The God & The Shadow

Chapter 69

LORE

We spent an hour fortifying the protections around Verila. Veronica remained serious as I taught her what to do, all of my attempts at humor useless when I tried cheering her up. It was like talking to a rock.

I didn't blame her. She'd been through enough ever since she got her memories back, and she hadn't gotten an ounce of rest since then. Her spat with Florens was the one thing that pushed her over the edge.

Veronica ignored me when I opened the door for her to my bedroom. Her exhaustion was clear on her face, her movements languid and frail. Guiding her to the couch, she kept her face blank and her mouth closed as I removed her shoes and pulled the tight ponytail from her hair, looping the elastic around my own wrist.

"Wait here," I moved to the bathroom and grabbed a towel, dipping it in a basin of warm water. I carried the basin back and laid it on the table. Gently, I pushed her and took of her coat, hanging it on the rack before laying her back. I was unsure if she'd already dozed off when her eyes no longer opened.

I began wiping her body, face first then worked below. She remained still and calm as I did, the complete opposite of her behavior a few hours ago.

Satisfied, I went back to the bathroom and discarded everything. I sighed, pondering what to do next. I should help out with Hermes and Warren below, probably attend to some matters in the Underworld as well from my abrupt leave.

I walked out, eyes set on fixing my cufflinks when I was suddenly pushed back. The cracking of the wall from the collision of it with my back was audible from the great strength she used. I stood there, amused and curious at her power. It was difficult to rid of the first few thoughts that ran through my mind.

She didn't give me a chance to ask what she was doing when she kissed me furiously. I allowed her to take control, pushing me against the wall and straining to take my shirt off.

Veronica yelped when I took hold of her wrists and pulled away from her, her eyebrows furrowed and eyes a dangerous shade of violet. "You need to rest."

"I need you." She retorted. Her lips were back on mine in a heartbeat, fingers stroking me where she knew I was the weakest. She moaned against my lips, another weakness of mine she knew all too well.

It took some miracle of a power to push her back again. "You need rest, Veronica." I had to look away from her to compose myself.

She shook her head vehemently and grabbed my wrist to pull me into her. "Please, Lore."

"I'll do whatever you want me to once you get your rest."

"No, Lore. I need it now." She pleaded.

"What's wrong, Ver?" I asked, cupping her cheek when a tear ran down from her eye.

She rushed to wipe it away and pushed herself out of my hold. Veronica moved for the door and already had het hand on the door knob before I grabbed her wrist and pulled her back. "What's wrong?"

"I'm fine," she argued as she tried pushing me away once more. I held her closer, wrapping my arms around her while she punched me weakly in the chest.

"Its okay. You're okay." I whispered.

Her head shook. "I'm fine."