AEKEIRA
What just happened? Aekeira wondered, her body and soul wracked with pain. Everywhere hurts. She had come dangerously close to passing out.
Her chamber door opened once again, and her heart impulsively reached out in desperation, wishing for Lord Vladya's return.
"Keira?" A familiar voice reached her ears.
A breath of relief left her. "Em?" she croaked.
"Hey, it's okay. I'm here for you." Emeriel climbed into bed beside her and hugged her tightly. "He won't hurt you anymore. I saw him leave."
Her younger sister murmured soothingly, gently patting her hair. Emeriel's body trembled, and Aekeira could hear the strain in her voice. "It's okay, I've got you. I'm sorry I can't protect you from this. I wish I could."
How could Aekeira express to her sister that, despite the pain he
