“He rested his mouth against my ear once more and told me softly "there is nothing I want in this world, so much as you.”

“My Goddess, if only you could feel for me now...as you did then.” To my surprise, he fell to his knees before me, clutching at my waist. “Danann...save me, my Goddess. Say that you love me. Promise to love to me, only me...always.”

“I did become the one thing I was taught to fear above all else... an abomination, a Fallen Angel. For love of you, my Prince" I spat bitterly, "I Fell from Grace.”

“My Lord..why did she run?" a bewildered voice asked."Because she is a very smart woman...and because I am the biggest fool to ever walk the earth.”

“Frost? What is frost' she demanded in glorious arrogance.”

“He looked at me intently before speaking. “Why do you do that?”I frowned at him. “Do what?”“Push everyone away.” Danny told me simply.I was a little stunned and when I didn’t say anything, Danny continued on.“Darcie, what are you so afraid of? Why do you shut people out?” He looked at me searchingly.“Because it’s easier that way!” I yelled at him suddenly and he looked taken aback. I took a deep breath to calm down and added, “And I don’t like feeling vulnerable.” Danny stared at me. “Being vulnerable is nothing to be ashamed of Darcie …it’s what makes us human.”I shook my head furiously. “No! Being vulnerable makes you weak – just like every other emotion … if you allow yourself to care, you only end up getting hurt.”Danny threw me a consoling look. “But there’s nothing wrong with caring –”“No!” I interrupted angrily. “I don’t want to care! You only end up getting hurt … and it hurts so bad that you can’t breathe. I don’t want to feel like that. I don’t want to feel at all! It’s just easier to shut everyone out … if you don’t care about them – you won’t get hurt!”

“Danny looked stunned. “But what about the people who care about you?”I shook my head. “They shouldn’t waste their time … I’m not gonna change. I can’t be fixed Danny!” I wiped ferociously at the tears that were falling down my cheeks and threw him a challenging look. “I’m not trying to fix you Darcie.” Danny told me softly, his eyes boring into mine. “But you have to realise that everyone’s a little bit broken and all they need is someone to help fill in the holes and cracks – that’s all.”