Author note: I hope you guys are enjoying it! BTW, this chapter is a little juicy, so if so,e of u guys are already shipping Aries and Kalden, oooh this is for you bestie.  Also, the image above is an AI generated image of Aries! This is exactly what I imagined. So yeah, that's what she looks like. Aywho, get back to reading, shoo, shoo!

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As Aries tried to sit up, she winced in pain, feeling the effects of her injuries. She realized that she was in a bed, but it was still nighttime, and she couldn't see much in the darkness. She strained to remember how she had gotten here. Then it came back to her—Kalden had helped her back to an inn and insisted on staying in a room next to hers to offer assistance if needed.

Touching her stomach, she felt the comfort of bandages securely wrapped around the stab wound. She was grateful for Kalden help, even though she was still unsure about him. Trust him, Thana's words echoed in her mind. But she didn't know who "him" referred to, though she had assumed it was Kalden, considering he was the only significant person who had come into her life recently and offered help.

With great effort, she managed to get out of bed, her body protesting each movement. The room was dimly lit by a small lamp in the corner. A soft glow illuminated the space, revealing her belongings neatly placed on a nearby table. Aries reached for her bag, searching for her sketchbook. She felt the familiar leather cover under her fingertips and pulled it out, flipping through the pages.

Her heart skipped a beat when she came across a sketch she hadn't seen before. Aries couldn't shake the feeling of unease as she contemplated the sketch and the dream. The image of Thana, surrounded by mysterious figures in the shadows, and with Kalden standing so closely, left her with a sense of foreboding. She couldn't ignore the possibility that the goddess was trying to convey a warning.

The ghostly references and the enigmatic figures lurking in the corners of the sketch hinted at hidden dangers or secrets. Perhaps Thana was cautioning her about the shadows that followed her, the unknown threats that could be lurking in the darkness. And Kalden proximity to the deity only deepened the mystery surrounding him. As much as Aries tried to deny it, the feelings for Kalden were becoming undeniable. It wasn't just a passing attraction; there was something deeper, something that defied explanation. Every time they touched, she felt a surge of electricity running through her, as if their connection went beyond the physical realm. It was as if he had a gravitational pull on her soul, drawing her closer, and she couldn't shake the sensation. Aries understood that her tumultuous past might be influencing her feelings for Kalden . Growing up in a harsh world, where love and affection were scarce, had left her soul yearning for connection and understanding. She had learned to rely solely on herself, becoming a strong and independent woman, but now, with Kalden presence in her life, a part of her craved for something more.

As she pondered her emotions, she acknowledged that it was natural to seek companionship and affection after years of solitude and battles. But she also knew that she couldn't let her vulnerabilities cloud her judgment. Aries was determined to stay true to herself, to remain strong and focused on her goals.

Deep down, she realized that she deserved love and care, but she also knew that she couldn't afford to be naive. Aries couldn't deny that Kalden had indeed saved her life, and that act of kindness was not something she could easily dismiss. Despite her reservations and the warning from the dream, she realized that completely cutting him off might not be fair. After all, they had been through a dangerous and intense situation together, and there was a level of camaraderie that had formed between them.

She knew that she couldn't let her guard down entirely, but she also understood the value of having someone she could rely on, even if only to a certain extent. Perhaps keeping him as a less-than-mutual friend, as someone she could trust to a limited degree, would be a reasonable approach for now. Aries sighed, the early morning light filtering through the shutters as she gazed out of the window. Despite her wounds, she knew she couldn't afford to rest for long. The hunt had to continue. She inspected her arm, grateful that the doctor had managed to set it back in place. Without that, she would have been severely handicapped in a fight.

After a few moments of contemplation, she decided to take a bath. The warm water enveloped her, easing the tension in her muscles. She carefully washed away the blood from her body and hair, trying not to aggravate her sword wound. Aries winced as she unintentionally poked at it, but she knew the pain was a small price to pay for survival.

As she wrapped herself in a towel, she couldn't help but glance at her reflection in the mirror. The wound on her stomach joined a myriad of scars that adorned her body, each one a testament to her battles and survival. Each scar told a story, a part of her journey as the Infamous Black Crow.

Lost in thought, she dressed in her clothes and armor, making sure she was ready for whatever awaited her outside. With her belongings in hand, she opened the door, only to find Kalden standing there.

"You again," she said, not trying to hide the surprise in her voice.

Kalden smiled, his eyes holding a mixture of amusement and concern. "Couldn't let you wander off without me, could I?" he replied casually. Aries rolled her eyes, trying not to show that his presence was somewhat comforting. "Just don't get in my way," she warned. "Wouldn't dream of it," he said, falling in step beside her as they made their way out of the inn. 

With Kalden by her side, Aries found herself experiencing a mix of emotions. While his presence was comforting in some ways, she couldn't shake the feeling of vulnerability that came with having someone else in such dangerous territory. She was used to traveling alone, relying only on herself and her skills. But now, she had a companion, and it was both reassuring and unnerving.

As they walked, Aries couldn't help but fidget with her silver ring, a small treasure she always carried with her. Twisting it between her fingers, she found a sense of grounding in the smooth metal. It was a habit she had developed over the years, a way to keep her hands busy and her mind focused.

