Samael's veins bulged as he dragged the motionless corpses of the slavers, leaving disturbed marks on the peaceful dirt.

On the side, Lilith's brows scrunched up, her mouth forming a pout. Samael forbade her from watching what he was going to do. Kids aren't meant to see dead bodies, to begin with. Even he felt his stomach churn at the sight of their decomposing vessels. It was definitely not a pleasant scene or smell.

"...Are you taking a poo, Samael?" Lilith asked out of nowhere, making the boy trip.

Samael couldn't help but shake his head, a smile plastered on his face. "Why do you say so?" The boy asked.

"It smells bad, and you don't want me to look..." The girl reasoned.

"I'm not taking a poo, I'm just... doing some cleaning," Samael spoke after a brief halt. His tone bore an invisible weight.

"Oh, okay!" The girl said, her tone high and full of spirit.

Once the decomposing bodies were piled up, Samael took a deep breath as he inspected their bodies.

His eyes squinted as his hands snaked around to avoid the maggots infesting their flesh. Needless to say, he didn't get much out of them. Well, it's not like they were rich to begin with. The best he found were some chipped knives, dried meat, a few water containers, and two pouches of gold.

At least they had food and water. Samael was famished. His stomach felt like a bottomless pit of void. After all, he hasn't eaten for days now.

GRUMBLE...

Samael looked at Lilith with his brows raised. Her visage was beet red in hue, and her feathers were ruffled.

It looks like he wasn't the only one hungry.

***

After their small feast. Samael was ready to depart, but an unexpected variable stopped him from doing so. Apparently, the girl didn't know her way back.

Samael glanced at the towering trees and the veil of shadow their lush leaves produced. The mere thought of being alone in such a place sent a shiver down his spine.

[https://i.ibb.co/YyRJb0c/creepy-forest-towering-red-trees-eerie-dark.png]

The boy released a mouthful of air, deciding to take the girl with him. If he didn't, she would follow him anyway. His conscience would probably kill him if he left her.

"So here are the rules!" Samael declared, slamming his fist on his palm.

The boy wanted to put some restrictions in place before they went. He didn't want unnecessary trouble; this was also for her safety.

"First, you will follow what I say, you will take orders from me and me alone, understand?" Samael said.

The girl vigorously nodded in response, her hair flapping around cutely.

"Second, when we are in grave danger, I need you to run and prioritize your safety, can we agree on that?." The boy followed, his hands making a 'two' symbol.

This time, Lilith vigorously wagged her head. Her small hands forming a fist, crumpling her pristine white dress.

Samael released a frustrated sigh, shaking his head as he tried to explain but Lilith played deaf and jerked her head away, leaving the boy at a loss.

"Fine, fine, I won't press it anymore." Samael raised his hands and stepped back after Lilith started to sulk and ignore him.

"How about this: In a scenario where I can't protect you anymore, can you promise me that you will grant me my one wish?" The boy inquired while squatting, his piercing gaze focused solely to Lilith.

Lilith's ears visibly flinched as she murmured, her hushed voice drifting in the wind as it made its way to his ears. "What wish?"

A mischievous glint played at Samael's eyes, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he bounced away. "That's a secret for now."

The girl pursed her lips forward, her cheeks inflated with a tint of red, but she agreed to the rest of the rules anyways.

After his small conference, he came up to Lilith and handed her a dagger.

"What is this for?" She asked, her pale hands grasping the ragged handle of the weapon, inspecting it with curiousity.

Samael sighed and guided her hand, tucking it tight on her waist. "I gave you that dagger so you can protect yourself. If there are many enemies, I can't always be there to protect you." He stated, his piercing gaze focused solely on Lilith.

Lilith's eyes travelled and landed at the knife, she understood what the boy meant. This wasn't some fun picnic in the park, this was a forest in the middle of, god knows, where. Countless dangers lurk in the shadows of these trees, waiting to mangle them. Not to mention, but they were just kids too. Now, if Samael is being honest, their chances of getting out of here safely are slim to none. That's why he is so strict about everything.

"We will go soon, so if you have to finish anything, do it now." The boy announced.

Lilith tore her bag open, checking if everything is in place before giving Samael the thumbs up.

