The fire crackled against the otherwise silent night. Raden poked it absentmindedly every once in a while. However, his mind was a million miles away. As embers rose into the air, the camp popped into his head. Why was Serkan after Azrael? How did he know that Raden had been with her? Raden rolled his shoulders trying to push those thoughts away. However, they were replaced by the conversation of his creator.

     "You've blatantly disobeyed orders," Merikh sternly sayed. "And to what? Fuck some peasant girl. I did not create you to be some common whore's play thing."

     Raden had his fist clenched by his side as he stayed quiet against his creator's abuse.

     Merikh laughed. "Hit a nerve did I?"

     "If you're going to continue to slander my character, then we're done here." Raden turned to leave but was stopped by the sheer power of Merikh's voice.

     "You do not leave my presence until I command you." Merikh's voice reverberated through Raden's mind. His power taking over the free will Raden thought he had. "You forget your place."

     With a sigh, Raden turned glaring at Merikh.

     Merikh stepped forward only a few inches from Raden. His near black eyes narrowed and his voice quiet. "I think you better head back to your post." He straightened Raden's shirt. "Because the next time I have to hunt you down, I will drag you to my throne by your fucking wings."

     Light footsteps drew Raden from his thoughts. Azrael had her arms wrapped around each other as her lip trembled. Raden sat quietly waiting for her to initiate conversation. She didn't seem to notice him or was ignoring him.

     Azrael sat for a moment with her eyes closed, taking in the warmth of the fire. The gash on her temple had stopped bleeding but was red and angry. Raden frowned at the injury, and was met with a glare. "What."

     "Would you like some help?"

     "I'm perfectly capable of taking care of my injuries," Azrael firmly answered. She winced as she tried pulling out some small rocks that were longed deep in the scrape.

     Raden rolled his eyes at her stubbornness and walked over to the bag next to Azrael. He pulled out a blanket and draped it over Azrael, and pulled out a leather bag. It had a few medical supplies that would work for small injuries. "Come here."

     "I said I..."

     "I don't care what you said. I'm saying scoot over now." He was daring her to defy him. He knew Azrael would jump on the opportunity, but it seemed that tonight she was too tired to.

     Raden gently brushed her hair out of the way. Her hair was soft as it flowed between his fingers. His mind drifted thinking of how he wanted to tangle his fingers... Raden shook his head and cleared his throat. What was wrong with him?

     "Were you planning on leaving without saying goodbye?" Azrael broke the silence between them. She winced slightly as Raden began cleaning the dried blood off. Maybe it was karma from disappearing on him.

     Raden sighed. "I wasn't leaving."

     Azrael twisted to face him but he roughly turned her head away. She let out a frustrated huff, but continued. "But Merikh said..."

     "Yeah, Merikh says a lot." He finished cleaning away the blood and was pleasantly surprised the gash wasn't as deep as he thought. "I was taking the long way around hoping he would be long gone by the time I got to you."

     This fucking bastard. Azrael thought.

     He could've just come out and said that. Why wait and build the anxiety of it all? Azrael felt both the anger and anxiety ease. Still though, she was annoyed with him. "This all could've been avoided by just saying that to begin with."

     She was ready for a smart remake from him, but it never came. What did was quite surprising. "I guess you're right."

     "I'm right?" Azrael smiled, turning to face Raden. A glint of mischief sparkled in her eyes as her smile grew. "Is the mighty angel warrior saying he is wrong?"

     Raden rolled his eyes and laughed. Gods that laugh was going to end her. "Alright alright now don't go getting a big head."

     "Guess you have to have the biggest head out of everyone?"

     "Give me your hands," he laughed.

     Azrael's palms were scraped to bits. Blood caked around large gashes from when she fell. Raden frowned slightly at the state of her hands. He glanced at her every now and again with an apologetic look. How he wished he had gotten there sooner.

     They sat in silence letting the fire fill the quiet night as Raden focused on the injuries. He was careful in every movement he made. From cleaning away the last bit of dried blood to washing away the dirt that imbedded into her palms. Even with such gentle touches, Azrael still pulled back or winced in pain. Each time he paused, hesitating in fear he would cause her more pain. However, she would ease and give him her hands again. It was strange to Raden. Seeing someone trust him to care for them. He only knew violence and hate, but something in this moment taught him peace.

     Raden was wrapping Azrael's hands when she finally spoke.

     "So who is Serkan? Why was he after me?"

     "A demon prince is all I know. A follower of Oulixeus but I'm not too sure this has anything to do with him." Raden answered truthfully. It wasn't like Oulixeus to hunt for something or someone. He only ever wanted destruction then and there. Raden had seen him in action before and it never ended pretty. "What I know now is that Serkan said his business partner wants you."

     "Why?"

     Raden shrugged apologetically. "Your guess is as good as mine right now."

     Azrael pulled the blanket tighter around her. The chill of the night was creeping up her back as the fire began to die. Why was someone so powerful after a nameless nobody like herself? She pondered over the thoughts, trying to find anything that would make sense. She always kept low profiles wherever she went. Stayed the town recluse as so many deemed her. Then the thought hit her.

