Page 133 of Visions & Shadows

Disappointment, because we sent her to Earth with no memories of her past, only to rip her away from that life before thrusting her into a world of chaos.

Anger and loneliness, which take one hell of a swing at my heart.

Fear and despair for what she was forced to endure at Adeth and Ares’ hands.

Sorrow for losing her father before even having the chance to get to know him.

And regret. So much fucking regret it flays my soul raw.

“By Awo, Alchera,” I whisper, hating that she’s suffered for so long under the severe pressure Vaalbara has forced on her.

I shift slightly and press my hand over her heart. I’ve never heard ofa guardian healing emotional or mental wounds before, but out of pure desperation, I focus with all that I am on my charge.

The blue light starts to glow between us, and when Alchera’s face crumbles and sobs escape her, frustration pours into my heart.

“You can take away those emotions?”her words fill my mind.

“Is it working?” I ask, desperate to hear her answer.

I feel her entire being sigh with relief, and she practically becomes boneless beneath me.

Every horrible thing she’s been forced to suffer lessens inside her until it all becomes bearable – and pours into my soul.

I’m hit hard with a tsunami of anger, loneliness, fear, and grief, but I take it all if it means she’ll feel better.

Fuck. I did it.

Shock ripples through me, and I’m speechless for a while.

Alchera lifts her head and presses her trembling lips to mine.“Thank you.”

“Better?” I manage to ask through clenched teeth as I work to compartmentalize the destructive emotions.

She pulls back, then her eyes widen as they dart over my face. “No,” she gasps. “You took my emotions like you do my pain?” When I nod, she wraps her arms tightly around my neck and holds me to her. “God, Raighne. I didn’t want that.”

“I can handle it,” I say so she won’t worry.

I push my arms beneath her and squash her to my body while pressing a kiss to her temple.

“I can handle anything that comes my way as long as I have you,” I murmur.

“I love you so much,” she whispers, her tone strained, and hearing the words soothes the chaos in my heart.

“Say it again,” I demand.

“I love you, Raighne.”

A feeling of peace soothes my heart and soul, and still buried inside my woman, I start to drift off to sleep from the exhaustion of healing her.

Chapter 24

Alchera

When I wake up andfeel Raighne’s naked body lying partially on top of mine, a sleepy smile spreads over my lips.

I glance down at where his head is resting on my chest, and careful not to disturb him, I brush my fingers through his longish dark brown hair.

I struggle to process everything that’s happened between us, still finding it hard to believe he loves me.

---