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Last Resort	By : jinx1764 Category: G through L > Labyrinth Views: 7045 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I don't own Labyrinth, don't make any money, this is a work of fanfiction.

Chapter List
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Hope bloomed in Sarah's heart which Jareth felt in his chest through their bond which brought him even with Sarah and her father to touch Sarah's shoulder. She turned in her father's arms meeting Jareth's confident gaze; he overheard Robert's statement and knew the implications.

"Lizzie? She's here?" Sarah asked breathlessly, her greens alight.

Robert nodded, "Inside, she's been asking about you constantly. Sarah, she doesn't know what's happened to you." He said carefully, his face keen to catch her reaction.

"No one told her?" She sounded ambivalent unsure if she wanted her daughter aware of her circumstances or not.

"Everyone thought it best to keep the truth from her. But if you don't agree..." He added at her distressed expression. Sarah didn't know if she agreed or not. While she preferred her daughter unburdened by this awful truth she felt a sudden anxiety knowing that she would be the one explaining her altered appearance and behavior. Perhaps Jareth was right. Perhaps Lizzie's safety required her remaining behind.

"Sarah?" Jareth's whispered baritone in her ear interfered with her thoughts. "Do you not wish to see your daughter?"

"Yes...but..."

"But what?" Jareth questioned. He could feel her unease. He gently drew her from her father's embrace; Robert reluctantly allowing it. "Come, Sarah, it's time to see your daughter. She needs you, as you need her." With that Sarah permitted Jareth to guide her around her father and back to the front door where Mr. Morton still waited. He had patiently witnessed their exchange from his stoop able to hear the important aspects of the conversation.

"Mr. Morton." Sarah greeted her father-in-law as she climbed the stairs to stand face to face with him.

"Sarah," he nodded sharply, "you okay...considering?" She shrugged and tilted her head to one side with a furrowed brow.

"Considering...I'll be okay...eventually. My dad told you what happened?"

"Yes, there's more you probably don't know. This Jareth Noble?" Mr. Morton glanced towards Jareth who sheltered her from slightly behind but stepped forward at his name to present himself to the bulky, older man.

"I am he." Jareth stated boldly bringing himself up next to Sarah and even with Eric's father who was slightly taller than Jareth and quite a bit more muscular. Mr. Morton eyed him head to toe and back up meeting his eyes in a glare. Jareth Noble may be protecting his daughter-in-law, who he was very fond of, but his son was still legally her husband and still in love with her so Mr. Morton couldn't quite accept this unusual looking man easily. Jareth effortlessly sensed Mr. Morton's natural misgivings and rather than attempting to charm him Jareth accepted his display without question.

"You know she's still a married woman?" Mr. Morton asked in a manner which wasn't really a question with his arms held threateningly akimbo at his hips.

"Mr. Morton..." Sarah said exasperated with all of the males in her life but Jareth interrupted her.

"It's alright, Sarah. Mr. Morton, I'm aware of Sarah's marital status. I'm also aware that she has unsuccessfully asked your son for a divorce for over six months, before I arrived, and that he refuses to sign the required paperwork. If it were not for his superfluous delays she would be legally a free woman and this discussion would be moot." Jareth stated calmly and firmly, his stance non-threatening. Mr. Morton's lips frowned at the ends and his arm slipped to his sides.

"It's just because he still loves her." He looked to Sarah. "He just loves you so much, Sarah."

"I know but I don't feel the same way about him anymore. I'm sorry, Mr. Morton, I never meant to hurt Eric. He's always been a good husband and father but things are different now." Sarah reached for Jareth's hand again which prompted Jareth to look away from Mr. Morton and tilt his head to her.

Mr. Morton's stance softened slightly. "I know. I don't understand what's happened to him recently. I mean I understand being jealous and not wanting to let you go but talking to Dr. Garcia, signing those papers, and dragging Lizzie into all this..." He shook his head. "It just wasn't right and his mother and I are real sorry. If there's anything we can to do to make up for what our son's done...you just say so, Sarah."

"Thank you, Mr. Morton. That means a lot to me. Now may we please come in? I miss my daughter and would very much love to see her." Sarah kept her voice sweet but not begging. She would use honey but pleading with her father-in-law wasn't quite in her at the moment. Fortunately, it wasn't in Mr. Morton to refuse her.