The air around them was cool and humid, the perfect blend of scents filling her senses. The sweet fragrance of the Ephemera, Thanaheim's famous national flower, mingled with the refreshing breeze. Aries took a deep breath, savoring the familiar scent that reminded her of home. "You okay?" Kalden asked, looking at her with concern. She smiled back, trying to dismiss any worry he might have. "You're messing with that ring of yours quite a lot," he pointed out. Aries nodded, her fingers still playing with the silver band. "I just have a tendency to fidget when I'm thinking or feeling restless," she explained. It was a small comfort for her, a familiar gesture that helped ease her mind.

Kalden frowned slightly but didn't press further about the ring. "Where exactly are we going?" he inquired. Aries took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding, "Well, we are on our way to my next target, someone I've been keeping an eye on. But before that, we need to stock up on some groceries and gather supplies. It's always best to be prepared for anything."

As they continued walking, Aries couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of the moonlit night. The silver glow illuminated their path as they moved forward together. "The night sky is enchanting," she remarked, glancing up at the moon. "It reminds me of the goddess Thana and her domain." Kalden looked thoughtful, considering her words. "The goddess Thana, huh?" he mused. "You have a unique connection with her, don't you?" 

Aries nodded. "Yes, she has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I am her chosen patron, and she guides me in her own mysterious ways."

"I see," Kalden replied, his curiosity evident. "It's fascinating to see the bond you share with a deity." 

"Yeah, well, it's already rare for a god to choose a patron, and Thana of all the gods chose me. It's odd, really, but I can't complain. I find solace in anything related to her," Aries explained, a sense of reverence in her voice as she spoke about her connection with the goddess.

As they continued walking, the sky transformed into a beautiful blend of pinks, blues, and purples, captivating their senses. Aries couldn't help but marvel at the breathtaking view before her. The natural beauty of the world seemed to echo the divine presence she felt within her.

Looking back at Kalden, she hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Can I tell you something?" His gaze was fixed on her, curious and intrigued. "Sure, I suppose," he replied, inviting her to share. Kalden listened intently as Aries opened up about her inner struggles, her fears, and the unsettling experiences she had been facing. He didn't judge her; instead, he offered understanding and empathy. "I have never told anyone this before, simply because they would think I am going insane and put me in an asylum...even though I might be going insane," she confessed, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

"It's okay to have dark thoughts and feelings," Kalden assured her gently. "Many people have their own ways of coping with the weight of the world. Art can be a powerful outlet for emotions, even if it leads to unsettling images. If it helps you find peace, then it's serving a purpose."

When Aries handed him her sketchbook, he looked through the pages, his expression remaining surprisingly neutral despite the disturbing content. "They are certainly horrific to look at, but I don't really think there's something going wrong with you. At least nothing serious," he said after a thoughtful moment, handing the book back to her.

Aries let out a sigh of relief at his response, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders. She continued to share her recent experiences of hearing voices that weren't her own, guiding her decisions in ways she couldn't fully explain. "This has recently started happening, and the crazy thing is, it's usually right," she said, her hands running through her hair in frustration.

Kalden considered her words, thoughtful and careful in his response. "Voices or not, you've always been a formidable force, Aries. Perhaps this is just another aspect of your connection with Thana. Embrace it, but be cautious as well. Trust yourself, but also trust your instincts. They've served you well so far."

"Well, in that case, at least I'm not bottling it all up inside. It's nice to let it out once in a while, I suppose," Aries said, her tone reflective. "My life isn't exactly a paradise or a gift like everyone says it is, but we all have our struggles, I guess." She shrugged nonchalantly, as if trying to downplay the weight of her challenges. "Aries, you are a headstrong, unbeatable, independent, defiant woman. What made you this way? You're different than other women. You know, it always bothered me that women would cower at the sight of dirt, blood, anything not feminine. I never really understood it, but you. You. You don't care about those small things. Heck, yesterday you caused an entire massacre, and came out covered in blood and didn't even care. Why?" He cocked his head.

"Well..." she said. "When I was little, my parents were murdered, and no one took us in. I took care of her for a year but one day she just...disappeared. I found her body the next day. Then I spent my life stealing food and money, and cowering at the sight of men, terrified they would do terrible things to me. Some did. I suppose growing up in a circumstance where all of those things are major parts of life just trains you to just...become used to it, and not give a care in the world. Before I became.." she motioned to her body, her stuff. "This. I did some jobs, finding people, going on assassinations. I did everything for money, to get food, clothes, or protection. The women now are primped and spoiled. I don't care about their material things, makeup, and stuff." "Well, in case you don't know, it's quite attractive to find that in a woman, especially if you're tired of the stereotypes," Kalden said, smiling gently.

Aries felt a mix of emotions, a slight blush forming on her cheeks. She was used to being praised for her skills as a bounty hunter, but this was different. Kalden seemed to see something more in her, something beyond her abilities in battle, and her being a woman.

"Thank you. No one has really said that to me," Aries replied, her voice soft and genuine.

Kalden nodded, his eyes meeting hers. "Well, they should. You're strong, independent, and unapologetically yourself. It's refreshing, and I admire that about you."

Aries looked away, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. She wasn't used to receiving compliments like this, especially from someone she had just met.

"I've always been this way," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "Life forced me to be strong, and I've learned to rely on myself."