     "Raden." He shifted onto his heels to turn to see her. "Could he be after me because of Líadain?"

     Raden's face screwed into deep concentration. "It could be possible."

     Something clicked in Azrael's mind. There were stories of wizards and witches with abilities like herself being used to cause mass destruction. They started and ended wars or that were the stories passed down. Was she the next victim? Azrael suddenly felt the cold envelope her and no amount of blankets would keep this out. She stood with shaky legs and as calm a voice she could muster. "I think we should get some rest."

     Raden looked at her confused at the sudden change in demeanor. "Are you okay?"

     "Yeah." She forced a tight smile. "Long day and all."

     Raden wasn't fully convinced but something in the back of his mind told him not to push. So he nodded and let her lie down.

     Raden didn't sleep that night. His mind was racing too much to find peace in sleeping. Though he rarely slept anymore. The conversations of Merikh and Serkan continued playing in his mind. What exactly was he missing?

     He watched the fire dwindle out until faint glowing embers remained. His attention slowly moved to the sleeping girl across from him. The outline of her body was the only thing he could make out under the light of the stars. The blanket shifted as her body tensed from whatever nightmare was playing out. He knew her mind was plagued with much, but wished she would share such burdens.

     Raden tore his gaze from Azrael and peered up at the stars. They twinkled like diamonds in the sunlight. He sighed and for the first time prayed. "If you truly are there, protect her from whatever she's fighting. She deserves more than war."

~~~*~~~

     Morning came with dewy grass and a chill in the air. Raden readied the horse for travel, stealing glances at the still sleeping Azrael. In the early morning hours, she finally eased into sleep and Raden rested. He didn't dare wake her any earlier than needed. The moments for peace were becoming few and far between and Azrael deserved any they were given.

     The sun was well above the horizon when Azrael stirred. No conversation was exchanged but a comfortable silence fell between them as they began journeying through the flat lands.

     The flat lands were quite lovely further south. The air still had a hint of summer which meant miles of tall green grass and wildflowers. The breeze picked up here and there making the grass sway sway in a hypnotic dance. Bright red wildflowers played hide and seek, popping out when the grass lay low. Above the flat lands stood large billowing clouds. They stood like giants against the blue sky around them. Presenting themselves proudly like pillows for the Gods to rest tired heads on.

     Azrael rested her head against Raden's back. She closed her eyes and listened to the wind. Her mind drifted back to when she was younger and the stories her mother would tell her.

     A young Azrael, no older than seven, sat in a woman's lap while her hair was being braided. She played with the basket of flowers and her corn husk doll when she cried out.

     "Mama, you're pulling too hard."

     The woman brushed through a knot and clicked her tongue. "Well, if you would let me braid your hair before you went out to play then I wouldn't be working through so many knots."

     Azrael grumbled but settled down. She was used to this routine, but grew tired of her hair. It was too long for her liking but her mother would never allow her to cut it. She always reminded Azrael that hair held memories and strength. Azrael thought she was crazy.

     "Alright dear." Her mother tied off the braid. "You are ready for the day."

     Azrael jumped up and spun around laughing. Her bright red hair even more so as the sun danced on it. Her mother smiled softly watching her daughter. Azrael never could sit still for anything, but her mother had the right touch when it came to doing her hair.

     The wind whipped through the chimes that hung on the willow tree. Their soft chiming found their way through the opened front door. Azrael looked up at her mother with a giant smile.

     She grabbed her mother's hand and basically dragged her outside. "Come on mama. The wind is singing."

     "I'm coming," her mother answered with a laugh.

     The willow tree's limbs were gently swaying to the music of the chimes. Azrael stared in awe and giggled. Every time they went to the market, azrael always found a new windchime to bring back home. The tree's lower limbs were almost too full but that wasn't going to stop her.

     Her mother knelt behind Azrael and enveloped her in a hug. "If you listen closely, the wind shares stories from long ago."

     Azrael focused hard, almost straining her ears. She frowned when she only heard the chimes. She twisted around to her mother. "I can't hear anything."

     "Sometimes we aren't ready but that doesn't mean you won't hear their stories some day."

     The memory faded and a pang of sadness hit Azrael. How she wished she had more time with her mother.

     Raden shifted under her and Azrael's eyes popped open. She leaned back and felt her cheeks heat up with embarrassment. Thankfully Raden couldn't see her.

     "Sorry," she mumbled

     Raden was smiling. He enjoyed the close proximity, but would never confess it. "It's fine."

Azrael shifted uncomfortably and became aware of just how close the two were. She noticed the muscles of his back shift as he moved the reins. It was tempting to reach out and run her hands down his back, but she restrained herself.

     Get a hold of yourself, Azrael.

     "Why don't you just fly?" Azrael asked out of the blue.

     Raden chuckled, "I like the horse."

     Azrael leaned to the side slightly. "But wouldn't it be faster flying?"

     Raden turned slightly to meet her gaze. "Do you like heights?"

     She pondered the question for a moment and shrugged. "I've never been higher than three stories."

     "It's a whole other world up in the sky."

     Azrael peered up, squinting at the bright blue sky. "Must feel free flying up there."

     "You have no idea."

