Dragonsong

Chapter Three

Sensing my fear, Domon stops in his tracks.

"Do you really think I would hurt you?"

I slowly shake my head.

"No, I just- I was caught off-guard is all."

"Look, I just want you to change your clothes. There's some dresses in the closet over by the bed. Please, put one on."

Damon turns away from me as he waits for me to change. I turn towards the walk-in closet and see some dresses hanging there. I decide to pick a light blue dress that's sleeveless on one side. It sparkles like shiny, blue tinted diamonds and it matches my gloves quite well.

I unzip the dress and slide it on, but blush when I see a problem.

I poke my head out of the closet and look at Damon, who's still facing away.

"Hey Damon, what to you think?"

I come up behind Damon as I wait for his answer. He turns around and looks me up and down, with his mouth slightly open. The top of the dress is a little revealing and Damon staring is making me blush.

"You look so beautiful..." Damon mutter softly.

I blush and turn around as I gather my hair so it's out of the way. I feel Damon step closer, his incredible body heat washing over me like a wave.

But Damon doesn't zip up the dress. He doesn't move at all. He just stands there.

"How many times?" He asks in a quiet voice.

"What?" I ask, confused.

"How many times did they beat you?"

I twist the fabric of the dress's skirt uncomfortably. I'm all-too-familliar with what he's looking at. The web of violent scars and purple bruises that cover my back.

"Don't worry, I don't even feel them anymore."

"I refuse to believe that. How many times?"

I hang my head in defeat, unable to fight it any longer.

"Honestly, I've lost count. My twin sister died when we were seven. My parents blamed me for her death."

I sigh.

"... They've taken their anger out of me ever since."

Feeling tears stinging my eyes, I turn towards Damon.

"But I didn't do it. I didn't have anything to do with my sister's death. I blacked out when it happened, so I don't know who killed her. But I knew it wasn't me. I-"

Suddenly, Damon pulls me into his strong arms. I hold my breath as he presses me against his firm chest.

"I'm sorry," he whispers in my ear.

His words are soft, but his grip on me is strong and steady. It's like he's an anchor in the raging sea that is my pain.

"I'm sorry you've only ever known pain."

I look up at him as he runs his fingers through my hair, pulling me even closer. I close my eyes as I sink deeper in his embrace, never wanting to be away from his warmth. I feel small in his big, strong arms. But, I also feel safe.

"Thank you for this..." I rub my eyes with the back of his hand.

Damon then cups my face with his hands, lifting it so I can look at his blazing blue eyes.

"I promise I will do everything in my power to make sure you don't feel pain again. I swear it."

"But Damon, I'm a slave. I'll probably experience far worse."