Grimdor

It's Time

We made our way through the rusty gates. Immediately, the atmosphere turned cold. The sky darkened, the terrain hardened. With every step, I felt Delilah's grip around my arm tighten. Her breaths grew heavy as she trembled at the overwhelming darkness of Hell.

I pulled her close, leaving no space between our bodies. I then leaned in towards her, my lips brushing against her cold face.

"Don't worry. I'm right here."  I breathed against her forehead in between small kisses.  Her cheeks instantly grew hot, as she gave me a small nod of reassurance. I held her firmly by her waist and continued down our path.

I could hear ominous voices hissing in the distance. But none dared to approach me. My excalibur's aura was far too great, far too deadly.

We approached a dark, empty cave. "Let's rest here for tonight." I suggested. Delilah followed me silently as she shivered with each step.

Upon entering the cave, she dropped to the floor, "It's... cold." Delilah murmured softly, rubbing her arms intensely. I kneeled to face her, unable to feel the cold as I've grown immune to it.

I held my finger up and flames spewed out of its tip. "It's not much, but this heat should help." I said as I lit up some twigs that were in the corner of the cave.

She sighed in relief as the color returned to her face. "Thank you." Delilah whispered.

I crouched against the wall of the cave beside her.

"You know, this cave brings back memories of the first night we spent together." She chuckled as she plopped her head onto my shoulder.

"You were so annoying. You kept calling me mystery man." I murmured while giving her the side eye.

"Maybe you should have told me your name when I asked you." She retorted, softly punching my arm. My legs gave way as I found myself sitting on the ground.

"I didn't know you'd become important to me." I whispered. Delilah jumped in response, her cheeks flushing red. I could hear the sound of her heartbeat increase by ten fold.

"You get flustered easily, it's cute." I chuckled, wrapping my arm around her delicate shoulders.

"I do not." Delilah murmured as she began fiddling with my fingers that dangled across her chest.

"Delilah..." I purred. "You showed me things that I'll never forget. Even though I was so cold to you, you never abandoned me."

"I told you I wouldn't leave your side. You're stuck with me whether you like it or not." She crooned, sliding her fingers between mine. As they interlocked, I could feel the warmth seething from her fingertips.

I let out a deep sigh. "...Trust me, I like it. Which is exactly why I'm hesitant. I never want to see you get hurt. Especially since I don't know if I can fully protect you." I whispered as I stared straight into her crystal blue eyes.

This time, Delilah fully took her hand in mine while she turned to face me. "Slade, everything will work itself out. I promise, we're going to successfully fulfill your oath." She smiled.

"My oath..." I uttered, instantly feeling my saliva dry up... the knot in my stomach emerge, and my chest grow tight.

"It's about time that I've told you about my past." I gulped.

Her eyes lit up as she turned to face me. I stroked the back of her soft hand with my thumb and whispered once more, "It's time."

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Author's Note: Thank you all for your kindness and patience with me. This chapter is on the short side but mainly because I wanted to give you guys something after such a long wait. The next one is kind of complex due to flashbacks, so I want it separated anyway. Don't forget to vote!