A Shadow of Death

Aesther's heart could not be put into words as she stared at him.

The Ezrhal of her dream and her future was much. All the wars and all the battles have hardened him to become an overbearing warrior. His gaze burned her soul.

Cold and threatening.

She looked at him as if she was seeing a ghost, and a slow smile tugged at her lips.

"How glad I am that you finally returned."

As she stared up at him, there was a bitter mocking in her words. Aesther felt his grip on her jaw harden when she leaned into his touch.

"Shouldn't you be closer, Ezrahl?" Aesther asked innocently, "At least admire how dearly your beloved guards have kept me here."

His calloused finger slid along her cheek to rest by her ear. His eyes paused over the bruises around her neck. 

"Strange words coming from you." There were no emotion behind his gaze.