The boy nodded in response, his gaze nesting at the impenetrable forest at the distance.

"Let's go," he said, taking a step forward. His foot stirring the dust. Lilith stood close as the the lush forest entrance loomed closer by the second.

Samael was halfway through when Lilith lunged and wrapped her fingers to his. Her hands cold as they trembled. Samael shot a quick look, tightening his grip. The warmth of their palms intertwined, encasing her in its comfort and easing the tension as they pushed through the thick veil of leaves.

Samael's eyes darted around, carefully scanning his surroundings when he caught glimpse of odd markings on the ground.

Multiple shoe marks and wavy lines etched themselves in the earth, trailing off to the distance.

Are these marks left behind by the slavers? Samael asked himself, his eyes slowly shifting upwards.

The sky has been clear lately, devoid of dark heavy clouds. So he thought that the tracks should've remained intact with the absence of rain.

Samael made his way to the pale etchings on the dirt. Lilith's forehead creased, but seeing the boy's laser focus, she decided not to bother him for now.

Samael went down to his knees, his calloused fingers gently hovered above the dusty earth. His movements slow and his breathing still as he traced the general direction of the etchings.

Towards the direction of the rising sun.

The boy rose up, dusted himself, and faced Lilith. "I have some good news". Lilith's eyes shone bright as she leaned closer, waiting for the revelation.

"The good news is: I found out the general direction of where they came from. If we stay true to this path, it might just lead us close to your home." Samael said.

"Really?!" Lilith's hair fluttered wildly as she hopped around happily. Her melodic laugh dancing with the wind.

Samael chuckled as he watched the girl. "Come on, we want to cover as much distance as possible before night falls."

The boy grasped the girl's hand. Intertwining their fingers in a lock. Unbeknownst to him, Lilith's visage turned beet red at this gesture. She wasn't really conscious of it earlier since she was scared, but now...

The girl released a small giggle as she hurried her pace to match Samael's.

Together, they traversed the dangerous crimson forest. Luckily, the path those men took wasn't complicated. Otherwise, they would've lost their way 10 times by now.

None of them knew how to survive in such an environment, nor did they know how to read directions. The only thing leading them was the direction of the sun. Speaking of which, that same sun is also starting to fade from the horizon.

Time ticked by in a heartbeat. The warm touch of the sun was soon shrouded by the blistering cold of the night.

This won't do. Samael knew that climbing a tree was a no-go. If he did, Lilith would be left behind. He also doubts that she has the strength to go up a tree.

His eyes relentlessly scanned his vicinity in search for something—anything that can help them.

That... that could work... His complexion brightened as an idea took shape in his mind.

He pulled Lilith close as he sprinted, holding her tight as he jumped and descended down a dark hole.

The crimson trees stood towering in height, hiding between their tree roots is also an option. Although he had to take care of some bug issues, he had to act swiftly just to keep Lilith from screaming in fear of the insects.

Once that problem was out of the way, he hurriedly approached the entrance hole, hastily covering it with bushes and leaves. It wasn't the best, but it was all they got. Hopefully, it will safeguard them for the night.

Lilith sat in the corner, her head stooping down every once in a while. "You should sleep." Samael said.

Lilith rubbed her eyes as she replied. "How about you?"

Samael observed the dark circles under her eyes and gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about me. I'll stand guard for the night, so go and rest."

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

The girl, still unwilling, asked a question. "Why can't we both sleep?"

Samael leaned back. "As you can see, there isn't much space for both of us to sleep." The boy laughed wryly, patting the narrow dirt walls.

The girl played with her fingers and shifted around her seat. "Uhm. If you want, we can share..." She muttered in a hush tone. Even with Samael's absurd hearing capabilities, he couldn't make sense of what she was mumbling.

"Huh?" His brows furrowed.

Lilith flinched and hastily tucked herself. "It's nothing! Goodnight!"

Samael's forehead creased, he opened his mouth, but chose to just forget about it. Instead, he focused on his watch.

As the moon went on its graceful parade, the usual howling and growls of monsters shrouded the land. Samael tried his best to stay vigilant, but fatigue gradually ate its way through him. The lids of his eyes slowly swayed under the guiding dance of sleep.

