It was to be a quiet night. An array of stars hung over Dorafeir, silently watching over its vast terrain, and the capital's residents were preparing to call it a day.

Erin stood on the roof of Orion's Seat, her gaze fixated on the illuminated houses and establishments that lay ahead. The entire capital was lit up, with the many residents' lanterns, candles and homemade fires uniting to create a vivid orange glow against the darkness.

Once Erin was certain that Dorafeir was at peace, that the residents below were sleeping a blissful sleep, she made her way back inside.

Elric had been kind enough to let her and Casius stay the night. They would head back to Bayloch first thing tomorrow, although Erin had still made it a point to send Mak a letter - something to explain their short absence (however, she wasn't entirely sure how he would be able to open it, seeing as he possessed no limbs whatsoever).

'Ohh, I'm sure he'll be okay.' She passed through a narrow corridor and then down a twisting staircase. 'He's been on his own before.'

Erin continued down another hallway. A line of metal chandeliers dangled above, casting down fresh pools of light which bathed the entire hallway a gentle orange. The magus couldn't help feeling a tad guilty, especially when she imagined a distraught Mak worrying his stone head off, wondering where in great spirits she and Casius had wandered off to. She could just see him doing everything in his power to open the letter, only to...

Oh, god! she thought. What if he accidentally rolls off my desk and hits the floor? The dunce will shatter!

She dismissed the thought with a brief shake of her head. 'Ohh, Mak. ' she muttered. 'Curse you and your lack of mobility! Why didn't my great-great-grandmother give you arms, or hands, or, or...something! Anything to help you move on your own, dammit!'

Erin proceeded round the corner and down a wide corridor. One of the many knights of Orion's Seat strode past her, his plated armour rattling with every step.

'Lady Erin.' He tilted his head in a simple greeting - a gesture she quickly returned.

'Sir Knight.' The two passed, having exchanged polite words of acknowledgement, and continued along their way. Erin threw a glance over her shoulder and smiled. 'Hm.' She gave an approving nod. 'He called me Lady,' she muttered. 'Now that's how a man should act.'

It wasn't long before Erin started thinking about Mak again, and she sighed when she realised just how vulnerable he was. What if someone were to infiltrate the Library? How could he hope to defend himself, to protect the books which housed the secrets of the Maelstras family?

The magus' brows knitted together in a look of annoyance. 'Thank god it's just one night,' she said. 'I don't think I could take all this guilt for more than one bloody day. I wonder what he's up to now...'

* * *

Mak's grey eyes examined the worn parchment, taking in the series of words which had been neatly penned in a style that was all too familiar. His stone beard twitched in an attempt to smile as he concluded the letter Erin had been kind enough to send him.

...and so Professor Killian suggested I take Casius to Dorafeir in order to teach him more about our ways. He said something about learning through experience (not like that, you filthy-minded blockhead!)

Anyway, myself and Casius shall be remaining at Orion's Seat for tonight. Please do not concern yourself over our absence. I assure you that we are both safe and well.

See you soon,

Erin.

P.S: Elric sends his regards.

'Hmm. It appears as though my stubborn mistress shall not be returning tonight.' The ornament's emotionless gaze trailed towards the levitating broom, the same broom which had helped him open the letter. 'The Library is officially ours, gentleman!' he proclaimed, his voice echoing across the other side of the room to where the rest of the brooms were situated. 'Now, let us celebrate!'

* * *

The magus scoffed. 'Probably nothing. I mean, he is limbless, after all.'

She reached into her pocket and took out a small, bronzed key - a token given to her by her brother. Orion's Seat held several guest chambers, although Elric had insisted she and Casius be given a deluxe suite each. Temporary accommodation or not, Erin was more than satisfied.

Her brows furrowed at the thought of Casius. She hadn't seen him since the evening banquet, which had ended several hours ago. Where on earth had he run off to?

Erin came to a rest in front of the doors leading to her bedchamber. 'Ohh, relax, dummy. He's probably already fast asleep in his own chamber.'

She sighed, unlocked the door and opened it before casually sauntering into the room ahead. However, she hadn't more than taken more than two steps when she looked up and saw that it was already occupied.

