Past.

"What are you looking for?" the young Alessana asked Arman, her secret friend, and companion.

Arman’s firm and resolute face peeked from the clusters of leaves atop a rosewood tree. He looked down at the girl. Any normal lady would be insulted by the expression of apathy and detachment he was exuding. But the young lady only smiled cheekily at him and waved her hands, as if she was simply greeting him a good morn.

“A cat,” he answered in a monotone voice, just as expressionless as his face.

She visibly took his answer as an ascent, and Alessana climbed up to the tree where Arman was searching. Skirts and frills be damned. Her quick movements belie a proficiency that was well-practiced. When she's already settled at a branch next to him she asked more pointedly this time, "What kind of cat?"

"I don't know yet…" he continued his search at the Templar's grounds, ignoring Alessana completely, knowing the futility of scolding her mannish behavior. She had scores of etiquette teachers and governess for that. Having his lone voice be added to what she would only dismiss as ‘nagging’ would be counterproductive and would only leave him tired.

"What for?" she probed again.

"Master wants me to take care of one," the apprentice answered.

"Really?" This excited the young lady of Landgrave Avilla, “I've always wanted a pet but Lord Father said it is of no importance…Argh, you are so lucky!" she complained.

Still, Arman Inez Elazina, the apprentice under the Noble Executioner of Halian Kingdom, didn't even glance at her which, unfortunately—failed to lessen Alessana's unreasonable cheerfulness. "Don't worry, I'll help you find one! My guardian would not be out of the confessional for another two hours," she exclaimed excitedly.

Her sabbatical visits to the Holy Grounds should have been commendable if not for the young lady's penchant to treat the weekly pilgrimage like a field trip.

Again, Arman stared at her pensively. He cannot keep himself from sighing as he silently gave her a weak 'good luck'.

Almost a week had passed and yet he still couldn't find any cat. It's true, animals do tend to be attracted to Arman more than humans do. He was, after all, the successor of a long bloodline of Executioners that have handled the inquisitions of nobilities and royals alike. Both the basest of the angels and the noblest of demons fell equally before the Executioner's blades.

It is, after all, their blessed constitution and perks that allowed their lineage to execute the judgment from their sworn Verdict Magistrate, whomever the writ of death may be written for. So it was natural for the members of polite society to avoid him like a plague, with one exception…and that's this very girl beside him who has no sense of any danger or propriety whatsoever.

Although to be fair, animals fare well in his presence and often sought him out. Particularly those of canine breeds.

He gave a long searching stare at the young lady. In all well-meaning and in good conscience, she was in fact acting more like a puppy.

Is that the reason she likes me?

The image of Alessana sporting a pair of dog ears and a vigorous wagging tail was forcibly buried away from his subconsciousness. Despite the self-admitted silliness of his thoughts, his expression remains impassive.

Like? He scoffed. Pity would be a better term. He doubly committed himself to the task on hand, and can't help but be miffed. Ugh, why for all animals it has to be a cat the master asks for…it could have been foxes or wolves or lions…any monstrous beast would be better than cats!

At this internal screaming, Arman saw Alessana appear out of nowhere. raising an orange ball of fur in front of him…"Beat you at it! I found one…I found one! Isn't he cute…"

"No, he isn't." He replied, but Alessana was too distracted by making baby sounds at the foul thing.

"Yes you are, Arles…yes, you are…" She continued pressing the poor thing at her cheeks. At once, the cat wriggled in her hold. Scratching and writhing, showing how fond he was of the lady which was obviously close to none.

Alessana was still feigning affection for the cat when Arman got hold of the cat through the nape. Still, the thing continued to struggle.

"You said Arles?"

Breathing heavily and looking all murderous at the hissing beast, she quickly composed herself and said sweetly "Yup, he has both our names. See? Arles—"

Arman gazed closely at the cat and then it eventually became calm. Both stared at each other until he placed it down and set the cat all running away.

Looking back at Alessana, he could see how stunned she was.

"Why did you set him free? You have no idea how hard it is to catch him!"

At her indignation, Arman's eyes can’t help but roam at the scratches and bruises on Alessana's face and arms.

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Present.

Arman was cloaked in black, hiding beneath the shadows—no one can see him. And really, even without the shadows, he could easily sneak at the gallows. But with this tight security, the security he himself had organized, he required more than darkness.

At last, he's at the specialized cell. He temporarily put the guards unconscious and proceeded inside and then he was greeted by the smiling face of someone he once considered as a friend.

