Mending Shadows // Chapter 29
Summary:
Y/N was a simple Scavenger of Lucis, until meeting a deadly blow at the hands of an infected creature. At the crossroads of death, they are found by Niflheim’s cryptic Chancellor with his own agenda. Now bonded to Ardyn Izunia, and tossed into the world of Niflheim, Y/N struggles to cope with their new life as an Imperial Icon all the while battling their feelings toward their fate and that of Ardyn’s.
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Ardyn awoke to the cry of a gull. The high pitch squeak was strong enough to pull him out from the seductive embrace of slumber. His nose twitched from how crisp the air was. It stung Ardyn’s skin like tiny beads of ice, yet the cold held a feminine touch that was comparable to the devotions Shiva had once laid upon mankind: bitterly soothing.
The laughter of seagulls padded across the beach, alerting the life against the fine sand grains that fates would soon be sealed. Ardyn delighted in the noise as he bobbed in between the odd void that was sleep and alertness, until the underlying numbness his chest felt began to bother him. He realized he had been laying partially upward against a rock and assumed perhaps he had slept wrong. He let out a deep breath. Groaning while his legs stretched on their own accord.
The sun had yet to fully rise, but Ardyn could feel the beams of light breaking through the fog along the coast. While his skin didn’t feel it would catch aflame, he felt an itchy sensation begin to burrow under his veins. Signaling that he shouldn’t overstay his welcome as the sun greeted Eos in full. A pleasant warmth traveled over his torso as he came to. Ardyn gazed down to find Y/N sleeping against his chest. His large coat acting as the glue that held them both together while their bodies intertwined.
Ardyn frowned while he pondered how he ended up in such a compromising position. His memory was hazy while he draped his left arm over Y/N’s waist underneath the coat. He couldn’t help but give a gentle squeeze as the fingertips of his right hand deftly stroked through Y/N’s hair while he ruminated about last night.
He remembered bundling up Y/N in his coat after their swim and starting a bonfire. How Y/N and he playfully shoved one another away from the flames, like two children bickering over a special treat. The contagion of their bouts came to a close when a compromise was reached. He remembered sitting behind Y/N. His legs on either side of their body as he wrapped his arms around them from behind. Coat now draped over his back, with the arms of the garment secured by Y/N in the front.
Ardyn let out a long sigh against the back of Y/N’s head. His body shuddered from their giggles. His breath having tickled the fine hairs that were scattered about their neckline.
“I’m beginning to think tossing you back into the sea sounds like a splendid idea. Why, with all the fuss you’ve made!” Ardyn teased as he felt Y/N give him a slight jab. He let out a grunt.
“Not before I drown you first.” Y/N countered. As they could feel their blood returning to their limbs, their eyes lingered on the fire. Watching the bright colors dance as their mind trotted from thought to thought.
“Does Ifrit speak back to you in the flames?” Ardyn whispered.
“Hmm?”
“You seem like you’re in a trance.” Ardyn said, coming to rest his chin on Y/N’s left shoulder. He too gazed at the ember glow.
“I’m just thinking.” Y/N shrugged.
“Yes, I can see that clear as day.” Ardyn said as a matter of fact while he chuckled. “But about what, I wonder?”
Y/N gulped, finding it hard not to get distracted by how close Ardyn was to them. “It’s silly. I don’t think you’d appreciate it.”
“Oh contraire!” Ardyn quipped as he nudged the side of Y/N’s left cheek with his forehead, getting them to laugh. “You may find yourself surprised at how open I am this night.”
“Funny. Once upon a time I recall that you found my thoughts to be crude and ridiculous.”
“I may have been a little harsh I’ll admit.” Ardyn said in his defense. “When you’ve seen the worst in mankind, it’s only natural to project apprehension.”
“So you admit you've been an ass to me?"
Ardyn growled under his breath, albeit in a playful light. “Maybe not so crude in tongue, but yes.”
Y/N softly chortled, shaking their head in disbelief that they managed to get him to admit such a thing.
Ardyn could feel the gentle rise and fall of Y/N’s lungs as they sighed. It was not out of exasperation, but more of a contemplative noise. He went quiet while keenly listening to Y/N as they began to speak.
“I was thinking about what if I had met you if I was still a Scavenger. If you weren't the Imperial Chancellor, but a common man. If there was no prophecy of kings or scourge. I wonder what that would've been like."
