Page 2 of Heatbound Hearts

"Terramyst," I reply, watching him carefully. His brow furrows as he tries to process the information. "I'm Zyxander, but most call me Zyx." And then, to try and help him know I don't see him as a threat. "You're not from around here, are you?"

The demon's eyes narrow, taking in my appearance. "No," he says slowly. "I'm Kairos. From... elsewhere."

I can't help the dry chuckle that escapes me. "Elsewhere, huh? Let me take a wild guess - Aerasak?"

Kairos stiffens, looking up at me. "You know of Aerasak?"

"Relax," I say, holding up my hands. He seems to be getting agitated, those runes flaring with every word I say. "I'm not here to cause trouble. Just curious how a demon ended up in Terramyst. Not exactly a popular vacation spot for your kind. Never heard of one coming here, to be honest. Oltyx can be a bit protective about visitors."

Kairos's eyes widen at the mention of Oltyx's name, and I see a flash of... is that fear?

"You... you just said his name," Kairos whispers, looking around as if expecting divine retribution to strike at any moment.

I raise an eyebrow. "Yeah? That's kind of how names work. You say them when you're talking about someone."

Kairos shakes his head, clearly bewildered. "But on Galmoleth, we're taught never to speak the gods' names. It's... it's sacrilege."

"Huh," I muse, genuinely intrigued. I don't know what Galmoleth is, but it seems there's a lot neither of us know. "Interesting custom. Here in Nythorra, we use their names all the time. They seem to like it, actually."

Kairos opens his mouth, about to ask another question, when the woman groans. In an instant, he's at her side, all thoughts of our conversation forgotten.

"Naia," he whispers, his voice filled with concern. "Naia, can you hear me?"

I watch, fascinated, as he gently brushes her hair away from her face. The tenderness in his touch is at odds with everything I've ever heard about demons. It's... unexpected.

The woman - Naia, apparently - stirs, her eyes fluttering open. She looks around, confusion evident on her face, before her gaze settles on Kairos. Relief floods her features.

"Kairos," she murmurs, reaching for his hand. "Where are we?"

As I observe their interaction, I feel an inexplicable urge to protect these strangers. It doesn't make sense. I'm a border guard, tasked with keeping outsiders away, not welcoming them with open arms. Oltyx — well, none of the gods really — care for anyone, even other noctari, to come to their realms without their blessing.

But something about their vulnerability, their clear disorientation, tugs at me.

I clear my throat softly, drawing their attention. Naia's eyes widen as she takes in my appearance, but to her credit, shedoesn't scream or recoil. Instead, she regards me with a mix of wariness and curiosity.

"Why does he look like a dark elf?" she whispers to Kairos.

The way she says the word…I try not to take it as an insult. "I'm a noctari," I offer, shifting and my wings rustle.

Her eyes widen and the demon tightens his hold on her, the runes flaring with light. "He's a dark elf withwings."

At this, I scratch my head. "I…I'm afraid I don't know what a dark elf is."

This time, she at least looks excited. "You don't?" She looks to Kairos. "Oh, thank the Thirteen," she sighs.

He smiles at her, and I hold back my question about whatever pantheon she's thanking. Thirteen gods? Where are they from?

Instead, I try again to establish some form of comfort. "I'm Zyxander," I say, offering them a tentative smile. "But you can call me Zyx. You're in Terramyst, one of the realms of Nythorra."

Naia and Kairos exchange a glance, clearly lost. I can almost see the questions forming in their minds.

But I need an answer of my own first. "I know of demons, from Aerasak, but what are…you?" I look at Naia, trying not to be rude.

"You don't know what humans are?" she asks.

I shake my head. "Never seen anyone like you."

"There are some on Aerasak," Kairos supplies.

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