Golden wings

Chapter 16 - Explain

Another cough echoed between the cracking of the fireplace.

Ayako was glaring at the flames, while she sat on her chair. Her anger was as strong as her headache. Her blue eyes glanced sideways, at the table. There were a few feathers, which shined with the fire's light.

It could be so easy... So easy to just smash and mix them with some exotic herbs she had here. The fever would go away in no time.

Ayako shook her head and huffed with exasperation.

She could not do that. It did not feel right, and it would be something she would regret in the long run. He was not something. He was not a tool... Even if she knew he did not care.

So, as much as she wanted to go back and see how the angel was doing, she stayed in her cabin. She was trying to get better on her own. She had Uriel's promise in mind. Her blue eyes were full of trust, her heart always tried to see the good in all. His voice had been full of sincerity... Alexis was with Lykaios.

Then, why did she have the feeling that something was wrong?

She sighed and reached for the warm cup at her side. She took another sip, while she pondered and stared at the warm fire intently.

The silence helped relieve her headache. But that silence was broken. Ayako grimaced when two knocks were given on her door. She heard Godric's voice, calm and monotone as always.

"Ayako, it's me. Please, open the door."

"...It is already."

Godric pushed the door and stared with their eye as it swayed. They did not show emotion at all, but their embarrassment was obvious.

"Oh."

Ayako gave them a blank stare, not knowing if to laugh or mock. She always left the door open if she was home, anybody in need of help could seek her. Godric should know that already, considering the thousand times they came here to visit her along the years.

She let it be; she waited for Godric to close the door, with their usual quietness.

"How are you feeling?"

The hunter shrugged, and coughed when she tried to answer, feeling her throat sore.

"Slightly better. I will be back to work in no time. Don't worry."

She would go back to not leave him alone, soon. He would stop worrying. And she would too...

Godric fidgeted with their long braid and looked at the floor.

"Yes... About that..." It was not normal to hear nervousness in Godric's voice. Ayako felt surprise when she saw doubt in their eye. "We need to talk about the angel, Ayako."

She always was questioned about the angel; she was always asked when she would find it. This time she was taking too long, but she always evaded the point of their questions.

"I'm sure I will find it! Don't worry! As soon as I get out of these blankets, I will explore every single-"

"There won't be any need for that."

"What?"

Ayako tensed up when Godric sat at her side on the floor, in front of the fireplace. Their eye was glinting with the fire, while the words flowed. Each word filled her mind with fear.

"Cecilia found a nest. I had no other option than to call other hunters."

"You what?!"

Godric could not meet her eyes when she stood furiously. They focused on their long braid while she roared.