Page 18 of Garden of Ashes & Hope

As we travel, the landscape begins to change. The barren wasteland gives way to scrubland, then to patchy forests. With each new environment, I discover plants I've only read about in my father's old books.

One evening, as we make camp by a small stream, I notice Mordakus wincing as he rolls his shoulder.

"Are you hurt?" I ask, concern coloring my voice.

He shakes his head. "Old injury. Acts up sometimes."

I bite my lip, then gather my courage. "I could... I could try to help, if you want. I know some massage techniques that might ease the pain."

Mordakus looks at me skeptically, but after a moment, he nods. "Alright. Can't make it worse, I suppose."

As I work on his tense muscles, I feel him gradually relax under my touch. "Where did you learn this?" he asks, his voice low and rumbling.

"My mom," I say softly, memories washing over me. "She was a healer of sorts, before... everything. She’s the one who pushed me to embrace my passions."

We're both quiet for a moment, the only sounds are the gentle burbling of the stream and Vincent's content purring from his spot by the fire.

"You miss them," Mordakus says. It's not a question.

I nod, feeling tears prick at my eyes. "More and more every year. But... It's getting easier. Being with you and Vincent, having a purpose... it helps."

Mordakus turns to face me, his expression softer than I've ever seen it. "You're strong, Eve. Stronger than you know."

His words, and the gentle way he says them, make my heart skip a beat. "So are you," I say quietly. "And not just physically. The way you're fighting against your nature, trying to be better... that takes real strength."

He looks away, but not before I catch a glimpse of vulnerability in his eyes. "Sometimes I wonder if I'm fighting a losing battle," he admits.

I reach out, placing my hand on his arm. "You're not alone in that fight anymore," I say firmly. "I'm here. We're in this together, remember?"

Mordakus meets my gaze, and for a moment, I see all his walls come down. The pain, the loneliness, the hope he's afraid to feel - it's all there in his eyes. Then he nods, just once, but it feels like a monumental shift.

As our journey continues, we face our fair share of challenges. Demon patrols force us to take lengthy detours. Food and water become scarce as we cross a particularly barren stretch of land. But through it all, we work together, our strengths complementing each other in ways I never expected.

One night, huddled in the remains of an old village home as a storm rages outside, I find myself imagining a future. A little house by the sea, a garden full of healing plants, Vincent lounging in the sun.

And Mordakus... Mordakus right there with us, his red eyes crinkled in a rare smile.

The image is so vivid, so beautiful, that it takes my breath away. I glance at Mordakus, who's keeping watch by the window, and feel a surge of emotion so strong it almost overwhelms me.

"What is it?" he asks, catching my gaze.

I shake my head, smiling through sudden tears. "Nothing. Just... I'm glad you're here. With us."

His expression softens, and he reaches out, awkwardly patting my shoulder. "Get some sleep, Eve. I'll wake you for a second watch."

As I drift off, Vincent curled up against me, I feel a sense of peace I haven't known in years.

13

MORDAKUS

The narrow path along the cliffside makes my teeth clench. One wrong step, and it's a long way down. I lead the way, my demon senses on high alert for any sign of instability in the rock face.

"Watch your footing," I call back to Eve. "Step exactly where I step."

She nods, her face a mask of concentration. Vincent mews pitifully from his makeshift harness on my belt, clearly not enjoying the journey.

"Shh, little creature," I mutter, surprising myself with the gentleness in my voice. "We'll be on solid ground soon enough."

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