God only knows how I escaped the desert.

For that matter, God only knows how I managed to avoid Targent soldiers during my flight. By all means, it makes no sense.

Not that I'm complaining.

I'm just happy to be home now. It feels like it's been months since I was last here, not weeks. It should have only been days, but I took the long way home. I had to be as discreet as possible, of course. I will never lead Targent to this house.

"Desmond?"

Oh god. That sweet, sweet voice. Can it possibly be real..?

It is. My sweet Mary is home and safe.

I hug her so hard that I pick her up off the floor.

"Desmond!" she laughs as I put her back down. "Goodness, did you really miss me that much?"

I don't even care that she's teasing me. In fact, it's a welcome change.

"As a matter of fact, I did." God, smiling feels so weird right now. How long has it been since I smiled? Only a week or so, right? Then why does it feel so foreign?

"Desmond, is everything alright?" Apparently, I'm not as good at as I thought. But then, I'm so bad at pretending when it comes to Mary. I can fool anyone else in the world, but somehow she sees right through me.

I ought to wear a bloody mask.

"Of course it is!" Wow, my voice sounds so fake. I don't even convince myself, let alone the ever perceptive Mary Sycamore. Her brow furrows as she steps back in what I have learned to be signs of concern.

"What's the matter, mon amour?" I swear, her eyes get darker than mine when she's this concerned. "Did something happen? Are you alright?"

I should never have married someone I can't lie to.

The thought nearly makes me laugh out loud. I would not have it any other way.

"Mary…" God, I'd been hoping I wouldn't have to tell her any of this or that I would at least have some time to make it sound better than it was, but I can tell that there's no way to avoid it. "You… you may want to sit down…"

Mary stares at me when I finish my tale, not saying a word. I can read the shock on her face like a book.

For a moment, a small part of my brain wonders what my own face must look like. I shift uncomfortably in my chair, not sure what to expect.

"Please say something, Mary." I urge. I can't bear not being able to tell what she's thinking right now, as my imagination is perfectly willing to come up with many a troubling substitute.

"So…" She begins finally. Thank God. "So your father… he defected to Targent?"

"Yes." I wish I didn't have to confirm the horrible truth, that I could somehow tell her that she got it wrong and that it wasn't true. But I have to accept the truth myself.

"And… and he captured you because he wanted you to join him?" It was more of a question than a confirmation of understanding. It was almost as if she was hoping I would say that she misunderstood as well.

"Yes. But I would never!" I add the last part with as much urgency as I could muster, taking hold of both of her hands. "Mary, I would never defect to Targent, not in a million -"

"Hmm? Oh, I know that Desmond." She almost smiles, which throws me off guard, then lifts a hand to my face. Her hands are so soft and warm…

"I would never doubt your integrity, mon amour." Until now, I didn't realize exactly how much I needed her reassurance. "I'm just… how did you escape?"

I stiffen against her palm. I have not told her about the guards. I do not want my Mary to think that I could… to know about what I…

"It was difficult," I say finally, "but I was able to get past their security in the end. Then after I got out of the desert, I was able to lay low until I made my way back here."

It wasn't a lie, not technically. It was just… low on details.

I have always admired Mary for her strength. Even now, after everything she's heard, she simply nods thoughtfully, showing no fear. Needless to say, she's handling this much better than I did.

"Now what are you going to do?" She asks after a moment. "Are you going to London to find Dr. Schrader?"

"No." I am absolutely certain of this. "I can't, Mary."

"But Desmond," she protests. "If you can solve the mysteries of the Azran before Targent, you can end all of this!"

She's right, of course. The same thought crossed my mind many times on my way home. But I've come to a different conclusion in that time.

"It's too late, dear." I admit, resigned. "I don't have the resources to figure this out before Targent does, and I can't put you at risk." I take a deep breath. "So I tossed the artifact off the side of a bridge on my way back. They will never know where to find it, and we won't be put at risk."

For a moment, Mary almost looks disappointed, and I feel a twinge of unease. Have I let her down?

After a moment, though, she nods. "Yes, of course." Her words are sweet relief. "You're right, darling. I'm just glad that you're safe."

I don't know when I started holding my breath, but I let out a relieved sigh. Mary can see that I am protecting her - protecting both of us - by keeping Targent off of our tails.

She must notice my relief, because she smiles sweetly. "Come on, dear." She rises to her feet and extends a hand. "You must be exhausted. Go get some rest, I'll start dinner."

I accept her help and rise to my feet. As I stand, the relic in my boot pokes into my foot. I pray that the fire burning in my heart does not reflect in my eyes.

"Thank you." I reply earnestly, walking over to the stairs.

I cannot lie to Mary… most of the time.

A/N: Aaaaaand that's a wrap!

Thank you so much for the enthusiasm with which you have all responded to this story. It really warms my heart to know that you guys are enjoying this as much as I am.

Don't weep because it's over, though! Forged in Fire might have ended, but I have big plans for the continuation of Desmond's story! Tune in next week for the follow up oneshot, Extinhuished!

Till then, I bid you adieu!