Erin hovered in the open doorway and stared at the second occupant, who stood on the far side of the chamber, arms raised, wings outstretched and...

...naked.

The magus' eyes widened in a look of dismay when she caught sight of a nude Casius standing before her and she opened her to mouth to say something, though the most she managed were a few short, garbled squeaks.

'Ah...'

Casius looked round to meet her dumbfounded, startled gaze. 'Oh!' He managed a vague smile. 'Hello.'

'Uh...'

'Is everything okay?' he asked.

'Uhhh!' Erin's face flushed a deep maroon and she instantly averted her gaze. 'I-I'm sorry!' she exclaimed, hands waving in a frantic gesture of apology. 'I-I-I thought this was my room! I, uh...' She staggered back and reached for the handles. 'I'm sorry!'

In a single, swift motion, she hauled the doors shut and twisted round, taking a moment to contemplate on what had just happened.

'Naked,' she said, her voice a mere, flustered whisper. 'He was naked, like...actually bare, exposed, beautiful-'

No, no, no! How on earth could she be so lewd? A blistering warmth surged throughout her entire face, causing her ears to burn like a furnace, and she took a deep breath before glancing at the numbers engraved within the aged bronze of her room key.

'137.' Erin's brows knitted together. 'Wait a minute...' She looked round at the gold plate hanging against the door and examined the three numbers which stared at her.

137.

So, this is...

'CASIUS?'

The embarrassment was soon forgotten as Erin burst through the doors, suddenly overcome with anger and a desire for answers. She stood in the doorway, teeth bared, fists clenched, her entire body rigid. Trying with best efforts to avoid looking directly at Casius' naked body, Erin focused instead on the white plaster of the far wall behind him.

'What the heck are you- I mean, what are you doing?'

Casius blinked. 'I believe I was getting ready to recuperate,' he said. 'While I do not necessarily need to at this point, I think it would be-'

'Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know that! I meant what are you doing here? This is my room!'

'Really?'

'Yes. So, kindly shift your bare backside and strip down elsewhere!'

'But this is my room.'

She scoffed. 'How can this be your room when I-'

'You can always examine the key your brother gave me if you are sceptical of my word.' Casius pointed to the king sized bed resting against the far wall.

Complying to his words, Erin tore across the room and snatched up the bronze key sitting atop of the bed, amongst the pile of clothes which Casius appeared to have casually tossed. After examining the angel's key and comparing it to her own, she saw that he was indeed telling the truth.

The numbers were the same. But why had they been given the same room? Surely Elric would never have given permission for them to share a room.

Not unless...

Erin deadpanned when she caught on to the assumption her brother had made.

He thought they were together!

But still, she thought. There's no reason for a woman and man to share a room. Not unless they're married! It's wrong, not to mention inappropriate!

'Is everything okay?'

'F-fine!' The magus took a deep breath. 'I...I'm just a little shocked at the sleeping arrangements, that's all. I mean, we're sharing a room.'

'Yes.'

'You and me...'

'Yes.'

'Together...'

Casius nodded. 'That's right.'

Erin took one look at the oblivious expression plastered across his face and shook her head. 'Don't you think it's odd? I mean, what if we were to, well...you know...' Her entire face flared up at the very thought of that and she bowed her head in a desperate attempt to conceal her own embarrassment. It was inappropriate for her to discuss such a lewd topic, especially with a naked man standing in front of her.

Casius' face softened a little. 'Are you concerned that I might do something improper?' he asked at last.

The magus' gaze slowly rose along with her head. 'W-well, no, but...um...'

'Because I would never attempt to do anything untoward. I vow to stand by the rules set down by the Elders of my home world. We are a holy race, which requires us to respect the rules of those around us. And that includes you.'

'So...you wouldn't...?'

A stern expression fell across Casius' face. 'Of course not,' he said, placing a hand across his bare chest. 'You have my word. I shall not do anything to make you uncomfortable.'

'Oh. Okay, that's good. So then, could I ask you to do one small thing for me?'

'What's that?'

'Put some bloody clothes on!'

* * *

Erin allowed herself time to recover from the embarrassing incident whilst Casius got dressed, although there was no way she could ever hope to remove the impure images of the bare naked angel from her mind, regardless of how much she tried.

