Page 20 of Garden of Ashes & Hope

As I keep watch through the night, my thoughts wander to the future. For the first time in years, I allow myself to imagine a life beyond mere survival. A home, perhaps. Peace. And Eve... Eve by my side.

The realization should terrify me. Attachment is dangerous, a liability in this harsh world… but as I look at her sleeping form, I can't bring myself to regret anything.

When dawn breaks, we pack up and continue our journey. As we step out of the bunker, I'm struck by the beauty of the sunrise painting the sky in brilliant hues.

"Look at that," Eve breathes, her face alight with wonder.

For once, I don't rush us onward. Instead, I stand beside her, allowing myself to simply appreciate the moment.

"It's beautiful," I agree, surprising myself.

Eve looks at me, a soft smile on her face. "You're changing, you know," she says. "In a good way."

I grunt, embarrassed but not denying it. "Yeah, well... don't get used to it. I've still got a reputation to maintain."

She laughs, the sound bright and clear in the morning air. "Of course. Wouldn't want anyone thinking you've gone soft."

As we set off, I find myself walking closer to Eve than usual, our shoulders occasionally brushing. Vincent, back in his harness on my belt, purrs contentedly.

14

EVE

The sun beats down on us as we trudge through the overgrown remnants of what was once a bustling town. Mordakus leads the way, his keen eyes scanning for danger, while I follow close behind, Vincent secure in his makeshift sling across my chest.

"Look," Mordakus says, pointing ahead. "Might be worth checking out."

I follow his gaze to a massive structure looming in the distance - an abandoned castle perhaps, its walls covered in creeping vines and weathered by time.

"Do you think it's safe?" I ask, excitement and apprehension mingling in my voice.

Mordakus nods. "Seems quiet. Could be a good place to scavenge for supplies. Stay close, though."

As we approach the castle, I'm struck by the eerie beauty of nature reclaiming the space. Wildflowers push through cracks in the stone, and birds nest high up above.

"It's amazing how life finds a way," I murmur, more to myself than to Mordakus.

He grunts in agreement, a sound I've come to recognize as his way of showing he's listening without wanting to express too much emotion.

We enter the castle cautiously, Mordakus taking point with his demon-enhanced senses on high alert. The interior is a maze of abandoned rooms, dust dancing in the shafts of sunlight streaming through broken windows.

"Let's split up," Mordakus suggests. "Cover more ground. But stay within shouting distance."

I nod, secretly thrilled at this show of trust. It wasn't long ago that he wouldn't let me out of his sight.

As Mordakus heads deeper into the castle, I find myself drawn to a side door that seems to lead outside. Pushing it open, I gasp in delight at what I find.

"Mordakus!" I call out. "Come see this!"

He appears moments later, tension visible in his stance until he sees my excited face.

"What is it?" he asks, relaxing slightly.

"Look," I say, gesturing to the overgrown garden spread out before us. "It must have been an attempt at sustainability or something. But now..."

Now it's a wild tangle of vegetables gone to seed, fruit trees heavy with ripening produce, and a riot of flowers that have long since escaped their original beds.

"This is incredible," I breathe, already moving further into the green oasis. "Think of all the food and medicine we could gather here!"

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