Stealing Hearts.

Seventeen.

Text Eighteen.

Lucien sat in the dark in his study lost in thought. They were barely able to save her two days ago when her heart had stopped.

If it happened again, they won't be so lucky and the mere thought of that would drop him to his breaking point.

He didn't know what to do than to set out to find a witch that was yet to reply to his express. He would leave tonight itself, find Veronica and if necessary, drag her here kicking and screaming.

"Your majesty." He couldn’t believe his ears, his eyes flew upwards to acknowledge her. He rose to his feet while she strutted towards a chair in front of him. She spoke.

"I haven't seen you this disoriented since ever, your majesty. You look like you were plotting someone's  murder."

"Not entirely."

"So, you don't mind me asking why you sent me an express while I was in the middle of work?"

"It was urgent."

The anger in her eyes seemed to vanish to sympathy. " I know."

"So you know, I can't lose her, I can't lose Zara, Veronica."

She was silent before she replied.

"Take me to her, dear friend."

†******†******†******†*****†
"Find anything yet?" Lucien asked for the nth time. He was antsy and Veronica taking her sweet time wasn't helping.

Veronica paused her muttering, staring straight ahead. "I was getting to it, Lucien. You need to calm down otherwise, you'll have to leave."

"Lucien." Rico addressed him. "Do it for her or else, I'll personally kick you out."

He gritted his teeth in annoyance before resigning to pacing to calm himself down.

After a while, Veronica perked up.

"Got it." She got up from her kneeling posture and faced them. "It's poison, a potent one at that. It was given to kill her and unfortunately, it's doing just that."

"Skip the details and get to the part on how to save my sister, witch."

Her gaze snapped to Rico's. "You guys don't understand, there is no way around this, I think it's better…"

"Don't complete that sentence. I didn't send for you Veronica because you were a witch, I sent for you because I knew you were the best. Now please tell me, is there any other way?"

She sighed. "Yes, but it's not certain… it's complex, complicated and unused most of the time."

"Get to the point, witch."

She shot Rico a killer glare which he remained unfazed by. She turned to Lucien pleading with her eyes for him to understand. "Lucien, this is risky, because there a chance it might not work. Isn't it better to just let her go?"

  They had a stare contest and after a while when she knew it was a lost cause talking to him, she told him. "We'll have to bond her soul, it's like a life link. It involves creating an anchor to a living body."

"Link her to me." His tone held finality, no room for objections.

"Just be prepared for anything, Lucien and keep in mind that I did warn you."

Lucien nodded and turned to walk away but paused. "I have another request; find out who did this to her." He walked away to go prepare for the ritual.

He was going to do everything possible, natural and supernatural to bring her back and if she couldn't come back, he was going along with her.

†******†********†*****†****†

Lucien stood in his angelic glory outside his room, it was night now. The preparations were done and all that remained was for him to carry her.

Veronica was performing a spell to keep her awake while they performed the ritual. Ricardo stood outside with Lucien.

"I respect you."

Lucien briefly spared him a glance before his eyes fastened to the closed doors of his room.

"You're risking everything for her, I know you care for her but, your actions solidify your words. I am thankful she has you."

"Don’t thank me yet." He said in a rasp voice. "Don't thank me till I bring her back safe."

"Come in." Veronica said from behind the door. He didn't waste a second before opening the door.

There she sat held up by the headboard. Her eyes dim, her face pale, the sight of her caused him physical pain he couldn't explain.

"Zara?" He said her name so softly like he said anything louder would take her from him.

He moved to her side immediately. He stared at her and she stared at him tear eyed.

"You guys can save the reunion for later. We don't have much time, the spell last for two hours max." Lucien gently carried her, she shiver slightly making her moved closer to him for warmth.

"Everything will be fine, I promise." He whispered to her and peck her forehead in reassurance.

They made their way to the pit.

…
"Lucien."

The ritual had almost started, once they were immersed into the water, the binding would begin. Lucien stood by the edge still carrying her.

"Lucien?"

"Zara, we will talk later, when you're better and healthy."

"And if that doesn't happen."

"It will, I promise. I'll make it." He said defiantly.

"Enter now." Veronica ordered.

Slowly he walked in, Zara in his arms. His wings slowly uncoiling from his back, a soft glow around him.

Zara whimpered and trembled.

"Cold?"

"Yeah." She mumbled weakly. "But I'll be fine as long as you hold me."

"Is that a pick up line I hear, Zara?" He joked trying to brighten the atmosphere.

"I mean it." She paused staring him in the eye. "And I want you to know I love you and that you should never forget that."

"Shh… Zara, this isn't good bye. It's a bump on the road and we will pass and come out at the other side stronger, promise."

She gave him a soft smile. "I love you."

"I love you more."

Veronica mumbling increased and soon enough the current of the water became fast.

Lucien could hear his mother yelling in the background but, he didn't care, all that matter was the woman who had his heart, body, soul and mind.

She suddenly stared whimpering, then she was crying and finally she began screaming. He panicked but still held her, whispering soothing words that did little to nothing.

It went on for a while before everything ceased. Zara colour was back, her eyes were brighter than before and he felt their bond.

She raised her hand to touch his face and he leaned in, savoring the moment; she was fine.

"I love you." Zara's eyes flutter shut thereafter.

He panicked and turned to face Veronica. "What's wrong, she was okay. Veronica…"

Veronica stared at him with pity.