The Soul on Fire | Slow Updates

Chapter Eight

Her admission had struck something inside him. That stirring in his chest had kicked up again, leaving him breathless. It had hurt at first – but the pain was nothing he couldn't handle. He figured the sensation would pass as it always did.

But it hadn't.

The dysrhythmic thumping behind his sternum was foreign to him, but he wasn't ignorant to what it was. He had spent his entire existence with the lifeless organ resting in the cage of his ribs. It didn't beat because it had no purpose. His soul was damned, and fire filled every inch of him.

But her words had affected him deeply. Her admission had felt like a physical blow and for a moment he hadn't been able to breathe. The frantic beating began to slow as his heart found its rhythm. It beat steadily now, pumping blood into his veins for the first time in his existence.

Her hand rested right over it and he knew she felt it come to life at her touch. She didn't say anything – just looked at him, perplexed. He knew exactly what it meant, and it scared the shit out of him.

The realization was shocking to him. He never thought a creature such as he could feel such an emotion. He had been wrong. She had brought new meaning to his life – a new purpose. The only thing that mattered anymore was keeping her safe – protected.

He loved her.

He couldn't even believe it. The once-dead heart in his chest literally beat for her.

Only her.

Which meant only she could stop it. If she were to take a sword and drive it through him, he would die. She had the power to end his life and she didn't even know it.

"Asmodeus?" By just speaking his name she had voiced her question. Her gaze held his and her brows furrowed together.

"I care for you, little angel. I care for you very much." He knew he was being a pussy, but he couldn't tell her how he truly felt. If he did and she didn't feel the same way, it would hurt too much.

He was certain that heartache would be the only sort of pain he couldn't endure.

Her face softened, and she smiled. Her blue eyes glittered, and she seemed to glow right before his eyes. In fact, she was glowing. Her entire body radiated a brilliant warm light as she slid her arms up his chest and hooked them around his neck.

"I care about you, too." She pressed her lips to his and his eyes slipped shut at the feel of her soft mouth against his. He wanted to lose himself in her. Making love to her would be an otherworldly experience and he knew that without a doubt. He didn't need to experience it to know that it would be amazing.

But something niggled at the back of his mind and his entire body tensed when realization swept through him. He pulled back from her sweet lips and immediately missed the feel of them on his.

"What's wrong?" Her eyes filled with concern and while he wanted to reassure her, he couldn't. Not until he personally ensured her safety.

"I have to go." Reluctantly, he released his grip on her.

She furrowed her brows. "Where? You're not telling me something."

"Stay out of sight until I get back."

She grabbed his arm and gave him a look that demanded his attention. "What's happening?"

He shook her hand away and growled. "Just do as I say and get somewhere safe, Armaita." She flinched and staggered back. He sighed when he saw the hurt in her eyes. Cupping her face, he pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth. "Please."