When the light of day washed the darkness away, Samael's eyes scrunched up as he's greeted by its Illuminating glow. He looked at the familiar dirt ceiling and had one though running in his mind. I didn't dream of "that"? Often when he sleeps, he would be confronted with his nightmarish past. Fragments of them often rain down on him, leaving him with cuts and in torment. Yet there was nothing this time.

Was I that tired? He wondered. Unfortunately, his train of thoughts was cut short when he noticed something amiss.

Wait a minute... The boy's eyes widened as he sat up in haste. "Lilith?!" He shouted, his voice bouncing off the narrow walls of the hole.

Panic crept on Samael as he hurriedly brushed the bushes aside, the blinding ray of light temporarily disorienting him.

However, his worries were for naught as he heard the melodic laugh of the little girl.

"Lilith?" He asked once more, his voice echoing in the thick forest. The boy perked his ears and sniffed the source of the sound leading him to a breath taking sight.

Lilith danced around, her wings fluttering against the wind and her mesmerising red eyes shining with brilliance. Her figure bathed in the soft glow of the morning light, as she played with the butterflies by the side of a beautiful blue pond. Its surface gleamed under the sun's embrace, as it released a soft tantalising glow.

A variety of different colorful flowers nestled at the side. Some had long petals that had their tips dipping on the aqua blue water, while others had long slender vines rooted strongly on the ground.

Lilith's chuckles swirled in the air as she ran around. She didn't even notice Samael's presence until one of the butterflies landed on his head.

"Samael!" The girl called out. She ran up to him with hurried steps.

Samael released a relieved breath, shaking his head internally at the roller coaster of emotions this girl has been putting him in.

The boy gently held her shoulders, pulling her close. "I was worried for a second, I thought some wild animal got you. Don't go without telling me, understand?"

The girl nodded in response as a red hue soaked her cheeks.

Samael switched his attention on the shimmering pond. Lucky. They could take a bath here and also gather drinking water. One of their biggest problems is solved for now.

Samael made his way to the pond and took out their water containers, filling them to the brim. Afterwards, he removed his clothes and took a dip. He seized the chance while the girl was too busy. He scrubbed off the grime and blood from his skin. Washing his clothes in the process.

As expected, some of my wounds are gone. The boy concluded after examining his body. Now that he was clean and tidy, he could clearly see the effects of Lilith's healing.

Samael felt crestfallen, though. Lilith is probably the same age as him, yet, she can already utilize such amazing powers. Look at him: he's affinity less and weak. This world is truly unfair.

Samael laid his head down, allowing himself to submerge on the cool water. He took a deep breath, letting go of his worries.

Now that I think about it, where did all our offerings go? A wave of bitterness licked him. His family were devout believers. A day won't pass without them offering something on the pristine white altar. Whether it be gold, jewels, or food, They would give it in hopes of peace and as an investment. Samael's parents did all of that so that their only son could be given great blessings when his great day came.

His jaw muscles clenched and his hands balled into a fist. Lies, all of them

Instead of getting blessings, they were given a curse. Samael could still vividly see how his life withered and turned into ash. Those flames, those screams, and those monsters... He could still remember their fancy white clothes with their fancy gold embroidery, how they were stained by the blood of his friends and family. Their sneers and provocation as they took everything from him—

Wait... white clothes..? Samael bolted up from his bath, eyes wide and his breathing picking pace. He might be overreacting, but white clothes with gold embroidery... The boy watched his reflection on the water, yet his eyes looked as if they were seeing what's beyond. He tried to recall even the smallest details of that night.

Then he morphed into a laughing frenzy. "Hahahaha... You've got to be kidding me..." He exclaimed, drawing the attention of the girl.

"Samael?" Lilith called out as she made her way to the boy.

Samael felt dizzy, and the world around him was spinning.

It can't be, right? His body shook uncontrollably while his mind ran in full gear. But, They—, We—We gave them all! The boy held his head, the laugh of those maniacs echoing deep in his mind.

We trusted them...! Believed them!!! He felt suffocated.