“I have a rather simple answer for you.”
“Yes?”
Ardyn felt his cheeks turning red at the enthusiastic response Y/N gave. “I would’ve found you annoying.”
“Hey!”
“Let me finish!” Ardyn laughed. He relished in the growl that left Y/N. “I’m certain that despite my initial reluctance, I would’ve warmed up to you.”
Y/N hummed in thought. “How do you reckon that?”
“Well,” Ardyn paused. He lightly pressed his nose against Y/N’s hair. "I’m sure you would’ve found a way to burrow under my skin, sooner or later in favorable circumstances.”
Y/N shivered against him. He was uncertain if it was due to his words sending pleasure, or if the warmth of the fire had difficulty reaching Y/N. Ardyn nervously prepared to redirect himself until Y/N laughed.
“What’s so humorous?”
“Do you think you and I could’ve opened up a shop together?” Y/N asked. They turned their head as Ardyn adjusted, looking up at him. To say he was flabbergasted was an understatement. He blinked several times and raised a brow.
“What kind of shop did you have in mind?” Ardyn mused with a smile.
Y/N shrugged. “Well, you were a healer once. Maybe you could offer services to people while I sell wares I come across in Lucis.”
“A rather odd combination, but a unique niche nonetheless. I think we’d stand a fair gamble in the economy.” Ardyn hummed in approval. He then smirked, eyes watching Y/N closely. “I do have some stipulations?”
“Please continue!” Y/N laughed.
Ardyn cleared his throat, and happily exaggerated. “If we are to be partners in this venture, you must know everything about medicine like myself. We split the profit, fifty-fifty, and I want three day weekends."
“I thought that was a given?” Y/N scoffed. They laughed at his latter remark and sighed. “I suppose I can agree to your weekend request. Anything else you’d like to add?”
“Why yes,” Ardyn smiled. He embraced Y/N’s waist a little tighter. “I’d like for us to live close to one another.”
“Oh?” Y/N's gaze traveled between his lips and eyes, noting the mischievous glint he had. “Why not live together like we have been?”
“Hmm,” Ardyn mulled. “I suppose that wouldn’t be so terrible. As long as you have no qualms with me having a chocobo farm in the back.”
Y/N snorted in surprise. “A chocobo farm?!”
“Why not?” Ardyn shrugged with a laugh.
“We’d have to get a place out in the country. Not to mention the permits are expensive!”
“I’d foot the bill. In fact, I’d cover everything for us to get started on our little business.”
“Why would you do that?”
“Because seeing you elated doesn’t have a price tag that I can’t afford.”
Ardyn chuckled, biting the inside of his bottom lip while Y/N giggled. A rush filled his body and he once more nudged his forehead against Y/N’s, giving a quick nuzzle.
“It’s a deal then?” Y/N asked in between bouts.
“No, a promise.”
Perhaps in another life… Ardyn bitterly thought as the memory faded. He recalled Y/N and he falling asleep soon after their conversation. The fires warmth, and the feeling of peace was enough to lull both parties into a security in which they could close their eyes and wander elsewhere.
A sigh left Ardyn as he continued to scan over Y/N’s messy hair while he stroked their scalp. He contended with two halves of himself: one wishing to continue his ministrations, and sternly reminding himself of the conditions that Y/N and he agreed upon. Despite Ardyn's persistence, he was finding it hard to remain neutral when it came to the complexity of his feelings. There were many charades he could keep up, but this felt like a losing game with every touch he committed upon the person in his arms. He couldn't help it. Not when he had been without for so long.
Ardyn could feel a weed beginning to grow in his subconscious. A tricky vine extending an olive branch, giving him dangerous ideas to entertain. One being to find a way to keep this game going. To maybe even stall the inevitable battle of kings. To stall his own demise. He felt the baneful scorn of the scourge and his own vengeance shirk at such a concept, yet the humanity he hadn't relinquished in full coaxed him to linger.
Before he could ruminate any further and question the contradictory nature of his predicament, Ardyn felt Y/N begin to shift against him. He let out a grunt as their weight adjusted, all the while keeping still. That’s when he felt Y/N’s head tilt up and he was greeted by a pair of exhausted eyes and a lopsided smile. The likes of which that had him grin tiredly in return.
“Hello.” Y/N muttered.
