Shadow Warrior

Chapter 12

Abby sat with Leo while he healed. It had been weeks of healing. Several times a day, she recharged Leo’s healing rune. He was improving, but it was slow and painful. He slept long hours. Galadin had created a space for Abby to stay. She refused to leave his side. Each time he woke, he would find her there with him.

Leo was in good spirits as he healed. Slowly his strength was coming back to him. They had been keeping his parents updated, but didn’t tell them how they got Leo back. Abby directly disobeyed her orders. The Concurrence would not take kindly to her insubordination.

Leo’s parents kept it from the Concurrence that he was back. Due to Kesh’s involvement, they didn’t know who to trust anymore.

With each day, Abby and Leo’s love grew. Still hidden from each other. Each fearing what the truth would destroy.

As his strength grew, Leo was able to walk around. They were currently walking through the woods. Being mindful of the area surrounding them. Watching for danger. Both of them were needed for the ritual. It had been quiet. Too quiet.

With each passing day, their worries intensified. Kesh wouldn’t have given up so easily. It felt like he was waiting for something. A sign maybe?

“Thank you for being here with me, Abby.” Leo looked over at her. His look liquified her insides.

She would give up her whole world if it meant she could see Leo look at her that way every day. When it was hard, she thought of Leo.

“I will always be here for you. You’re my Soul Keeper and my best friend. I don’t want to live this life without you.” She professed, careful at what words she used.

Leo could tell something had been bothering Abby since they got back. He knew she was worried as they had talked about it in depth. However, he could tell whatever was bothering her was not something she had voiced. Why was she hiding something from him.

At times he would catch her looking at him with something unrecognizable. It wasn’t anger or worry. It was something else. He knew she would eventually tell him. Abby just needed time to work out whatever was bothering her.

“Why don’t we go back and work on some research? We need to figure out what Kesh is up to,” Leo suggested. They had fallen into a silence. It was uncomfortable.

“That’s a good idea.” Abby gave Leo a small smile. They made their way back in silence. Both consumed with thoughts of worry.

Working late into the night, they came up empty. No answers. Kesh had seemed to be picture perfect. Nothing sinister seemed to be afoot. Frustration consumed them.

Going and lying down in their room, they each fell asleep from exhaustion.

The next morning, they are woken by Galadin’s demon bird screaming at the top of its lungs. They each jumped up and ran towards the bird. It was down the hall, but it was echoing throughout the building. Galadin arrived in the room just as they were.

“WHY IS IT GOING OFF?” Leo yelled. Everyone covered their ears as the bird’s call was much louder and at a pitch that hurt their ears.

“DARK…” Galadin threw magic at the bird and it silenced. “There.” They all took in a deep breath. “Now, he only goes off when large quantities of Demon magic are being used. I will go scan for the origin. You two, go relax, this may take a while.” Galadin was giving the bird a bloody treat.

Without argument, they both went back to their room. As they entered, they felt something. A warm buzz embracing their bodies. Leo looked at Abby and couldn’t help the warmth bursting from his chest. She was beautiful, always has been. He wanted to tell her so much. Now it seemed so silly to keep quiet. He had nearly died and Abby would never have known how he felt.

Abby watched as Leo looked at her in aww. She was also feeling the warmth rushing through her body. Thinking back to when they rescued him from Dracula Castle. Almost losing him and, through her own stupidity, she didn’t tell him how she had truly felt. Fear was ruling her life.

Leo was frozen in his place. She felt a pull forward and was tired of fighting it. Taking several steps forward, her body was now pushed up against Leo’s. Suddenly I felt extremely self-conscious. Fear once again consumed her mind and squeezed her heart.

Looking down into Abby’s eyes and seeing her body so close to his, Leo’s resolve snapped. Taking his hands and running them through her hair. Watching as her eyes closed at the feeling. Gently putting his hands behind her head. Leaning down, he pushes his lips against hers.

An explosion happened in both of their minds and bodies. Abby’s lips responded to Leo’s. Need and desire grow in both of them. Begging for more. Their bodies pushed against one another as their kiss depends.

Leo’s mind was consumed with how soft Abby’s lips were. Loving the feeling of them against his. They were made for each other. Their lips moved in sync. Dancing and telling a story of love, loss, and longing. Unable to feel the world around them. It was just them embracing in one another’s arms.

Abby wrapped her arms around Leo’s neck. Grabbing the back of her thighs and lifting her to him. They moved to her bed. His shins met the bedframe, and he gently laid Abby down. Their lips still moving together. Their hearts beat unevenly. Their breaths quickened.

Abby slowly pulled away as she removed her shirt. Leo couldn’t take his eyes off of her. Mimicking her movements, he removed his own shirt. Abby ran her hands up and down Leo’s glistening torso. Tingles ran through her fingers and down to her stomach.

Laying his head back with his eyes closed, Leo memorized every inch of his body that she touched. Her fingers stopped at his pants. Helping to remove all of his clothing. The hunger in Abby’s eyes screamed at Leo for more. Kissing down her body, he slowly pulled the remainder of his clothing from her.

For the rest of the night, they made love to each other with a hunger that was finally quenched. Their bodies move in sync. Bringing each other closer and closer together. Their souls aligned. A new power was surging through them.