A Light in the Shadows.

Nightmares

We made it back to the shop soon.

We entered.

 Amharic looked over to us, "How was your date? Jelequi's face went red, "It wasn't a date!!!"

 I went pink as well, complaining "Amharic!"

"What?" Amharic said, laughing.

After a little while my face returned to its normal pale coloring.

"Why are you like this, Amharic?" Jelequi asked, her face still slightly pink.

"It's funny!" Amharic replied, still laughing.

Even I giggled a little.

Jelequi's face soon returned to normal, but she was still annoyed with Amharic.

I tried not to look embarrassed but of course Jelequi noticed the hint of embarrassment still on my face.

Jelequi hugged me, "Stupid Amharic..." Jelequi mumbled under her breath.

I squeezed her hand, hugging her back before pulling away a little.

"So, Jelequi. What did you and Seraphina do?" Amharic asked.

"None of your business!" Jelequi said, still annoyed.

"I don't think that's convincing them that we didn't go on a date," I whispered to Jelequi.

"Good point.." Jelequi whispered back.

I giggled a little. "So what did you do?" Amharic asked again.

"Can you explain, Seraphina?" Jelequi asked me.

"The whole thing or just today?" I asked.

 "Today."

 "I'm trying to help Jelequi overcome her fear of heights so I flew a little with her and we came back here." I explained.

 Xentri was leaning against one of the walls, "Actually? Jelequi I never thought you would try to get over your fear of heights."

"Yeah, I'm trying. Not going very well... but I'm still trying." Jelequi replied.

"It was just the first time, I'm sure it'll get better." I said, squeezing Jelequi's hand reassuringly.

 "Yeah, hopefully..." Jelequi said. "Anyway, what did you two get up to here?" I asked, clearly diverting attention away from me and Jelequi, "anything interesting?"

"Not really." Xentri started, when Amharic interrupted. "Actually! Zenial came back, and talked to us some more."

"Zenial is not interesting. They asked about interesting things." Xentri said coldly. "I think he's interesting!" Amharic said. "Let's agree to disagree shall we?" I interjected.

"Yeah, whatever." Xentri said. "Oki!" Amharic replied.

Jelequi giggled slightly, "You two are ridiculous when you fight."

"you most certainly are," I agreed.

"Yeah, sure..." Xentri mumbled.

 I laughed a little. "Well, what should we do now?" Amharic asked.

"I should probably go now..." I said regretfully.

 "Oh..." Jelequi mumbled, "Alright..." Jelequi hugged me, who hugged her back, leaning into our hug.

 "Well, bye..." Jelequi said, leaning out of the hug sadly.

"Bye." I said letting go, and saying bye to Amharic and Xentri. Amharic and Xentri said bye as well. I turned, flying out the door, turning into my dragon form and flying off.

 I didn't want to go.

 Far from it, I desperately wanted to go back, but I knew Jelequi was right.

 I did have duties for my kingdom.

When I got back I went to check on Melina.

I got a warm greeting and then more tears from the poor demigirl.

"Hey, I know things look bad now, but you're safe now," I murmured.

"Thanks" she sniffled for the two millionth time.

 I left her and went to find something to occupy me.

Astra bounded up to me and showed me an amazing drawing of theirs.

I swear their magic is actually drawing magic.

They had drawn a beautiful cliffside with a lush green forest and a perfect waterfall.

"It's so beautiful!" I praised them.

They practically glowed with pride as always.

 I then read them a twenty page book to make them happy and because I had literally nothing better to do.

 After that I grabbed my own book and finished it before going to bed.

 Since I had fallen asleep with Jelequi's presence protecting me last night, I didn't have any nightmares.

Tonight I wasn't so lucky.

I had the nightmare of the night my parents were killed, but instead of my parents it was Jelequi.

 I was paralized, desperately needing to save her, but I couldn't.

 I watched as the dragon slit her throat.

I woke myself up screaming.

 I was white, shaking and sweaty, almost hyperventilating as I slowly regained my calm.

I got up, getting my usual coffee, but I still felt uneasy.

I never wanted to have that dream again.

 I just read my book again.

All day.

 And all night.

I was petrified of another nightmare.