Eric told him all of his suspicions regarding Sarah's insanity but the Sarah before him appeared rational, polite, and far more her normal self than his own son. Sarah, for her part, withheld telling Mr. Morton the complete truth about how his son came to be changed. Time enough for truth later she rationalized.

Mr. Morton nodded and hung his head slightly, "Of course you can come in. I'm sorry about being so defensive. Since Lizzie's been here it's been...rough on her...on all of us." He stepped aside allowing both of them entry and even managed a tiny smile aimed at Jareth which made Jareth nearly stumble at the doorstep in surprise but years of perfected stoicism saved him from embarrassment. Robert followed the three inside after taking his turn as a silent witness.

"Honey!" Mr. Morton called to his wife knowing that all three ladies still waited impatiently for news of who the visitor might be. "It's okay. You can bring Lizzie out; it's safe. There's someone here who wants to see her."

Sarah's nerves tightened and her heart sped up knowing her daughter was close. She could hear her walking down the hallway; she'd recognize her carpet shuffle anywhere. Lizzie said something to one of her grandmothers and then there she stood; she was framed in the entryway of the living room from the back of the house holding Mrs. Morton's hand. Sarah couldn't breathe. She barely felt Jareth release her hand and gently pushed her towards Lizzie. He may have said something or not, she wasn't sure, because every sense of hers focused on her daughter. Lizzie looked so beautiful, young, and vulnerable and Sarah's knees shook as she walked closer.

"Mom?" Lizzie said. Her voice tentative at first then stronger as reality sunk in that her mother stood before her. "Mom!" Lizzie dropped her grandmother's hand and bolted the twenty feet separating her from her mother; Sarah was grateful since her knees gave out and she sank to the carpet, her hands trembling. Lizzie wrapped herself around her mother, now at eye level with her, Sarah nearly falling backwards from the impact.

Sarah's happy weeping echoing through the Morton house as she embraced her only child just as her father embraced her not ten minutes earlier. "Oh, Lizzie! Oh, my baby girl! I've missed you so much!" She placed back-to-back kisses all over Lizzie's face tasting her daughter's salt water tears.

"Mommy...are you okay? Dad said you were sick, said you were in the hospital." Lizzie asked into Sarah's neck, her voice muffled. Sarah stroked Lizzie's hair trying to reassure her once she heard the scared note in her daughter's voice.

"I'm okay, sweetie. I'm better than okay now than I've found you."

Lizzie pulled back from her mother's neck with a wavering smile on her face. "But what happened to your hair?"

Sarah laughed. She couldn't help it. She laughed harder and longer than she thought possible hugging Lizzie the entire time. She knew her daughter didn't understand why she was laughing; she probably thought her mother had well and truly lost it but Sarah didn't care. She needed to laugh; she wanted to laugh otherwise she would continue to cry.

"Lizzie, I promise I'll explain everything later, but not tonight okay?"

"Okay." Lizzie said, the curiousity burning but willing to hold her questions for awhile.

Jareth knelt beside them putting one arm around Sarah and touching Lizzie's back with his other hand, a large smile on his face. To see Lizzie healthy and safe and to hear his Sarah laughing, even for such a strange reason, filled his heart with joy. He realized it may be short lived but he cared not; he rejoiced knowing his instant little family was safe. His family.

Jareth rocked back on his heels as the realization hit him. These two ladies were his family; at least in his heart and mind he considered them so. There was nothing he wouldn't do to see to their safety and happiness. He assumed and hoped they felt same about him. His Bond radiated elation from Sarah as she cooed and cried with her daughter occasionally glancing at Jareth over her shoulder.

His family. He'd never had a family of his own. He'd experienced numerous relationships and even various forms of love, romantic and otherwise in his extremely long life, but never a real family. His parents died when he was very young, orphaning him to guardians and distant relations. The thought was sobering and more than a bit frightening. And surprisingly made him feel peacefully joyous.

"Jareth...Jareth...are you okay?" Sarah shook his arm breaking his reverie.

"What?�yes, yes I'm fine." He focused on Sarah's concerned eyes gazing into his and gave her a reassuring smile. "Lizzie, I've missed you. Are you well?" He caressed Lizzie's head catching her dark curls around his fingers and admiring how the light gave them auburn highlights.

