Raden had left Azrael standing alone as he silently walked over to Merikh. Azrael watched as a few words were said and both left. Arjan met Azrael's gaze and motioned for her to come over.

"It seems that there were some pressing matters that needed to be tended to," Arjan explained. She turned to Azrael who had concern written on her face. "Why don't we go and get something to eat." She placed a gentle hand on Azrael's back and lead her through the crowd

They found a small little area with some tables and chairs. Arjan was happy enough with a small collection of pastries and Azrael wasn't one to fight. They sat down and enjoyed the goodies for a bit in silence. Azrael was grateful for this. She was a bit intimidated by being in the presence of a Goddess.

"How long have you been with Raden?" The question caught Azrael by surprise. She about choked on her food.

She managed to compose herself before she spoke, "I think you must have the wrong impression. Raden and I aren't together in that way. We're merely friends if you could say that."

Arjan smiled softly and reached a hand and placed it over Azrael's. "I'm no fool when it comes to love. I share a realm with her." Azrael tilted her head in curiosity but Arjan continued, "You've clearly had an effect on dear Raden or he wouldn't be here off his post."

Azrael wasn't sure what Arjan had meant but didn't push for more information. She just smiled. "He's probably here to make sure I don't get into any more trouble." It was more of a joke as she thought back.

"Are we speaking of the incident in Líadain?" Arjan's question nearly slapped the smile off Azrael's face. Arjan seemed to notice this and continued, "My question is why was he there that day?"

"I had found him wounded one night and brought him in to tend to his wounds. A few days later he tagged along for a short trip to Líadain," Azrael explained. She was very nervous about the subject and would rather steer clear of it. Arjan however seemed very adamant to keep on it.

"Your little trip caused quite a stir and I'm not talking about just in Líadain." Arjan's eyes went from a lovely golden brown to almost black. "You've angered some dark forces around. I hope you're ready to face those consequences."

Azrael pulled her hand back and silently finish her dessert. Dark forces? What on earth was she talking about? However, as quickly as Arjan had switched demeanor she was back to laughing and smiling.

Azrael wasn't quite paying attention until she saw Arjan staring at her quite intently. "Oh sorry. Lost in thought," she mumbled.

"I was saying that it's not easy being with someone like Raden. I would know. Death is not the easiest God and I don't expect his creations to be too far off from him," Arjan repeated.

Azrael nodded and answered quickly, "As I said before, we're not together like that. Raden has more important things on his mind and I'm content with being on my own."

Arjan gave a mischievous grin and leaned in. "Then what was that I witnessed between you two as you danced?"

Before Azrael could say another word, Merikh had walked up behind her. He gave Arjan a small kiss on the cheek and then turned to Azrael. "It was lovely meeting you but it seems that I have pressing matters to attend to."

"You as well. Where is Raden at?" Azrael looked around but didn't find him.

Merikh smiled. "No need to worry about him. He's gathering what he's brought and leaving."

Azrael stood quickly as dread washed over her. Leaving? Without even saying goodbye. Without another word, she rushed off towards the inn. Hoping that he hadn't left just yet. As she ran, Azrael wasn't quite paying attention to those around her and accidentally shoved someone a bit too hard causing what they were holding to crash to the ground.

She turned and bent down to help them. "I am so so so sorry. Why don't I buy you a new one."

"No need. It is only food." The man looked up and smiled. "Are you all right dear?"

Azrael nodded. "I can leave you some money." The stranger shook his head. "What could I do then? I feel awful for ruining your food."

"If you really want to do something, why don't you give me your name? I would love to know of the beauty that ran into me," he chuckled. Azrael laughed as well at the innocent flirting.

"Azrael. And yours?"

"Serkan," he answered and smiled wider.

"Well Serkan it was lovely running into you, but I'm in a rush to be somewhere rather quickly. Maybe we'll run into each other later?" Azrael joked and went running off, but a tight grip caught her. She looked back and saw Serkan closer. "Listen I don't want any trouble."

He leaned down. "Far too late for that love." He started walking towards the entrance to Asra practically dragging Azrael with him. He pulled her in front of him and she felt a sharp tip of a dagger graze her back. "If you try and run or cry for help, then I will kill you. Do as I say and you'll live... for now."

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Azrael could hear her pulse thudding in her ears. The adrenaline kicked in and Azrael was desperate to escape. She looked around for any distractions but found none. She closed her eyes and concentrated on her powers hoping that she wouldn't cause an explosion again. A tingling sensation ran through her fingertips and she knew this would work. Swiftly she placed her left behind her hitting Serkan's side and sending a pulse of electricity through him. He loosened his grip and groaned from the shock. Azrael took the chance and slipped away but not without trouble. Serkan wasn't as affected as hoped and he reached for her trapping her wrist. She turned and yanked her arm away before he could tighten his grip.

"You've signed your death wish," Serkan darkly whispered. Azrael started to run before Serkan could react. "I will have your head!"

Many around were starting to crowd at the commotion making it difficult for Azrael. She pushed her way through but the growing crowd was slowing her. Soon enough she was stopped by some guards.

