Azel stirred slowly.
His senses woke before his eyes did. There was warmth—not the uncomfortable heat of fever or fire, but the comforting weight of something soft, alive, and breathing beside him. He blinked slowly, the pale light of early morning filtering through the cloth-covered window. The air was still, the world outside quiet. The chaos of the city felt distant here.
His arm was pinned under something warm. He glanced down.
It was Anna.
Her body curled against his, one arm wrapped around his chest, her face buried gently into the crook of his neck. She clung to him like someone who feared the world would steal him away at any moment.
Her long black hair tumbled over his skin like silk. Her bare leg was draped over his, and every breath she took sent a soft rhythm through her chest that pressed lightly into his ribs. She looked peaceful now, completely different from the fierce dancer who had stolen everyone's attention just days ago.
He remained still, staring at the girl in his arms.
She was holding on tightly, even in sleep. It wasn't lust—not now. It was need. Desperation, maybe. Or something closer to that quiet ache he had grown familiar with over the years. The ache of being alone.
"Did you have fun last night?"
Forbanna's voice echoed suddenly in his mind. Her tone was playful, but underneath it, something sharp. Jealousy?
He didn't answer. He just kept staring at Anna. There was something about the way she held onto him that made him… hesitant. He didn't regret what happened. Far from it. But now, the weight of it settled in his chest like a stone.
He liked her. That was clear enough. But was it affection, or was it just… pity?
"So, what now? Will you leave her?"
"…If it becomes dangerous."
Azel said softly, still looking down at the woman beside him.
"She's strong. You know that."
"I do. But that's not the point."
He sighed and closed his eyes briefly.
"If they find out she's a demon, they won't just come for her. They'll come for all of her kind. The Church won't stop. They'll burn everything."
There was silence in his mind for a moment.
"So what are you going to do? Push her away and suffer alone again?"
Before Azel could answer, Anna stirred.
She opened her eyes slowly, her long lashes fluttering. The first thing she saw was him—his bare chest, his eyes looking at her. She blinked once, then twice, before realizing how closely their bodies were pressed.
Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson.
"I—I'm sorry!"
She squeaked and pulled back slightly, her hand covering part of her face as if hiding behind it would make her less embarrassed.
"I… didn't mean to cling to you like that…"
Azel blinked once, then gave a faint smile.
"It's fine. Honestly… I like your embrace."
Anna froze.
Her eyes widened, and for a second, she didn't know what to say. Then, slowly, she looked away again, her face glowing red.
"…You shouldn't say things like that so casually. Not to a girl…"
There was a moment of silence before she reached out, hesitating—then gently wrapped her arms around him again, resting her forehead against his shoulder.
"I… I want to stay like this a little longer."
"…Yeah. Me too."
They laid there quietly, their breaths syncing. For a few minutes, they said nothing. Just the soft beat of hearts and the warmth of shared comfort.
Eventually, Anna broke the silence.
"…What about your mission? The one you mentioned… for gold?"
Azel let out a breath, eyes still on the ceiling.
"I still have to do it. No way I'm letting 300 gold coins slip past, not after spending ten on that scroll. I'm nearly broke."
"10 gold?"
"Yes it was counter step of your dothracts and Pulsar step."
She chuckled, resting her chin on his chest now.
"You danced too well for a broke man."
"I practiced."
"Really? That good, just from practice?"
"I bought a scroll with the dance structure and counter steps. Watched you every day. Memorized your rhythm. Practiced at the inn each night."
She smiled—somewhere between impressed and amused.
"…Why'd you go to such lengths?"
Azel paused.
He looked into her eyes.
"…I was curious. Ricardo said you used an unknown magic. I wanted to see it."
"Haha I will show you later. I am sorry you didn't find anything for your endeavour."
He didn't answer immediately. He simply brushed a strand of her hair away from her face and said.
"No, I think I found out more than I expected."
Anna was quiet for a moment, then looked at him, her eyes serious.
"Would you still choose me, knowing I'm a demon?"
"…Yes."
She blinked.
His voice was calm, unwavering. He didn't hesitate.
"…I've seen more monsters wearing holy robes than horns. I don't care what you are. You've suffered, just like me. That's enough for me to stand beside you."
Anna stared at him. Then, gently, she reached up and touched his cheek.
"You really are strange… but I'm glad."
Forbanna's voice chimed in again.
"My, my… shifting your attention to her now, are we?"
Azel smirked inwardly.
"I haven't forgotten you."
"You better not. I'm the only one stuck with you every second of your miserable life."
He rolled his eyes mentally.
"You're important too, Forbanna. You know that."
For a second, she didn't say anything.
"…Tch."
Was that a blush in her tone?
He looked back at Anna. She was smiling again. The vulnerability had faded just a little.
He sat up, brushing his fingers through his hair.
"…We should get ready. It's time to move out. We can't stay in this city."
Anna sat up too, wrapping the sheet around herself. She looked at him with resolve in her eyes.
"I'll come with you."
"You sure?"
She nodded.
"Wherever you go, I'll go too. I already told you… you're my husband now."
Azel blinked, a bit stunned.
"That was fast."
"I've been alive for two centuries. You think I'm gonna waste time dating when I finally find someone worth keeping?"
"…Fair point."
She leaned in, pressing her forehead to his.
"I won't regret this. And you better not either."
He smiled faintly and kissed her gently on the forehead.
"I'll try."