A strangled sob escaped upon a shuddered gasp. Elessaria felt strong arms tighten and draw her slender form closer, Luke's lips warm where they pressed against the crown of her hair. It was still a frequent occurrence, but at least the nightmares no longer haunted her ever single night as they had originally upon her escape from captivity a few months ago. The empath peeked up at her betrothed's handsome face while she tried to steady her skittering pulse. Dark lashes dusted his the tops of his cheeks, hiding the deep green eyes that had become her sanctuary. He continued to slumber peacefully, not fully roused from his own dreams since Eless settled back into the warm nest of silk sheets. With her cheek resting over his heart, she could easily see the scar he bore — a souvenir of betrayal that he carried away along with his life.

The diminutive elfess had not yet revealed all the details of the torture she had undergone when both she and Adele had been captured by Him. The young street urchin was plucked during a delivery Eless had sent her on; innocent, lovely, and now, thanks to Ebon and his family's care, nearly fully recovered from the ordeal. Eless managed to keep her alive and heal much of the girl's physical and emotional wounds, but it was Ebon's talents that softened the violent memories. If only the empath could benefit from those talents as well. Soon she would share what had happened with Luke; but, as the morning sun sifted through the sheer curtains covering the large window, she did not think today was the day. Their peace and joy during the holidays was hardwon and shared only with their closest friends. She did not mind devoting herself to her work, her fiance, and her home. Time out of the spotlight gave her the opportunity to heal. Every time she closed her eyes and attempted to return to sleep, she saw His face mocking her.

Rather than disturb Luke with her restlessness, Eless managed to ease out of the tangle of limbs and covers, the wooden floor chilly to her bare feet. The violence and unrest that was growing in RhyDin wore away at her already sensitive empathic shielding. She grabbed a pashmina throw from the back of the rocking chair and pulled the soft, sapphire fabric about her shoulders. The quietest click as she opened one of the doors to their balcony had Bandito immediately at her side, tail fanning the air. She placed a slender finger against pale rose lips to admonish the dog and the pair padded silently out in the crisp, cold winter air. A few birds braved the cold to share their song and greet the morning sunrise. Twin puffs of breath rose in the air, but she breathed in deeply. She found the bracing air to be cleansing. Outside, though, the empath sensed the discord more easily in spite of all the warding to their home.

It was that warding that warned Eless of an unexpected visitor's arrival before he could knock on the door to the warehouse's entrance. She had raced through the apartment and down the steps, the dog keeping pace, and opened the door so that Luke would not be awakened. The man did not seem surprised in the least as she stood there, the blanket clutched tightly to ensure the bright blue babydoll she wore beneath could not be seen. Her instincts and her gifts offered her no warning; the portly, slightly balding man with glasses appeared harmless. When he moved to hand her an envelope, Bandito growled, low and deep, but did not move when Eless shook her head. The courier bid her a good day in a thick accent and went along his way. With the envelope in hand, she closed the door and ascended the steps. Her full name printed on the outside with no other info, she simply sighed and stared.