Chapter 20: Chapter 20

Something was wrong.

Wiping the sweat that formed on his forehead, Kavan couldn't quite tell how he knew. There was something off. Instinctively, he felt his wings escape from under his skin, protruding in great lengths and width. As softly as he could as to not wake him, he wraps his wings around Fyn, bringing the mortal close to his chest. As soon as he felt the small breath Fyn did in his sleep, Kavan felt himself relaxing. For a few moments, he stayed still, just enjoying the warmth of the small mortal.

Until he feels the same shivering sensation that climbed up his spine. Sighing, Kavan raised his hand between the both of them and softly brushed his knuckles along Fyn's cheeks. Surprisingly, the mortal leaned into his touch, a satisfied sigh escaping his lips.

Without meaning to, the tips of Kavan's lips tilted upward.

He realized he's been doing that whenever the mortal does anything surprising. He could not just smile when Fyn was around. It was a fact that he had a hard time accepting, but he can no longer fight it. Maybe there really was a heart inside of him, because he could not possibly feel such things if there wasn't, could he?

Sitting up straight, Kavan carefully stood up. Not to make a sound. He glanced toward the entrance where his trusty companion, Havu, was already awake, watching him from a distance. With a small bow, the serpent tipped its head towards the entrance of the cave.

Something was definitely wrong.

It was nightfall.

And yet outside the cave, it seemed like there was a blazing light. Frowning, Kavan felt something flip inside of him. Forest fires weren't surprising seeing as the world had changed and it had been hot lately due to the drought. But a forest fire could never emit that much light. It had never emitted such intense brightness before.

His cave was impossibly high. Usually, forest fires died out on their own during the morning drizzle of rain. Sweat drips from his forehead again and Kavan felt goosebumps pepper his skin.

Had his cave always been this ridiculously hot?

It was nearing winter, and so that was impossible.

Kavan approached, dread with each step. He need not to look at the serpent to know that they were both feeling the very same thing, "Where?"

He gritted his teeth once the serpent said, "Near the border. The wind has told me it was the villagers. Their whispers traveled with the wind. They keep repeating that it is Fyn's fault. That the bad things were happening because of him."

An uncontrollable growl rumbled inside of Kavan's throat.

"They are wrong," Havu offered.

Kavan pressed his lips together, feeling his fangs extending. Shaking his head, he covered his mouth with his hand, already feeling his fangs pressing on the palm of his hand. Uncontrollable fits of growls erupted from his mouth. It wasn't a shock to both of them when his voice came out deep and horrifying. It made him feel sick to his stomach. He felt as if he was becoming the living embodiment of the demon the village of Gashea feared him to be.

"How big is it?" He asked, his voice scary.

Havu didn't answer, he didn't have to when Kavan had gone outside. He felt another growl as he saw tiny specks of bright orange fly across the wind, the blazing fire illuminating everything within the forest. As soon as his feet landed on the ground, Kavan heard and felt the fear of every being inside the forest. It was so strong that all he could do was kneel on the ground, place his hand on the solid earth and send small vibrations, offering comfort to those who might need it.

"Why do you think the forest is allowing this to happen?" Havu asked, pausing just in front of Kavan.

Kavan pressed his lips together, not able to form a coherent response. Deep down, he knew he could never answer Havu's question. He himself didn't know why the forest was letting this happen. Sure, it was weaker now than it was before, but it had always done its best to make sure the sanctuary for all the beings inside the forest was fine and could prosper.

"What's going on?"

Deep in thought, Kavan clicked his tongue in annoyance that he didn't hear Fyn's approaching footsteps. Turning around slightly behind his shoulder, Kavan stared at Fyn. The mortal was still half-asleep, his eyelids drooped, his mouth opens in a yawn. Rubbing his eyes, Fyn stretched his arms up, and only did he realize something was wrong when he took an intake of breath.

Immediately, Fyn covered his nose.

"What's burning?"

Kavan didn't answer him, "Go back to sleep."

Fyn narrowed his eyes. Kavan could already tell that it wasn't the right answer the mortal was looking for. Huffing in annoyance, Fyn snapped, dragging his feet towards the entrance of the cave. His eyes were on Havu. When Kavan took a sidestep to prevent him from seeing just how big the fire was, all Fyn did was stare at him.

That was all it took.

