There's more…
"Vakiyv," Shyva purred with bulging eyes, "you came for me."
"I swore to protect you." He gulped hard, "and I failed." Vakiyv drew nearer, drawn by her scent and beauty. "I could have saved you. There was no excuse for my failure. I was on the brink of death after they cut me to pieces and left me to die."
"Oh, Vakiyv," she gasped. That was awful. It was my fault. I caused it. I wore you out because you used your powers to heal me and protect us." Shyva reached out to touch his mask but halted midway and withdrew her hand. Vakiyv caught her hand, gulped hard, and raised it to his mask. Shyva's eyes melted, staring into his striking white orbs that drifted across her face. She felt warm and complete in his presence.
