Golden wings

Chapter 51 - Yielding

The girl tucked her long black cowl closer... and stepped into her small lonely cabin; unknowing that the wolf 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 fox, but there was no way he could fool her. Not that he wanted to.

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 he had 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 had no doubt while 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 fur shivered when she caressed it gently. Her voice echoed with trust... which he maybe 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 fox 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 content sigh.

"Yes..." 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 a determined look in her eyes. There was the care he loved to see in her, without 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 end in ashes and cold.

He had to let her go.

"You are leaving again. For him."

"Yes." She raised an eyebrow at him, with a playful smirk. "Are you going to scold 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 person was wounded, and that she wanted to help.

Lykaios leaned against Ayako's hand, to brush his ears and long mane. She could see he was still anxious.

"Don't worry; I will be fine out there. I will try to take him to the village... if he lets me."

He wouldn't, no matter how hard she tried. She would spend a long time in that forest... but she wouldn't be alone anymore.

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

"Please, thread carefully, Ayako."

She nodded and returned his hug.

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

He had always left her side, for them both 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 calm his unending worry for her.

He knew she was stronger than most humans. Nothing had made her fall. Not until that angel did.

The wolf let out a quiet howl when he saw he part, through the northern road. He ended up averting his gaze, to take his own path. He headed back towards his own territory, west, where he waited for her to need him.

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