The loud sound of angry steps could be heard from miles away. Those feet paced on the wooden floor, time and time again. It was loud by itself, but the exasperated complaints echoed as well between the windowless walls.

“I built this cabin, didn’t I? I never leave this forest, don’t I?”

It was loud, but someone was managing to ignore it. A demon was reading a book, sitting calmly on a chair in his room; the angel that paced in the small corridor was not happy about it.

Alexis’ eyes narrowed. He faced Uriel from the door, tired of not being listened to.

“Uriel, lower that damn thing and look at me while I talk to you!”

Uriel obliged, but he did so with all the serenity in the world. With an unfazed glance, he lifted his attention to his angel; he then commented slowly, placing his book down on his lap, casually.

“We’re not having a conversation; you’re only yelling your thoughts, which I have already answered this morning.”

Alexis was not amused by this. He stepped more into Uriel’s small room, and then slammed a fist onto his doorframe.

“And I’m not satisfied by those answers!” He pointed angrily at his demon, almost demanding. “You did not really reason with me; you only dictated that your will would be done!”

“I did not dictate, only concluded.” Uriel’s tail swayed on the ground, reflecting his decreasing patience and growing tiredness. “When there are no other practical routes to be followed, it is wise to choose the only rational path left. It’s just logical.”

Alexis began to drag his words, now using a much more sardonic tone of voice.

“Oh, so I have to leave my comfort and throw myself into a hectic situation just for your silly doubts? I’m happy you agreed to help Ayako, but you can go alone. You don’t need me there!”

Uriel kept speaking with an even and easygoing tone, but the fact that he looked again at his book annoyed Alexis.

“It was you who insisted I helped her; you always say I should stop avoiding her. Besides, let me explain something to you. A probability is a percentage, and a percentage is high enough to be potential, no matter how small. There could be no demons around while I’m gone, and there could be; we can’t know now or then. I know it’s a very small chance; but it has happened before, so I won’t gamble. It’s one hundred percent assured that you’ll be safe if you come along, only at the cost of your quietness. Those humans won’t discover anything, you will soon return to this cabin you’ve become obsessed with. There’s only one viable choice for me, even if we don’t like it. See my point?”

Alexis was glaring holes through Uriel, even if Uriel was leisurely reading his book, like if nothing was happening.

“You’re treating me like a bunch of gold, just sitting there waiting to be robed by anyone who passes by. I can take care of myself, I have a brain and my own hands; I’m not useless.”

“I’m not calling you useless, just less capable than a predator. You have felt on your own skin what fangs and claws can do, and what-”

“I’m done.”

Uriel blinked and looked up from the pages. He saw Alexis bolt out the room, he heard the main door of the cabin be kicked open, and then angry steps down the porch. He called out, confused.

“Where are you going?”

Luckily, or not, Alexis answered with an irritated yell.

“Where I can’t hear any stupid reminders of how we fucked up.”

Uriel frowned tiredly and yelled back softly, before the angel could not hear him.

“Well I apologize for trying to avoid those same mistakes!” He whispered to himself, returning his attention to his book. “It is you who does not stop bringing back the drama now…”

Outside, Alexis kept walking away from the small cabin, further and further away from the cliff and cave. He kept glaring back, muttering curses and inner protests. He only stopped mimicking and mocking Uriel’s words when he walked out the clearing, when the trees began to loom over him. His eyes narrowed, to try to see in the dimmer light of the forest. He whispered angrily, while he walked more slowly through the woods.

“Now… Where is that sneaky old wildcat?”

The angel began to look in areas where he knew Lykaios could roam. He knew that the sly demon was somewhere; he knew that he always watched. He was sure that he had not gone away with Ayako, and that he knew what Uriel had agreed to. The lynx was somewhere, and he wanted to find him. He stepped uphill and peeked between three tall oaks. It was a nice space, where any animal would like to rest, bathed in the sunlight that came from between the looming branches.

Alas, he did not see Lykaios there. He scowled and leaned grumpily against a tree, refusing to keep looking around aimlessly. Even if he had not seen him, it did not mean the demon was not there.

“Are you so against the idea of being around humans, that you value the idea of staying behind with my presence?”

