The first thing Effie became aware of was a low, thrumming pain that pulsed dully throughout her body like the ripples in a pond. Her muscles throbbed deeply with the memory of the events that had unfolded earlier, even before her reluctant lids had began to pry themselves open. Images of pain, suffering, bloodshed and unimaginable power tearing her body apart, all flashed through her mind in an instant, a reminder of the torment she had been forced to endure. But at the end of it all was a tenderness, and a warmth like Effie had never known. The security of a tight embrace, like a voiceless promise to protect. A gentleness that somehow managed to tame the wild flame raging out of control within her heart. And that had almost made everything else bearable.
"Reign..." Effie said his name in quiet remembrance, almost a whisper on her lips. And she enjoyed the way it rolled off her tongue.
"Yes?" Came an unexpected reply from somewhere very close by. "I'm right here."
