Raden and Azrael spend the night in the grove by the insistence of Orabel. Raden had fallen asleep rather quickly while Azrael stayed up telling Orabel everything. The two stayed up to the early hours of the morning talking about how Azrael would bring up everything. She knew that sooner or later Raden would need to know the truth but it scared her.

Azrael went to sleep that night with dreams of monstrous beings tearing the earth apart. She wouldn't sleep peacefully and knew this was her guilt eating at her conscience.

Sunlight poured in through the thick branches casting shadows over the bodies that lay sleeping. It was an oddly warm morning, but things in the forest didn't follow the rules of the mundane.

Azrael felt warm water splash across her face and she sat up quickly. She heard a giggle from the pool and saw Orabel peeping over the edge.

"What was that for?" Azrael tried asking in a serious tone, but the laughter rose quickly.

Orabel rested her chin on her hands. "Wake up call. Precious light is burning and I would think that you two would want to get out of here."

Azrael sat there digging her toes in the sand and tilted her head up and smiled. "I don't know. This place is quite lovely and protected." She turned her head to meet Orabel's gaze. They held sad smiles.

"You deserve to see the rest of the world. Don't hide away here and regret the years." They looked over at the still-sleeping Raden. "Go find a life where you can love him."

Azrael sighed and stood. The pearls strung in her hair glistened in the light as she walked over to the pool and bent down. "Well, I will be coming back with stories and gifts."

Orabel's smile brightened. "Deal! There's so much to see and I'm sure your friend in the mountain wouldn't mind the visits." Azrael smiled and nodded. She left out the part of her naming the God in the mountain. The time would come when many would know of the presence of God, but today was not the day.

Orabel and Azrael said their goodbyes. The hooded guardian appeared not long after Orabel left and Azrael had awakened Raden. Azrael had to make sure Raden and the guardian got too close to each other because they both clearly did not like each other.

The trek out was much quicker than the trek the previous days before. Although Azrael was disappointed that she could not show Raden the giant trees as they journeyed on. She made a promise that she would drag him back if she had to.

Around midday, they stopped and the leaf guardian rounded up some fruit. Azrael and Raden ate until their stomach growled no more and rested until the urge of sleep had passed.

Raden peered over at Azrael who seemingly was in deep thought. He glanced at her hair and smirked. "I didn't take you for someone who loved pearls."

Azrael, without notice, grabbed her hair and pulled it over one shoulder. "Orabel wanted to play with my hair and I saw no harm in letting them."

