Page 115 of Scars and Burns

I don’t kill them.

They don’t deserve a quick death.

Their flesh begins to burn. Searing their skin. Sizzling under my power.

I leave them like that as I grab the collar of King Elio. Ripping him off of Dinalia. Throwing him up against the wall. My hand grasped so tightly around his throat I almost crush his windpipe from the force.

No, I will look into his eyes and see the light fade when he is killed. I want to see the fear and despair across his features as he realizes he is about to die.

I teleport to a crystal cave deep in the Shadowlands. Instantly chaining him up then teleporting back to the castle of the Middle Kingdom. Only to take all three of the worthless beings, still under the influence of my magic, back to the same cave. Chaining them up alongside their king.

I return to Dinalia.

She’s curled into herself up against the wall. This is not her. She is not a small, meekful creature. She is strong and powerful. She is the greatest force I have ever encountered.

Holding out my arms, walking over to her slowly, I say, “It’s alright my estrella. They’re gone.”

She stands slowly. Dragging her body up against the wall. I move to touch her. And my heart twists out of shape when she flinches at me.

I grip her wrists.

What is this that is binding her?

It must be what restricted her from using her magic.

I begin to bend it. Shaking a bit. It takes more of my strength than I’ve had to use in years. But eventually I get it to break. Shattering and falling to her feet.

Picking her up gently. Scooping her into my arms with the utmost care. She relaxes and leans into me as I do. Accepting that I amsafe.

My heart is racing. I feel like it is about to burst out of my chest. One from being close to her but also at the realization that I could have lost her.

She is my entire soul now and I almost lost her.

How could I have been so careless?

She is mine to protect. Mine to defend.

And I failed her.

I haven’t even pledged myself to her and yet I would do anything for her.

I will protect her at all costs.

She is the brightest star to ever live.

The light I would follow until the end of my days.

She lights the way home.

Wrapping us in my magic. I teleport to her chambers. Laying her down on the bed. Reluctant to let her out of my arms. I grip the back of her head to guide her back when I feel something.

Descending her down gently to pull my hand away and see nothing but blood.

She has a major gash in her head. No physician would be able to remedy this.

But she can.

She has the ability to heal. She must heal herself.

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