The Healer

Ceara wanted to be a top-ranked healer, and she studied everything Maro could teach her. But the most important lesson--opening her heart and mind to another person's desires--could only be learned in Maro's strong arms.

~~~~~~~

She stared at the mirror as if it possessed wings and fangs. A pale, frightened face with eyes the color of shiny silver coins stared back at her from inside the cold metal frame.

"But I'm not a Healer," she protested. "I don't know anything about healing."

"You can be taught." Maro's somber face suddenly lit with a glowing smile. "Just as I was taught."

Pain radiated from his lean frame; she could feel it like an empty ache in her belly. Once she became aware of it, the curious ache plagued her every waking moment. And at night, her dreams were troubled and restless, filled with strange images and emotions that left her trembling and drenched with sweat. More than once, she woke with a rasping gasp, burning in every nerve.