Did my family die for nothing?! The weight of the world pressed upon him, dragging him towards an endless abyss of desperation.

But as he was about to succumb to his emotions, a small hand reached out to him. Embracing him tight on its protective embrace. Her eyes full of hope appeared as a beacon for him... A light of hope in his Tarnished world.

Samael broke like a thin glass, tears welled up and slithered down his face. His quiet sobs testament that he's been too strong for far too long.

"Stop, Samael. You're hurting yourself." Lilith said, tears threatening to fall from her cheeks. This snapped the boy back to reality as he felt the searing pain of his nails embedded deep in his palms. Blood staining his calloused hands.

He felt the warmth of Lilith's worry. Her hug that revealed nothing but care and affection. Something he knew little. A priceless privilege he was deprived off. Robbed of. To him, it was the most refreshing thing he ever felt. It was the drop of water in the blistering dessert.

He closed his eyes and allowed himself to be weak for once. He has been trying too hard, far too hard.

Yes... I'm not alone anymore...

The boy patted the girl's head as he rose to his feet. Yes, he was angry. Yes, he was devastated. But there will be time for that. He has fought alone for so long that it has made him forgetful of those that truly mattered. Blind rage would never do him good. Instead, he will turn it into fuel that will push him to be better.

Maybe one day. But not today. Samael consoled the girl before shooing her away. He was still naked, you know.

After that small incident, Samael finished taking a bath and stood guard. Lilith wanted to dip as well, so he had no choice but to keep watch.

He sat down on a tree root and watched as the leaves continued to fall. Time was passing by quickly. His preparations for the upcoming winter is yet to be finished. They need to hurry up their pace and find Lilith's homeland quickly.

***

When Lilith finished taking a bath, Samael was struck silent by her appearance. Her white skin had a soft glow, and she looked almost divine. It was quite ironic for someone with horns.

"Who would've thought you could look good?" He teased the girl. Lilith pouted before releasing a cute "hmph!" Her smile clearly visible.

Samael looked up and measured the position of the sun. It should be near noon. He deduced.

"Are you finished?" He asked the girl. Lilith gave an energetic nod. Clearly, she liked the feeling of being clean.

"Okay, let's go." The two continued their journey once more. As usual, Lilith followed closely behind.

Earlier, while waiting for the girl, Samael checked their rations. Sadly, there wasn't much left. It could last them a few days at best, but that's it. After that, the food crisis is back. Samael racked his brains for solutions earlier and came up with an idea. Hunting, if he's lucky enough, he might just encounter small animals that he can catch and cook. That is, if there are small animals here.

The two continued in the direction of the rising sun. They would occasionally take stops since Lilith wasn't used to walking such long distances.

To pass time, they would often discuss their lives with each other and tell stories about their lives. Well, mostly it was Lilith. Samael didn't have much to say. His past wasn't by any means fun.

"Your grandmother is that strong?" Samael asked in bewilderment, his eyes wide in curiousity.

Lilith had just told him how her grandmother conquered monsters without fear in her eyes. The way Lilith told the story made it appeared as though her grandma was a hero of the olden days.

"Yes! So you see, she told me she could beat Stains...? Spies...? huh..." Lilith rubbed her temples gently, a frown etching lines in her visage.

Eventually, her expression beamed once more as she continued. "Saints! She said she could easily beat saints like how she squash those scary bugs!"

Samael's gaze glimmered, his head filled with scenery of a woman gliding across the skies easily taking down one foe after the other. Yet, his smile hung a little low.

Such fantasies used to dance in his head back when he had a home. But now, they felt out of his reach. Far and unattainable. A mere fleeting dream.

Deciding to not ruin the mood, Samael forced out a smile.

"What power does your grandma have?" Samael asked.

Lilith held her chin, her eyes shifting upwards as her gaze got lost in contemplation.

"I dunno!" The girl responded with a heavy sigh, her shoulders shrugging.

Samael couldn't help but chuckle at Lilith's innocence.

"So you'll tell me a story but you don't even know your grandmother's powers? Are you sure you're not tricking me?" Samael teased with a mischievous grin plastered in his face.

