54 The Dog

Ophelia's knees gave out in fear. She shielded her face and tucked her head into her shoulders, clenching her teeth, and bracing herself for impact.

Killorn swore he'd rather fall onto his own sword than witness this. Her reaction stabbed him in the chest more than anything ever could. 

"I didn't mean to, Ophelia. I swear to it, I really didn't…" Killorn lowered himself into a squat. He helped her to her feet, all the whilst she flinched and trembled. 

Killorn tightly squeezed his eyes shut. He prayed to the high heavens for thunder to strike him down right now. Fuck. Just what exactly did she experience for her to be like this?

"I-I'm s-s-sorry—"

"Shh, shh, it's okay," Killorn instantly said. He regretted yelling at her the second he opened his mouth. He was stabbed with guilt, for she had stuttered almost every single word and he had just lashed out again.