"You know you can get in trouble with this Arman," Alessana said. Her robe was all in tatters and dirt stuck to her skin. A state no one had ever seen and no one had to except for him and probably the court.

Arman didn't reply. He quickly closed the distance between them and took possession of her lips. He wanted to taste her. He can't take this. It's like Alessana' devouring him whole, eating away every thought in his mind when in fact he's the one who's owning the honeyed lips that she openly offers to him.

Arman pulled her closer until only their clothes took the space between them and even with that it's not enough. He can't wait to throw away their clothing but he knew he can't do that in this place—not in here, ever. He can't do that to Alessana. She deserved better.

Gasping for breath, they both look at each other's eyes, glazed with a desire that has been brewing for days, months, even years.

"Arman…" Alessana murmured with a voice he never thought he could hear again. But he quickly silenced her with another drowning kiss. Tonight was not the time for talking. Their time was too precious for that when every minute was stolen, and every second was a step closer to the end.

He plunged his tongue which his lover received with the same desperation. How he wants to do more than kiss her but being able to kiss her was already a blessing. A gift he would cherish.

Alessana pulled away, "I-I need to tell you something."

Hearing her voice again, almost made his resolve undone. "It can wait." It was all he could do to stop himself from taking her entirely.

"You're the Executioner"

"I know." He replied.

"And tomorrow…"

But Arman didn't let her finish. He imprisoned her in his embrace, and whispered "Tomorrow is not tonight."

Then his lips traveled to her delicate neck. "Arman!" Alessana struggled, "I haven't taken a bath!"

"Don't care," He answered, dismissively. He let the hood of his robe fall away from his eyes so he can see her clearly. Her attempts to distance herself so she may have a moment to make herself more decent were endearing. Alessana's beauty remained as breathtaking as the day he first met her. Her forehead already glistening with perspiration. In the ray of moonlight, each looked like jewels, and each drop he wanted to place in his mouth. He heard Alessana's gasp when he did exactly that, "A-Arman….p-please."

He knew his actions defied whatever will he had. And yet he cannot help but be drawn to her yearning. When Arman saw the need in her voice, touch, and her being, he finally gave in and her pleas for more were swallowed by Arman's lips.

Despite Arman's hesitation, they made love that night.

For a moment, it was only their breathing that can be heard echoed between the corners of Alessana's cell. It was such a gentle and intimate moment that Alessana truly didn't mind their surroundings. All she's concerned about was Arman.

Seconds passed—when their hearts finally became calm, Arman scooped Alessana to his lap. He placed her between his arms and cradled her. While embracing her, he inhaled deeply, taking Alessana's scent. No one uttered a word and both know there was no need.

The man then combed his hand to Alessana's hair and planted a soft kiss on her head. Still not content, he made a trail of kisses to her face, one to her forehead, her eyes, and nose, he even nibbled her earlobe, saving her lips for last. He only stopped just to take a quick breath. All the while, Alessana's eyes trembled as it slowly closed in contentment.

She didn't even dare to move. She can't help feeling like Arman can't get enough of her—like he was the one desperate to take as much as he can at the moment—like Arman was the one who's going to be persecuted tomorrow, not her.

----------------------------------------

Past.

He started licking Alessana's wounds.

"What are you doing?" she asked, startled that she jerked her arm away.

"I'm disinfecting your wounds…" he replied nonchalantly. The scratches had all been drenched with cold water, but some of the deep cuts still formed beads of blood.

"Is that a new power for an apprentice Executioner?" She asked, amazed. "That's amazing!"

"Idiot. It's normal." Arman lectured. And tried to take her wounds again but Alessana stopped him.

Blushing, she exclaimed more forcefully than she intended "I'll do it! Ahh, I mean, you don't have to—I can…you know?"

Arman just let her be but when he looked at his friend, he felt something stirred from his gut.

Alessana hesitantly licked her own wounds. She flicked her tongue at each one. Even the ones that Arman had already disinfected weren't spared. He didn't know why but it seems like Alessana lingered longer with them or was it only his imagination? He felt uneasy and yet he couldn't glance away.

"Now it's done!" she announced, merrily, but there was something in her eyes that seems different.

Arman stepped closer to Alessana and slowly traced the small lacerations on her face. "How about these?" he murmured.

Absent-mindedly, Alessana patted her hand to her own face which made her wounds sting.

Seeing Alessana flinched, Arman offered "Would you mind if I do it?" He didn't know what was wrong with his head, he could easily send Alessana home where she can be treated more appropriately by the healers but here he was suggesting something idiotic. He expected Alessana to refuse but all the young lady did was nod, while stuttering an excuse that dealing with their manor's healers would be a chore.

