Soul Healer

Chapter 5 - Merciful?

>>> CHAPTER 5 <<<
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Hearing you are awake, a big smile appears on Ares lips. Quickly he starts walking towards Banes residence. Stopping outside the bedroom, he can't help but wonder why his heart and soul is so overwhelmed with joy. Taking a deep breath, he knocks at the door. When no-one answers, a worried expression appears on his face. Suppressing an all-consuming need to rush into the room, he quietly opens the door, and walks inside. Seeing the bed is empty, his heart screams with fear. With a deep frown on his forehead, he notices that the balcony doors are open. Quickly he walks outside.

The relief that fills his heart, when he see you sitting in a chair, fills him with wonder. Kneeling beside your chair, he stares at your closed eyes. Deeply shaken he wonders why you make him feel that way.

Opening your eyes you look at him. Seeing the pain in your eyes, he has to restrain himself. The urge to protect you so strong, it makes his heart constrict with pain. Gasping he fights to control his emotions. All he wants to do, is take you into his arms, and tell you all will be well. Taking a deep breath, he calms himself. 'Majesty, I am glad you are awake. My name is Ares. It is a great honor to meet you", he speaks. 'You had us worried for a while'. Unable to resist, he takes you hand, kissing it gently.

Voice coarse with pain, you answer "Ares", you acknowlege, "Stop calling me majesty. My name is Ayla. I have been wounded before. I do not die that easily". With a gasping stifled laughter, you continue "Must be the dragon in me". Sinking back, you close your eyes, suppressing the pain.

Worried Ares looks at your gray features. 'Let me get something to sooth your pain'.

'Bad idea', you answer. 'Giving me other herbs might really kill me this time'. Suppressing the need to scream with pain, you continue. 'Leave me'.


With supernatural effort Ares manages to restrain himself. The hatred he feels towards the Ceenaq, for hurting you, shakes his very soul. Ignoring your request, he speaks 'My queen, I can help. Look at me'. Taking you hand, he presses it against his heart.

Feeling his beating heart, you open your eyes, and look at him. Dark eyes glowing like fire, look back at you. Lightheaded you wonder why he doesn't scare you. A strange tickling warmth seems to flow from his hand. As it enters your body, you feel the pain reducing. With a quivering smile, you raise your hand, and touch his cheek, whispering 'Merciful angel, thank you'. Exhausted you close your eyes, and fall asleep.

Careful not to wake you, Ares takes you into his arms, and carries you to the bed. Gently tucking you in, he feels his entire body shaking. 'I was not thinking straight. I could have killed you. A few more seconds would have been fatal'. Tenderly he brushes the golden locks of hair away from your cheeks. Coarsely he whispers 'You do not fear me. You look at me without loathing. You have even touched me'. Unable to resist, his trembling lips kiss your cheek, and his heart races with hope and longing. Closing his eyes he gently holds his chin against yours. His entire being shaken and in turmoil.