This is a work of FICTION, made by and for adults 18+. The following chapter includes depictions of severe trauma (night terror, panic), androphobia, consensual intoxication (aphrodisiacs), cfnf (clothed female, nude female), crying from overstimulation, cunnilingus, and fainting through energy loss. Reader discretion is advised.

“No… no…” Her dreams were agonizing as Aileene once again recalled her death. She tossed as the men closed in and prepared for her ultimate demise. “No!”

“Aileene!”

Jolting up with a yelp, Aileene backed away on the sofa after spying Mera. “I,” after noticing sanguine darkness dimly illuminating the flurries, she held her face to cover her tears, “I’m sorry.”

Mera came closer to hug her. “It’s okay,” she hushed. “You’re safe.”

Leaning in, Aileene cried as her head was petted. ‘Why don’t I feel safe..?’ She couldn’t forget the men closing in and the burn of the fire. Even Mera’s gentle shushes did little to comfort. It didn’t take very long for Aileene to grow desperate for something—anything—to lessen the fear. “Could… could you… distract me… again?”

It was a moment before she spoke. “Are you sure?” Their gazes met and Aileene could see her uncertainty.

With a nod, Aileene confirmed, “Yes, I— I don’t want to feel like this again.” She curled back in as her cries resumed, “Please…”

“Okay, if you’re sure.”

For a while, Aileene didn’t notice anything—again. As Mera continued to pet her head, though, her chest warmed with a familiar scent of flowers. She held onto Mera’s robe as her breathing deepened and pulled herself up. “I— I think it’s working…” Aileene’s flush became apparent as they looked at each other. “Can you— kiss me?” Instead of answering, Mera leaned in and met her lips. Her heart pounded and Aileene eagerly kissed back. ‘Oh, Mera…’ Their tongues danced while she was caressed. ‘I… I need more…’ Aileene pulled away. “Can you— kiss my neck..?”

With her invitation, Mera leaned down to acquiesce. Aileene squealed with the tight hold as her chest came aflame. The succeeding kisses worsened her moans and left her longing, though. “Oh, Mera, I— I need… more…” She hesitantly reached for her robe. ‘It’s so dark… I can hardly see. So… I can take my clothes off.’ As Aileene disrobed, the cool air gave her gooseflesh while her racing heart left her flushed. Nude in the darkness, she held herself against Mera and shivered. “I’m a little cold… Can you… keep me warm?”

Mera finally smiled as she leaned in. “Of course.”

The kisses resumed on the other side of Aileene’s neck. She quivered with each draw before she pushed Mera down. ‘I— want more.’ “Mera… can you— kiss… the rest of me..?” She moved down Aileene’s body and kissed above her chest. Unable to quell her sounds as they escalated, Aileene covered her mouth; however, Mera tenderly grasped her hand and—with tender strength she couldn’t imagine—moved it away and interlaced their fingers.

Her shame faded as the pecks moved lower to find her breast. ‘Oh, Mera,’ she gasped with the delicate embraces until she couldn’t stand it. “Please… more!” Her kisses became impassioned and Aileene writhed under her pleasurer. Not long after Mera began massaging her chest, Aileene grabbed her wrist to push her down. “Please, touch me—!” Giving into her guidance, Mera slipped between Aileene’s thighs. “Mera!” her thrashing worsened with her cries. “Oh, Brigit! I— It’s—”

With a shush, their palms rubbed together and Mera comforted, “It’s okay. Let it come.”

“I— I—” Aileene struggled to breathe as the pleasure slowly became overwhelming. When the peak of her breast was tweaked again, her back arched and Aileene convulsed. “Oh, Mera!” her voice cracked while she clasped Mera’s hand. Eyes wetted, Aileene reached down to push Mera away. Her cries slowed and quieted as Mera came up to hold her. Suddenly shivering, Aileene held her close but the warmth didn’t sate. “Uhm, Mera? What comes next?”

Sharing a confused glance, Mera clarified, “What do you mean by— next?”

Aileene shyly looked away. “In sex. What comes next?”

“Well,” Mera slid down, “I’d say maybe this?” She pecked Aileene’s chest then lowered to her stomach. Her gentle writhes resumed; however, when Mera reached between Aileene’s thighs, she sensually kissed around her sensitive spot at first.

Trying not to clench, Aileene pressed into the sofa until a pull to her desire halted her efforts. “Oh, Brigit!” she cried out, gripping Mera’s hair and wrapping her legs around her head. “Don’t… don’t— stop—!” With a passionate lap, followed by another, Aileene wept. “Oh, Mera! Oh, Brigit! I— I—!” She yelled out with her spasms as the pleasure peaked again. Aileene held on for a few moments, letting the wave overwhelm her, but soon her legs gave out and her hands tired. “Mera… I—” The stimulation stopped and, as the flowers faded, Aileene could finally breathe. A strong fatigue overcame her, however, and she nearly fell asleep before Mera laid back over her.

With a careful caress on her hair, Aileene roused from her trance to find Mera next to her. “Are you feeling okay?” She dried the tears away.

She confirmed with a gentle nod. “Yes. Thank you. I’m just— getting tired. I really hope I can sleep well this time.”

“Do you want to sleep somewhere more comfortable?” Piquing Aileene’s interest, Mera added, “There are two bedrooms upstairs. You could have one of them and I could use the oth—”

Firmly shaking no, Aileene pressed into Mera before professing, “No! I— I don’t want to sleep alone. Please… don’t leave me alone…”

“I won’t,” Mera consoled. “Don’t worry.” After getting up, she wondered, “How are your legs feeling?”

“Uh, they feel a little weak.”

“Let me carry you, then.” With delicate grace, Mera lifted Aileene into her arms. Her heart fluttered with each step as she was brought upstairs and down a long hallway. As a pair of doors mystically became shrouded in golden light, they opened to reveal a grand room with a wide bed at the opposite end—faintly illuminated by a bloody glow from the window above it. “Have you ever slept in a comfortable bed?”

Aileene quietly thought as Mera crossed the room. “The grass bed in my mother’s cottage is comfortable.”

Mera shook her head with a smile. “I hadn’t thought so. Well, I hope you do sleep well tonight.” She eased Aileene onto the bed. Releasing an audible gasp, Aileene marveled at the softness of the sheets and the suppleness of the mattress. Mera couldn’t help but chuckle as she pulled the blanket over her and Aileene clutched it close. After climbing in, she wished, “I hope you sleep well.”

“Wait.” Aileene found her hand. “Could you— hold me?” After a moment, Mera slid closer and held Aileene against her. Comforted by the pressure and warmth, she said, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Goodnight, Aileene.”

“Goodnight, Mera.” The world quickly faded away and Aileene found herself in the darkness of rest within a few breaths.

—Spoiler—

It seems Aileene has found an easy remedy for when she needs comfort; perhaps these comforting nights will also lead to an end to her night terrors. Coming up, the maiden caressed by fire gets a taste of modern comforts, and perhaps a chance to re-adjust to heat after her fiery demise, in Chapter 7: Warmth.

—End Spoiler—