Lilith's lips formed a pout. "Hmph! I'm not lying! I'm telling you my grandmother is awesome!" She argued, her cheeks flushed red.

"Yeah yeah," Samael waves off, further fueling the girls annoyance.

"Believe me!" Lilith insisted.

Their bickering went back and forth, filling the forest with their laughter and joy. It was a rare commodity, at least for Samael. But one he welcomes with his whole heart.

After their rest, they would move onwards again, as Samael intended. His priority was to find food and cover as much land as possible.

Over time, their bond slowly solidified. Samael learned a few things about the mysterious girl.

He once asked her. "So what are you really, Lilith?" He had never seen a demi-human before, so he wasn't sure if his guess was right.

The girl avoided his gaze and played with her fingers. "If I tell you... can you promise not to be scared of me?" She asked for reassurance.

"I promise!" Samael raised his hands and did a salute.

Lilith met Samael's gaze and replied. "Lilith is a demon." She said in a low tone. Her body tensed as she waited for his response.

"You're a demon?!" The boy roared. Lilith flinched as she waited in anticipation.

"That's so cool! But man, my guess is wrong. I thought you were beast kin at first," Samael's voice contained a hint of suprise and reverence.

His father once gave him a book about people who have harnessed the powers of the animals surrounding them, giving them more power compared to mundane humans.

Lilith stared at the boy with wide eyes, her jaw slightly agape. She once met humans when her grandmother took her out.

They hated her and her grandmother for being demons. They said bad things like, "You foul creatures of the night! Begone!" And things like, "You sinful scum!" It left a scar in her heart and made her fear what others might think of her. Samael's reaction was a breath of fresh air for her.

"Samael is weird," She muttered. Lilith felt her cheeks burn and her tail swiveled in a hypnotic rhythm. Her smile radiating joy.

"Is that so?" Samael said, scratching his cheek, a wide grin plastered on his face.

Eventually, their friendship blossomed and bloomed. In a world where they only have each other, who can they rely on except themselves?

They got closer and closer until they could discuss without restrictions. Talk without restraints and enjoy what life offers them.

However, there was one topic they usually avoided. Talks about their past. Samael never really opened up about his past. So he didn't ask for Lilith's either. What matters is not who they were, but who they are now and who they could be.

"Goodnight Lilith," Samael said as he comfortably snuggled close to her.

"Goodnight Samael..." The girl whispered back, her wings slowly enveloping Samael in their loving embrace.

•••

••

•••

Samael ran in haste as he chased after a small white creature. He lunged forward as he brought his knife down. The creature fluidly bent its body down, making the boy miss by an inch.

Damn!

He hurriedly picked himself up before going after it once more. This time, he ran in a circle to intercept the creature.

Last chance! He dashed at full speed, halted and whipped his arms in an arc. On cue, the beast jumped out, a steel knife reflected in its crimson eyes.

SPURT!

Blood drops spilled everywhere while Samael wiped his knife dry. His chest weaved chaotically before he took the severed body of the creature. Upon closer inspection, it was a white bunny with multiple red eyes and a shiny horn.

The boy brought the body back to their camp, where Lilith sat in waiting. The bright flames of the bonfire matched well with the soft glow of the little demoness.

When Lilith saw Samael, she beamed and called for him. "Samael!"

Once the boy got close enough, he put down the dead rabbit and sat down in exhaustion.

"Rabbits again?" Lilith pursed her lips forward and creased her forehead.

"Why? You don't want it?" The boy wondered.

"It's just that they look so pitiful." The girl responded.

"I know, but we need to eat to survive as well." Samael reasoned.

"I know..." Lilith's voice faded in the air. "But they also don't taste good..." She muttered.

The boy held his chin before he gave a reply. "Maybe it's not cooked well enough? How about we let it sit under the fire a little longer?"

Together, they ate the rabbit while Lilith told stories from the books she read.

"It's bad." The small girl giggled while wiping the oil on her mouth.

"Yea." Samael agreed after taking a bite.

"It tastes like blood, maybe I should drain it next time," The boy said. This was his third time hunting, and every time it will have that same metallic taste to it.

The duo enjoyed their food as they basked in the warm heat of the bonfire. Enjoying the little peace they have.