He also caught his friend muttering how it would only be neglected by her elders, but he understandably pretended not to hear a thing. She had always been defensive when he confronts her about her House.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Still, the feeling in his gut remains to gnaw at him. It also became more prominent, but amazingly it also became almost pleasant.

He started with the one in the eyebrow. Alesana's eyes shut tightly like she's waiting for the worse. But when he's at the second wound, Alessana loosened up, but he could still feel his heart beating frantically.

Almost over, he looked at Alessana's face. Her expression was still filled with tension, her eyes were still closed but at least her brows were not knitted into a frown like before.

He stared at each wound, making sure he didn't leave any. Then he noticed one on Alessana's lips. More on impulse, he licked it. Alessana's eyes widened in alarm. When Arman realized what he was doing, he stopped moving. Her lips still in contact, everything turns at a snail's pace. It felt like an eternity before his brain was able to process what just happened. And then, he felt Alessana's tongue answering his own.

----------------------------------------

Present.

Alessana was inside the interrogation room of the Rozen Trial Courts with only the Verdict's retinue and the knights to conduct her inquisition.

"What can you say about yourself, accused Alessana Fuente of the fallen House of Avilla?" Verdict Augusto asked with cold impartiality. Knight Jamer representing the Stake, and Civil Minister Frontier representing the Hammer, were also present as witnesses of the two opposing factions of the Circle of Halian Knights.

"Not guilty." She answered, looking straight to the Verdict Magistrate. All emotions are free from her eyes.

"False," the Executioner announced matter-of-factly with hardly any inflection of emotion. While the inquisition was ensuing, the Executioner didn't comment on anything else. After all, his inherent quirk for detecting lies had been an indispensable procedure for this farce of a trial.

The jurist scrivener, the last member of the court's retinue, was silently transcribing the exchange, as meekly as a mouse caught in a trap.

"But all pieces of evidence points…hhh, points to Alessana," Frontier stated to his fellow witnesses, almost slipping at his words. Alessana could understand how hard this incident might be for her once seatmate and a dear friend from her times in the Academia.

When the Verdict spoke again, all he said was "Do you, Alessana Fuente Avilla, admit that you are the Deathshadow Hunter, and the one responsible for the failed assassination of Saintess Estrella?"

"Yes, Verdict," Alessana replied.

"Truth," the Executioner followed the accused's answer.

"But she saved hundreds of lives in the process! That includes mine and my troops" Knight Jamer retorted, "Including yours!" he added accusingly towards all who were present, trying vainly to defend the woman. A sentiment that had come all too late, now that the accusations against the former young lady of a fallen Landgrave rank had surfaced.

"But she still used forbidden sorcery and necromancy. As the maiden knight of the Lady Arcana, that in itself is worthy of a trial," Frontier added. There was a flash of helplessness in his words, but as the advocate against the accused, he was tasked to lay the grounds for her demise.

"That was indeed proven without a doubt," Knight Jamer conceded, finally showing a sign of defeat.

"She use that cursed knowledge and power as a vigilante and her actions were done at the expense of peace and order," Frontier remarked.

The knight's mouth thinned in disapproval but remained quiet. His stance on the matter was now showing cracks, that he cannot dispute the other's claim.

Both sides of the witnesses didn't want to be part of the trial but knew that the judgment against the accused had been hammered into stone the moment Alessana had exhibited dark magic during their final duel with the Demon King. Her underhanded attack against the Saintess only cemented her fate, that no amount of goodwill and gold can save her.

"Both factions had been heard," Verdict Augusto concluded. He paced in front of the prisoner and asked, "Again, are you guilty of all of the above accusations against you, Alessana?"

"No, I'm not, Verdict" She insisted.

"But you don't deny you're the Deathshadow Hunter?" the Verdict asked again.

"..."

"And yet you still insist you're not guilty."

"Yes."

Verdict Augusto craned his neck towards the stoic Executioner.

After a beat, the latter opened his mouth, "All. False."

Acting like he lost all his patience, he said "As of now, you are relieved of the protection and privileges warranted to the maiden knight of the Twin Swords under the Crown Rose." Looking to all his retinue and companions, the Verdict added "Her public trial and reading of judgment will proceed this afternoon."

"But isn't it too sudden?" Frontier asked.

"No need to lengthen this issue. This crisis is a disgrace to the Knights of the God of Solaire. So let's just get it over with."

