Soul Master

26. Asha

As the memory I had shared with her drew to its end, I held her tight in my arms, her whole body trembled as though unable to get warm, I felt her weight drop and her legs give way, only my arms supported her. Slowly I lowered our bodies to the floor and held her on my lap, brushing the hair from her face, waiting for her to come back. Tears shed from her closed eyes and I brushed them away gently with my thumb, rocking her back and forth. It had been so long since we sat like this.

I rested my chin on her head, wondering how she would respond when she comes back, what would she say to Zayne and Penteluck who both had done nothing, knowing full well what had happened.

Her hands tightened on my arms, as though she was scared to let go.

I looked down at her, her eyes now open looking up at me, the same hurt and suffering as she had in the realm between, I stayed silent. How could you console someone who had suffered what she had.

'I'm sorry.' She whispered.

I blinked at her, it wasn't what I had expected to hear her say. I was fully prepared to have her throw me off her, while trying to simmer the anger in her, never sorry.

She must have seen my confusion. 'For accusing you of such awful things.' She closed her eyes. 'You would think I'd have ran out of tears by now.' She snorted, as her nose began to leak.

I wiped again at her tear streaked face and smiled. 'You are going for world record. Allow me to be your tissue.'

'And snot rag?' She teased.

I made a face, and she smiled, though it disappeared in a flash.

'Blitzen.' She said with such a small voice. 'He...' She looked away.

I still rocked her in my arms, allowing her all the time she needed.

'He...raped me.' She finalised.

I swallowed hard, then buried my face in her hair. 'I won't let it happen again.' I whispered into her hair. 'I'm sorry Amii.' I held her tighter, as though I could squeeze out her forgiveness.

'Stop,' she breathed. 'I heard that,' she squirmed, 'you're gonna get nose tears in my hair.'

I loosened my hold and lifted my head, sniffing again.

She stroked the shadow of my forming beard gently. 'You never knew,' she murmured, 'it wasn't your fault.'

I took her hand and brushed my cheek against it.

I wasn't able to protect you.

My mind replied.

Listen,

Her voice responded in my head, lighting up the darkness of my mind.

Right now I don't need a hero.

I looked into her eyes as our words passed though thought alone.

I need a villain

Her mental voice was strong.

I shook my head, thinking she intended to stay with Blitzen, but she continued,

Because villains aren't scared to burn down a city for a last kiss goodbye.

I looked at her face, a smile pulled at her lips.

'Do you understand?' She asked aloud.

You want me to kiss you?

I teased in thought.

'Ugh.' She rolled her eyes.

I chuckled light heartedly in response.

I need you to be a villain for me, not a hero, keep being the asshole everyone thinks you are.

I frowned. She sat up and placing both her hands either side of my face she stared into my eyes, full of resolve.

I want to remove Blitzen.

My heart pounded.

You mean the bond?

No.

She responded, her eyes almost gouging out my soul with determination.

I want to kill him, and I need you to help me.