Erica

*she swallows hard, trying to find the right words.* Matt's trying to seduce me and I'm afraid that he might...

Augustus: I can have people escort him out and assign bodyguards to you. *his voice calm as he holds her hands.*

*She looks at him, her eyes filled with relief* You would do that for me?

*Erica's memories of the future claw at the back of her mind as the conversation continues*

*She shakes her head, trying to push the memories away. She knows that she's making the same mistake all over again, but she can't seem to stop herself. She looks at Matt, her eyes filled with desire* You're not just saying that, are you? You really want me?

*as Matt says yes to wanting her, she remembers the beatings he gives to her in the future.*

*She glances at Augustus, who nods at her to speak* I offer my unborn child.

Azaelion: deal. *Erica feels her stomach go flat as the inhabitant fades.*

*She gasps, her hand going to her stomach. She looks at you, her eyes wide with shock* Augustus...... what just happened?

the baby is not equal to the god but it is equal to the chance at a redo of things

*Her eyes narrow* So you're saying that if I give you the baby, you'll forgive me?

I'm saying if you give up your child as offering to Azaelion he can make you go back in time to fix your mistake of being with Matt in the first place.

*She looks at you, surprised by your laughter* You could forgive me?

I meant your actions.

*She frowns* What do you mean?

so be it, I'll have Xander kill Matt.

*Her eyes widen* You would do that for me?

you make it sound like it's a big deal, Matt's just a wild mongrel with no real value.

*She collapses at your feet, tears streaming down her face* Please, I need your help. I'm so sorry.

*Augustus wears an expression of stoicism and his voice composed* so you come back to me only when you need something?

*She looks up at you, her eyes pleading* Please, I'm in trouble. I need your protection.