“What is there to explain? I’m going to rescue Jaxon.”
Castiel rode in behind Demina but stayed quiet, letting her friend take the lead.
“Explain why you sent me on a wild goose chase and left without telling me. Explain what possessed you to set off on your own. You know what? Don’t. We’re going back to the castle. Right now.”
“No. I’m not.”
Demi had been doing such a great job. She’d been keeping her temper in check even though she was furious. But that word...set her off.
“What?!”
“I’m not going back to the castle, Demi. The longer I wait, the more likely it is he ends up dead. I can’t let that happen.”
Demina sucked in a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
“And I can’t let anything happen to you, Ava!”
“It’s not your job to protect me!”
“Yes, it is!”
“No, it’s not! Maybe you should have a little faith! Not everyone you love is going to be ripped away from you! They are not going to end up like Chase! Chase wanted to go. He made that choice. Holding people too tightly or holding them at arm’s length is not change the fact that he’s still dead! He isn’t coming back! Well, that is not going to happen to Jaxon. I’m not going to spend the rest of my life in regret. Wondering what if? I won’t be like...”
Demina recoiled, almost as if she’d been slapped. Castiel’s eyes were wide. He’d never heard the girls fight before. It was shocking and a little unsettling.
“Like me?” Demi said.
Avelyn’s eyes widened also when she realized what she said.
“Demi...I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it.”
“I know. Nyssa’s cabin is few miles up. We can rest there and formulate a plan.”
With that, she took the lead, riding on ahead of them. Castiel whistled.
“Is she always that...irate? That tense?”
"She was worried about me. Kindly watch how you talk about my friend, prince Castiel. And Demi wasn't always...hard. She used to be very sweet and full of joy."
Castiel couldn't help it. He snickered.
"That's hard to believe."
Avelyn scowled again and Castiel shivered, noting how anger made her seem scarier. Hell hath no fury than that of a woman’s.
"But it's true," Avelyn continued, “she was absolutely...stunning when Chase was around. She was lively and cheerful, ready for any new adventure. Much different than what she is now."
Castiel stayed silent until then.
"And this Chase? She talks about him a lot. Who was he?"
"I’m not surprised. Chase was her fiancé. He was a captain in my father's army and very devoted to Demi. And she to him. They had known each other since they were both young."
Castiel almost choked, surprised. Jealousy wormed its way into his heart and he scowled. Avelyn scowled back, feeling defensive of her best friend.
"W-what? Someone actually wanted to marry that...um...Demina?"
"Yes. They were quite the couple."
"Did she argue with him as much as she does with me?" Castiel asked, annoyed.
Avelyn grinned, eyes sparkling. It was as if she knew something he didn’t.
"No. Not at all actually. She adored him and he felt very much the same."
"Great," he muttered, "So what happened to Chase?"
Once again, Avelyn's eyes became shadowed with sadness.
"He died. Drax had struck another village and burned it down. Captain Morgan...excuse me, Chase, was tasked with finding Drax and slaying him. But unfortunately Drax proved to be too strong. The men were slaughtered. Chase and 16 of our best soldiers died that day. Demina...Demi's never been the same. She was inconsolable when she heard the news. It's been hard these past few years, especially with mine and Jaxon's engagement."
Avelyn stopped and suddenly smiled.
"But...things have changed. Especially with your arrival.”
“Really?” Cas asked, “how so?”
“She likes you, Castiel."
This time Castiel actually did choke.
"Yeah. Okay."
"She does. She just isn't good at...showing...it. Give her time. She'll let you past her defenses soon enough."
“Soon enough” seemed so far away, especially for Castiel.
