Evening came quickly in a gust of sharp winds and anxiety. Jasper had taken Ariel back to the manor for the rest of the day until evening make its appearance. Nerves ate away at Ariel until it was time to leave and continue their hunt for the runaway Catalyst. He hadn’t been able to find Alys, so Ariel assumed the younger Catalyst was away on another mission.

I was really hoping he could give me more advice… So much for that…

Of course, Ariel hadn’t been given a break from his normal duties while preparing to face off with another mage. So when Jasper had called for him to meet him by the carriage, Ariel had scarcely rested. But he did his best to avoid showing any form of exhaustion. As he walked towards the front door of the manor, he spotted Jasper and his father conversing quietly. Ariel slowed his pace, trying to pick up their words.

“Remember, we can always find you a new Catalyst, perhaps one more suited to fit your status,” Jasper’s father grumbled. Ariel’s blood ran cold after hearing those words. If Jasper decided Ariel wasn’t good enough for him, he would be sold again, and perhaps end up with a crueler master.

“That’s not necessary, Father,” Jasper shot back almost defensively. “Ariel has been doing a fine job. I can’t imagine myself replacing him.”

Despite himself, Ariel felt a smile creep onto his lips.

Jasper’s father let out a sigh. “If you’re so set on keeping him, I won’t interfere, but…” He trailed off once he noticed Ariel approach them. His face turned gruff once again, but he did little to acknowledge Ariel. Instead he gave his son one last parting glance before turning away.

“I’m sure you will make the Association and I proud today, son. Make each call with care, witches can be very dangerous when they aren’t collared.”

It took all of Ariel’s strength not to flinch at his words.

“I will do my best,” Jasper promised. “Come, Ariel.”

Ariel trailed behind Jasper as they exited the manor and climbed into the family’s carriage. Once the door was closed, and the coachman urged the horse forward, Ariel decided it was safe to speak his mind.

“Your father still doesn’t like me,” he stated bluntly. Jasper rubbed his temple.

“I don’t think he got over you nearly burning the house down a few years ago.” There was a hint of playfulness to Jasper’s voice, but a wave of shame still fell over Ariel.

“I thought we blamed that on a candle?”

Jasper smiled. “But it was you who left the ‘candle’ burning all night.”

Ariel chuckled. “And I got one heck of a beating for that.”

Jasper’s smile vanished and he dropped Ariel’s gaze. Ariel’s own smile faltered as he realized Jasper probably didn’t appreciate the dark humour.

“It’s okay, Jazz,” Ariel nudged his master softly. “It’s all in the past. I don’t even have any scars from it.”

“You’re not helping,” Jasper groaned, throwing his head into his hands.

“Okay, I’ll just stop talking about it,” Ariel muttered, shifting his gaze away from his master.

An awkward silence fell over the duo as they were jostled by the carriage, until Ariel decided to break it.

“You’re not going to replace me, are you?”

Jasper looked up, surprise contorting his face. “What? No, of course not! You’re… my best friend, Ariel.” The tenderness in Jasper’s voice threw Ariel off guard.

“Your… best friend?” He stammered.

A deep blush colored Jasper’s pale cheeks and he jumped in his seat. “I mean... You’re my only friend, so I suppose by default that makes you my best friend!” He was so defensive, Ariel couldn’t help but laugh.

“It’s okay, I get it.”

“Hmph…” Jasper crossed his arms and looked towards the carriage window, killing all potential conversations.