Riley knelt his massive form to the ground as his eyes raked from Lydia's split lip to the tears across her armour. There were cuts and bruises marring every inch of her beautiful skin- evidence of another brutal battle. One that would have been easier if she wasn't fighting alone.
Something dark coiled in his chest at the sight, a sneer on his face as a low growl rumbled from deep in his chest. It wasn't right. And he finally had enough of keeping his silence as he leaned close enough for his hot breath to fan her cheek.
"So you love him because he's a hero?" It was an open accusation, full of weeks of her rejection. Of him blindly chasing after her as he put the pieces together when the man she loved left her hanging once again.
"Well let me tell you something about heroes, Angel." He worked as he spoke, magic flaring across her flesh as blood stopped flowing and injuries knitted together into jagger scars. He could have probably dulled the pain, but some part of him wanted her to feel it. Just as he felt it every time he watched her walk away from the love he offered.
And as he finally finished, he dragged one rough thumb across her bottom lip. He caught her gasp as she stared up at him in wide eyed shock while his words vibrated into her soul, "A hero would sacrifice you for the greater good. I have no such compunction. I would burn this world for you. All worlds, just for you."
