Lienna.
I drifted in and out of consciousness, floating through darkness when I felt a tug, something pulling me to the unknown. Unable to resist, I followed it and found myself blinking my eyes open. My bleary gaze settled on the light streaming in and I grew confused. Where the hell was I?
I blinked my dry eyes, looking around the room. My gaze settled on a figure sitting on my right and as my gaze cleared, I realized it was Hermes. And he was already staring at me, his brow raised slightly in surprise.
“Lienna? Are you alright?” He asked, standing to his feet as he rushed towards me, his steps hurried.
I tried to speak, but it felt like something was blocking my throat. Hermes saw my struggles and turned around, calling on the healers. Moving to my side, I watched as he got a cup of water, pressing it against my lips.
“Here, drink.” I opened my mouth, letting the water get past my throat. As the cold water entered my stomach, my foggy consciousness became clearer. Hermes pulled the cup away when he saw that I had enough. “Are you feeling better now?” He asked and I managed a small nod.
The healers, rushed to me, checking my body and various other things I couldn’t quite catch. Overwhelmed with their presence, I closed my eyes, drifting out of consciousness once more.
When I woke up again, it was rather late and there was no one else in the tent except for Hermes who had grown increasingly worried. I tried to seat up, but a wave of dizziness hit me and I groaned. Hermes was by my side in an instant, gently pushing me back to the bed.
“Rest.” He advised, his gaze locked on mine.
“I’m fine…” I groaned, my voice hoarse. “What happened?” I asked and as memories filtered in, I added. “Did we win?”
“Yes, we did. Thanks to your attack, we were able to defeat Veronica and survive her massacre. But that isn’t the issue here. The issue here is you.”
“Me? What happened to me?” I asked, puzzled.
“You have been unconscious for three whole days. This is the fourth.” He said, muttering through clenched teeth. I widened my eyes, shocked. Three days!? It all just felt like a long first to me. I tried to move, but my body refused to cooperate.
“You’re still going to feel very weak. You clearly used way too much moon goddess powers on that day.” Hermes, getting me back to a comfortable position once more.
“I… Feel hot.” I groaned, breathing heavily as my body began to sweat. Hermes furrowed his brows, touching my forehead with the back of his hand.
“My… You’re burning up quickly.” He said and but I just squirmed. I couldn’t even register his touch.
“Hang on, you have to eat and use the herbs that have been procured for you. Then, you can go back to sleep.” He said, slipping to the cot. Carrying me gently, he pressed me against his body, as he gave out orders to the soldier he had called in. The skin to skin contact made me feel slightly better.
A while later, the scent of broth assaulted my nose and my stomach growled loudly. Hermes took a spoon and gently began to feed me the warmth broth, blowing softly on it to cool thr temperature. Unable to speak, just let him feed me, closing my eyes and reveling in the feel of his body against mine. Eventually I had enough and stopped receiving the spoon, yawning as exhaustion claimed me.
Hermes continued to rub me all over with his hands, and I when I managed to look up at him, I noticed his tense jaw. My face fell and I felt a twinge of sadness.
“Hermes… Are you angry with me?” I whispered, my voices tiny.
“Angry? Of course I’m angry with you. You went over and beyond even when I clearly told you not to and now you’re in this state. Who wouldn’t be?” He growled, his entire body tensing.
I closed my eyes, leaning against him even as his body vibrated with anger. “I had no choice.” I muttered, my voice breaking. “It was either I helped or she killed us all.”
Hermes let out a sigh, running a hand through his hard as all the tension bled away from his body. “I know that, it’s why I can’t blame you completely. Still, you should have been careful. Look at how weak you are.”
Pressing a kiss to my forehead, he added, “Heavens knows how long it’s going to take you to recover.” He murmured.
“I’m sorry… ” I whispered.
“You’re forgiven.” He muttered. He continued to rub me with his hands till my condition improved and I fell asleep to the steady beating of his heart.
When I woke again, I had regained some strength. Hermes sat beside me, eyes closed, but I sensed he wasn’t sleeping. His posture seemed alert, waiting.
“Hermes?” I called, my voice barely above a whisper. He opened his eyes instantly, focusing on me.
“I’m thirsty,” I rasped.
Hermes sprang to his feet, fetching a cup of water. He helped me drink, and I emptied the cup, but instead of relief, my thirst intensified. My skin prickled, growing unbearably uncomfortable beneath my clothes.
Hermes noticed, his brows furrowing. “Your skin is flushed,” he observed, concern etched on his face. He grasped my wrist, his eyes widening. “Heavens, it feels like hot coals have been poured on your skin.”
Studying me, Hermes clicked his tongue. Without hesitation, he shed his clothes, down to his breeches. Joining me in the cot, he drew me close, pressing me against his bare chest.
A moan of relief escaped my lips. The warmth of his skin soothed mine.
“Feeling better now?” Hermes asked.
“Yes…” I whispered, nestling deeper and Hermes wrapped his hands around me. His chest radiated comfort, calming my overheated skin.
“Do you want to eat?” Hermes asked, running his palms st the flat of my back. I shook my head.
“No.” Changing the topic, I asked. “How’s Adonis and Caspian?”
“They are fine. Worried about you too. They heard the news.” Hermes answered, his fingers traveling up my sides.
“Really?” I asked, trying to distract myself from the feel of Hermes hands on my body and the desire thrumming beneath my skin.
“Yes, about how you defended us. They are proud of you.”
I felt a bloom of pride at his words, a tiny smile tugging at my lips. Hermes continued to caress me. I squirmed, growing aroused at his touches.
“Are you uncomfortable?” He asked, a hint of concern and lust in his voice.
“No, my body just burns and I feel very hot.” I groaned, sweat breaking out of my skin.
Hermes scoffed. “Even in this state, your body still craves.” He murmured as he pulled me away. I protested, looking up at him with glazed eyes, the blaze growing into an inferno. Yet, I couldn’t physically handle the demands my body was making.
Hermes leaned in to kiss my lips. “I’ll be gentle.” He growled against them and I let out a shuddering breath.
“Okay… “