Kaelus, the Reaper of the North, was a master of ice and shadow.
His magic was designed to slaughter, to freeze the blood in his enemies' veins, to shatter armor and bone.
It was an inherently destructive, violent force.
He had never used it to heal.
He had never used it to soothe.
Closing his eyes, Kaelus forced his racing heart to slow.
He dug deep into his mana core, bypassing the violent, stormy layers of his power, reaching for the absolute finest, most delicate threads of his frost magic.
It was like trying to thread a needle while wearing iron gauntlets.
The concentration required was immense; one slip, one surge of emotion, and he could accidentally freeze her fragile internal organs.
A soft, pale blue mist began to emanate from his hands.
He released her wrists, trusting that the sudden, intense chill would distract her from the invisible itching.
He placed his massive, frost-covered palms gently on either side of her burning, sweat-slicked face.
Hiss!!
