Raden left the stables rather quickly hoping that Merikh wouldn't follow and cause a bigger scene. The last thing he wanted was for Azrael to see what Merikh really thought of her. He couldn't imagine the hurt she would feel and hoped to keep her from that.

His mind soon drifted from the argument to his next step when they left the town. At this point, Raden was on the edge of visiting the Library of Gods with Azrael or not. Taking her would cause a big upset, but he didn't care now. Damned, be the entitled pricks that have forsaken the human race.

Azrael was cleaning up the room when Raden appeared behind her. She jumped at the sudden appearance and turned. "Jesus Christ," she yelps. Azrael saw the anger still lingering on Raden's face. "Hey. Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine." You Liar. He watched Azrael as she studied him. Raden knew she could see through the lie, but hoped she wouldn't push him.

She nodded and turned back to what she was doing. Raden was grateful.

"So listen I want to take you somewhere that could give us some answers to the chaos magic weapon problem," Raden said.

Azrael turned and her face contorted with both concern and curiosity. "Where would that be?"

"Library of Gods. I know for a fact that they have codexes on the weapons used during past wars and if what you say is true then these very well could have our answers," Raden explained, "However, we very well may be causing some unwanted excitement given mortals aren't exactly welcomed."

"Then maybe you should go without me." Azrael seemed unsure about this plan. "I don't want to be the cause of anyone becoming upset."

Raden shook his head in protest. "You'll come with me. I really don't care who it pisses off."

"I don't know Raden." Azrael held herself in a hug like she always did when nervous. "This seems like a serious rule being broken and I've clearly made enough angry already."

Raden paused. Maybe she was right. Mortals have never set foot in the library for good reason. She would be breaking a rule that had never been broken since the beginning of the library's existence. Sure many had tried but none were successful.

"You're right," Raden answered quietly. Azrael lifted her head up to look at Raden. "We can figure out something else." Raden went and sat down and Azrael followed. "I just... I want to do everything I can to prevent whatever Serkan is going to do." Raden gave a tired sigh. "I want to keep you safe."

Azrael laid her head on Raden's shoulder. "Walking into a place called Library of Gods is probably not the best place to keep me safe." Raden chuckled. "Then again I'm capable of mass destruction so if anything I should be protecting you."

"Is that right?"

Azrael laughed along with Raden. She sat back up to look over at Raden. He was already watching her carefully. For the first time, he looked incredibly tired even through the laughter. The dark circles under his eyes were becoming more noticeable. Even an almost invincible angel needed rest.

She cupped his face in her hands as she watched the smile fade away and be replaced by the common frown Raden so often wore. "You should rest."

Raden lifted a hand and gently placed it over one of hers. He let out a deep breath and closed his eyes. "I can rest when I'm dead. Right now is the time for action," he answered.

"Right now," Azrael leaned in closer, "You need to sleep. Take a small nap and we can figure out our next steps later."