Alexis jolted and stood upright, startled by the sudden question. He whipped his head and looked towards where the voice came from. It took him a few seconds to discern it, but the small black silhouette of the lynx was there, sitting calmly near some bushes. Those red eyes glinted in the dim light, making his presence clear to the intent eye. The angel sighed after the scare, but still glared scornfully at the small demon.

“You will never tire of it, won’t you?”

There was a faint grin on Lykaios’ muzzle, and Alexis did not miss it. For most that knew the angel, it was amusing to see him react to taunts or small scares; it was only Uriel who avoided those reactions. Lykaios stepped closer, looking up at him calmly. He asked again, knowing already the answer.

“Were you looking for me?”

Alexis opened his mouth, but then closed it. Lykaios watched while the angel pondered angrily for a few seconds, to then end up crossing his arms and shutting up, as if he had just changed his mind.

Lykaios yawned, growing tired of Alexis’ indecision and conceited demeanor.

“Spit it out, I was having a nice repose, which you interrupted.” He tilted his ears and head, inquiring. “I know what you have in mind. Or is it that you came here, merely to ignore Uriel, like a spoiled brat denied of his bidding?”

Alexis gasped in bewilderment, and then fumed down at him.

“How dare you, you little-!” He had to swallow his annoyance; he knew better than to snap at the lynx, who could grow the size of a bear. He lowered his fist and clenched his teeth, with an angry grin. After a deep breath, he began to explain, with resignation. “I might have been looking for you, yeah. I was thinking that maybe, just maybe, I could ask you something. Something that I will probably regret, considering how much you like to get on my nerves, just like… her.”

Alexis held said question back. He seemed to be struggling to voice it. Luckily, Lykaios was an easygoing listener.

“So?”

He finally said it, even if he did not enjoy doing so. The words were fast and spoken with prideful reluctance.

“I was wondering if you would stay here with me, just to make Uriel shut up and stop worrying about leaving me alone.”

An awkward silence fell. Alexis began to sweat, because Lykaios just kept looking up at him, intently. It took a minute, but the demon spoke. He did so slowly, like if he was explaining to a child.

“I was wondering if you would be silly enough to ask me this, and it seems I was correct.” Lykaios shook his long mane, and then whispered his answer. “I won’t.”

“W-why?” Alexis leaned a little, almost bargaining. “You did it once already, remember?! I had fallen recently, and we were wary that Uriel could hurt me in her absence, so you stayed while she was sick and-”

“Uriel acted like a fool then. He really was hateful towards you, so she really had to leave me at your side, as the only insurance of your safety. I have to remind you, that you were not exactly thrilled about staying alone under my guard; you implied multiple times I would try to eat you.” Lykaios began to explain their current situation, much different from the past, even if similar. “Alexis, listen well. Right now, she is sure Uriel cares about you; in her eyes, your demon is a shield, not an unpredictable factor. In the past, she left me at your side to keep an eye on him, no matter if you didn’t trust me. Today, she believes you and I have no acquaintance; for all she knows, you might be wary of me, afraid even. The thought of leaving you alone with me won’t cross her mind, not when Uriel is protective of you. You trust me, we know each other; but she does not know that. She does not even know I’m here at the moment. She’d rather take you along, knowing you’ll be alright in the end. How strange would it be if you suggested this idea to her? I’m supposed to be a stranger to you; worse, a demon, something that any angel should look out for. Understand?”

“But…” Alexis tried to find an argument. He really didn’t want to leave, not in the company of humans. He didn’t find any reason to plea other than his anxiousness, so he ended giving up, frustrated. “Ugh, you and Uriel really like to give me headaches with your monologues. I hate this stupid request of hers; I hate being dragged along.”

Lykaios chuckled a little, standing up to leave. Alexis rolled his eyes, because he left with a last taunt.

“I thought you were alright with you both being drawn back to her? Or is it that you have swapped views with your demon? It’s funny to see you being the one grumbling this time, while he is more relaxed.”

A grumble echoed, an irritated angel paced his way to where he could hear no one but himself.

——————-

 

The landscape was bathed in a dim orange hue; the dawn gleamed on the horizon, still battling with the dark of the night. In the shadows of the morning, two figures walked, ever so slowly. It was eerily silent around them; neither of the two had said word for hours. Their feet dragged along, their gazes were cast onto the ground; it took them a lot to look up at their destination, which was finally near.

