(Scars do not appear to be cause of death –shock ... - Bad Request

She took in a sharp breath, surprised that I was suddenly next to her. Yet she
didn't pull back when a rough, callused knuckle caressed her cheek. Her skin
was pearl-white and smooth as silk, warm to the touch.
"Did you like Dak'kon?" I murmured, leaning in so that my breath blew
against her hair. "As a travelling companion?" I added, as if it was an
afterthought.
"Well- well no, but-"
"Then all is well," I said, pulling her closer, "Dak'kon was useless, anyway.
Worse than useless. I saw how you used to look at him, standing at my side,
never leaving my sight. You and me could never be alone together with him
around."
There. Her heart skipped a beat, and she swallowed. That had dredged up
some hidden guilt, made that shameful fantasy real.
"I didn't need Dak'kon, Annah. I have no need for useless things," I
murmured, "I need someone to be useful."
Useful, she mouthed the word.
"Your father is dead. The buried village is in chaos," I shifted, turning until I
held her from behind. One hand caressed the bare cleft of belly revealed by
her vest, and she trembled at my touch, "You have no one to go back to in
your old life. But I need you, Annah."
Her lips trembled, working as if they pleaded for a name. Any name she
could pin to me so that she could whisper it in my ear.
"Will you be useful for me?"
There was no pause, just a breathless answer given with eyes half-lidded
and heart beating until the blood boiled in her veins, "Yes. I'll be useful for
yeh."
"Thank you," I smiled, my lips brushing her cheek, "That makes me so
happy."
The sound of Annah's pulse drumming in her ears deafened her to the sound
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