Heathen

|22|

Elodie

My eyes flick open, blinking against the bright light that floods in the room from the window. It's a sunny day today, a harsh contrast to the rain that usually graces the planet.

I'm warm, wrapped all up in a strong pair of arms. I don't want the feeling to end.

I squeeze my eyes back shut, but it's too late, Barre sees that I'm awake and attacks me with neck kisses.

"How are you feeling?" He murmurs against my ear carefully, as if a single syllable could break me in half.

I hadn't even thought of Locanas until this moment. I cringe, twisting away from Barre as memories grip me. I usually welcome my sweet rescuer's touch, but the overwhelming remembrance of my attacker causes sudden dizziness. I try to stumble out of bed, wrapped in a long blanket that causes me to stumble.

Barre is quick to pull himself from bed, in all his tall, shirtless glory. His eyes are flooded with concern as he reaches for me, I put my hand up for him to stop. He does, but not too far away from me.

"Tiny, you look unstable, let me hold you." His rough words sober me.

"Unstable?" I gawk at him, he quickly shakes his head.

"You look as if you'll fall over. I only wish to aid you. Always."

I smile softly at him, reaching out and gripping his forearms, because truth be told I'm not completely stable right now. He has reason to worry about my balance.

"I'm sorry, Barre. I just can't stop myself from being overwhelmed sometimes. I remember his hands on me, the heat of his skin and I..."

"And you.. Think that I am him?" My eyes snap up at the Rytarian that I trust with my life. The sheer pain etched into his face is enough to make my heart wrench.

I stand on my tip-toes to take hold of his shoulders.

"No, no. Of course not. But when it's so fresh, sometimes it's hard to tell anything apart. I just need some time. I'll get better, especially when we get out of here." I insist, and my assurance seems to calm him.

His large hands tentatively hold my wrists where they connect with his broad chest. I notice his effort to distance himself with any association with the monster that traumatized me.

"Speaking of going. We cannot, not until we figure out what is to be done with Locan.." I flinch. Barre clears his throat. "With the despicable excuse for a Rytarian."

I look down, suddenly nervous to face this whole situation.

"What is to be done with him?" I ask softly.

Barre shrugs under my touch. He's silent for a beat.

"There's been no decision. We should speak with the Emperor as soon as we can." He huffs in disgruntled annoyance. "The truth is that I wish to encourage execution, and I want to be the one to end him."

I gulp, hating the image of violence. I've never been one to stomach blood.

I can't imagine Barre being so volatile. He's just so gentle and kind, I would hate to associate him with any sort of pain and brutality. I have no doubt he's capable enough of it. He's covered head to toe in muscle, and he's taller than any other Rytarian I've encountered before.

"Okay. Then let's go talk to him. I want to go home."

Barre's dark eyebrows raise in surprise.