Of course, this wasn't the first time she had ever seen a naked man. In the nineteen-years she had been alive, she had seen her brother naked more times than she cared to admit. When they were younger, he had often insisted on running around the palace in all his naked glory, much to the amusement of her father.

However, her mother hadn't particularly been fond of Elric randomly exposing himself in front of everyone whenever he felt like. In fact, whenever her brother stripped down, Erin's mother would hurry around after him, clothes in hand, screaming, "People invented clothes for a reason! Now, cover yourself up!"

Erin sighed whilst recalling the fun-filled memories of her childhood. 'Oh, Mother...' Her gaze trailed up towards the ceiling. 'I hope you and Father are finally at peace.'

'Who are you talking to?'

She jumped when the familiar voice rang out, reminding her that she wasn't alone, and rose up. Instant relief flooded throughout her when she turned back and saw that Casius was now fully-clothed, though she dismissed his question with a simple wave of her hand.

'Uh, nobody. I was just...talking to myself.'

The angel nodded. 'I see.'

Eager to change the subject, Erin cleared her throat. 'So, how was your outing with Darrius?' she asked. 'Did the stubborn old fart teach you a little about the capital?'

Casius gave a curt nod. 'My voyage with Darrius was satisfying, yes. We ventured through the streets while he spoke of the capital's history. It was most interesting.'

'Good.'

Despite her attempts at keeping conversation, Erin soon found herself succumbing to the power of the awkward silence which fell over the room. She gazed straight into Casius' eyes, admiring his dark iris' whilst they bubbled, emitting a sense of curiosity which compelled her to keep staring.

Red-faced, overcome with various emotions, she couldn't help feeling as though something wasn't quite right. Guilt, embarrassment and even anger...they were all pent up inside of her, clouding her better judgement while causing her to hesitate like a stubborn fool. These feelings...they were completely new to her.

Erin turned her back and took a moment to contemplate on the current situation. Why was she being like this? Was it because she had accidentally walked in on a naked angel?

No, she thought. No. Things between us have been awkward since he saved my life. This...this is more than seeing a man's bare body.

The magus looked round and noticed Casius standing beside the open window situated on the far side of the room. Sitting within his cupped hands was a tiny moth, the sight of which seemed to fascinate the man holding it. Eyes wide, a look of compassion strewn across his face, Casius gazed down at the creature, watching as its little wings moved.

His brows furrowed and he reached out towards the window.

'Go,' he ushered, his voice a delicate whisper. 'Fly now, and return to your family. They must surely be worrying...'

Erin couldn't help but smile, especially when the moth, as though acknowledging his words, leapt up. Its little wings fluttered in a swift retreat, carrying it back through the window and into the night. The second it disappeared, Casius closed the window.

You know what you have to do, she told herself. Don't hesitate. Just do it.

Complying to her own thoughts, the magus tore across the room, walking with brisk, determined steps. Casius twisted round seconds before she reached out, grabbing him by his shirt and pulling him in towards her. He made no attempts to stop Erin, who tilted her head up and closed her eyes, planting a gentle kiss on his left cheek.

Casius blinked when she stepped back, and a vague tinge of red appeared against both of his cheeks.

'What-'

'Thank you,' Erin said, 'for saving my life.'

'Of course. But, why did you-'

'I'm sorry.' Erin's voice wavered, and she struggled to get the words out. It was almost ironic, given how she had just kissed a stranger without a moment's hesitation. 'I'm sorry for everything. Sorry for being so stubborn, sorry for nearly taking your head off with a broom, sorry for...' The magus trailed off and shook her head. 'Look, what I'm trying to say is...I'll help you. I'll help you learn everything there is to know about this world, and I'll do everything in my power to help you return home.'

Casius' face lit up a little. 'You're going to help me?'

'Yes. I want to. I mean, I know it's nothing compared to what you've done for me, but it's better than nothing, right?' She held out her hand and smiled. 'Let's officially become allies.'

The angel's brows furrowed at the sight of her outstretched arm. 'Um...'

'You shake it,' she explained. 'We shake hands, either as a way of greeting somebody or by confirming a pact.'