Azrael stood in front of two large guards trying to explain quickly. "Listen I need to get out of here. I'm being chased by some madman. Just let me through."

"Let's calm down and figure this…" A dagger hit the guard through the eye. He dropped in an instant. The other guard turned to see who the perpetrator was but couldn't find him. Azrael slipped around him as she heard the scream of bystanders who had witnessed the murder.

Azrael made it to a less populated area the stables when she felt her feet suddenly bind together. She hit the ground hard scratching her hands and face. Behind her speeding, her way was no longer the handsome stranger, but a black-eyed paled demon of sorts. Azrael tried standing but it was useless with the binds he had cast on her. She flipped to her back so she was now sitting and facing him as he gained ground.

Azrael was trying her best to move herself to the stables but he was on her faster than lightning could hit the ground. He ground her harshly by the throat and lifted her off the ground as if she weighed nothing. "I told you not to run. You will be severely punished for your act…" Before he could finish a blur of feathers collided with Serkan.

The binds on Azrael's legs were gone and she was able to run again, but she stood frozen confused at what had happened. There lay an unconscious Serkan a bit bloody and Raden standing over him. Raden turned back revealing glowing red eyes full of anger and rage. Azrael took a step back not sure what he was capable of, but as fast as she faced the power of a death angel, she then stood face to face with the Raden she knew.

He walked over to investigate her injuries quickly. Worry replaced rage. "Are you okay?"

Azrael pushed away his hands. "I... I'm fine, but what's going on here?"

"I promise to explain everything later, but we need to get out of here." He handed her a bag and turned back to Serkan who was now stirring again. "Can you ride?"

"What?"

Raden looked at her with an intense glare. "Can you ride?"

"Um… yeah, but what does that have…" Azrael was stumbling over her words as Raden traded glances between her and the slow-moving Serkan.

"Listen, go grab my horse. First stall on the left when you enter the stables." Raden rushed out as he swiftly moved and kicked Serkan again. Serkan clutched his ribs as he moaned in pain.

Azrael stood confused as she watched the scene unfold in front of her. "When did you get a horse?"

"Azrael, go." Raden turned back and glared her way. "I'll be right behind you."

"Let me help…"

Raden left Serkan lying on the ground as she stalked over to Azrael. He picked up the bag she had dropped and shoved it in her arms rather forcefully. "I swear to God Azrael if you don't get your ass on that horse by the time, I'm finished with this bastard…" He was pulled back by a winged slammed to the ground. Azrael let out a small scream. Serkan was standing hunched over still holding his side.

He stared Azrael dead in the eyes. "You're mine," he murmured.

Azrael ran to the stables not giving Serkan a chance to harm her. First on the left. First on the left. She was met by a beautiful black mare. With no time to saddle her or place her reigns on, Azrael opened the stall and climbed on the horse's back. Grasping part of the mane, Azrael dug her heels into the horse's side. The mare raced out of the stables and straight past the fighting duo towards the city limits.

Serkan screamed out in anger as his prisoner slipped through his fingers. He turned to Raden. "I will have her. Oulixeus will have her you mark my words."

"Then you'll have to kill me first," Raden muttered as he kneed Serkan in the stomach. He then took a dagger from his boot and sliced deeply into Serkan's cheek. Black blood stained the ground he stood on.

Serkan pulled back stained fingers from his cheek and let out a wicked laugh. "Your death will be most pleasurable." Then he vanished before Raden could harm him anymore.

Raden saw the crowd of people and knew this wasn't good. He flew off before the mobs came for him and went searching for Azrael as she ran. It wasn't difficult given she hadn't gotten far. He flew alongside her and the horse for several miles until Azrael felt safe enough to slow down. Raden landed and began to walk alongside the horse. Azrael however stopped the horse and practically jumped off facing Raden as anger now took hold of her.

Raden held her shoulders as he took a better glimpse at her injuries, but Azrael pushed him back. "I'm just checking to see how bad your injuries are. Jesus."

"No. You are going to tell me what the hell that was back there. What do you know that you aren't telling me?"

Raden sighed and went to step towards Azrael who stepped back again. Raden raised his hands in surrender and stopped. "Let me look at you."

"I'm fine Raden," Azrael forced out. She was shaking from the adrenaline but also the fear of almost being captured. "Tell me what that was."

"I will but I need you to calm down."

Azrael took in a shaky breath and knew she wouldn't be able to keep up the strong front for much longer. Tears were already beginning to form.

Raden felt the guilt rise up creating a pain in the back of his throat. "I packed some things for a small camp. Please let me check your wounds and we set up camp, and I promise I'll tell you everything, okay." He waited for Azrael to react.

She quickly wiped away the tears and nodded her head feeling defeated. It was getting darker by the second and the nearest town was safe to travel to at night. A camp was the next best thing sadly. Raden knew that he was defying the orders of his master but a grander scheme was at work and it involved the girl he had somewhat come to care for. Even if he was only created to be loyal to the fault of his master.