Azrael stood and went to grab her bag. She turned and gave a small smile before heading out. For the first time in her life, Azrael had this strange feeling of warmth and butterflies all at once. One that was welcomed but with hesitancy.

~~~*~~~

As afternoon quickly approached, the town was soon bustling more and more as travelers started to file in from the festival. The three inns were completely full in record time and more travelers were still arriving.

Azrael found a large tree that shaded a nice area. She sat and read for a good while, but soon started people-watching. Families to lone adventurers walked by. A majority were human but Azrael caught glimpses of a red Dragonborn walking their horse down the street and a halfling family making their way opposite. It was a peaceful afternoon filled with warm weather and the chattering of crowds.

The afternoon soon turned into evening. Lanterns were being lit and Azrael began to pack her things and head back to meet Raden. She had thought long about the library. It was an incredibly idiotic thing to choose and go there, but there was a chance there were answers hidden somewhere in there.

Azrael seemingly lost in thought bummed into someone. She quickly apologized but a man standing on the other side of the road caught her eye. It was Merikh but why? She gave a small wave and smile. Merikh returned her smile but walked away into the crowd. A strange feeling came over Azrael and she quickened her walk to the inn. She found Raden sitting in the small lobby staring at the fireplace. The light from the fire casting shadows on his face. Shadows that seemed to morph into odd ever-changing expressions.

"Raden?" Azrael was hesitant, but as soon as she said his name the shadows vanished and there he was. The Raden she had come to know.

He turned and gave a weak smile. "You enjoy the day to yourself?"

"Yeah, it was nice to sit and read. I mostly people-watched in the afternoon though. So many have come through." Azrael sat in the cushioned armchair next to Raden. "Although..."

"Although what?"

Azrael shook her head and smiled. "I thought I saw Merikh but it was probably just the heat of the day." Raden's face went blank and unreadable as he faced the fire again. Azrael reached over and laid her hand on his shoulder. "Is everything okay?"

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Raden nodded but said nothing.

"Are you sure?" She waited but there was no answer. Azrael thought better than to push anymore on the subject and decided to move on. "Well, how was nap? You look a little better than before."

Raden side-eyed her and grinned. "You saying I looked ugly before?"

"What... no I just meant that... you're very handsome. Wait! That's not what I was meaning by... you looked very tired and stressed and... you're not ugly by any means..." Azrael's cheeks burnt bright red and she hid her face in her hands. "I'm going to shut up now," she mumbled.

Raden began to laugh and gently pulled her hands away from her face causing her to look up at him. He leaned down close to her. She could feel his warm breath abasing her lips. "Don't hide your face from me," he whispered, "I like to see your eyes light up when you're embarrassed." This caused her cheeks to heat even more and she turned away only to feel a finger on her chin. Raden guided her gaze back to his. "I mean it. Don't ever hide your face from me again."

He stood leaving Azrael speechless in her seat. His presence still lingers close by her. She quickly shook herself from what had just taken place and composed what emotions had surfaced.

"To answer your question, my nap was very nice thank you for asking."

Azrael nodded. "Good good. Are you hungry at all? Because I could eat right about now." Azrael asked as she shuffled around for her bag that had fallen on the floor.

"Yeah, food sounds pretty good." Raden agreed. Azrael smiled and stood to the side letting Raden lead the way out.

They found a seat at the tavern that was completely packed with travelers. The atmosphere was something else. Music was being played by a few customers while many drunkards yelled and carried on at the bar. It was a bit chaotic moving through the crowd but luckily Raden was able to make room. Orders were quick and food was quicker.

Azrael was a few bites when she decided to bring up the library again. "So theoretically, how long would we be in the Library of Gods?"

Raden looked up from his meal a bit surprised. "Um… well given one of the keepers would be willing to help. I would say no longer than an hour maybe. Why do you ask?"

"I don't know. I was thinking about it all afternoon." Azrael shrugged, "We don't have much to go off of and I was thinking as you said. If there was more information on what this demon leader or whatever he is doing, then maybe we could get help."

"Potentially," Raden answered. Azrael could tell something was up. Raden was all for this plan earlier but now? He went back to eating and Azrael just watched him.

Azrael sat down with her fork and crossed her arms. "Alright. Enough is enough. What is with you, Raden." He glanced up mid-bite. "You were for this plan earlier today. I mean you were angry about this plan so what gives."