“Good morning.”
They both awkwardly laughed, then Y/N’s head dropped against Ardyn. Their eyes fluttered open and shut while letting out a chilled breath. Their face felt like it had been stung by the cold air, and they took pleasure in the heat that radiated from Ardyn’s body and his coat.
“We were really out here all night, weren’t we?”
“It would seem so.” Ardyn mused. “It’s almost dawn. I’m sure our entourage is making a fuss regarding our whereabouts.”
“Screw them,” Y/N said point blank, smiling at the way Ardyn snorted.
“As much as I admire your tenacity, I’m afraid I’ll have to insist we depart.”
“I guess I can’t convince you otherwise?” Y/N asked mid-yawn.
Ardyn smirked. “It wouldn’t take much to win me over. I rather like it here. Minus one unfortunate detail.”
“And what’s that?” Y/N softly groaned, and began to move their legs. The sudden hitch in Ardyn’s breath had them more awake as they looked up to catch the pink that settled against his face. He looked uneasy as he cleared his throat.
“Your knee is dangerously close to hitting my groin.”
“Oh shit!” Y/N sprung up and scrambled back. Ardyn’s coat easily fell off them as they tumbled onto their side. All the while, he had been laughing at their expense. The giddiness of his tone had Y/N shoot him a glare before they grabbed a fistful of sand and threw it at his face.
“That was impolite!” Ardyn exclaimed as he recoiled, spitting out some of the debris that got into his mouth.
“And so was making me panic!” Y/N said in their defense.
“Oh?” His tone dipped as he locked eyes on Y/N and leaned forward. His mouth began to form a grin when he noticed Y/N crawling backward away as they nervously laughed. “I can most certainly demonstrate what would constitute as reasonable panic.”
“I don’t think you need to trouble yourself!” Y/N pleaded.
“Too late!”
Ardyn lunged forward, grabbing a hold of Y/N’s legs to pull their body toward his. There was a brief struggle as Y/N cackled in between fits, trying to get out of Ardyn’s grasp to no avail. Between the two mirthfully laughing, they ended up tangled once more in each others arms and legs. Their heads laying upon the sand as they both turned to acknowledge the other in between restless breath.
“By the six, you’re a mess!” Ardyn chuckled. “There’s not a single inch of you that hasn’t been touched by sand.”
“I’m a mess? You should see your hair! It’s all…” Y/N gesticulated with their hands to emphasize how unkempt it was. Ardyn looked so flabbergasted at their motions that Y/N couldn’t finish as words devolved into snickers. He too couldn’t form a coherent thought as he laughed a final time.
“Are you feeling famished?” He stared at Y/N thoughtfully.
“Hmm hmm.” They nodded, feeling their stomach rumble on instinct. “I didn’t eat much at the wedding. I was too distracted by everything going on.”
“Likewise,” Ardyn admitted. He smiled as he untangled himself from Y/N’s body, helping them sit up in the process alongside him. “There’s a little spot not far from here that has the best red velvet rolls. If we fix ourselves up quick, we can beat the early birds.”
“There you go again following your sweet tooth,” Y/N mused with a soft laugh, earning a smile in return from Ardyn. “It sounds good. Should we call Tuti, and let her and the other Imperials know where we are?”
“Ah, we could…” Ardyn trailed off.
“But?”
“But screw them. As you ineloquently put it earlier.” Ardyn smirked. He quietly rejoiced in the faint blush that crept along Y/N’s cheeks before rising to his feet. He offered Y/N a hand, and the two gathered themselves before setting off back into the city.
An hour came and gone as Y/N finished the last of their roll. They were beginning to regret eating it so fast, missing how the tart edge of the dough contrasted with the sweet frosting that was dolloped on top. Y/N had to hand it to Ardyn. He was certainly right these were the best red velvet rolls in Eos. It was certainly worth Ardyn abusing his privilege as Chancellor to skip ahead of the line to get first pickings. Y/N was still envious how he was able to charm his way through, and wished they had that kind of charisma. He made it look so easy, and Y/N blushed while remembering banters the pair had that emphasized this signature trait.
Y/N glanced at Ardyn while he munched on his roll little by little. He was going through the motions while he texted on his phone, occasionally making a face here and there when something bemused him.
“A gil for your thoughts?” Y/N asked, breaking the peaceful silence that had come between them.
