The Darkest Dawn

Chapitre 20

They had been walking almost non stop for days. Throughout the day, Malachai would get tired and then Lucien would take turns with Darius carrying him on their shoulders. They followed the same route as before, remembering where the river was shallow and could be drank from. On that stony plateau, Darius had created makeshift waterskins from a deer he killed and filled them with water. Onward they continued. They wouldn't light any fires at night, out of fear and for time's sake. Even though it was beginning to get warmer, the nights were still spent shivering together.

The group avoided the town where they rescued Malachai. Despite the cost of time, going around was safer. They were traveling till eventually they reached the point where Audie had first left the group. There were fresh dog paw prints all over the campsite, a sign that the Greyhound had been back here. Or perhaps something else, something more wild. It was a risk but they settled down at the camp, if not to sleep the night then to simply rest.

Again, no fire. Lucien sat next to Malachai, whom had the burlap sack wrapped around him like a blanket. There was silence between the three, there was nothing to say. Darius kept fiddling with a wooden object in his hands, ring brazenly worn on his index. Lucien found himself staring emptily at the metal band, holding his knees to his chest. After a long while, Malachai spoke.

"...He was very sick." The boy muttered, obviously referencing Audie. Lucien snapped out of his trance.

"Yes." He replied uneasily.

"I've seen it before. That kind of illness." Malachai said even softer. Darius and Lucien both turned their heads in alarm. "My friend... she belonged to a nice one. The nice Seivohn gave her a hug and she got a cold. The black stuff on their skin made her sick. She's dead now."

Neither Lucien nor Darius replied, instead exchanging wary glances. Darius moved to show Malachai his wooden object, which turned out to be a wolf figurine. Lucien remained silent as he watched the two talk about woodcraft. There was that heavy feeling that stayed with him when he thought about all that's happened in such a short amount of time. He looked up at the sky, as if expecting to see Regina winking at him mischievously from the clouds. You did this to me, Lucien thought. Then he shifted his gaze to Darius again. So did he. Thank you both.

It wasn't that simple either. Lucien thought back to when he first met Darius, how he focused on the man's appearance and how nervous he felt. Lucien assumed it was because he was worried about his place at Rhaelra's side. He's still nervous and he doesn't know why though.... Then the brunette thought about when Darius' face flushed when Lucien showed him the ring. How protective Darius was. How Darius always crushed him in bear hugs. How Lucien felt whenever Darius stared at him too long. The feeling when Darius touched Lucian's hand on their way to the pageant. It was those moments and many more.

"Darius."

The ex-soldier swivels his head with wide eyes, tangled platinum blonde hair tied back with twine. "Luci?" Damn him.

Lucien smiled. "One hell of an adventure, huh?"

Darius grinned softly in return, hellfire burning brightly. "It's far from over, Luci."