His face softened and he nodded. 'Ah, I see. Well, then...' He reached out, taking Erin's hand within his own and shaking it as instructed. 'Thank you.'

An internal heat burned throughout Erin's cheeks, though the most she could do was smile and nod, for the realisation that she had kissed him suddenly sunk in, ridding her of the courage to verbally acknowledge him. She withdrew her hand, jabbed a thumb towards the bed and gave a low, muffled squeak before turning away.

Today had been a long day, but she already knew that tomorrow would be an even longer one.

All the more reason to get an extra hour's rest, she told herself.

* * *

The sun's early morning rays poured through the windows, casting vast bouts of light which illuminated the entire chamber. Erin's eyes fluttered and she sat up, taking a moment to stretch her arms and open her mouth, allowing a drawn-out yawn to make its escape. Her half-lidded gaze wandered about the room, not stopping until it finally fell on the man lying on the floor beside her.

'Casius?'

She suddenly recalled how the angel had insisted on taking the floor, admitting that the thick carpet would suffice him. He was lying on his back with his wings outstretched behind him, arms resting above his head and mouth slightly agape. It was strange sight, but still one to be admired.

Deciding to let him sleep, Erin threw back the covers and got out of bed. Elric had been kind enough to lend her and Casius a pair of matching white pyjamas, although Casius had been forced to abandon the shirt, claiming that the lack of space would make his wings cramp.

Erin wandered across the chamber, admiring the comfortable feel of the dense carpet beneath her feet. Her clothes had been neatly folded and placed on top of an oak dresser situated on the other side of the room. She reached out to grab her loose fitting shirt, but paused when she noticed Casius' jacket sitting beside her own attire.

After taking a moment to examine the dark, weathered-looking material, she picked it up. However, her features twisted in a slight grimace when she noticed the dirt and dry dust hugging against the crinkled fabric.

'So, they wear ordinary clothes in Heaven. Huh...' Erin proceeded to slap and shake the jacket, trying with best efforts to tidy it up as best she could. 'I was always convinced angels just wore leaves, coconuts and white robes. Goes to show how much I-'

Her words were cut off by the muffled thud which sounded, prompting her towards the floor, There was a single, rusted object sitting at her feet. Erin scowled and reached down, snatching it up, though her brows furrowed when she saw that it was a large, silver key.

It looked incredibly familiar, but where had she seen it? She thought back to when she and Casius had been walking home from Bayloch, to when they had encountered the bandits, to when Casius had-

Wait!

'Casius...'

She looked round at the angel, who was still asleep, and shook her head. It was the key she had taken from the bandit leader.

'But that's impossible,' she whispered. 'He told me that he'd lost it...'

Her gaze fell back to the key in her hands and she took a moment to examine the series of markings hidden beneath the thick layer of rust. She hadn't noticed it before, but the closer she looked, the more obvious the markings were and the clearer the truth became.

Property of...

The markings weren't marks at all.

...the...

They were letters. Words which had been engraved against the shaft of the key itself.

...Divine...

Although barely visible against the rust which had been allowed to form, tainting the original silver exterior, Erin could just about make them out.

...Empire.

She blinked. '"Property of The Divine Empire"? But, that's...'

"My name is Casius, and I have been sent down from the highest regions of the Divine Empire in search of a goal, a goal which will allow me to return to my home world."

The angel's voice sounded in the back of her head, repeating the same words he had spoken the night they met, and the realisation that he had lied to her finally sunk in. Erin pursed her lips and twisted round, only to discover that Casius was awake. He stood over her, donning his usual emotionless expression, though that didn't stop her entire body from shaking with repressed rage and a sudden desperation for answers. She held up the key, allowing him to see that his game was officially over.

'So, tell me the truth, angel,' she said, her gaze narrowing, her fists tightening. 'Tell me why you're really here!'

* * * *

An angel capable of deceit? I refuse to believe it. I do! I refuse! And even if it is true, there must a reason for it.

Gosh, there was a lot happen in this chapter. Nude angels, the return of the key, Elric assuming our main duo were more than a duo...nude angels...

So, any thoughts on this particular chapter (and perhaps on the surprise nudity xD)?

If you enjoyed this chapter, don't forget to vote! :D