“We’re here.”

Uriel’s words had tried to hold some kind of tranquility in them, some trace of normality and comfort. Alexis only heard the trace of anxiety, of regret, reluctance, and sadness. He could see for himself the cabin in front of them; it had taken them a long tiring day to reach it. He had never left the northern woods to head south before, and frankly, he wished he didn’t have to.

Uriel felt another sting in his heart, because Alexis said nothing, he did not acknowledge his efforts of lessening their tension. The only thing that his angel did was step around him and walk silently towards the cabin, almost defiantly. Those amber eyes were full of wonder, but not a joyful one. Alexis stepped strongly towards the door, he almost seemed to bolt for it; but he halted at the doorstep. After a few seconds of silence, he whispered while he eyed the cabin slowly.

“I wish she had told me where this place was.”

If he had known where she lived back then, he could have found Uriel that night; maybe he could have tried to reason, he might have stopped him of hurting her, and he may have saved his wings. But she never told him. She never considered the idea of letting him near any humans. That simple point led to many outcomes; it led to his inability to stop fate, he was dragged along towards a hellish fortune. The irony of him being here today made him feel anger, but he did not know exactly for whom.

Alexis grabbed the handle of the door strongly and invited himself in without second thoughts. The demon watched with a hesitant grimace, now more conflicted of being here, previously in denial of the sorrow that would come.

The cabin was small, but welcoming. There was no luxury here, just the simple things needed to avoid a cold night. The living room was the most spacious room in the cabin; it had a big table, a desk, a few chests, two shelves full of tars and books, and a little corner with a chimney. There were two doors, which he found hard to step close to. His amber eyes had held inquisition, but the more he ventured into her small home, the more his gaze softened. He stared at the small bedroom, with the small bed. There was only a small bedside table by the window, and a boring painting hanging loosely on a wall. The next door, which he was sure would lead to where she kept her knifes and hunting tools, led only to a small bathroom, which had many cabinets full of therapeutic utensils. He stood there with conflicting thoughts, staring at what he had not imagined to be there; he did not react until Uriel’s voice echoed behind him.

“You’re not going to find any bloodied feathers here, nor any ripped bones.”

He turned slowly to look at his demon. He sighed, almost slighted.

“I would not think that of her.”

Uriel shrugged casually and walked closer to the unlit chimney. His words were spoken softly, gently and carefully; there was doubt as well.

“I have seen that look in your eyes before; and you’ve seen it in mine.” He knelled and lifted his right claw towards the chimney. Alexis did not flinch when those nails glinted with bright violet fire, nor trembled while Uriel stared at him firmly. “Resent is not easy to let go of. It’s there, even if you don’t want to admit it.”

Alexis resented her deep inside, for how she took his wings, no matter if he wanted to forgive and let go. On the other hand, the only person Uriel could resent was himself. The angel watched as Uriel neared the living room’s window, to look out of it in silence. His claws were shaking, subtly struggling to not reach for something that was once there by his side. The crackling of the fire did not hide the pain of his next words.

“I don’t want to see that hatred, not again.”

Alexis frowned, and then looked away. Even though Uriel was giving him his back and was not looking at him, he found himself trying to cover what hanged from his belt even more. He pushed the old long sword deeper below his black cape, conscious of what its presence meant. He was a pacifist, someone who hated conflict. However, he still refused to let go of it; he hated to carry it with him, but it eased his doubts. Somehow, his fears for the future were stronger than the sorrows of his past.

Both stood there, waiting. Both reflected silently; one kept asking himself why he had allowed himself to hate, while the other wondered if he could suppress his unwilling grudge. It felt like an eternity, but they finally saw the sun rise and bathe everything in a warm light. Gone were the shadows of the night, but not the ones in their minds.

After hours of wait, Uriel spoke; he did so slowly, to not alarm his angel.

“We should step outside. I am certain I hear voices coming from the road.”