~~~*~~~

     The next town over was about a day's journey from Asra. The small town of Kokkinos. It was a small hunting town on the outskirts of Asra which was the last major travelers' city before the vast wilderness. Travelers making their way to Asra would stop here for overnight visits. It wasn't much but the people here were kind enough to take in strangers no matter who they were. Human or not.

     It was mid-afternoon the next day that the two made it to town. Azrael went off to find a room while Raden sought a place for the horse. The inn wasn't fancy by any means and had a rather questionable keeper running the place, but Azrael took whatever was offered. Her butt hurt and she was exhausted from the ride.

     She crashed on the bed feeling instant relief. The silence brought thoughts of worry rushing in. This Serkan guy was her biggest one. What if he was after her because of the power she held. Then another thought crept in. How would Raden react if he found out about her secret?

     A knock on the door caused Azrael to jump. She steadied herself trying to control her racing heart.

     "Who is it?"

     "Raden."

     She walked over unlocking the door. Raden leaned against the door post with crossed arms. "It took me three different places before finding you."

     Azrael chuckled. "Sorry about that. The bed was too inviting." Raden peered around her to the bed and raised a brow.

     "Well you take the bed all you like. I'm starving." Right on que Azrael's stomach growled. "And I guess you are too."

     Raden led them to a pub a few buildings down from the inn. It wasn't much. Candles burning the last little bit of wax dimly lit what little seating there was. Azrael peered around Raden, meeting the annoyed gaze of the barmaid who was cleaning a glass mug with a questionable clean rag. They sat down at a table that had a thick coating of what could only be grease. Azrael exchanged a worried glance at Raden who shrugged.

     Whatever God is out there, please don't let this food kill us. Azrael thought.

     They ordered their meals once a waitress finally appeared from the kitchen. She looked no older than fifteen but acted like she was fifty and had been doing this job for decades. Azrael fidgeted uncomfortably under the girl's harsh glare but made out well. Raden was perfectly fine under such conditions.

     "Something wrong," Raden asked. Azrael had been picking at her nails and staring at her lap. Raden's voice was laced with concern and he leaned forward as if she was about to reveal a secret.

     Azrael smiled and shook her head. "Just a bit tired is all."

     Something in her eyes had Raden questioning her. The eyes were the windows to the soul after all. "We could talk about it, you know. The attack in Asra."

     "I've never come across someone so strong before," Azrael admitted.

     "Ouch."

     She rolled her eyes. "In terms of magic abilities."

     "Well, Serkan is a demon prince after all. They're some of the most powerful beings in the underworlds," Raden explained. "But you have your own magical abilities."

     They barely affected Serkan.

     Azrael wrapped her arms around herself like she did when feeling anxious. It had been her only comfort for years. Especially when her mother's hugs were no more.

     "Yeah."

     The conversation died off. Azrael went back to picking her nails while Raden watched in uncertainty. There was a piece of the puzzle missing for him here. Something she was hiding? Maybe. However, he couldn't think of anything that would be detrimental if kept secret.

     The food came and Raden was beyond hungry and dug in. Azrael played with her food for a few minutes before standing.

     "Where are you going," Raden asked with a mouth full.

     She shrugged. "I think I'm just going to go lay down for now. I'm not as hungry as I thought I'd be." Then she left.

     Raden sat there in silence watching her exit. He wrapped up what could be taken and headed back to the inn. His concern grew more and more. Maybe all of this was too much on her. Maybe he could have her mind wiped and she could live a regular life. This world would be too much for the simplest of magical creatures. He could only imagine what that's like for human mortals.

     His mind raced as he traveled the dark street. However, as he stood in front of the door to the inn room, he heard what sounded like muffled crying. Azrael sat on the floor quietly sobbing with her knees pulled closed to her chest.

     She peered up at Raden and he could see the fear that had her in a chokehold. He closed the door and knelt in front of her cupping her face in one hand and wiping away the flowing tears with his thumb.

     "They're going to kill me," she choked out.

      Raden shook his head and knitted his eyebrows together. "Not while I'm here," he answered softly.

     Azrael let her guard fully down, becominh a puddle of emotions as she sat there on the floor. Raden carefully slipped an arm under her legs and behind her back lifting her off the floor. She didn't fight him or protest against leaving the floor. He walked silently over to the bed and laid her down gently and covered her with the blankets. A hand reached out and caught his wrist as he went to leave.

     Raden turned at the contact. Azrael looked up at him with pleading eyes. "Don't leave me alone."

     He had no words for her but nodded. Gently he removed her hand and walked to the other side of the bed slipping under the covers. Azrael never turned to face him and he was unsure of being here. Raden wrapped his arms around the shaking body of Azrael as she continued to cry and pulled her as close as he possibly could. He buried his face into her hair and entailed their legs together.

     "I promise."