"Jareth!" She threw one arm around him while keeping the other around her mother which made all three of them smash together in a huddle. "I'm great now. You?"

"Perfect, Princess, absolutely perfect." He smiled and kissed her forehead. Sarah heard the love in his voice as he spoke to her daughter and felt the Bond hum between them. Tucking her head into Jareth's neck she soaked up every bit of happiness until she thought her heart might burst and completely forgot that four other adults witnessed their loving exchange.

Robert Williams watched the reunion with a light and happy heart, relieved that his daughter chose to accept his apology and forgive his terrible mistake. He quickly joined Karen on the opposite side of the living room where she stood next to Eric, Sr and Kathy Morton. Robert slipped an arm comfortably around his wife's waist and pulled her close to whisper in her ear.

"I guess whether or not Eric ever signs the divorce papers is moot now, hmm?" Robert said with a smile to Karen who smothered a giggle as they watched the three reunite.

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The coffee was hot and steam drifted up to tease her nose from the mug she held. Karen sat on a recliner watching Sarah sit on the far couch holding Lizzie on her lap with Jareth snuggled close next to them; his arm thrown behind Sarah over the back of the couch. Eric, Sr and Robert sat on the loveseat opposite Sarah silently guarding them. She agreed with her husband, Eric had better give up gracefully regarding the divorce because Sarah had most definitely moved on with her life. She felt a little sorry for Eric but he'd only created his own problem by dragging his heels, in her opinion. Kathy Morton chatted pleasantly at Karen pulling her attention back from her musings.

"...seems to be acting perfectly normal don't you agree, Karen?"

"What...oh yes...Kathy, Sarah's fine. That's why Robert and I decided that signing the paperwork wasn't in her best interests. We just didn't feel that there was enough evidence to support another commitment to the hospital." Karen stated before sipping her coffee. "And as you can see she's fine."

Kathy nodded in agreement with mildly pursed lips. "I just don't understand what's happened with our son. First he claims that Sarah's going to harm Lizzie or herself and then how he acted early this morning; yelling and pushing Lizzie the way he did." She shook her head, causing her shoulder length, graying, blond hair to sway. "I just don't know what to say."

"Well, now that Lizzie is back where she belongs maybe you should take to Sarah?" Karen suggested.

"You're right; of course, I just don't know where to begin. Has anyone told her what he did to Lizzie yet?"

"I don't believe so." Karen touched Kathy's arm lightly. "Kathy, why don't we talk to Sarah together?"

"I'd appreciate that. She's such a strong person; I just don't know what to say to her sometimes."

"Come on." Karen stood urging Kathy up with her and they walked over to Sarah's location on the opposite side of the living room. Sarah looked up with an expectant expression at her step-mother as she approached with her mother-in-law.

"Sarah, may we speak to you for a moment?"

"Sure. Lizzie, sit with Jareth for a bit I'll be right back." Sarah slid Lizzie from her lap watching her snuggle under Jareth's arm which drifted down from the back of the couch to encircle her daughter protectively. Jareth shifted his position to accommodate Lizzie.

"Okay, mom."

Sarah followed her two moms a few feet away for privacy before Karen spoke. "Sarah, with all the excitement I haven't had a chance to welcome you and tell you how sorry I am for this awful mess."

"Thanks, Karen. Dad explained everything and we're good." She said casually still not as comfortable with her step mother as she'd like to be.

Karen touched Sarah's upper arm experimentally, "I know but I wanted you to know that I'm sorry, too. Even though legally he would've signed the paperwork we both discussed it and agreed that it just was too awful a thing to do again. Neither one of us wanted to send you back. I just wanted you to know that." Karen took a chance and hugged Sarah who allowed it before slowly returning it.

"Thank you, Karen; I'm glad you told me." Sarah smiled at Karen sincerely.

"And Kathy wanted to say something." Karen stepped back to prompt Sarah's mother-in-law and Sarah looked in her direction.

"Sarah, I'm so sorry about our son. " Kathy ducked her head then looked up again. "I just don't know what's gotten into him. I know he's hated the idea of divorcing you but until recently he never acted irrational about you before. And then this morning when he hurt Lizzie..."