Alexis could hear nothing yet, but he knew Uriel’s hearing was sharp as a knife. Their wait was over. It meant that they wouldn’t stay in this cabin for much longer, and that some of their tension would be eased. But they still felt nervous of what would soon come. While Uriel went to extinguish the fire in the chimney, Alexis took a deep breath and neared the main door slowly. Once Uriel was done, he looked back, and saw Alexis there, struggling to open the door. Alexis’ hand was below his cape, near his belt, grasping the handle of his sword. He probably was not conscious of that; his amber eyes were narrowed, fixed on the window and the empty road. It looked like he was expecting some kind of ambush, an incoming threat.

The angel jumped a little when the demon laid a claw on his shoulder, asking him to let him pass with a kind glance.

Uriel opened the door and stepped out calmly, like if he had no care. However, Alexis knew that Uriel was as nervous as he was; he was just better at hiding it. He was sure his demon was only pretending for his sake, he was sure that those humans worried him as well.

Alexis closed the door behind him and went to Uriel’s side with a sigh. Both stood at the side of a wall, at plain view for anyone who might come from the road. Uriel could hear the steps, and the faint voices. In a matter of minutes, Alexis heard them too.

In the distance, five figures approached. They neared slowly, casually. Their eyes saw at last the outlines of the cabin and their surroundings. The woman that led smiled, because she saw her home, and who she expected to be there. Ayako felt gratitude again, as soon as she saw Uriel and Alexis, waiting for her. She turned around to face the men, to proclaim they had arrived at last.

“We’re finally here! See? We only took half a day, as I promised!”

The men were happy that their journey to the meeting point had finally ended, but their contented expressions soon changed. As they stepped closer, they realized that something was off. Ayako had told them they would meet with a guide, and she had been true to her word; however, something was amiss. Lane was traveling behind her on horse, and he was the first to react to what they saw. He pulled at the reigns and made his mount stop; he stared at their supposed guide for a second, bewildered. Ayako could not avoid wincing when Lane questioned her with a shocked scowl.

“You didn’t say he was a lout!”

He had whispered, but he did so harshly that everyone heard. Ayako cringed, and so did the other three men. She was not facing Uriel or the cabin, but she knew by the nervous expression of the other men that Uriel had heard too. No matter if Lane had whispered with a simple mutter, the demon would have heard. As much as that comment had been tactless, Lane didn’t seem to mind; he had the expression of someone who felt cheated.

Uriel sighed and took a deep breath. He had not thought of this as impossible; he had experienced bias before. The three men that had come on foot seemed more shocked by the label than him. Though, he did not know if they were just scared of his reaction or honestly sorry. Ayako was making shooing motions at Lane, scolding. On the other hand, there was someone who was glaring holes through the bigoted human. Uriel couldn’t see, but Alexis was glowering behind him. If he was apprehensive and nervous before, now he was trying to keep himself from cursing at that man.

Ayako had known that omitting Uriel’s race was less than ideal. But it had been a strategic move, as she may not have managed to convince the group otherwise. However, while she had expected surprise, she did not expect such remarks. She smiled awkwardly and tried to dismiss the indelicate introduction, seeing that it was only Lane who really seemed angered. The other men were just staring behind her, nervous, but unafraid.

“Now… I’d like you to meet Uriel.” She turned and pointed at the tall demon, who luckily had kept a calm stance. “He will be the one helping you get through.”

Uriel bowed his head a little as greeting, knowing better than to approach and scare the concerned humans. Lane leaned a little on his horse, mindful of his broken leg; he whispered to Ayako, all ever so clueless.

“Why is that guy looking at me that way?”

Indeed, amber eyes were piercing him, full of dislike. It did not help that small little growls began to echo; a small rabbit finally showed himself, peeking from a backpack that the blond carried at his side. Abiel growled at the human, sharing the animosity of his owner. The growls only stopped when Alexis held the rabbit against his chest; yet that did not mean they did not keep glaring over his shoulder.

Ayako rolled her eyes at Lane, but decided to ignore his ignorance. She stepped closer to Uriel, and then whispered kindly.

“Thank you for being here, Uri.” Uriel’s tense expression softened, hearing her say that nickname. It was said with trust, with care, gratitude. It made him feel strangely joyful, even if sad to hear it again. “I’m sorry about that; didn’t expect it. I wanted to get here as soon as possible, so I didn’t tell them any details. I understand if you feel uncomfortable and you’d rather not-”

Uriel stopped her with a smile, holding a claw up.