With the preliminary inquisition over, the Executioner gestured to the other knights to leave him with the accused. And they did. They knew what would happen next. The interrogation room was filled with varying torturing devices inclined in forcing the accused—who continuously lied before the sole oath of the truth of an Executioner—to confess. And even if Alessana's title was removed, it wouldn't feel right for the other knights to witness her be reduced to nothing.

Inside, the room was now filled with gloom.

Arman just gazed at the ceiling while Alessana studied every part of Arman's face. Even talking would be painful enough to steal his breath away.

How long has it been since they last held each other? Was it just last night? Couldn't be, it feels almost like a dream now, it couldn't be just hours ago. What if it was a day ago? A year? Can he still remember every second of it? Surely he might remember it as vividly as day, but to touch her, to really feel Alessana's skin beneath his palm would fare better than any treasured memories he might have, even how clear it is.

It would be akin to comparing a diamond to charcoal…and all he would ever have were charcoals.

----------------------------------------

Past.

He touched his lips.

Did yesterday really happened? Arman thought to himself. He never kissed anyone before and yesterday was definitely a kiss…but…

Suddenly, he heard something rustling behind the bushes and when he checked it out, it was the orange fur ball Alessana caught for him.

"Oh, so you did find him!" Alessana said behind him. He was not surprised. He's so used to Alessana's sudden appearances that he barely questioned the fantastical methods the young lady must have used to pull off such feats.

"I think he followed you here."

"Nah, I think he likes you, don't you Arles?" Alessana approached to pat the cat when it hissed at her. Frightened, she hid behind Arman. The moment Alessana hold his arm, Arman stiffened. Puzzled, she peeked at his face and saw it turn into a grave expression. "Is something wrong?"

"Yes."

"Oh, okay." She replied, not knowing what else to say. Arman removed her hold on his arm and faced her.

"It's about what happened yesterday…"

"Okay."

"It shouldn't have happened."

"O-okay."

"Is that all you can say?"

"What else do you want me to say? That I agree? Of course, I don't!" She snapped back.

"But we shouldn't have done it."

"But you're the one who first ki—Ah, never mind! It doesn't matter! Don't worry, nothing happened yesterday! You happy now?"

"But something did happen!" he insisted.

"Argh, this is frustrating! I have no idea where this is going!"

"Will you hear me out?"

"So you could what? Tell me how everything is a mistake? So you could shove to my face how idiotic I am to think that…that…Just never mind. I'm leaving. Idiot!" And off she darted off, running blindly in the garden's labyrinth.

Arman had no idea what just happened. Then he felt Arles nuzzling his face to his feet. He grabbed the cat and placed it at eye level.

"Do you really like me?"

As an answer, the cat meowed.

Looking closely, cats aren't that bad. And in any case, you do have Alessana's eyes. Arman smiled softly.

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Present.

Arman unsheathed his ceremonial dagger and swiftly unbind Alessana's hands. "You could escape at the back door. A horse is waiting in the woods." He said kneeling beside her while tackling the ropes at her feet. "You'll have a week's supply of food and enough money to…" a gentle hand silenced him.

Alessana smiled and shook her head 'no'. "This is not like you, Executioner."

"A lie…" Arman took a deep calming breath, the passive skill for Truthseeker still painfully active, "This is just like me, " to save someone who's dear to me.

Alessana kissed him and said, "I wouldn't let myself be the reason for your downfall."

"Then let me do this, damn it!"

"Execu—"

"I'm not the Executioner right now! I'm Arman! Your Arman and you want me to kill you!"

Alessana made him face him and answered, "I'd rather die in your hands than anyone else."

Every utterance of her truth pierced his soul—enough, that a manifestation of her beheading at the gallows came to his vision. A truth so certain it made the future happenings solidify into an inevitability.

He staggered at the brutal assault of senses, but held on to her, with his shoulder slumped in despair, "I've never begged anyone for anything…but I'm begging you, Alessana, live." For me.

"Arman…" She stifled her answer.

Arman hugged her fiercely, not wanting to let go. "You know what I felt for you, so why…" he whispered.

Alessana didn't reply and she pushed Arman away. Then she started to disrobe. Arman just stared in silence. He'd never thought anything can be much more beautiful than what was in front of him. Even if they're inside an ominous room and she's wearing rags, nothing can match this moment. Their moments together.

And when Alessana was taking his belt away, Arman stopped her. "Not here." And then he dressed Alessana again. "Not now."

