Chapter 38
The morning flew by and all too soon, it was time for them to leave. Demina smiled down at him as Castiel lifted her up onto the horse. It was time. They were going to find Jaxon and bring him home. Cas looked at her, his eyes dark and serious. He sighed, tightening her stirrups and making sure everything was set with her saddle.
“I really wish you weren’t coming Demina,” Castiel said.
Demi sighed, only slightly annoyed. She would once again have to get used to the fact that men were slightly overprotective. As endearing and heartwarming as it was, she had been taking care of herself for a very long time and could keep doing it.
“I know, Cas. But we talked about this, remember?” she placed a hand on his cheek. Her heart pounded, how she loved him, “Whatever happens, happens. I will try to stay out of the line of fire as much as possible but I make no promises if you and Ava are in trouble.”
Castiel looked deep into her eyes, taking her hand off his cheek and placing it on his heart.
“If anything happens to you...”
“Relax, Castiel. It will be fine.”
Avelyn came out the door, her faced pulled down in concern and nervousness. She hugged Nyssa goodbye and climbed onto her own mount. Demina watched her friend carefully. Avelyn was silent, reflective. She didn’t seem to be her normal self. Castiel finally climbed on his own steed and they headed out. Demi ushered her horse next to Avelyn’s. They rode in silence for awhile, taking in their scenery, both of them lost in their thoughts. Finally, Demi spoke up.
“Ava...what’s wrong?” she asked, quietly.
Avelyn looked at her. Demina looked truly happy for the first time in ages. She couldn’t ruin that with her thoughts about Jaxon. She plastered on a small smile.
“I’m just nervous,” she answered. Demi didn’t believe her but she didn’t press the issue. She smiled.
“Don’t be. You and Jaxon will be together really soon.”
Avelyn didn’t say anything. She only smiled as Castiel glanced behind at them once again, keeping an eye on Demina.
“Has he asked you to marry him yet?” she asked. Demina blushed, grinning and rolling her eyes.
“Ava! We barely know each other....but, I think....if he does, we shouldn’t have a double wedding.”
She and Avelyn had always discussed getting married together.
“Why not?”
“I want you to be the center of attention on your special day. I don’t want you to have to split it with anyone....And I want the same thing for my day.”
He didn’t know if the girls knew that he could hear them but Castiel smiled anyway. When of all this was over, he would get to know Demina better and he would marry her. Castiel was pulled from his musings, and the girls from their conversation, at the sound of wings. He would know that sound anywhere. It haunted his nightmares again and again. He had to keep the girls safe. His heartbeat picked up and he hurriedly looked for a place for them to hide.
“Demina! Avelyn! Go behind those boulders, quickly!”
“And the horses?”
“Forget the horses! Just get over there!”
Both of them jumped off and ran over to the boulder, hiding in the cleft. Demina gripped Avelyn’s hand tightly, fear squeezing her heart. Castiel jumped down from his horse and grabbed the other two horses, trying to hide them. The sound of rushing wings grew louder and Demina covered her mouth to keep from screaming at him.
“Demina.”
She jerked around at Avelyn’s whisper. Not seeing her, she frantically looked around. Where had she gone?!
“Ava?”
“In here,” Avelyn said, poking her head. It was a mouth of a cave.
Castiel finally joined them and the journeyed in together. Avelyn held a torch up, a grin on her face. Demina frowned.
“Where did you get that?” she asked.
“I got it from in here....Do you think...this could be Drax’s lair?” Avelyn replied. Excitement started to shine in her eyes. Demina inched closer to Castiel and he closed his hand around his.
“Relax, Demina. It’ll be fine,” he reassured her gently.
They started walking again, Avelyn leading the way with her torch. She turned to tell him something. Castiel's arm shot out to grab her. He only caught air. Avelyn’s eyes widened and she tried to reach for him but missed, her foot slipping. She fell, disappearing from sight.
“AVELYN!!!!”
