Melora couldn't move. Her body wouldn't obey her. Her eyes slowly moved over her hands and arms, tears threatening to fall out of her eyes at the sight of someone else's blood soaking her skin. A small cry escaped her lips. She had taken a life. Not just one, but two lives.

"Melora," Drystan's voice called out to her. She knew he was only a few steps away, but his voice sounded farther. The sound of rushing blood flowed through her ears, deafening her. Melora couldn't control her body flinching when she felt someone's hands touch her arms. Her head snapped up and met Drystan's eyes. They were stormy and full of emotions as he searched her body. "Please tell me none of this blood is yours."

Melora opened her mouth, but just a whimper fell out. I k-killed them.

Drystan released a shaky breath as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tight against his chest. Melora didn't move; she closed her eyes and released the tears. "You're okay, my love. You're okay." His hands rubbed her arms, trying to soothe her. Her body slowly relaxed as his hands moved up and down her arms.

"We have to do something with them, Drystan," Dante's voice rang in her ears, causing her body to become rigid again. She pushed her face into his chest. "We have to get rid of the bodies. If Alathic's men come in this direction, they will see what happened and know we came this way."

Drystan growled at him in response.

"Dante," Draco's voice snapped at his brother. "His mate needs him. We'll take care of the bodies, Drystan. Take care of your woman."

Melora heard both men walk away from them, dragging the bodies away from them. Once she knew they were alone, she slowly looked up to see Drystan staring down at her. A shiver ran down her spine at the look he was giving her. His eyes desperately searched her face. "Please tell me none of this blood is yours."

Melora shook her head. "No," she squeaked out.

She heard Drystan release a tight breath he had been holding. His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her even closer to him. "Thank the gods," he sighed into her hair. "We need to wash the blood off of you. Melora took a deep breath, her nose scrunching at the smell of burning flesh. "They have to burn the bodies, my love. There has to be no chance of anyone finding them."

Dante and Draco stalked out of the woods and moved toward them. "It is finished, brother," Draco gave them a quick nod. His attention moved over to Melora, and he gave her a soft smile. "We need to get moving. We'll stop somewhere soon to clean ourselves of the blood."

Drystan turned to where their horses were waiting for them, surprised that they hadn't run off. He picked Melora up and placed her in front of him on the horse. He wrapped a strong arm around her waist and pulled her against him, not wanting to separate them. He followed the brothers closely, keeping his ears sharp, listening for danger. He hated that he wasn't able to protect his mate yet again. Once again he had failed.

Don't do that to yourself, Drystan. Meloras voice flowed through his head, spreading over him with affection. You have not failed me.

There has been many times in the past months where I have failed you, Melora, Drystan growled. His shoulders slumped, the feeling of failure heavy on him.

Melora wrapped her fingers around his arm. Stop talking like that, Drystan. You have saved me more than you know. Without you, my life would be nothing but pain.

You are the one who saved me from a life of pain and darkness, Princess. He bent down and placed a soft kiss on the top of her head.

Melora looked down at the blood on her hands. She was sure that the blood was going to stain her skin, marking her that she was now a killer. Tears stung the back of her eyes again, threatening to escape.

I had prayed that you would never have the experience of blood on your hands, my love. Drystans voice sounded tired in her head. I promise you that I will wash the blood off of your body. Trust me, my love, your mind will heal from this. He took a deep breath. Just give it time.

Melora leaned back against him, accepting his promise. I'm tired.

Another kiss was placed on the top of her head. Close your eyes, Melora. I will wake you when we are at our destination. Melora allowed the comfort his mind and body gave her to fall asleep, praying no nightmares would come to her.

---

Melora's body woke at the feeling of being lowered into water. Her eyes snapped open, meeting Drystan golden orbs smiling down at her. She picked up her head and looked around her. They were in a small hotspring. The water felt great against her skin. As Drystan began the process of washing the blood off of her skin, she noticed the reflection of the water dance over the walls of the cave.

"How did you find this place?" she whispered. Her voice, as low as it was, still managed to bounce off of the walls.

Drystan chuckled. "Dante knows of secret places like this one within these mountains. Him and Draco used to play as children in this cave."

Melora gently pushed away from him and settled further into the water, closing her eyes at the relaxing sensation of the water. "Did you undress me?"

She could feel Drystan's presence behind her. "I did." He voice had dropped an octave, sending a shiver down her spine and a sudden ache in her stomach.

Slowly, she turned around to look at him. His eyes were dark as she slowly stood up, letting the water flow over her skin. His eyes followed the droplets, his gaze burning. If he continued to look at her the way that he was, she felt that she would combust. She couldn't help the teasing smile that flirted across her lips. "You look hungry."

"Very," he growled as his muscles rippled.

Melora tilted her chin up at him, exposing her neck. "Then feed."