Xellos was fighting with himself, holding the sorceress in his arms.
She was asleep and it would be so easy to take her now: rush deep into her mind, find the Chaos and…
The Mazoku carefully lead the mare among roots on the path so she wouldn’t need to jump over them, and disturb Lina’s rest.
The sorceress fell asleep. She fell asleep in his arms! She asked him for that and it was the greatest sign of trust from her side.
No matter how his need is intense, every move against her will would crash this thin layer of feeling comfortable around him, and Xellos didn’t want to lose Lina.
If it would be any other mortal, he would have no remorse with attacking, even killing, and taking what is his. But this girl, without her powers fragile like the rest of her race, was valuable for him not only as a vessel for the Chaos. Xellos enjoyed her like no one in his long life. Even Lei Magnus wasn’t such interesting for him. The demon realized that he likes Lina, and for now he was sure such feeling like sympathy wasn’t available for Monsters.
Except of all this… It had never happened for him to also trust someone and now this little fierce redhead creature held a few of his secrets he never dared to share with anyone. He also never let himself to show his true emotions to anybody. It was always a game just like a cat plays with a mouse. The fact Lina was aware that he suffered, that he is confused with lack of control over himself and as far she didn’t use it for her own advantage was special for him. Is it that ‘friendship’ she was talking about? The thin and sensitive thread of trust?
When Lina corrected her head on his chest, unconsciously pushing its top in the convenient bow between his chin and the collarbone, falling deeper in her sleep, Xellos used the opportunity to inhale the air full of her scent. How could it be she smelled so alluring? The girl’s cheek was supported against his false clothes, so Xellos readjusted his form a little, experimenting with the fabric, trying to make it more sensitive on a touch. Oh, if he only could wrap himself like that around her naked body. Her outfit was a barrier from sensation that would give him even more pleasure. The raw Monster in him was screaming in need, but the Beast Priest’s part (more patient and clever) was much stronger, knowing that it was possible to achieve more if played the game correctly. And there was also the third part of him, that new part of Xellos that actually was liking Lina, worrying about the sorceress who had rather extreme few days behind her. He needed her healthy and strong like always. The horror of this night influent her, and it surprised Xellos that her negative emotions don’t taste him. Just like cake which is much too sweet to the level even a bite causes illness. Could it be the Chaos in Lina does that? Makes him not wanting her suffering and sad, but quite the opposite.
Before they achieved the New Sairaag Xellos felt half intoxicated by having Lina so close.
Even the thought of ending their way back spoiled the Mazoku’s mood, but again, the girl’s comfort was above his own. He considered to put a sleeping spell on her and gently move her back to her bed, but she had her bandana on. Taking it off could wake Lina up, so Xellos resigned.
It was an early morning, however the city was still quiet and dreaming.
Well, they would return the horse first, and then it depends of Lina if she wants go back to Sylphiel’s home on her legs or maybe Xellos would take her there flying.
Anyway they achieved the stable which were a few boxes with hay without roof, then tried to awake the redhead girl, stroking her cheek gently with his thumb.
“Please be patient, Miss Lina. Soon you will be in bed.” He slid down from the saddle and carefully helped her to jump down. The mare seemed to be rather gloomy when the demon took off the saddle and bridle from the animal, placing it in her box. The horse whined unhappy and reached the big head, pushing soft nose into Lina’s chest, protesting against leaving her here.
Xellos raised his eyebrows then he suddenly noticed a small label on the wooden gate: FOR THE BUTCHER.
“Oh,” murmured Xellos surprised.
“Who are you?” It was a sleepy horse-boy who approached yawning broadly.
“Oh, we are just accidental walkers. My friend likes horses and wanted to give them some pet.” Xellos smiled at the boy.
He scratched his head in confusion.
“Yeah. I suppose this one deserves some pet in her last day. Her previous owner sold her yesterday to the butcher, because he has bought a younger and stronger one.”.
Xellos blinked then looked at Lina and the mare snorting softly and sniffing the girl just in case she had any hidden carrots.
The Mazoku smiled trying to feel the sorceress emotions correctly.
“What do you think, Miss Lina? In the place we are going there is no inns or shops so we have to take own food supplies. Say just a word and it will happen.”
Lina had been half asleep when Xellos helped her down so she peacefully went along with it. Her mare friend not wanting her to leave made her chuckle and lead to a few more good pats to the lovely spotted gray neck. Her amusement turned to surprise when she heard Xellos tell the boy a blatant lie. Intriguing, and something she’d have to ask him about when they were alone.
But then the boy said that the mare would be butchered the following day and her curiosity was replaced with indignant rage. The boy wasn’t responsible for it, of course, and she didn’t want to blow up at a child. But still..
“She’s plenty strong and not even that old! What the hell?!” She examined the mare with the eye of a merchant’s daughter. Without the saddle and blanket she could see signs of healed lashes. Her anger turned white hot and then chillingly cold. She’d seen this before. Horses beaten to pull far more than was safe or healthy for them to carry. Over time they would either break physically, mentally, or become too stubborn to be of much use to their abusive owners. This mare seems to have fallen into the last category and her former master had gotten himself another beast to abuse for a few years.
Xellos’ next words initially confused her. No supplies.. Was he hinting they take the horse meat for themselves from the butcher?? Oh. He meant bring her along as a means to carry more supplies for Lina.
“She’s a smart girl, so sure. Let’s bring this beauty along with us. And have a few words with her former owner, if we can find him.” She looked into Xellos’ eyes, knowing he could feel the murder radiating off her despite her pleasant tone for the young lad’s ears. “I’d like to have a few words with him. And maybe get a pair of horses for a bigger cart for our travels.”
Lina turned to the boy with a smile. “Do you know which butcher bought her? Or who her owner was?”
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