Because sometimes all she can manage is one breath at a time.

She remembered being innocent, but vaguely. She remembered a time when she didn't wake up biting back a scream, but only by the farthest stretch. She traced the scar lightly, the brand still burning bright on her chest. Singling her out. Waiting for them.

He carressed the side of her face, making sure she was real. The power that came off her was intoxicating, he knew he could never leave her, because nothing else mattered.