"What?" Sarah's voice held a sharp edge.

"Oh, my...oh...Eric this morning he...he yelled at Lizzie in the strangest voice then he...he grabbed her then...pushed her down." Kathy stammered her story watching Sarah's face grow harsher with each word.

"He hurt Lizzie?" Kathy shivered at the tone in Sarah's voice. Even Karen's eyes widened suddenly.

"Yes, I'm afraid so Lizzie's okay now she was mostly scared his father intervened immediately kicked him out he hasn't been back." Kathy blurted out her explanation quickly in a run-on sentence before her anxiety froze her speaking ability.

"I see. Don't worry, Kathy. I'll take care of Lizzie from now on. Eric won't be hurting her again." Resolution echoed in Sarah's voice and steel glinted in her eyes which unsettled both older women making them take a step back from Sarah.

"Oh my!" Kathy exclaimed uncertain if telling Sarah about Eric had been a good idea or not. Sarah walked away from them returning to Lizzie and Jareth.

"Jareth, it's time." Sarah announced in an unyielding tone. He understood to what she referred, Lizzie's Bond, and nodded silently.

"Time for what, Mom?" Sarah sat on the coffee table in front of the couch to speak with Lizzie.

She softened her voice to speak with her daughter. "Remember when I told you about me learning how to make something for you so you could travel with us?"

"Yes."

"Well, it's time to try that. You think you can try with me?" Sarah grasped Lizzie's hands in hers.

"I'm ready, Mom. I've been ready for weeks and weeks!" Lizzie said as only an eight year old can imply that weeks are like years which brought an involuntary smile to Sarah's lips.

"Sarah, perhaps we should either seek privacy or explain our actions." Jareth said causing her to glance around at the four parental family members observing them intently.

"Ah...yes, good point." The impulsive side of Sarah was tempted to conjure a crystal shocking the older people in the room and to prove not only her sanity but her power as well. But the mature side of Sarah realized that she would be wasting valuable magic and without the proof any verbal explanation likely was a waste of her breath.

"I think it's time we pack Lizzie's things and go�"Before Sarah could finish her sentence all four parents balked speaking loudly in protest.

"No, that's a terrible idea!"

"It's so late! Past Lizzie's bedtime!"

"You should all stay the night."

"Leaving tomorrow is better."

Flabbergasted Sarah had no protest ready against all four of her parents without delving into a discussion she certainly wasn't prepared to have at the moment. She looked to Jareth for an answer but he merely shrugged with a sheepish expression on his face, uncertain how to defeat parental concern either. Well, perhaps she could still gain the privacy.

"I guess we can all stay the night. It is late but I can't be separated from either of them right now. We stay together." She insisted. Kathy spoke up quickly.

"That's understandable, Sarah. You can all stay in Lizzie's room. There's a queen sized bed..."

"But you're to behave yourself under my roof." Mr. Morton added sternly.

"Eric! Don't embarrass them," Kathy scolded turning bright red, "Besides Lizzie will be in there with them."

Normally Sarah would've been humiliated by this conversation but after this week she just couldn't bother to care. And Kathy was right, Lizzie would be there with them but they'd be distracted for reasons other then what they'd assumed.

"Robert and Karen, you can stay on the sleeper sofa if that's okay?" Kathy asked.

"That's fine, Kathy, thank you. They should have some privacy tonight."

Once all the sleeping arrangements were decided Sarah announced that she was exhausted and she preferred to spend some quiet time with Lizzie and Jareth. The requisite goodnights were exchanged with kisses and hugs for everyone then Kathy escorted them to their room. She showed them all the necessary supplies and toiletries for the night and morning and wished them a goodnight.

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"Jeez, I thought we'd never be alone." Sarah whispered to Jareth so Lizzie didn't hear. He chuckled at her impatience but didn't disagree. They had barely twenty-four hours remaining and he itched to return to his kingdom. He swore he could feel the Labyrinth calling out its distress to him but he knew that was impossible. It was just his stressed imagination and edginess.

Lizzie exited the closet where she had changed into nightgown wanting to be more comfortable and eagerly jumped upon the bed bouncing a couple times.

"So what do we do now?" Lizzie asked her mom eagerly, her eyes excited.

"Jareth? You're the expert here."

