Rory forced himself to let go of Ice. While he felt an inhuman desire to be next to him, he didn't want to overlook the fact that his choices had been taken from him rather abruptly.

Taking a deep breath, Rory took in the overwhelming nothingness that seemed to plague his mind.

Where were the buildings? The people? Houses? Animals?

All that greeted Rory was a vast expanse of ever-shifting fog that seemed to be mocking him for his lack of sight.

"Ice...what is this?" Rory asked in as steady a voice he could manage.

Instead of answering, Ice flicked his hand and shapes began morphing from the fog, creating a large structure that could almost be described as a castle.

Rory watched the building take shape with wide eyes. What had once been nothing was now something.

"Come, Rory. It's safer inside." Ice stated as he gestured toward the open door.

Rory was hesitant to enter but was wise enough to realize that the fog hid the true nature of this world.

He was surprised to feel a solid floor beneath him when he entered. The walls were a smoky gray and the layout reminded him of a fancy university.

He walked across the room and sat down on one of the plush couches, trying to take calm, steady breaths.

By the time Ice settled down on the couch opposite him, Rory thought he was okay.

When seconds turned to minutes, Rory couldn't help but shift uncomfortably as he felt Ice's unyielding stare.

"Okay, Ice," Rory spoke to break the silence. "What the literal fuck is going on?"

So much for calm, cool, collected.

Ice quirked an eyebrow. "The most powerful immortal is after your blood. I brought you to my world so that I can protect you."

Rory's eyes widened as he took in the dreary castle. "I don't understand what is happening."

Ice let out an irritated sigh. "You have a few options."

Rory's jaw ticked in irritation.

"The first is to leave behind your mortal body and join me for eternity as my companion. The second is to live out the rest of your mortal life here until you die." Ice explained, his voice cryptic.

"And the third option?" Rory snapped.

Ice shrugged his shoulders as if it wasn't that important. "I can make you forget all of this until it is time."

"Time for what?" Rory asked, an edge to his voice.

"To destroy the mortal world."

Cold shivers ran down Rory's spine and gripped his heart in a painful cry for warmth.

"Why would you destroy my world?" Rory sat up a little straighter.

"Humans pose a natural threat to their world. It would be an act of kindness." Ice spoke. 

There was no malice in his words. But his certainty sparked chaos in Rory's mind. His eyes widened in fear and sudden hatred for the man he was attracted to. "Are your people any better? Should you destory the immortals for posing a threat to themselves?"

"Rory—"

"NO! You don't understand what it means to be human, Death. Make me forget because I'll never be ready to be a companion to you while watching my world end. Being human is a beautiful thing. And you won't take that from me." Rory seethed as he jumped to his feet.

Something like disappointment shone in Death's eyes. "Very well, Rory. How about this? When I send you back, memory free of what has passed between my world and yours, prove to me that the mortal world is worth saving. I will be near, watching. If you can do that, then I will stop what is soon to pass."

"I don't understand." Rory whispered. He didn't know how to do that without remembering.

Death's eyes softened the tiniest bit. "The reason I chose you as my companion is because I foresaw your death. I would never bestow my kiss on someone full of life. Even with Bex's interference, death shadowed your every step. Your time was almost up. My kiss spared you. Show me that your life is worth living and I will save your world."

Tears were streaming down Rory's face. Who was this bastard to predict something that hadn't even happened? All this just because Death claimed his time on earth was almost up?

He was going to prove him wrong.

"Fine." Rory snapped. "I'll prove you wrong, fucking bastard."

Death's eyes lit up in amusement. "I'll be seeing you shortly, then."

"Sorry?"

Before Rory could process the sudden turn of events, Death was pressed against him, capturing his lips in a heated kiss. "I find you irresistible."

Rory couldn't help the gasp that escaped him as he felt his body fall through the floor. He could still feel Death's lips against his...and that was the only memory he would regret losing.