"I'd rather love you, then serve you" (Katemau)

chapter 8 "watchful night"

3rd pov 

The moon was slowly rising while the bird's chirps slowly quieted down. Everyone was going home at this point, some staying to check on Aphmau while others were celebrating Dante's sudden well-being. Everyone but one person was leaving, even who we thought was Aphmau's most loyal guard was gone; the one who still stayed waiting was the one and only, Katelyn. 

Katelyn was sitting by Aphmau's side. Waiting and wondering what happened to the women. While the wind slowly passed by her face, creating a small shiver to overcome her, she couldn't help but place her hand on Aphmau's forehead longing for any reaction. 

“Still warm.” She told herself, seeing how she wasn't cold just yet. 

“Good to see you're still here, Katelyn.” A gentle and kind voice spoke from behind her. 

With a small jump, she turned around, not expecting any visitors at this hour. But she was more than happy to see the person who could help her. Zoey was standing with a smile, happy to see someone was still by her close friend's side. 

“It's a beautiful night, isn't it? How is Aphmau doing?” Zoey asked, she slowly walked towards Katelyn and looked at Aphmau's sleeping self. 

“She is warm and is breathing steadily. It doesn't seem that any strain occurred on her body yet she is still here, sleeping. Where's Laurance?” Katelyn asked, looking at Aphmau once more. 

“He's partying with the other guards on Dantes's recovery. I always knew he wasn't truly a lover to Aphmau.” Zoey mentioned. A small strain in her voice was notable to Katelyn.

“I see. When does he plan to come back?” She asked, still curious about his whereabouts and intentions. 

“I would assume when the party ends. Dante still has a job to withhold after all.” Zoey responded, a small smile cracking on her face as she giggled. 

With a nod, Katelyn looked away from Zoey and looked towards the stairway. “Do you think you could watch Aphmau for me for a moment? I want to get something to eat and something for Aphmau for when she wakes up.” She asked. 

With a happy nod, Zoey agreed, allowing Katelyn to finally stand up and stretch her legs to make her way to the stairs way. She walked away, but by the time she was midway through the room, Zoey yelled a scream that alarmed Katelyn causing her to turn around quickly. 

To her surprise Zoey was also confused and alarmed, Aphmau's body was no longer where she had last seen it, creating a sense of worry to overcome Katelyn's mind. 

“Katelyn. She disappeared! I was looking at her and her body glowed a light and disappeared!” Zoey yelled, confused as she looked around frantically. 

“What do you mean she disappeared?? She was just there!” Katelyn responded running towards Zoey as she stared at the bed. 

With no response Zoey stared at Katelyn with mild disappointment, making Katelyn feel a little stupid for her question. She felt like a child that asked an unreasonable question to their mother. Katelyn closed her eyes as she took a deep breath, trying to calm her mind as thousands of questions ran through it. 

“Okay. So she disappeared. She also just saved Dante from a major injury.. could this be from the relic she just took in?” Katelyn asked herself out loud, hoping to create some reasoning for the situation. 

“She has a RELIC?” Zoey yelled, surprised and concerned from the sudden realization of the words that came out of Katelyn's mouth. 

“Y-yes.. she does, has she not told you yet?” Katelyn stuttered, surprised by Zoey's reaction.