Desire and Greed

As the hours of twilight shrouded the skies, leaving moonlight to drip from the clouds, Aureila studied Zariel, shedding beads of ruby tears. Sweat soaked his tunic, clinging to his flesh like wet paper. He clutched his chest as if what ached was his heart. 

"Don't…Please…" He muttered before growing still. "Mother…" 

Aurelia lay beside him, chewing her lip. His nightmares were getting worse. They had never been this bad that he'd seize in such a manner. It wasn't until he gained Zilya's blood those horrible nightmares took on new meaning. 

"It's almost like his broken soul was a defense to protect him," Aurelia muttered. 

A slight knock came on the door as Tiamat sauntered inside, peering at the young boy in a pool of sweat and blood. She sighed. "How long was the panic attack tonight?" 

"An hour," Aurelia answered. "Will… he… will he be alright?"