"Fair enough." Raden watched as Azrael began playing with her hair. The pearls lightly clacked together as she walked ahead of him. He widened his stride to catch up to her and lightly grabbed her arm. "I didn't say it was beautiful on you," he whispered in her ear. This caused Azrael's face to burn bright red and for her to shy away as they kept walking. Raden smiled at her and left it at that.

~~~*~~~

They made it to the forest edge and saw flat plains lying ahead. The village would only be a few hours' journey from here and Lorcán's correspondents would take them to the capital. However, Azrael had her medallion.

Azrael turned to the hooded and leaf guardians and gave a sad smile. "I promise to come back and see you all. Hopefully under better circumstances."

The leaf guardian pulled Azrael into a whirlwind of leaves and gave her a tight hug and warm kiss on the cheek before making a grand exit. Azrael laughed and turned to the hooded guardian. He bowed and then pulled out a small dagger from his sleeve. It was identical to the one he used before on the priest but for someone smaller. He held it out for Azrael to take and she looked up at his hidden face in surprise.

"I can't take this," she expressed, "You should give it to someone who can handle such power."

He didn't move but kept it held out in front of him. Azrael turned back to look at Raden who nodded and smiled. She turned back and took the dagger from his bony hand. She looked down in awe and when she went to speak again he had vanished in the wind of the forest. A sadness washed over her. Though she had spent a small amount of time here, she felt more at home in this forest than anywhere else.

"Come on, we should get going," Raden said gently behind her. Azrael turned to him and nodded. She then pulled the medallion from around her neck and waited for Raden to protest. "We made it over the mountain. I say we save ourselves the trouble and keep to this bloody town as fast as possible."

Azrael smiled and looked down at the medallion to punch in the information they needed for travel. "What's the town's name?"

Raden rubbed the back of his neck roughly and knitted his brows together. "Uhhhh... Lorcán said it was called Bellerun."

"Okay give me just a second," Azrael trailed off as she focused on the medallion. A few seconds later the medallion began to click on its own and Azrael held out a hand for Raden. He grabbed her hand quickly and with a pop they were gone from the tree line of the forest.

They arrived in the center of the town. A few of the townsfolk had looks of surprise as they stared at the two newcomers but soon went back to whatever they were doing. Raden quickly looked around for what Azrael had no clue. She wasn't told about the plan once they made it into the Eastern Kingdom. Without a word, Raden took her hand and pulled her towards a small pub.

Azrael found a small table in the corner to sit at while Raden went and talked to the barmaid. She watched them closely until a figure sat down at the table.

"This is a cute little place." It was Libena. Azrael was surprised at the appearance. "What looks good on the menu?" Libena sat down and pulled out a menu.

"What in the world are you doing here?"

Libena answered without taking her eyes off the menu. "Oh, you think I forgot about our little bargain? I thought I would make a personal visit," She laughed.

Azrael shook her head in disbelief. "But how..."

"I have my ways of keeping tabs."

Azrael leaned back, arms folded and eyebrows raised.

"You wanna know?" Azrael nodded. "Alright alright, miss Orabel as you know them is a very close friend of mine."

Azrael's eyes went wide and her mind instantly went to Anéislis. Libena must've not caught on to her worry as she continued.

"They told me that someone is in love," Libena exclaimed. Her smile radiated through the air.

Azrael blushed and hid her face. "I can't believe they told you."

Libena laughed. "You don't even need my help here. This has been all you."

"I'm sure you had something to do with this."

Libena winked at her and shrugged. Azrael knew that there was something turning in Libena's mind but didn't have a moment to ask before she vanished.

She smiled thinking of how she would get back at Orabel. So many opportunities to prank them. Now she really wished she had brought that small little bag of mysteries. However, the prank planning would have to wait another time.

Raden was walking over no longer empty-handed and sat down. "Hey, you okay?"

Azrael smiled. "Just a bit tired from the journey." It was a partially true statement as Azrael gladly took the warm drink.

He held her gaze for an only moment before nodding and letting the subject go. "The barmaid said that two men were here a few minutes ago from the king's city and said they would be back in a bit."

"Why didn't they just stay around if they knew we were coming and this is the meeting spot?"

Raden took a swig from his mug. "They left to make sure the town would be safe once we arrived."

Azrael nodded and looked down at her drink. She wasn't up for this waiting game. The longer they sat here the more the anxiety rose. Her thoughts had shifted from her sweet friend to the looming cloud.

"Are you sure you're okay," Raden asked. He sat leaned forward one arm resting on the table. His eyes pierced into her thoughts as if he could read them.

"Raden, there's something..." The two men arrived, interrupting her thought. Azrael swallowed the anxiety and forced herself to stair at the men.

"I'm going to assume you two are the ones we're escorting."

Raden peered up at the two men. "That depends. Where are we going."

"Personally out of our kingdom, but as a favor to an old friend... the king's city." One of the men sharply answered

Azrael watched the two in silence. The one with the sunny disposition looked like he had seen a think or two with a thick ugly scar running down his right cheek and the hardened stare. The other was no older than eighteen from what Azrael could guess. He was a bright eyed kid ready for adventure. Azrael had seen so many like him travel through towns. She hoped he would be safe.

"Listen it wasn't my idea to come here either," Raden said a bit louder than preferred.

The man scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Well if you don't want to be here then you can go to the northern kingdom territory and take whatever problems you have following you away from us."

Azrael stood knowing this wasn't going to end anytime soon or it would go south fast. She turned to the one talking. He seemed a fair bit older and much more vocal. "This predicament isn't great but it does mean a great deal that you're willing to take us to the city."

He looked at her from head to toe. "Were you spit out of an oyster?" His eyes landed on the pearls that were woven into her braided hair. The other snickered behind him.

"No," she answered quietly as she combed her fingers through her hair.

Raden's attention darted between Azrael and the man. He stood and toward the two. "Are you going to continue insulting her or are you going to shut that mouth of yours and get us on the road?" He closed the space between them and saw the fear wash over the cocky man. "Because if you continue with the first option, I can promise that you won't be able to say another word for the rest of your life."

This man looked terrified as Raden was almost nose-to-nose with him. He let out a cough and awkwardly stepped back. "Right um... we better be on our way then."

As he started to walk away, Raden firmly gripped his shoulder. "Apologies." The man looked as if he was going to argue but turned to Azrael who was nervously playing with her hair again.

"Sorry," he mumbled and pulled away from Raden. The other was not far behind him.

Raden followed behind Azrael as the four made their way out of the pub and down the street. The two kept a nice little distance between Raden but he didn't seem to mind.

Azrael continued self-consciously messing with her hair but she felt a hand grab hers. "Don't let that bastard get in your head. The pearls suit you."

Azrael smiled to herself. He was too good for her.

~~~*~~~

They reached the King's city by nightfall. Raden was handed a letter explaining that any cost for a room was covered for however long they intended to stay. The letter continued by naming the inn that they would be staying at. As he finished, Raden looked up to ask the two men where this inn was but they had vanished the minute the letter passed hands.

"Those bastards."

Azrael looked over at Raden. "I'm sure it won't be hard to find and besides there's plenty of people still out and about," she said in a reassuring tone.