He just embraced his lover and they sat at the marbled table. Not once did he lessen the grip he had on his love, cushioning her head at his chest.

Alessana's hand was lying on his chest. He held it up and pressed it to his lips. "Don't you want to make love to me?" Alessana asked, noticing Arman's desire.

"Every second…" he said softly, "but I'm afraid I might never let you go if we do it here. And this is hardly the place—" He nestled his head in Alessana's hair.

"Anywhere is fine, Arman," she interrupted.

He chuckled, remembering that their love for each other had always been equally consuming—like a match wanting sparks.

"Hush, stop tempting me!" He fixed his hold to her waist and jostled her up until they were both facing each other. Their foreheads touching, he added, "At this rate, I won't be able to clearly hear you say how much you love me if we're both busy."

Alessana's face was filled with emotions she couldn't contain. Arman knew she was resolved to do everything she can to make him happy before this end. To leave as much memory as she can for him.

"I have said it countless times."

"Not enough."

She burrowed her head into his neck and Arman could feel tears trickling from his collar. "I love you," Alessana said. "I love you." She repeated. "I love you, Arman. '' She whispered again and again until it became like a mantra for both of them.

All. Truth.

"I also love you, Alessana." And felt his own eyes misting. It has been years, he almost forgot hot to shed tears.

----------------------------------------

Past.

Weeks passed and Alessana still hadn't visited her friend—that was not supposed to be her friend. And when she did saw him, Arman was simply standing motionlessly in front of a mound of dirt.

She was tempted to greet him but his expression was so sad she couldn't approach Arman.

She visited the next day and there he was again. It's like he's on the verge of crying but the youth still didn't move. And the next day, and the next.

At last, she had the courage to talk to him. When she was standing beside him, Arman didn't even confirm her presence, he just stood there. "What's wrong?" Alessana asked.

"Arles is dead." He said it like it was nothing but for Alessana it came as a shock.

Stunned, she asked, "Wha-What happened?"

"I killed him." Alessana can't believe her ears.

It can't be. This isn't happening…Arman…did he just…?

"It was an accident, right? Right! That's it! It's just an accident." She consoled, "Don't be too harsh on yourself, Arman," she continued while patting Arman's back but Arman only pushed her hand away.

"Didn't you hear me?" He raged "I killed him! I killed Arles! I stabbed a freaking knife at his throat and let him choke at his own blood. I just let him die while I stab him again and again! I killed him! I…" Alessana punched Arman in the face.

"WHY!" She yelled in disbelief. "Why did you— he's just a cat! Why did you do it, Arman!?" She screamed while Arman was lying on the ground. "Is it because of me? Because I gave him to you? Do you feel that much revulsion towards a traitor's daughter that—"

"H-he's not just a cat…" Arman murmured, not even trying to stand up. "He's our cat…and I killed him…"

"Arman…"

"I have to…" he continued, seemingly deaf to her words. "Master said I have to…if I can't, then how can I carry out the judgment of those people I know, my people, my companions, my friends…how can I send them to their deaths…if I can't, I would fail as an Executioner…I'm sorry…I'm so sorry…I have to…"

Alessana held Arman tightly as he sobs his heart out. "It's alright. Everything will be alright." She lulled to his ears. Her own hands trembling with emotions, whether in grief or anger, he would never know.

All Arman can think of was how Arles looked at him in his final moments. With eyes the same hazel shade as Alessana's.

----------------------------------------

The Night before the Public Execution.

"Arman?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you believe in heaven?"

"Alessana, please, I don't want to talk about that or anything about death."

"I know, I know…Me too. But I just want to tell you that I believe in soulmates."

"I never took you as a romantic."

"True, but I do believe the gods, you know? And the afterlife. And heaven. And that in heaven, the gods let soulmates be together in all reiterations of their mortal lives, as one. Two different people but having the same being, until they can't distinguish who is who or what is what until finally, it doesn't matter."

"I've heard of it. Huh...Religious piety does not suit you."

"Aghast, a staunch heartless Executioner who cannot recite the Templar's verses, verbatim? How deplorable!"

"Says the soulless warlock who believes in reincarnation."

"But dear Arman…you are my soulmate."

"What if I'm not?"

"Then there would be no such thing as heaven, no?"

"I don't agree."

"Why not?"

"Because this…this thing between us…could this not already be our heaven?"

"That would be the dream, yes?"

"Hmm."

"Are you asleep, Arman?"

"..."

"Good night...my beloved Executioner."

----------------------------------------

Fin…?