Outside her door he lingered.
Crimson dripped from his sword, from tendrils of his hair.
Blazing, gold streaked hunger vibrated through his system.
He had been a fool to come to her like this.
She stirred, fighting spirit instantly alert.
The soft padding of her feet was nearly his undoing.
She pushed back the panel, exposing him to the light.
Her hands flew to her mouth.
"Are you alright?" she asked breathlessly.
Then she realized that the blood wasn't his...
Her blue eyes deepen with unreadable thoughts.
She should condemn him; indeed, he wanted her to.
Exclaim her disgust and be done with it, with him.
The sword dropped with a loud clang, shattering the silence.
Then he was gathering her into his arms, sobbing into her hair.
Seeking forgiveness, seeking absolution and comfort from her.
She remained very still in his embrace, unresponsive.
Then with a fierce cry she hugged him to her,
Clinging with all her strength to his tainted being.
Vileness crept over him, and he forced her away.
When she took a step closer, he pinned her with his glare.
"Would you die this night too?" he asked in anguish.
She ran to him, wrapping him in her goodness, her love.
"Take me with you, where ever you go." She pleaded.
His hand came to rest over one of hers.
"I cannot ever leave you," he confessed.
And he gathered her close, his eyes the color of spring violets...