Ardyn let out an exasperated sigh. “It’s not even noon and I could use a bottle of wine.”
Y/N stifled a laugh, delighting in how Ardyn bit the inside of his cheek trying to keep his own bout at bay.
“I didn’t think you’d have this much work after a big ceremony like last night.”
“On the contrary, my obligations tend to increase.” Ardyn corrected. “I’ve been digitally signing legal documents concerning the betrothal. These sorts of events can be rather tedious when it comes to paper trails. Unfortunately, not everyone is competent when putting together the fine print. Hence my sour mood.”
“It’s nice not being on the receiving end of that.” Y/N mused, hearing Ardyn faintly chuckle at the remark as he carried on.
It never ceased to amaze Y/N at how much Ardyn accomplished for the empire considering what his end game was. They gently sighed and tore their thoughts away from that, not wanting to be reminded of their panic attack from last night.
The cafe they were relaxing at was fairly quiet, save for the people who rushed in to grab their caffeine before bolting to work. Y/N furrowed their brows when they noticed a few parties staring at Ardyn and whispering amongst themselves. Most seemed surprised to observe Niflheim’s Chancellor enjoying breakfast in a quaint establishment. He did look far removed from everyone else there. Y/N argued the same could be said for them as they looked over their formal attire that they had yet to change out of. They also noticed some of the stains that littered their gown from frolicking about on the beach.
“I wouldn’t fret,” Ardyn said, pulling Y/N’s attention back to him. He gestured at their outfit then quickly motioned at the people he had caught gazing his way. “Let them chatter, and I’m sure Tuti can patch you up just fine.”
Speaking of… Y/N thought. “Tuti said you picked this out for me.”
Ardyn’s expression faltered. “That I did.”
“There any particular reason why?”
Y/N canted their head with a curiosity that made Ardyn firm his posture. He nevertheless shrugged and smiled, trying to play off his nerves.
“I thought you’d look nice in it.”
“What’s the final verdict?”
“That I was right, and I still am.” Ardyn said as a matter of fact with a wink.
Y/N smiled so hard it hurt.
They were about to ask Ardyn how he felt about their conversation from last night, when Y/N noticed how uncomfortable he appeared. The shudder in his shoulders and the little hiss he let out made them tense up.
“You okay?”
Ardyn made a face. “I feel odd.”
“Odd like how?”
“My chest,” Ardyn’s right hand reached toward his heart. A shallow breath left him while he grimaced yet again. “It feels like it’s on fire.”
“Maybe it’s heartburn from the roll?” Y/N suggested.
“No, no,” Ardyn shook his head. He frowned as he met Y/N’s eyes. “It’s…something else.”
“Gods, are you having a heart attack?”
“No, I’m incapable of experiencing such things.” Ardyn chuckled weakly and made a fist while a surge of pain traveled through his arms. With every inhale and exhale of breath, he felt his lungs on the precipice of burning. It was as if Ifrit’s very hands were slowly encircling the organs, in the hopes that a little spark would turn into something catastrophic.
“It’s not scourge related, or I’d feel it too…” Y/N murmured. The pain in his eyes was skittish, like a young colt who had been spooked by its own shadow. Whatever was happening, he was familiar with it. They swallowed at their own epiphany, feeling troubled that they weren’t exhibiting any symptoms that Ardyn endured. “Ardyn, what’s going on?”
“I was afraid you were going to ask,” He sighed. He closed his eyes for a moment while regaining a steady rhythm of breath. The heat lingered, but the pain began to ebb over time. “Let’s step outside, and we’ll talk further.”
Y/N carefully followed Ardyn out of the establishment once he sat down some extra gil for the barista and rose to his feet. The pair walked a good distance away from the crowded areas, eventually approaching a series of benches that overlooked a waterway. Y/N was distracted by a series of small boats coming down the current, until Ardyn picked out a spot and sat down. He gently patted the empty space beside him, beckoning Y/N to join to which they obliged.
Y/N's eyes scanned over Ardyn. They noticed beads of sweat trickling down his forehead and cheek and how patches of his skin looked more red than usual. It looked as if he was breaking out into a fever. Maybe even a sunburn.
“Oh no,” Y/N whispered.
“Hmm?” He raised a brow at them.
“You’re losing immunity to the sun, aren’t you? This is what it’s all about, right?”