Raden sighed and rubbed his hands tiredly down his face. "You made some good points. You're mortal and it may cause some problems that I would rather avoid." Azrael narrowed her eyes.

"Where's the Raden I know?"

"What?"

"You heard me. Where's the Raden I know? Where's the 'I don't give a shit; I'll do what I want' Raden I met. This isn't him." Azrael saw the annoyance flicker in his eyes as he sat silent. She knew if she kept pushing, she'd get some answer. "What is it that you told me? 'You can't hide your secrets forever.'"

"First off that's not what I said…"

"It was close…"

"Don't interrupt me," Raden warned in a low tone. "Secondly, we go and something happens. I can't promise that I'll be able to protect you from any of the Gods."

Azrael wasn't buying it. "Since when do you agree with me on things like this? This is your world we're talking about. The Gods and angels and demons out there. Why are you considering my opinion now?" She sat back and waited on his excuses again. He said nothing. Azrael nodded in disbelief. "Well, I suppose then that going back into hiding is best." Raden looked at Raden with no emotion. "So much for a protector, right?" She went to stand without another word. Azrael could feel herself closing off again as she had done so many times before.

Raden grabbed her arm. "I'm just looking after you. You have no clue what certain entities have planned for you if you catch you."

Azrael pulled her arm away and kept walking through the mass. Raden watched her walk away. He soon heard that annoying little voice in his head. Go after her you dumb ass. Raden rolled his eyes and groaned in annoyance. He knew it was the right thing to do. He laid the money down for the meal and raced out as quickly as he could. Which wasn't very fast given the crowd, but he managed.

The chill of the night hit Raden as he made it out of the tavern. He looked around at all the faces, but none were Azrael. That was until he saw her sitting under the large tree that was softly glowing under the lanterns. Raden's shoulders relaxed as he laid eyes on her and he went over.

Azrael kept her gaze forward as Raden sat down next to her. "Merikh came for a visit today," Raden said. Azrael turned to look over with wide eyes. Raden sighed, "It wasn't a good conversation or one that I will repeat."

"He's the reason you changed your mind."

Raden nodded.

Azrael grabbed Raden's hand lightly. "He's the God you wouldn't be able to protect me from."

Again Raden nodded. Azrael felt the tears form. It wasn't for her own sadness but for Raden. She sniffled causing Raden to lift his head up. He reached over for her chin.

She didn't fight his touch. Tears streamed down her cheeks. "Why are you crying?" He whispered.

"You deserve so much more," Azrael choked out.

Raden leaned down touching his forehead to hers. "I deserve far less than what I have." He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. The scent of lavender filled his senses and brought him comfort. "You don't know what I've done in my lifetime. I don't deserve to be alive let alone be here."

"You deserve to be free."

"I wasn't created with freedom Azrael." Raden now took a shaky breath holding back the pain in his throat as it grew. "I was reminded of that today." He swallowed the lump. "You deserve a happy life without all of this."

Azrael sat up and wiped away her tears. "But then I wouldn't have you." Raden froze. He just stared at her as if she had grown an extra head. No no no. This wasn't good. Raden knew what would become of her if Merikh found out about this, or if any of the celestials found out. He needed to do something to stop this quickly.

Why would she want you? You've been nothing but an asshole most of the time. Raden's thoughts raced and raced. That's it. Be the asshole you play so well.

He had to think of some excuse. Something that would push her away. "I'm a soldier on a mission. That's all. I'm protecting you so that Serkan and those above him don't use you as a weapon." He pushed the lump down. What are you doing? "Whatever you're feeling here. Forget about it." WHAT ARE YOU DOING? "You are a problem for the Ancient Gods and it's my job now to prevent any more issues in this war." YOU ABSOLUTE FUCKING BASTARD!!! "Do I make myself clear?" The pain only worsened. The things he did to make his master happy.

Azrael was completely shocked at the change in Raden. She searched hoping to find an ounce of emotion in his eyes. Nothing. This couldn't be all a lie, right? Right? She wiped away another stray tear and stood up. "Is that all?" Raden stayed silent. Azrael felt as if her heart was being ripped in two as she walked away.

Raden watched her walk away this time he wouldn't go after her. He wouldn't go back to the room. He holds her as she cried herself to sleep. He wouldn't comfort her and whisper that it was going to be okay. He would sit there on the cold stone wall on a cold night alone.

Across the street, in the shadow, a figure appeared. Raden looked over as hatred and anger coursed through him. "Are you happy now?"

A voice in his head emerged. "Mortals are too emotional for their own good Raden. Nipping this in the bud was the right thing to do." Then the figure disappeared.

For the first time in his life, Raden felt the hot sting of fresh tears roll down his face.

"Then why does it hurt so much?"