Asher bit into a croissant, chewed slowly, then raised his eyes to Luci.
– Where should I start…? It was so long ago… sorry if I don’t remember everything.
– You don’t have to give me every detail, Luci answered softly. Do you remember what happened after I left?
– After you left… I remember training to fly. A lot. And I waited for your return, again and again, until—
– You waited for me?! Luci cut him off, startled.
– Asher, I came back, but it was too late. You were gone. There was nothing left, everything had burned… I thought you were dead. I’m sorry. I took too long. You must have given up and hated me. I’m pathetic. I should never have left you alone.
Luci, lost in his torment, no longer heard himself. Asher then placed his hand on the prince’s. With that simple gesture, the storm within Luci turned into a calm sea. Meeting Asher’s gaze, he found his way back to peace. The demon could finally speak.
– That’s not it. I never lost faith in our promise, not even today. It wasn’t your fault, Luci.
– Then why didn’t you wait for me? Why did you leave?
– The forest wasn’t safe for me anymore. A few days after you left, humans came. Men in armor, armed and determined, bearing the Camellia crest.
– Soldiers?! From Camellia?! You mean… my soldiers?!
– …Yes. I tried to hide, but they hunted me down. When they found the Mother Tree, they burned it. I had no home left. So I flew as far as I could, in the opposite direction. That’s all.
– But how is that possible?! I never ordered such a thing, I swear it! Who could have… Oh my god… Anastasia… This is my fault… my fault… I nearly killed you. If only I had kept my mouth shut earlier… forgive me…
Anastasia?
Who’s Anastasia?
Asher crushed the croissant in his claws, a crumb breaking under his palm. Whoever she was, Luci didn’t seem ready to talk about her, or even remember. The demon pushed his questions aside to focus on his friend. Luci’s gaze was dark, almost desperate. What kind of weight was he carrying to break down like this? Could Asher help, or at least ease it a little?
He gently slid the tip of his tail across Luci’s lips to stop him.
– I’m fine. Stop blaming yourself. It wasn’t your fault. Not everything is your fault.
– And yet… it was my fault they came. I was young and lost. I still trusted the adults around me. I needed to confide in someone… and I was too naïve to see that even… she was using me. Or maybe I didn’t want to see it. And I put you in danger. That’s unforgivable. My incompetence is inexcusable.
– Luci… what were we then? Eight years old, barely. You were a child. Why are you so harsh on yourself?
– Because it’s my duty to protect others. My actions have consequences. Every failure of mine can end in tragedy for those who depend on me. But that day, I learned. She taught me a lesson I will never forget. I will never put anyone in danger again. I failed you, and you have every reason to resent me.
Asher turned the signet ring around his finger, thoughtful.
– You know, Luci… when I saw those knights coming with the Camellia crest, I thought, for a moment, that it was you who had sent them. During a flight that felt like an eternity, I kept asking myself… why. But when I finally landed, I looked at your ring. I remembered your promise, and all my doubts vanished.
– Yet you had no proof…
– I simply chose to believe in you. Even if it put me in danger. No matter what others said: I trust the man you’ve become.
Luci was taken aback. No one had ever thought to compliment him on the man he had become, not even his second. He couldn’t help but feel moved, his eyes moist.
– T… thank you, Ash. But you should think of yourself first. Humans are not to be trusted.
– That’s my choice, not yours! You’re not responsible for everyone! We’re not all lambs, and you’re not our shepherd, ahah!
Luci was left speechless. For once, someone had taken that crushing weight off his shoulders. A pure lightness blossomed inside him, a feeling he thought long buried since that forest twelve years ago. His tears threatened to fall, but he bit his lip. This was Asher’s story, not his own.
– I never held a grudge against you, Luci, Asher said with a smile. Even if… when you almost drove a blade through my heart, I did have a tiny doubt about my life choices. But really, just a tiny one! Ahah!
Asher mimed a minuscule gap with his fingers, still grinning. Luci, embarrassed, snapped back.
– HEY! No no no! don't you DARE! What were you thinking?! What kind of greeting was that anyway?! Growling like a starving jackal at a man on the edge of death! Is that how demons say hello after twelve years?!
A croissant splattered against Asher's face.
– Sorry…
Why am I the one apologizing again? Asher thought.
– You scared me for a life time! I was mortified, you clumsy oaf! I thought you had been raised better!
– I’m sorry… I just wanted to save you, I swear.
– Hmph… apology accepted, Luci sighed. But I really thought you were here to finish me off. You’re lucky I recognized you in time.
I’m even luckier that HE recognized me, Luci thought. Without that miracle, they’d be carving my epitaph right now.
Luci took a deep breath, regaining his composure.
– Anyway… I understand you were scared too. Forgive my panic, and that strike in the back… it’s my human side, I suppose.
Asher lowered his eyes, uneasy. Demons weren’t made for comfort; it wasn’t in their culture. No hugs, just a little brawl, and the matter was forgotten. But the tension had to be buried somehow.
After a big bite of croissant to muster courage, he forced a wide smile, sharp teeth on full display.
– I don’t blame you. I’m used to it. You know, demons fight all the time, for all sorts of reasons!
He paused, then chuckled proudly at his next thought.
– And besides, I’d also think everyone wanted to eat me… if I were as delicious-looking as you, ahah!
Silence fell.
With that carnivorous grin, Asher thought he was being reassuring. In truth, licking the crumbs off his tongue, he looked more like a beast about to devour its prey.
Luci blinked, startled by the contrast, instinctively leaning back, the echo of an ancestral fear flickering through him. But after a brief moment of mutual tension, his grimace turned into a slow, sly smile.
– …Delicious-looking?
He bit into his croissant, licked the sugar dust from his fingers, and locked eyes with the demon. He wouldn’t miss such a perfect chance to tease someone stronger than him.
– And what exactly looks so delicious… on me?
– Ahh... No, no, no! That’s not what I meant! Asher panicked, his tail lashing furiously behind him. Wait! Ah yes, my story! Where was I again?
For a great demon, he’s really the king of cowards, Luci thought.
– You ran away from the soldiers, if I recall.
– AH YES! Right. Very well, Asher muttered, mortified. Then… I’ll continue. After leaving the forest, I crossed the mountains and flew straight toward the border of Hell…
Comments (0)
See all