Redsand Canyon You're just like an angel

Her words were pleading, and it caused a stabbing pain in his chest. The auxillary closed his eyes as she continued to speak. He was fighting a war within himself—one between his need to keep her safe and his desire to treat her as the fighter he knew she was. 

Aquene told him how it felt to face her ex, how powerful and free it made her feel to be able to stand up for herself. She had never been given the chance before coming to Mereo. He hated that she had been made to feel weak, even though his own words could have implied the same. All he had taken away from her news was that she would be a soldier and in danger—that he might lose her. 

Kallik didn't know what to say; his words were stolen by the war in his heart. He pushed his face into her neck and held it there for a few long moments. I am sorry, he murmured. When he pulled back, there was pain on his face. I am just afraid to lose you, he admitted. It was a little uncomfortable being so vulnerable; it was not how he usually dealt with things. But I am also proud of you. I think you will do well in this new position. Panic settled heavy in his chest as he spoke the words.