That was all it took for Kavan's defenses to lower and slowly. He felt his shoulders sagging, his tail swiping from left to right. With a sigh, Kavan pulled Fyn into a warm embrace, his forehead dropping on his. Fyn blinked in surprise, but Kavan was already tired. So tired.

"Please," He pleaded, hating the way he sounded. "Just go back to sleep. Let me handle this."

Even if Fyn had not opened his mouth, Kavan could already tell what he was about to say. Maybe it was how he was looking at him right now. Kavan stared at his face without shame. He watched as the mortal's nose scrunched in annoyance, watched as his eyebrows furrowed and seemed to meet in the middle just below his forehead, and he watched as his red, plump lips curled in obvious distaste.

Kavan realized he could watch Fyn do all of these things, and he would never grow tired of it.

"It's too hot to sleep anyway," Fyn scowled, pushing Kavan off. There was a deep red tint to his ears. "Where's the-"

Words die in his mouth as Kavan saw Fyn's eyes settle towards the horizon.

Kavan wasn't entirely sure, but he could tell what Fyn uttered harshly was a curse.

"Let's go!" Fyn shouted, pulling on Kavan's hand. "It's going to spread if we stay watching!"

With a simple nod, Kavan knew that Fyn had made sense. Time was already wasted as he watched the crimson flames eat most of the trees and logs. Without wasting any more seconds, he dipped down, placed his arm under Fyn's legs, and one just behind his back. In a swift motion, almost invisible to the naked eye, Fyn was swooped in his arms. The mortal squeaked.

But that was that.

He was silent in the demon's arms, and Kavan liked that.

He liked that Fyn no longer feared him.

In an odd turn of events, he felt his hands getting clammy, his tail swiping from left to right anxiously. Deep inside, he knew it was the other way around now. He feared Fyn. Feared him and feared for him. He didn't even know that it would be possible. Clenching his jaw, he tightened his hold, almost pressing the mortal close into his body, almost wanting him to be a part of his skin, "If you see any danger, you listen to what I say."

"I'm not running, Kavan," Fyn snarled, gripping one of his antlers tightly as to make Kavan dip his face close. Too close. Kavan had to pull away or he might just waste more seconds. "I'm staying-"

"No," Kavan repeated. "When there's danger, you run. I might be busy with other things, I won't be able to protect you."

Fyn rolled his eyes, "I don't need your protection."

"Please," Kavan pleaded again. "Do not fight me this time. Just run when I tell you too."

Maybe it was the genuine concern and worry in Kavan's voice that made Fyn shakily nod. The way Kavan's eyes flitted for a fraction of a second towards Fyn's lips that made the mortal gulp, his breathing, turning shallow and heavy. Even though it was a pain to avert his gaze, Kavan did so. With one final nod, Kavan looked at Havu.

"Keep the place safe," He muttered lowly, the serpent cannot live. It was too dangerous. Havu nodded, and even though he did not speak, Kavan could tell that his companion was anxious. "We will be fine."

"Of course," Havu said on a low breath.

Kavan did not reply. Instead, he tightened his grip on Fyn, ordering the mortal to do so as well. Once he was certain that Fyn would not fall, he ran towards the cliff, and his wings erupted from his back, already in motion.

Up in the sky, Kavan squinted, his eyes directed towards the junction of the forest that met the small village of Gashea. Gasping, Fyn struggled in his hold, pointing in the direction. There was sheer panic in his voice, and Kavan hated that the villagers were making him worry so. "Holy hell!"

"I can stop it," Kavan said without looking down at him. His voice didn't shake, which Kavan was thankful for. Fyn needed assurance, and what he needs, he will give wholeheartedly. No matter what it takes. "Just lie low and do as I tell you."

Fyn's voice was but a whisper as they flew towards the fire, the sound of burning trees and leaves echoing across the silent forest, little embers floating around them like a macabre show of stars and constellations.

"You better," Fyn hissed. Even though he wanted to sound angry, he seemed like a little dog in Kavan's eyes. Something that could never be considered as a horrifying beast. "As much as I could, I'll help you."

"I told you-"

"No!" Fyn pushed. In his peripheral vision, Kavan could sense that Fyn was staring straight at his face. "You just got well from being sick. I'm already feeling useless as it is, just promise me that when you need help, you won't say no to me offering it."

"Fyn-"

Fyn cut him off once more, "No, Kavan. Promise me."

"Fine," Kavan said, just to end the conversation. "I promise."