Night had fully fallen and the only light was now from the fire Raden started. There was tension between the two as they sat on opposite sides of the fire. Azrael was keeping busy tending to the scrapes she had received. Raden watched intently but still kept his distance for now.

Azrael looked up from her hand and locked gazes with Raden. "What."

"Would you like some help?"

"I'm perfectly capable of taking care of my own injuries," Azrael firmly answered. She winced as she tried pulling out some small rocks that were longed deep in the scrape.

Raden took a deep breath and walked over to the bag he had quickly packed. He pulled out a blanket and draped it over Azrael. He sat beside her feeling her resentment but ignored it. He gently took her hand and cupped it in his own. A soft light poured from slightly separated fingers. He dropped her hand and the scrape was no longer on her palm.

"How'd you do that?"

Raden stared at Azrael's tear-stained face. "Healing powers remember."

Azrael gave a small nod and turned her attention to the fire. Raden watched her carefully. He saw her mind seemed to be working overtime but he didn't want to push her. The matters at hand could wait till morning.

"Were you planning on leaving without saying goodbye?" Azrael broke the silence between them. She didn't turn her attention from the fire and new tears could be seen reflecting the fire's light.

Raden sighed. "Merikh wasn't happy that I had disobeyed orders from him. He wanted me back at my post."

"That didn't answer my question." Azrael turned to Raden. She was searching for something in his eyes that would tell her the truth, and she was hoping deep down it wasn't what she was thinking.

"I wasn't going to leave you at all." Raden felt a weight lift from his shoulders. However, the disbelief on Azrael's face seemingly brought the weight back. "You don't believe me and that's fine. I know I haven't been the best example of a trustworthy person, but I swear in my own life you weren't about to stay there alone. I want to keep you safe."

"If you wanted to keep me safe then tell me why I was attacked and almost taken hostage." Azrael could feel the exhaustion creeping up on her, but she wanted to push on just a little bit longer for an answer. "Who was that?"

Raden could see the dark circles under Azrael's eyes. "Maybe this should wait till morning. You had a long day and..."

"No. Don't start acting like you're looking out for my well-being now. We can sit here till the sun comes up for all I care," Azrael pushed back. She folded her arms and stared daggers at Raden.

Raden knew that she wouldn't back down and gave in reluctantly. "Serkan is a close follower of a very powerful demon Oulixeus. When I went back to my ordered post, Serkan was there impersonating Merikh. All I know is he knows about you and wants you for Oulixeus." Raden watched for any changes in Azrael, but she sat expressionless. He continued, "They know what happened in Líadain and that's the reason he was sent."

Azrael pulled the blanket tighter around her. She knew the stories of witches and wizards like herself being used as weapons throughout the years, but she would've never thought she would be sought after as one. "Well then. I think we should get some rest."

Raden looked at her confused at the sudden change. "Wait a minute. I have some questions for you."

"As you said, it's late we need the rest." Azrael went to lie down and tighten the blanket around her. Raden grabbed her shoulder and she flinched causing Raden to back off a bit.

"Azrael," Raden saw fresh tears fall before she wiped them away. He wanted to comfort her but wasn't sure how. "Let me help you," he spoke softly.

She turned around with a tired smile and with a shaky voice answered, "I'm fine Raden. Just tired." As soon she turned away, the smile fell and the tears once again began to fall silently.

Raden reached out for her again but something stopped him. He knew she was crying yet he froze in place. She needed someone right now, but that someone wasn't him. "Get some rest then."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Azrael felt Raden move away from her. She lay there on the cold ground trying to keep her cries to herself. How her whole world could come crashing down around her in a matter of hours and yet, she knew her time here as a free woman had been limited.

