Getting her breathing back under control, Alissa took the chance to tease Adrest as she pulled out a small and shimmering crystal vial.

“Ady, I can’t control my arm very well, could you help me?”

Adrest took the bottle and easily cracked the top open, instantly the surroundings were bathed in a sweet medicinal scent. He tried guiding it to her waiting mouth, but Alissa actually wouldn’t open it, just going “mphh mphh.” while shaking her head.

Adrest was trying to figure out what he was doing wrong, when he thought of a similar situation a few hours ago and understood the hint.

Adrest emptied the contents of the bottle into his mouth with one gulp ignoring the anxiety building in his chest, wondering if he should be doing this, he darted in, his lips to Alissa’s.

The nervousness disappeared as he opened his eyes to see Alissa’s own staring back at him happily. The contents of Adrest’s mouth was quickly transferred but they didn’t separate.

Adrest hugged the frail body gently as she was healing. Alissa also brought an arm around Adrest’s wide back and squeezed.

They would have continued, but just seconds after the potion was finished, they were interrupted by a loud but short snort. Adrest jumped back at the unexpected noise, leaving a trail of iridescent saliva between the two briefly.

Adrest was blushing madly and looked for the source of the intrusion, landing on the phantom dragon which was slowly becoming more and more transparent. Alissa was better, she stared at Adrest’s lips for just a second while a blush crept up her neck, then looked at the one who’d broke them up.

Seeing the dragon had Alissa’s attention, they appeared to have a mental conversation as they stared at each other. The dragon finally let out a dissatisfied chuff, then fully transformed into smoke, rushing towards the black box that closed on its own.

“What was that? You two talked, right?” Adrest tried to find something to fill the awkward silence.

Alissa slowly stood to her full height, already looking miles better than just minutes ago. With some stiffness, Alissa dusted off her dirty shirt and leather pants, answering as she worked.

“I’ll tell you about her later Ady, but right now we should get out of here. I honestly don’t know how long this place is going to hold together.” Alissa took Adrest’s offered hand and he floated to the floor with her in tow.

Alissa was mentally and physically exhausted, even with all her planning and the fact that the Earthen Titan hadn’t finished that final step into S rank, it was too close. To her credit, it was a terrible matchup for her, and this one had been abnormally strong for its kind. But now she already had to walk towards another battle.

Alissa tugged Adrest’s sleeve pulling him to the prismatic bubble off to the side. Rin was standing inside looking lost, but soon became vigilant as they approached. Seeing Adrest’s wings Rin was afraid she knew what race he belonged to now as well.

Adrest had been smiling as he led the way, but it turned into a concerned frown.

“What’s the matter Rin? Alissa killed the S rank, lets go back to town.” Adrest tried to coax her and glide over the fact that Alissa’s race was exposed.

Rin didn’t move but was carefully looking at Adrest, then quietly spoke, “Adrest with those wings, you’re a demon, aren’t you?”

Adrest wasn’t surprised to hear her question, but really had been hoping they could pretend everything was as it had been just that morning. Adrest sighed and was about to explain himself, when Alissa’s small hand rested on his chest and she stepped in front of him.

Rin was instantly on guard from the action and took a step back in her bubble. Alissa looked hurt seeing that.

“I really meant what I said earlier Rin, I know you probably hate Adrest and I right now, but this section of the dungeon system could collapse any second. Please come with us back to town. Then maybe we could sit down and explain ourselves?”

Alissa genuinely appealed to the innocent teenager. She really took a liking to the young hero, she reminded Alissa of herself in a lot of ways and wanted to continue getting to know the lonely little hero.

Rin had tears in the corners of her eyes and was about to say something, but a huge grating noise emitted from the ceiling. Rin went pale and collapsed the barriers around her.

“We’ll leave together, but after that I want to be alone for awhile.” Rin said tersely and running off towards the exit where Belle was looking at the high up roof scared.

Alissa looked sadly at the small back walking off, but Adrest put a hand on her shoulder, “Rin’s a smart girl, she’s probably just confused right now.”

She nodded and they both walked to the exit, no time to strip any valuables from the huge body, and even the princess of a world power didn't have access to anything that could carry it whole. They met up with the others, where Belle ran directly into Alissa’s stomach embracing her, and Adrest could see Alissa actually flinch when the girl made contact. Internally, Adrest took just a little pleasure in seeing karma come for the girl who constantly broke his bones then poked the injuries.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Rin was standing off to the side uncomfortably and followed along as they ran at a casual pace.

“You know the way back right Alissa? I tried keeping track the first day but couldn’t keep up after that.”

She gave a light nod, “I have it all memorized, the way is cleared so we should be out in just a few hours. The important thing is getting away from the central area as fast as we can, the upper levels shouldn’t be affected too badly.”

They sped up and followed Alissa through the maze and up the mountain. Some hours into the run and making it back up to the second level, without warning the entire earth quaked dramatically. They protected their heads and stayed together in case the tunnel they were in showed signs of collapse, but thankfully other than some new cracks, the place stuck together.

Just a half day later, the party emerged from the cave that the Mantula colony was inhabiting at a little after midday. As they got out and everyone dusted off the spiderwebs, dirt, and dust, Rin spoke up.

“I’m heading into town alone. I don’t feel like talking to the Guild so I’ll be sneaking in."

She left without waiting for a response, the only trace of her was some snow sent flying and a small depression.

Belle looked at where Rin had been then to Alissa and Adrest, “Is Rin okay? Why was she so quiet?”