She realized that she had overestimated her ability to find this place. They had searched several blocks with no luck. Both were tired and ready to sleep for days. Giving up her attempts, Azrael asked a nice looking man for help. He obliged and she thanked him profusely.

Just down the street was a hopping little place.

Rosemary's Inn and Tavern

The sign read in large gold letters. Azrael led the way in and was greeted by the warm smell of freshly brewed tea. She could do with some tea.

"Can I help you, dear?" An older woman sat behind a large oak desk. She smiled at the two as if to welcome them in.

Azrael smiled back and carried the letter with her. "We have this here explaining everything." She handed it to the lady and waited.

The woman quickly read it and placed it down. she hopped off her stool and disappeared for a brief moment into another room. "I received a letter a few days ago explaining I would be having some guests." She handed Azrael a simple bronze key. "Is there anything else I can get you before you head up?"

Azrael turned back to Raden who shook his head. "Maybe something to eat. I'm quite hungry from traveling all day."

"On it," The woman answered. "I'll bring it up when it's done."

"Thank you!" Azrael managed before the woman ran off to start cooking. She grabbed the letter and up the steps she went.

The room was much nicer than those they had stayed in previously. Large windows sat on either side of the fireplace that had a nice little fire going. The bed would comfortably sleep the two without fighting for space or blanket. Azrael smiled and took a deep breath in with the scent of firewood encircling her.

"This is much nicer than the one in Asra." Azrael turned to glance at Raden.

"As long as there is a bed, I'm good."

Azrael watched Raden leap onto the bed and nervously giggled. She quietly closed the door behind them and stood watching Raden.

Raden flipped over and opened his arms. "Join me."

She shook her head lightly and walked over to the edge of the bed to sit. "Maybe in a bit."

His smile dropped quickly as he sat up next to her. "What's wrong?"

She took a deep breath and bawled handfuls of skirt in her fist. "There's something I need to tell you."

"You're scaring me, Azrael." He had leaned forward to catch her face but Azrael turned away.

She stared at the blank wall that only had their shadows cast on the empty space by the firelight. Her stomach flipped and her chest tightened. There was no more waiting for the right time.

"Mypowerswerefromthenamelessgodsanditsbecausemerikhstolethem," Azrael rushed out in one breath.

Raden scooted to sit next to her with a confused expression. He placed his hands on her shoulders, turning to face him. "Slow down and breathe." He did a few deep breaths with Azrael following suit and encouraged her. "Now, tell me this again."

Azrael nodded. "Merikh stole a drop of magic from one of the Nameless and gave it to the mortals. My lineage is through that magic."

She expected yelling and cursing to ensue, but only the crackle of fire filled the room.

"Is that what you were so worried about?" Raden smiled and cupped her cheek. "You couldn't have known where this magic came from." He wrapped her in a tight embrace only making Azrael feel worse. "I'm not angry."

"There's something else." She pulled away. This would make or break what they had. Azrael stared into the beautiful gray eyes. "You know how you said that you could feel a strong power from the mountain?"

"Yeah."

She picked at her nails and chewed her lip, praying he didn't kill her. "Well, you were right about there being a strong power in the mountain. One of the Nameless Gods has been hiding there. Those stories you told me are true. Somewhat, but he told me what happened and he said he would help me."

"What." Raden's eyes darkened and a shadow fell over him.

Azrael felt a lump form in her throat and tears brimming. "So, I told him I was grateful for this. I mean we were searching for what chaos magic was and it ended up being them." Raden didn't make a sound or move. Azrael took this as a sign to continue. "To thank him, I gave him a new name."

Raden pushed himself from the bed and threw his hands in the air. "Do you know what you've done? You are a stupid, stupid girl."

The switch took Azrael by surprise. She knew he would be upset but truly didn't realize how upset.

"He said he would help me," Azrael defended, "He said that I was a creation of them. That he would protect me through this."

"THEY'RE FUCKING LIARS, AZRAEL!" Raden yelled. Azrael swallowed the painful lump in her throat, refusing to let him see her cry. "They were cast from worship for a reason."

Azrael stood to try and reach for Raden but he drew away from her. "I was only..."

Raden shoved a finger into her chest. His eyes black with rage. "You were only thinking of yourself. I have made sacrifice after sacrifice for you and this is how you repay me."

"I...I"

"Merikh was right." Azrael's heart completely shattered hearing those three words. "You were no more than a distraction." He went for the door but Azrael caught his arm.

"What about Serkan?" Azrael's eyes pleaded with Raden to stay. "What about Merikh?"

Raden had paused at the door taking in a deep breath. When he turned to face her, tears had formed and his voice was strained. "You're God will help you. I'm done with you."

Azrael was left in a pile of tears on the floor. Her heart was broken into pieces and there was no spell or potion or person in the world or the next that would heal this mess. She was all alone and it was all her fault.