As I set myself down onto the log which rested in the shade, covered blissfully by the tree, I exhaled contently, laying my hands out on my lap. Today had beautiful weather by the standards of the Celestial World, and I should probably enjoy it. But how can I ever allow myself to relax ever again, after...that?

A light weight on my forearm caught my attention, making me look down only to smile in delight. Lifting my long, slender fingers, a blue butterfly, which had been resting there peacefully there only moments ago fluttered off, and away.

I stretched out my hand, staring at it through the bright rays of the sun. My vision blurred a little when I squinted due to the bright light, but when they cleared, I saw in horror my hands shackled, trailing with chains. Red, angry rope burns scarred my wrists and whip marks adorned my already scarred fingers.

My heart sped up, eyes widening in panic. As I lifted my hands up, they trembled uncontrollably. The chains rattled sharply, unleashing a wave of nausea that almost smothered me, making it hard to breathe. No, not again...Without realizing it, I began to shake. Terrifying images from my memories in the past flashed by rapidly, sending me into hysteria. No, she can't be back, she can't...!

But the chains were real, and felt unbearably cold against my thin wrists. I wrapped my arms around myself, rocking back and forth, trying to calm down. Loki would be here, to rescue me from the terrible nightmare...he would! He'd be here...right?

A stab of panic hit me, full on as I realized in horror Loki might not know where I was. My breathing sounded uneven and shaky as a tear traced its way down my cheek and dripped onto my crumpled dress.

I feel cold, so cold...and unbelievably tired... I'll take a nap, just a short one, and when I wake up, Loki would be here, and everything would be okay...With my disorientated thoughts, my eyes began to grow heavier and heavier still. I was just about to fall into the open arms of Sleep when a harsh cry jerked me to consciousness.

"ARIES!"

My eyes flew open in shock and met with Loki's beautiful, soft, gentle ones, which were filled with worry.

"Aries, talk to me! What just happened?"