"Well, expert in magic perhaps but I've never created a Bond like this nor heard of one being done in this manner; we'll have to figure this out together as we go." He explained to Sarah's disappointment.

"Seriously? Great...more bad news."

"Sarah, you're capable of this spell. It's theoretically possible; it's just unexplored territory." He kissed her frowning lips. "Remember, it's not over yet."

"That's right, it's not."

"First, we assume a comfortable position." Jareth directed them to sit crossed legged and facing each other on the bed while he knelt perpendicular next to them but not between.

"I want you both to sit up straight but keep your muscles relaxed and join hands so that your arms make a complete circle." The ladies did as they were told, Lizzie giggling a bit thinking how silly she felt; like being at camp with her mom. Jareth gently chastised her; telling her that she needed to keep herself completely calm and her emotions under control.

"Sarah, this should be similar to the mediation we tried before but instead of striving for mental clarity and calm I want you to reach for your magic once you feel at peace."

"But isn't aggression my trigger?" She asked turning to look at him.

"Yes, but everything I understand about Bonds�and I've scrolled through my memory extensively this time�tells me that they must be created during a time of complete clarity, peace, and willpower since emotions tend to taint magic like a flavor or a scent. Bonds are a lifelong spell and must be at peace with the owner. Also, they can only be broken by death or by the owner's will; much like a Vow of Blood, only a Bond requires no blood." Jareth quickly amended when he noticed Lizzie's eyes widen in fear.

"No blood, Princess, I promise." He added patting her knee at which Lizzie relaxed again.

"No aggression?" Sarah brought the discussion back around. "Well, this just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it." She said caustically.

"Sarah, your trigger just assists in reaching your power it does not control it. Eventually you must learn control without the assistance of aggression; much like removing a training device. You're learning curve is astounding." He reassured her and she read sincerity in his eyes. "You are quite capable of achieving this."

"Fine, let's do this."

Sarah and Lizzie sat facing each other, staring into each other's eyes until Jareth made them close their eyes because Lizzie kept giggling which cause Sarah to lose focus and giggle with her. Starting again they continued sitting and holding hands while Jareth spoke in a low, soothing voice coaching them through their steps. He wanted Lizzie to open her heart and mind to feel her mother's emotions and magic flowing into her and through her. He instructed her to not fight the foreign sensations but to accept them into soul. He wanted her to remain wake since a Bond had to be formed with conscious consent.

He told Sarah to reach for her magic centered in her chest, to grasp it firmly but with a calm, peaceful mind. He wanted her to envision a glowing thread gradually spooling from that source, down her left arm and hand to Lizzie's opposing hand and arm to her chest then her heart and back around the other arm until it made a complete circle back to Sarah's magic source. Once the circuit was complete and sustaining itself without effort from Sarah then the Bond should be finished and strong enough to last.

Unsure of how long they sat amongst each other, Sarah eventually felt her focus became truly peaceful and without the benefit of aggression she grasp her power. With her eyes closed her magic seemed to emit a pale, golden glow once she held it in her mind's hand. She could tell her power was diminished. Now that she understood better what Jareth explained regarding magic usage, she felt how low her level had dipped. A shock of fear hit her nearly causing her to lose her focus but she let the fear pass regaining the slippery grasp on her power.

Slowly, she imagined that thread spooling from her source, so thin, so fragile� for it had to be for there to be enough to reach the full distance. Suddenly, a migraine sharpened at the base of her skull and her eyes flew open.

"Ow�wha?" Sarah gasped and fell to her side as sudden vertigo caused her to lose her balance. Jareth caught her before she could roll off the edge of the bed; she retched and dry heaved over the side as he held her balanced over his lap.

"Are you alright?" He asked helping her sit upright.

"I think so. My head is killing me. What happened? Is Lizzie okay?" She looked over to her daughter finding her sprawled out on her back, her legs still in a crossed position.

"I believe she fell asleep." He stated bluntly with a note of exasperation which was punctuated by a loud snore from Lizzie.

"You're kidding." She said, irritated. "How long were we at it?" Jareth checked the clock on the nightstand which read 1am. "Approximately three hours; I take it you were not successful?" He said when she flopped to her back on the bed with her daughter.