Raden sat on the opposite side of the fire watching Azrael. For the first time in his life, his heart ached for another living being. He no longer denied it after the past few weeks of fighting these feelings. He truly cared for Azrael and in that instant, he wanted to take every ounce of pain she was feeling.

~~~*~~~

Morning came with dewy grass and a chill in the air. Raden was up before the sun but he didn't really sleep that night. He made sure the horse was okay for travel and started cleaning what little mess was made. Soon enough Azrael stirred. Raden saw her puffy eyes and reddened cheeks but kept his mouth shut. It was a silent morning for the two for the most part. Raden helped Azrael onto the horse and then followed suit himself.

Azrael became very aware of the close proximity of Raden and tried to focus on the travel ahead. She kept her movements as still as possible and her breathing normal, but every time Raden would accidentally brush against her, she would stiffen.

"Why don't you just fly?" Azrael asked.

"I've grown fawned of this horse. Didn't want to leave her behind."

"Hmm." That was the end of that and silence fell again.

The next town over was about a day's journey from Asra. That journey for the two was mostly taken in silence except for the occasional question of direction. It was a warm day and the trees that surrounded the area kept the sun at bay. At one point Raden decided to stretch his legs and walk by the horse's side. Azrael hadn't moved from her place except for the small breaks they made to rest the horse.

Around mid-afternoon, Raden and Azrael had made it to the small town of Kokkinos. It was a small hunting town on the outskirts of Asra which was the last major travelers' city before the vast wilderness. Travelers making their way to Asra would stop here for overnight visits. It wasn't much but the people here were kind enough to take in strangers no matter who they were. Human or not.

Raden had found a farm hand who would look after the horse and an inn for the next few nights. Leaving Asra like they left no time for a plan for afterward. Once all that was in order Raden suggested food.

Azrael followed silently behind Raden as they entered a small tavern. It wasn't fancy like the one Azrael had seen but there was a nice cozy warmth to it. They sat down and a waitress who looked no older than fifteen came by and took their orders. Once she left Raden turned his attention to Azrael who was staring at her lap.

"You've been quiet all day. Are you okay?" Raden asked.

Azrael looked up startled at first but put a smile on her face like she almost always did. "Just a bit tired from traveling. Nothing a good meal won't fix."

Raden watched the smile falter ever so slightly and knew this didn't have anything to do with the travel. "I don't want to push you into a corner but if there's anything here, you're keeping from me it could limit my protection."

"That's rich coming from you," Azrael blurted out. She narrowed her eyes and leaned forward slightly. "It is my business and mine only. What's going on is none of your concern and we can leave it at that."

Anger pulsed through Raden as he slammed his fist on the table making Azrael jump in her seat and the rest of the place threw glances his way. He didn't care though. "It is my business now. I was attacked because of you. Serkan is part of a very dangerous group that you have no clue just how powerful they can be. So do not tell me that it isn't my business because right now it is."

Azrael sat silent, but her eyes gave her anger away. Soon enough their food came and they ate rather quickly. Azrael was the first to finish and she dug through her side bag for some coins. She slammed them on the table and left Raden sitting alone with more eyes on him than he wanted.

Raden left and headed to check on the horse before going to the inn. How he was dreading this night. He carried on through the town and to the inn he went. A two-story inn and they were on the second-floor furthest room from the stairs. He took a deep breath in as he entered and was welcomed by the scent of moldy wood and fire. He looked over to see someone start a fire in the fireplace to keep the downstairs warm for the night. As he made it to the room, He could hear soft sobs and low murmurs through the door. Quietly he opened the door to find Azrael sitting on the floor knees to chest sobbing.

She looked up at Raden and he could see the fear that had her in a chokehold. He closed the door and knelt down in front of her cupping her face in one hand and wiping away the flowing tears with his thumb.

"They're going to kill me," she choked out.

Raden shook his head and knitted his eyebrows together. "Not while I'm here," he answered softly.

Azrael let her guard fully down. She became a puddle of emotions as she sat there on the floor. Raden carefully slipped an arm under her legs and behind her back lifting her up off the floor. She didn't fight him or protest against leaving the floor. He walked silently over to the bed and laid her down gently and covered her with the blankets. A hand reached out and caught his wrist as he went to leave.

Raden turned at the contact. Azrael looked up at him with pleading eyes. "Don't leave me alone."

He had no words for her but nodded. Gently he removed her hand and walked to the other side of the bed slipping under the covers. Azrael never turned to face him and he was unsure of being here. Raden wrapped his arms around the shaking body of Azrael as she continued to cry and pulled her as close as he possibly could. He buried his face into her hair and entailed their legs together.

"You'll never be alone again," he mumbled against the back of her neck, "I promise."