Alissa rubbed the rabbit’s head, “Rin’s just going through a lot right now, humans don’t look at dragons and demons the same way the beast-kin like you do. From toddlers they’re told bedtime stories about the righteous hero killing the evil dragon, or saving the world from the fearsome Demon Lord.”

Belle tilted her head thinking back to the one’s she’d heard, the memories were fuzzy but she remembered a lot about brave warriors fighting invading humans. Or champions chosen to fight and train alongside dragons.

Alissa continued, “Then as they grow up, demons and dragons and other monsters are used as threats to misbehaving children. In Rin’s case, I can only imagine how many stories she’s heard going to an Adventurer’s School, they are the ones that have to deal with stray and wild ones after all.”

Belle looked sad hearing how humans viewed her Ali and Ady. But Adrest scooped her up and set her on his shoulders as they walked back to town.

“You can’t make everyone in the world like you, Belle. All that matters is finding the people that know who and what you are, and they accept it anyway.”

Alissa made a face of mock surprise, “Big bro Ady actually has good advice? Did a rock hit your head earlier? Let me take a look.”

Adrest swatted away Alissa who was poking him all over and further messing up his already disheveled hair.

“Knock it off. Shoo!”

Seeing how Adrest and Alissa were acting as usual, Belle relaxed and put the matter of Rin to the back of her mind, sure her older brother and sister would figure it out.

The next question she had sent Adrest stumbling over his own feet though.

“Big bro Ady, why did you and Ali kiss when you ran up to her earlier?”

“wha-! Where did that come from Belle?”

“Well, I’ve seen people kissing before, but whenever I asked my aunt and uncle about it, they’d just say that it’s called kissing and I’ll learn when I’m older.”

Belle grew a little dour remembering her past, and Adrest was stumbling over his own tongue trying to think of something to say. He never had to give that sort of talk once in his almost thirty years of life. He was beyond out of his depth trying to explain it to the fourteen year old demi-human he viewed as a little sister.

Alissa was greatly enjoying the show, laughing and pointing at Adrest’s scrunched up, beet red face. Thankfully, after getting her fill of the flustered Adrest she walked next to them and had to reach up to pat the girl’s back.

“Tonight I’ll explain and answer any questions like that you have before bed, don’t embarrass your Big bro any more.”

Belle tilted her head, flopping an ear past her eye, and bent down over Adrest’s head to look at his face.

“What’s wrong Ady? Why are you so red?”

Adrest was beginning to feel like she was doing it on purpose and an eye twitched.

“I’m fine, just let Ali explain later. For now let’s get back to town, I need a drink or three after today.”

“Haha! You said it Ady! I can’t wait to get back to Rose and our beds, let's get going.”

Alissa roughly clapped him on the back, trotting off ahead. Adrest couldn’t understand where she got her energy after being half crippled just a few hours ago, but just shifted Belle on his shoulders a bit and picked up the pace.

It was a brisk hour or so walk in the snow before the town gates came into view and other than an extra glance from the guard at their bedraggled appearance, they got in just fine and were on their way home when Adrest could smell a food cart selling fresh, extra seasoned skewers.

As Adrest’s mouth was watering at the thought of hot food and was debating on turning, he heard a loud rumbling right by his head. Looking up, he could just barely see a blushing Belle hiding under her ears.

With the decision made, he let out a short and sharp whistle for Alissa a few meters ahead, and tilted his head in the direction of the cart.

Adrest set Belle down when they got near and went to stand in the short line alone while Alissa and her found a spot to sit and eat. Handing the single silver Trevil over Adrest’ got enough skewers to fill both hands and quickly made his way back, wanting to eat them while they were still warm.

“”Thanks Ady””

Adrest was a little annoyed that Alissa echoed Belle, with the same innocent tone and everything, but just ignored the troublemaker to eat his own skewers.

With filled bellies, the three were soon walking in from the cold when Adrest and Alissa were nearly tackled into a hug from a wet eyed Rose.

“I’m so happy you’re back safe. It’s been three days and I was starting to get worried.”

Adrest patted the bartender’s back and realized just how small she felt up close like this. “We’re back safe and sound Rose, Rin didn’t tell you? She should’ve gotten back before us.”

Rose let the two go and looked at them confused, “I haven’t seen her yet, maybe she stopped at the guild first like usual?”

They knew the odds of that being the case were low but nodded, “Yeah that’s probably it.”

Rose with a warm smile grabbed the three of them and pulled them to the bathhouse.

“It’s completely empty. Go get cleaned up and I’ll have ice cold drinks and piping hot food waiting for you. I want you to tell me all about the last few days.”

Unable to argue with the redhead, they did as instructed and went into their separate changing rooms. As it was so quiet and only a single wall separated the men’s and women’s rooms, Adrest could vaguely hear a loud gasp in the middle of him taking off his shirt.

Curious, he paused and focused. Just barely he could hear Belle on the other side.

“Gasp! Big Sis Ali are you okay? That looks like it hurts a lot.”

“It's fine Belle, it’s just leftover from the one good hit the Titan got on me, dragon bones take longer to heal than flesh and blood, my ribcage will be bruised like this for a few more hours before it fades.”

Adrest had no idea she was still injured, he’d assumed whatever potion she took out instantly fixed everything. Looks like she was good at putting on a mask for everyone else. He’d make sure to praise her more later, the dragon loved hearing how amazing she was.

Nodding to himself, Adrest thoroughly scrubbed the days of grease grime and dirt off his skin. Garbed in a clean set of clothes and feeling refreshed, Adrest walked out to the bar. There, he saw Rin speaking quietly to Rose at the bar but as soon as she saw Adrest she said a quick goodbye and ran up to her room.