"No, I could form the thread but it only made it as far as my first hand. God, my head is pounding. Did her falling asleep cause the spell to end?"Jareth picked up Lizzie and tucked her under the bed covers in the proper direction, turned off the lights, then returned to the opposite side to crawl up behind Sarah until her back was nestled into his chest.

"Yes, unfortunately, Lizzie must remain conscious the entire time for she must accept and the magic through her body. A Bond is an austere spell and both persons must willingly participate."

"But then how do I have a Bond with the Labyrinth? I don't remember agreeing to anything and there certainly wasn't any spell." She whispered in the dark. Jareth rubbed her temple with his free hand hoping to alleviate her headache and she moaned lightly.

"Remember what you said to me at the end? In the Escher room? Your will is as strong, your kingdom as great...that was the spell...words have power, Sarah. Through your actions and your words you declared yourself Champion. That was your consent and willingness to the Binding. To my shame I did not understand it fully myself at the time since there has never been a Champion."

At his confession Sarah shifted until she was on her back again and tried to see his eyes in the dark. "Never?" He continued to rub her forehead and temple; Sarah felt the pain slowly recede.

"Never. You are the first in the Labyrinth's history." Sarah heard a note of pensiveness in his voice but she couldn't see his expression. She placed the flat of her palm on his chest feeling his warmth seep through his t-shirt and his heart thump faster.

"How do you feel about that?"

He didn't answer at first but then his quiet voice leaned close to her ear as said, "I was angry with you for defeating us. Then I was greatly shocked and disappointed that you refused me. I became obsessed with you once you left; banning me from your life. But now...after everything...now I am grateful to have known you in whatever manner Fate has decree that I should know you."

Sarah could hardly believe his words. To think they were coming back to the beginning after so long thinking of each other as enemies. Then Sarah revised that thought. She thought he was the enemy while Jareth always held in her in high regard until she defeated and rejected him. Even that wasn't enough to destroy his love for her. She leaned forward to find his lips in the dark and gently kissed him.

"When I first saw you I was frightened and in awe; you were my evil enemy to conquer. I danced with you in the ballroom and for a time you were my prince of dreams; then I remembered and you were again my enticing villain. I faced you at the end and I thought you still powerful but weakened; you remained my foe. I defeated you and saw your hopes crumble in your expression; I knew then you would always be my beloved enemy."

He breathed shallowly during her whispered, loving speech; their lips brushing together. He thought he might explode with emotions generated from her words. To know she thought so ill of him and now loved him invited a passion he'd never known. He pressed his lips to hers with greater force which she returned immediately. Jareth rolled himself on top of her until their fully clothed bodies were pushed together and legs were entangled. Sarah ran her hands over his chest, feeling his toned muscles under the cotton while he clasped her head between his hands and rested his weight on his elbows at her shoulders. Sarah teased his lips with her tongue and he gladly opened for her.

He could feel their passion as a restrained energy between them. Both wished to unleash it but knew the place and time was not conducive. They were quiet; their heavy breathing and hushed moans sounded in the dark as they moved over each other's lips slowly, savoring each taste.

Sarah's legs were partially wrapped around Jareth's so when he instinctively thrust his hips into her core sparking a wave of wet heat from her, Sarah suddenly realized that they had to stop before things went any further. Lizzie snored softly just a few feet away and that thought acted like the classic cold shower for Sarah.

"Jareth...Jareth...we have to stop." She said in a quiet, husky voice pushing him bodily off of her.

"W�why?" Voice heavy with lust, he sounded dazed.

"Lizzie is right here, remember?" She nodded towards her daughter and she could feel his body tense and then relax as he rolled off of her.

"Oh...yes...I had forgotten. That would be..."

"Yeah..."

"Devil take it..." He muttered and Sarah snickered. "Get some sleep, Precious. You'll need it so you may try the Bond again tomorrow."

"Okay." She rolled on her side so that her back was once again to Jareth's chest and snuggled into his warmth then reached her arm out to rest it on Lizzie. Jareth wrapped his arm around Sarah's waist and attempted to think of boring, non-lust inducing thoughts; which proved difficult since her bottom fit so nicely against him and every so often she would wiggle in her sleep.

"Sarah," he said in her ear hoping she might hear, "must you torment me even in your slumber?"
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Last Resort