Truth of the Whisper

Chapter Seven.

Darkness surrounded me.

And it invaded me.

His lips on mine were incredibly soft, and if I'd wanted this, then I might have enjoyed it, but I was too surprised, too stunned to act.

Or to react.

His lips moved against mine, not pushing, but gentle, so gentle...

This was so wrong.

A tear slid down my cheek as I pushed my hands against his chest to push him away, but he didn't move an inch.

Softly, as if he was afraid to hurt me, his lips brushed against mine, and when his tongue brushed against my lips, I gasped from the sensation of it. Nyshard used just that moment – but he didn't take advantage of it, it wasn't his tongue or his lips that invaded my senses further - No.

It was his aura.

He was pushing his aura into me, through the kiss, and when I let out a whimper, expecting it to burn and hurt any moment, his thumb brushed against my cheek, soothingly.

His aura didn't hurt me.

Instead, it felt warm... so warm and somewhat comforting, like a tingle and...

I felt his other hand brush along my arm, then it was suddenly gone, and his mouth brushed against mine once more, and I thought I felt his other hand at my cleavage, but then suddenly it was gone and he slowly pulled his head back, but stayed close, looked at me, and in the dim light I only saw how his eyes then followed the trail my tear had left on my cheek. Carefully, he wiped it away, and whispered "Please forgive me. Adri, please. I just have to...", but he wasn't able to end his sentence, when he was suddenly pulled away from me and slammed against the other wall.

Loud voices, something that sounded like a roar, then Rhydomir's face in front of me, blocking my view. Rhydomir quickly looked at my face, then he leaned closer and murmured "It was his only chance. Please, forgive him."

Still too shocked to say a word, I pushed myself off the wall and tried to look behind him. Phylon had slammed Nyshard against the opposite wall of the corridor, a hand at his neck, his nails somehow elongated, like claws, and piercing Nyshards skin. It was bleeding.

And Nyshard... he smiled.

But he didn't defend himself.

Phylon spat "You damn bastard, I should use this opportunity to finish you off while your powers are diminished. How could you? You..."

"Phylon.", Rhydomir cut in, his voice full of authority. "Let go of him."

"This bastard did just..."

"I know, and this wasn't his finest move, but by the ancient law, he was basically allowed..."

"He wasn't.", Phylon snarled.

"Shelter, Protection and Friendship.", Nyshard murmured, now looking at me. "By Sladowran's ancient law, I, Nyshard nos Demrayn Dryadh lay a claim on Adriyele Mellai Rylbnan."

Another tear slid down my cheek, I opened my mouth to say something, but I couldn't. My lips were shaking so hard, I wasn't able to utter a single word.

"You know perfectly well that you'll never get to see her. I'll ban you from the castle and Adriyele will stay here until your claim fades."

Nyshard's eyes were on Phylon for a moment, then he focused on me again. "I know. But I had to do this."

"You damn bastard.", Phylon tightened his grip around Nyshard's neck.

"I just took what you hadn't been able to take, old friend. And it was divine.", Nyshard said, mockingly, and the very next moment, his head rolled to the side, as Phylon had hit him right in his face. Blood was pouring out of his nose and his lip was split, but Nyshard's eyes glinted as if he was content.