Chapter Sixty-two (The Steelclaw Hounds Custom)

"Don't you dare lie to me. I can feel your emotions…. Did you try to leave again?" Arric asked, feeling his heart constrict at the possibility. Eirika jerked up, pulling away from him. She sat up in her beautiful naked glory, looking like a sculpture sculpted to perfection. The shock and confused gleam in her eyes made his heart constrict with emotions.

"What, no! Why would I do that?" She said with feeling.

"Tell me what happened then," Arric said as he sat up too, using his two hands to frame her face. He watched as her eyes darkened with concern and the lovely gems danced in their sockets as she struggled to form words.

"Arric I-I know I haven't particularly acted like I had thought most things through since we met. And there were times I was outrightly childish and .. and an asshole to you right from when I first left but…"

"Who is it? Who are you protecting?" Arric asked. Eirika grew agitated. "Eirika?"

"Let me tell you. Okay? Please, remain calm. I'm begging you," she