Chapter 14
“Talk to me, Captain!” Demina ordered. The man came to attention right away and saluted her, recognizing her authority.
“The dragon is gone, ma’am.”
“How much damage was there?”
“Not much. He only burned down three houses in the village ma’am.”
“No one was hurt?” Demi asked, frowning.
“No, no one was hurt. The families got out in time.”
“Thank you, Captain. I shall inform Princess Avelyn. In the meantime, get the families into the guardhouse.”
The captain saluted her and she climbed down from the wall. Avelyn met Demina by the door, eyes worried.
“How is he?” Demina asked.
“Doctor Henderson said he will be fine. They closed his wound and as long as he doesn’t get an infection, he just needs rest. I was just about to go see him if you would like to accompany me.”
Demina took a deep breath, relief filling her. But as soon as it was came it was gone. There was still the matter of Drax, though. And those families would have to be relocated.
“Demi, what was it? What did the guards say? What about Drax?” Avelyn asked, as they walked.
“Drax is gone. But it is strange, Ava. He only burned down three houses.”
“What?”
“He did not decimate the whole village. And he stopped at the wall.”
Avelyn stayed quiet. That was strange. Demi was right. Drax always made sure that kingdoms were leveled and completely destroyed. Why had he changed now? Questions swirled through both of their minds. Why did Drax awaken? What happened to Castiel? And...was Jax still alive? Avelynn sighed.
“Why don’t you go see, Castiel? I am going to go take care of those villagers.”
Castiel took a deep breath and opened his eyes. He was aware of three things. One, he wasn’t dead, two Jax was gone, and three Demina was asleep by his side, hand in his. He moved and winced, looking around. He was so tired. Demi opened her eyes when he closed his again.
“C-Cas?”
Castiel sighed and opened his eyes.
“You’re awake!” she said, smiling. He didn’t want to be. Her hand slipped out of his and he closed his eyes again.
“Yeah,” he mumbled.
“Do you want anything? Are you thirsty? I could get you some water. Are you in pain...I’ll go get Doctor Henderson.”
No. Cas grabbed her, wincing as he did so.
“No, just...stay, please. For a little bit. Demi, please.”
She sat back down and they were both silent for awhile. Demi waited for him to say what had happened but he just kept his eyes closed.
Demi looked away, her hand slipping out of his as silence filled the room. Cas sat up.
“Demi....Demina. Where’s Avelyn?”
