Page 9 of Garden of Ashes & Hope

What if I'm wrong? What if I'm leading us on a wild chase?

Just as I'm about to suggest we turn back, the ground beneath our feet begins to change. The hard-packed dirt gives way to softer soil, and I spot more greenery peeking through the cracks in the ground. "Look!" I exclaim, unable to contain my excitement. "We're close, I can feel it!"

Mordakus raises an eyebrow but doesn't comment. We push forward, and suddenly, the landscape opens up before us. A small spring bubbles up from the ground, feeding a crystal-clear pool surrounded by lush vegetation.

"Oh, gods," I breathe, taking in the sight. "It's beautiful."

Even Mordakus seems impressed, though he quickly masks it with his usual stern expression. "Good work," he says curtly. "This will do for a rest stop."

As we approach the oasis, I feel a weight lift from my shoulders. For the first time in what feels like forever, I'm surrounded by life and growth. I set Vincent down, and he immediately begins exploring, batting playfully at the tall grass.

I kneel by the water's edge, gently replanting the water indicator that led us here. "Thank you," I whisper to it, feeling a bit silly but grateful nonetheless.

"What was that?" Mordakus asks, startling me.

I blush, embarrassed to be caught talking to a plant. "Oh, nothing. Just... thanking the plant, I guess. For leading us here."

He looks at me strangely but doesn't comment further. Instead, he busies himself with filling our water containers and scanning the perimeter.

"Mordakus?" I venture, deciding to try and connect with him. "Can I ask you something?"

He looks up from his task, his red eyes unreadable. "What is it?"

"Why did you really come to my compound that day? Why did you decide to help me?"

For a moment, I think I see something flicker in his eyes - pain? regret? - but it's gone so quickly I might have imagined it.

"It was a terribly hidden shelter," he says flatly. "Nothing more to it than that."

I sigh, frustrated by his evasiveness. "But surely there must be more to it. You could have just left me there, or... or turned me in to the other demons. Why didn't you?"

Mordakus' jaw tightens. "Drop it, Eve. What's done is done. Focus on the present."

His dismissal stings, and I turn back to the plants, blinking back tears of frustration. Why won't he let me in? Why does he insist on keeping this wall between us? Sure, I’m technically his prisoner, but he hasn’t turned me in, so that has to count for something.

As the day wears on, I find myself growing increasingly restless. The peace of the oasis is marred by the tension between Mordakus and me. I want to trust him, to believe that his intentions are good, but his closed-off nature makes it difficult.

"We should get moving soon," Mordakus announces as the sun begins to dip towards the horizon. "It's not safe to stay in one place for too long."

I nod, gathering Vincent in my arms. As I stand, something catches my eye in the distance. A glint of metal, a flash of movement.

"Mordakus," I whisper urgently. "I think I saw something out there."

He's instantly alert, hand moving to the weapon at his side. "Where?"

I point, and he follows my gaze. For a long moment, everything is still. Then, suddenly, chaos erupts.

A group of figures emerges from the shadows, moving with inhuman speed.

Demons.

My heart races as Mordakus springs into action, placing himself between me and the oncoming threat.

"Run!" he shouts, engaging the first demon to reach us.

But I'm frozen, clutching Vincent tightly as I watch Mordakus fight. He's outnumbered, and despite his skill, I can see he's struggling.

In that moment, something inside me shifts. I can't run. I can't leave him to face this alone.

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