“You are just full of assumptions today.” Ardyn mused with a laugh. He let the puzzlement on Y/N linger while taking time to gather his thoughts. “Y/N, do you know what a covenant is?”
“A covenant, like the one mentioned in the Cosmogony?” Once Ardyn nodded for clarification, Y/N mulled over his initial question. It had been such a long time since they read the book, that the word almost felt foreign. "If I remember correctly, it's an ancient rite. Usually it's performed by an Oracle, and the user bonds with one of the six to get their fealty and power."
Y/N studied Ardyn, noticing the subtle shift in demeanor. He looked as if he had been delivered terrible news, and could feel it in the core of his being.
“Ardyn, are you bound to one of--”
“I am,” He interrupted, making a face. “Or rather, Ifrit is bound to my will.”
Y/N blinked a few times in shock. Ardyn was no Oracle, but given his past--and how he is Adagium--it made sense that he would be able to pull off such a feat. It didn’t make the situation any less dangerous, for Y/N did recall that according to the Cosmogony, there was a huge price to pay for incurring the aid of a god. It was never specified, but it left plenty of room to the imagination of what sort of consequences could rise.
Y/N gulped. “How long have you had Ifrit?”
Ardyn hummed in thought, frowning as he kept his eyes on the scenery before him. He didn’t have the heart to look at Y/N right now. Not when he could sense their heightened emotions through the scourge.
“Long before you and I became acquainted. Months after I was found upon Angelgard.” Ardyn professed. “Verstael encouraged me to daemonify Ifrit while he had him on ice. I was initially opposed, until my hand was forced. Ifrit has since been a part of my being.”
“Did it hurt?” Y/N gently asked.
Ardyn nodded. “I’d say more so emotionally than physically, but yes. It did.”
“Isn’t there some kind of fate that comes with forging a covenant?”
“There was no price. Not for an immortal with the scourge at his beck and call.” Ardyn replied. “Having Ifrit at my side has felt like having a switchblade in my pocket. Something I can summon at convenience, but more or less an afterthought. Up until now at least.”
“What do you mean by that?”
Ardyn ran a hand through his hair, wishing he had the foresight to bring his hat with him. He could shelter the truth in his eyes underneath the brim, but even so, he knew deep down it would’ve been difficult addressing Y/N regardless.
“The morning after your debut night I struggled with Ifrit. He appeared in a dream to give me a warning. I can’t seem to recall most of it, but I do remember him saying a reckoning is at hand. At Verstael’s lab the night we returned from Lucis to Niflheim, I had another negative experience with the Infernium. I know this is no mere coincidence. It has something to do with the altercation at Outpost 98. I fear that I may be losing influence.”
Ardyn sighed through his nose, letting some of the weight come off his shoulders. He swallowed down whatever bitterness and worry he had, and pressed onward.
“I haven’t confided in Verstael about this. You’re the only soul who knows.”
He stayed quiet, allowing Y/N to process the information at their own pace. Ardyn observed their reactions from the corner of his eyes, noting the apprehension that began to grow amongst their features.
“Are you upset with me?” He softly inquired.
“No, I’m…I’m scared. I’m scared for you.” Y/N paused, trying to make sense of the tight feeling in both their chest and gut. They let out a deep breath, and met Ardyn’s gaze as he cautiously turned his head to face them.
“Why haven’t you told Verstael? I understand you and he have a complicated relationship, but with his knowledge and how he's helped you, I think it would be wise to give him a hint."
“No,” Ardyn shook his head and glared. He noticed Y/N tense from his reaction, and eased up. “He can’t know about this, just as he can’t know about the evolution of our bond through the scourge.”
Y/N sighed. “Ardyn…”
“Listen to me,” Ardyn pleaded firmly. “There are battles everyone must face alone, and this is one I must endure.”
“Then why tell me any of this if you planned on fighting solo?” Y/N countered.
“I vowed I would make an effort to not keep secrets from you. Is that not what you wanted from me?”
“No,” Y/N shook their head. “I mean, yeah, I appreciate you upholding that promise but I still don’t understand why you’re refusing help from Verstael. Why tell me when I can’t do anything to help?”
“Because I trust you,” His tone was somber as he regarded Y/N. He allowed some of his fears to slowly seep from his eyes. “We’re friends, correct?"
