Demonic Tattoo

Rolfe stilled. Panic and shock crept up his throat making it hard for him to breathe. His pulse skittered frantically. Fractured skull? "H— how?" he asked, his voice a deep rumble, his chest vibrating with anger 

She had gripped his arm and he tightened them around her in a reassuring way across her waist. She leaned back against his chest and the feeling was so pleasant that she didn't want to let go of him. His pine and mist scent surrounded her and she felt soothed. "It was during one of the beatings. Etaya had battered me with a baton in one of her rages, and it crashed over my head causing a fracture. Ever since, I get this giddiness, but the healers have said that it would not affect my growth…" 

Rolfe didn't know what to say. He just rested his chin over the girl's head and closed his eyes. "I'm sorry…" he murmured an apology because he didn't find her earlier. Now, he wanted to kill Etaya badly, slowly, painfully, but first he wanted to avenge his father.