The girl tucked her long black cowl closer and stepped into her small lonely cabin; unknowing that someone was already waiting for her inside.

The demon was lying on her bed, curled as small as possible against her blankets. He was disguised as a small lynx, a form that he used to mislead and hide his bestiality. A form that he did not need to show her… but one that he felt he should.

He was tired. He had been awake for days. He had not stopped watching her for a single second. Little did Ayako know that he had raced her to her cabin, to arrive before she could. He waited for her, just like she believed he had done. He pretended to have obeyed her, because he only wished her happiness and joy.

His ears twitched when the door of the bedroom opened. He heard her steps, which held no doubt as she neared. Her blue eyes filled with care when she saw him there on her bed, waiting with the loyalty she knew of him.

He always worried for her. That, both knew.

His red eyes opened when she sat at his side, on the edge of the bed. His black fur shivered when she caressed it gently. Her voice echoed with trust, which he did not deserve.

“See? I told you I would be alright.”

He knew already. He had seen. The scars haunted her mind, but not in the way he feared they would.

The demon smiled, but it did not reach his eyes.

“I see, Ayako. I understand.” He followed her game, knowing already what she wished and needed. He played the fool, the ignorant and liar. “Did you get the herbs?”

Ayako smiled and nodded happily. She patted the bag on her belt, with a relaxed sigh.

“I did.” She frowned suddenly, and exclaimed more quietly. “But I won’t take them to Godric.”

“Why?”

He gave her faked wonder and empty questions. She did not doubt to answer, with that familiar look in her eyes, full of determination and hope. There was the care he loved to see in her, lacking any hesitation.

“I need to help someone.”

He looked deeply into her eyes. Her icy eyes were looking through the window, like if she could see a blue waterfall. Her fire blazed strong again; the same fire that had died, when those golden wings stopped shining like the sun. It was weaker than before, but it was fighting to rise, not wanting to die out.

He had to let her go.

“You are leaving again. For that person.”

“Yes.” She raised an eyebrow at him, with a playful smirk. “Are you going to reprimand me?”

He laughed with her to hide his sorrow. This time, his words reflected his thoughts.

“No, Ayako. It really seems he can’t do you any harm, can he?”

Ayako blinked at him, not having expected him to be so laid back about the matter. She pushed her disbelief away, because she believed that Lykaios finally understood that a she just wanted to help someone who needed it.

Lykaios leaned against Ayako’s hand, as she brushed his ears and long mane. She could see he was still anxious.

“Don’t worry; I will be fine out there. I will bring him to the village, once I convince him to stop isolating himself. He’s hurt.”

If she only knew how deep that hurt was, she would not be smiling so hopefully. She wouldn’t manage to change his mind, no matter how hard she tried. She would spend a long time in that forest.

But she won’t be alone anymore.

Lykaios nuzzled his head against her side with a quiet whimper, while Ayako closed her eyes and hugged him. His soft fur shrouded her, his long tails grew and enfolded her; he held her like a treasure. His deeper voice whispered with love and adoration.

“Please, thread carefully, Ayako.”

She nodded and held him tighter, even if she now could not hold him in her arms. It was him who held her, towering yet loving.

She took her time to let go of him, to get ready to leave.

He was used to leaving her side, for both of them to be free. He always left, to venture into his own forest in the west. He only came to her when she called, or when he needed to remind himself there was something of value in life. He never had feared solitude… but he did now; now that he had to let go out of love.

No matter what, he would endure. He knew she was stronger than most humans. Nothing had made her fall. Not until that angel did.

The demon let out a quiet wail when he saw her part through the northern road. He ended up averting his gaze, in order to take his own path. He headed back towards his own territory, west, where he would wait for her to need him.

She would not need him. There were no angels to hunt.