“Right.” Y/N answered without hesitation.
“Then as my friend,” Ardyn paused. He placed a hand upon Y/N’s shoulder and squeezed. “I need you at my side. You can’t accomplish that if Verstael decides to take you out of the picture for being too much of a distraction. Do you understand me?”
A chill went down Y/N's back. Ardyn didn’t have to say anything else to get the message across. Not when his face carried a look of fear and wrath. The cadence of his tone held the severity of what would transpire if he followed through with their suggestion. Shock must've been evident on their face, for Y/N watched Ardyn ease his stern expression. He shook his head as if to berate himself and sighed.
“I apologize for being forward,” Ardyn stated as he let go of them. “It’s not my intention to frighten you so.”
Y/N too eased their nerves. “No, I needed your assertion. I’ll admit sometimes I’m stubborn when I get an idea that I think is good in theory but not in practice.”
Ardyn scoffed. “Your stubbornness is one of the reasons I’m fond of you. I wouldn’t discredit yourself.”
Y/N tried to stop themself from grinning, but it couldn’t be helped. It was then that they felt a lightbulb flicker on. A seed of a thought began to blossom into a new idea as Ardyn studied them curiously.
“How much of your mother’s practice do you intend on teaching me?”
Ardyn furrowed his brows. “The bare bones in the grand scheme of things. Unless of course your mind is open to the task of biting off more. Why do--”
“Maybe I can help you with Ifrit after all,” Y/N blurted out, interrupting him. He looked so stupefied that Y/N almost lost their train of thought as they gestured with their hands for him to remain quiet. “Hear me out: If you show me everything you can about healing, maybe I can push the envelope, dig further, and find some way to help you. There’s got to be a solution to this mess. With how the scourge has bonded us, and with both our minds at the helm, I think we can pull this off.”
Ardyn frowned. “While your intentions are sincere, what makes you think we can solve this conundrum, and with a god no less? There's not even a cure for the scourge. Let alone whatever MedZin plagued me with.”
“Well,” Y/N sighed and shrugged. “I honestly think we have better odds of seeing the Emperor dressed as a clown, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.”
Ardyn snickered at the thought. His eyes glanced down as Y/N’s right hand met with his left. The touch had him feeling warm as he acknowledged them.
“You said you’d see me through until the end, so let me help you make due on that promise.”
“There’s one problem.”
Y/N frowned. “And what’s that?”
Ardyn remained silent as he reminisced about last night. He remembered the fleeting emotions that Y/N endured through the scourge. How mortality bit down on them like a tick, slowly engorging itself on blood without the host knowing it had laid claim to flesh. He remembered how Y/N’s fear had hurt him, and it finally clicked as to why.
“I’m not so certain I want any of this to end, let alone you.” Ardyn whispered.
He hadn’t noticed how close he had gotten to Y/N, until he could smell the sweet tartness of the roll Y/N ate upon their breath. How their fingertips upon his hand felt feather light. How Y/N’s head began to tilt in submission to whatever he desired to act upon. Scared and lost in the pool of Y/N’s eyes, Ardyn shivered as his mouth parted. His nose gently bumped against Y/N’s before the ground below his feet began to rumble followed by the sound of a thunderous explosion.
Both Ardyn and Y/N’s heads turned immediately as they could see a smoke cloud in the distance. They quickly sprung to their feet, startled by the sudden commotion.
“What was that?” Y/N whispered nervously.
“I don’t know.” Ardyn glared as his nostrils picked up on the smell of burnt rubber and ash. He remained motionless while trying to assess what was going on. Surprise briefly graced Ardyn’s features as he could hear the scratching pierce of screams, and then a wave of bellowing pops came and went.
Y/N gasped as their eyes traveled the main road, realizing the explosions were coming from the city center. Right where Tuti, Loqui, the Imperial Ambassadors, and all of Accordo’s important figureheads were stationed.
Ardyn made a fist as he too had the same epiphany. A great wave of anger flooded him as he growled under his breath. “The House of the Courts is under siege again. I’m certain of it.”
“Oh shit,” Y/N muttered. In horror, they also felt a familiar aura of darkness tickle their brain. The same impulsive carnality that tip toed around their consciousness right before they had become daemonified after the goblin attack.
Y/N met the ferocity of Ardyn's eyes and wondered what fate the situation held for them both.