“No, no, it’s alright. It’s not the first time I hear such comments.” Ayako frowned with that, but stopped when Uriel whispered the next words. “I don’t think it matters. Honestly, that guy seems to baffle his own companions as much.”

She nodded slowly and looked back. The three men had walked up to Lane, and were now whispering to him anxiously, trying to convey to him why angering a demon was probably a horrible idea. Lane was arguing back, not whispering as much, and not seeming to get the point.

The humans stopped arguing and looking at each other; they blinked, because a shadow suddenly towered over them. They all jolted, and two hid behind the third, because they realized Uriel had approached them. They looked up to him nervously, not really wanting to show their obvious fear. Only Lane kept a firm glare, he was the only one who dared look at Uriel straight as he asked them a question.

“May I have some directions of where you lost your cart? If you still want my help that is.”

Lane and Uriel looked at each other for a few seconds. Their eyes were fixed: the human was tense on his horse, looking almost offended by Uriel’s presence; meanwhile, Uriel was standing his ground, politely, but not showing any trace of shame under the judging eye of the man. Lane looked seconds away of throwing another bigoted remark and refusing the help of the demon, but luckily his companions knew well their priorities. They spoke up and let go of each other, smiling nervously as they tried to stay safe.

“Y-yes! Of course we want your guidance!”

“The place where the cart broke is not far from here, w-we just have to follow the same path.”

“We’re really thankful for your help, r-really… Sir?”

Lane spoke, not one to hide his thoughts.

“You three really think he is trustful?” He nodded at Uriel harshly, but the demon did not change his expression, all ever calm. “How do you know that he won’t lead us to our deaths? He may want our belongings for himself! He is supposedly doing this for free. What kind of demon does that? He can be hiding something, other intentions. One can never trust devils!”

The other three tried to shush him, fretting.

“L-Lane, shut up! He’s right here…!”

Another spoke, taking everyone’s attention with a strong tone.

“Well, if you don’t trust him, trust in me instead.”

All looked sideways and saw Ayako there, arms crossed, demanding with a stern look. She stood at Uriel’s side, puffing her chest out.

“I trust in him, and I have very solid reasons to do so. You can go back if you don’t believe in another fellow human.”

She held onto Uriel’s arm, which made him a little red faced and shy. The three travelers saw that and relaxed a little, seeing that Uriel wasn’t as intimidating as first thought. The humans looked at each other and stepped aside for a moment, to discuss their options.

“Ayako is known for her well doings here… She wouldn’t put us in the hands of a brute.”

“It’s not like we have another choice; it’s following him, or going back and risking losing our cart under the weather.”

“That blond over there has a sword, and I don’t like the looks he’s giving us.”

“But he’s human too, right? I can’t see any fangs or tails tucked away.”

They sent Alexis another glance. He was now leaning against the cabin, keeping his distance. He was glaring indeed, but only at Lane, who was glaring back now, like in a contest. The three nodded, determining he was just pissed for what Lane said.

“If two humans trust in a demon, it must be safe.”

“Still finding it weird though. Who would need a sword if a demon is enough protection? I don’t think bandits would have much to steal in that forest. Unless he’s a bandit, and we’re the victims.”

“Doesn’t matter how weird it is or how much Lane dislikes it; we’ve got to cross this crooked forest. Let’s just keep quiet and stay on Ayako’s good side.”

They let go of each other and faced Ayako and Uriel again, smiling sheepishly. One spoke, another held the reigns of Lane’s horse, and the third tried to make sure Lane would not retort to the next words.

“We can’t thank you enough, we really appreciate this… Mmmh, Uriel, was it? We are ready to get going.”

Lane opened his mouth to complain again, but he shut up when one of his companions nudged his broken leg on purpose. While the two travelers glared at each other, Uriel and Ayako exchanged glances, to then smile with relief. Ayako waved an arm and invited the group to move behind them.

“Alright guys, let’s head east. We’ll find your cart in no time.”

Uriel turned to go ahead and lead, not without sending a last apprehensive glance to the men. With that, he marched forward, sure that they had lost their belongings in a certain area. As soon as he passed by the cabin, Alexis stood up and walked by his side, never looking at the group if not necessary. Ayako sighed, and decided to keep close to the humans.

The pressure could be cut with a knife, and the journey would not be short.