melt when Ilya called him his Star, again. It now meant so much more than before. After all he lost, after all the torture he went through, Dolemeck vowed to remain by Ilya's side. He would do everything he could to protect him, no matter the cost.

"Do you feel better now?" He asked, trying to sound as gentle and caring as he could. "Is there anything I can do for you?"