13. Zyx

13

ZYX

T his morning, I find myself walking beside Kairos, his obsidian skin a stark contrast to the luminescent flora surrounding us. I don't like being separated from Bronwyn, but when the demon inserted himself beside me and Naia started a conversation with Bronwyn, it felt purposeful, the way they separated us.

His silver eyes gleam with curiosity as he bombards me with questions about Nythorra. I can't help but smile, his thirst for knowledge reminding me of my own fascination with the world beyond Terramyst. But it's clear he has a focus on one thing.

"So, gods," Kairos begins. "Have you met them?"

"No," I reply, spreading my wings slightly. "I have had no need to beg for their favor, so they would have no interest in me otherwise."

Kairos nods, his brow furrowing in concentration. "So they do not walk among their people? They stay in their palaces, away from the noctari."

I shrug. "I will not pretend to know what a god does in their free time. But it isn't spent in the cities that I've been in."

As we continue our trek, I find myself equally curious about Kairos. His presence here challenges everything I thought I knew about demons.

"But speaking of gods," I start, thinking over the history I know. "I always believed all demons hailed from Aerasak. Yet here you are, clearly not from there. How is that possible?"

Kairos's expression shifts, a mix of pride and something deeper, perhaps longing. "I'm from Galmoleth," he says, his voice taking on a reverent tone. "It's a floating island, not unlike the ones here, and suspended by Oltyx's magic."

I listen, fascinated, as he describes a world of red rock and black carapace structures, shrouded in perpetual storms. It's so alien, yet I can hear the fondness in his voice.

"We are from Aerasak." I can tell he's picking his words carefully. "But our King led us to Galmoleth, a gift from Oltyx, to save us during a war. Only recently, has a bridge been opened to return."

"But you did not?"

He shakes his head. "I stayed on my island. As a soz'garoth demon, I'm fascinated in learning as much about magic as I can. We are responsible for the more complicated spells and magic, and I could feel a stronger pull to Protheka than to Aerasak. So I followed it."

I nod, understanding dawning. "That explains your intense interest in our magic," I muse, watching him closely.

Kairos grins, a flash of sharp teeth. "Indeed. The magic here... it's different. Familiar, yet new. I can't help but want to understand it all."

As we walk, I find myself appreciating this unexpected kinship with Kairos. Despite our different origins, we share a common thirst for knowledge and understanding. It's a reminder that even in this vast, magical world, connections can be found in the most unexpected places.

Even though I keep up my conversation with Kairos, my keen noctari hearing picks up the conversation behind us. Bronwyn and Naia's voices drift forward, a mix of curiosity and wonder coloring their words. I can't help but smile, thinking about how different their worlds must be.

"So, on Earth, you didn't have any magic at all?" Naia asks, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Bronwyn's reply is wistful. "No, nothing like what I've seen here. We had technology, but it was all science-based. No floating islands or mist bridges."

I hear Naia gasp softly. "That's so strange to me. In Protheka, magic was everywhere, even if it wasn't always good."

Their conversation continues, a fascinating exchange of experiences. Bronwyn describes a world ravaged by war and struggle, while Naia speaks of a place where magic could be both a blessing and a curse. It's striking how two humans can come from such vastly different realities.

I find myself marveling at the strange twist of fate that brought these two together. Bronwyn, hardened by a life of survival on a post-apocalyptic Earth, and Naia, shaped by the harsh magical world of Protheka. Their backgrounds couldn't be more different, yet here they are, walking side by side in Nythorra, united by their shared humanity and newfound wonder at this magical realm.

Bronwyn and Naia's voices grow softer, more hushed, as if sharing secrets. My ears prick up, unable to ignore their words.

"So, you and Kairos..." Bronwyn's voice is hesitant, laced with concern. "Are you... I mean, is everything…" She sighs. "You want to be here, right? You're happy?"

My steps falter for a moment, my protective instincts flaring. Why would Bronwyn ask such a question? What experiences has she had that make her worry about Naia's safety or happiness?

Naia's reply is quick and reassuring. "Oh, yes! Kairos is wonderful. I chose to come here with him. He… He saved me from my captors, and while we weren't necessarily orthodox in our meeting, I fell in love with the demon."

I feel a mix of relief and renewed concern. While I'm glad to hear Naia is safe and happy, Bronwyn's question stirs something deep within me. What has she endured that makes her so wary? The thought of anyone mistreating her sends a surge of anger through me, my wings twitching with the desire to wrap around her protectively.

I steal a glance back at Bronwyn. Her face is a mask of relief at Naia's words, but I can see the shadows of past pain in her eyes. It makes me want to know more about her world, about the hardships she's faced. More than that, it makes me want to show her that not all relationships are something to fear.

I'm suddenly jolted from my thoughts as Naia's playful voice carries through the air.

"So, Bronwyn," Naia teases, her tone light and mischievous, "I've noticed you can't seem to take your eyes off our winged friend here."

My heart skips a beat, and I feel a rush of heat creep up my neck. I keep my gaze fixed ahead, pretending not to hear, but my ears are straining to catch every word.

"I... I don't know what you're talking about," Bronwyn stammers, but there's a hint of embarrassment in her voice.

I'm not sure how to take that.

Naia laughs, a bright, tinkling sound. "Oh, come on! The way you two look at each other when you think no one's watching? It's obvious there's something there."

I risk a glance back, catching Bronwyn's eye for a brief moment. Her cheeks are flushed, and she quickly looks away, but not before I see the small smile tugging at her lips.

"Well..." Bronwyn starts, her voice soft and uncertain. "He is... intriguing."

My breath catches in my throat. Intriguing? Is that good? I find myself hanging on her every word, desperate to hear more.

"Just intriguing?" Naia presses, and I can hear the grin in her voice.

There's a pause, and I swear I can feel the tension in the air. Then, Bronwyn speaks again, her voice barely above a whisper. "Okay, fine. He's... he's handsome. And kind. I've never met anyone like him."

A warmth blooms in my chest, spreading through my entire body. I can't help the smile that breaks across my face, my wings fluttering slightly with excitement.

Maybe, just maybe, this incredible woman feels the same way I do. The possibility is both thrilling and terrifying, but for the first time in my long life, I feel like I've found something truly special.

I'm jolted from my thoughts by a sharp elbow to my ribs. Turning, I catch Kairos grinning at me, his silver eyes glinting with mischief.

"Eavesdropping, are we?" he asks, his voice low enough that only I can hear.

I scoff, trying to maintain my composure. "Of course not. We were having a conversation, weren't we?"

Kairos chuckles, shaking his head. "Nice try, but I know you weren't listening to a word I said. Your ears have been pricked back the entire time."

Heat creeps up my neck, and I resist the urge to flatten my traitorous ears against my head. Kairos leans in closer, his voice dropping even lower.

"You know, humans are some of the most compelling creatures I've ever met," he says, his tone thoughtful. "I wouldn't blame you for being so interested in Bronwyn."

I swallow hard, caught between denial and the desire to confide in someone. "Is it that obvious?" I finally ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Kairos nods, a knowing smile on his face. "To anyone paying attention? Absolutely."

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "How long did it take you?" I ask, curiosity getting the better of me. "To come to care for Naia, I mean."

Kairos's expression softens, his gaze drifting back to where Naia walks with Bronwyn. "The second I laid eyes on her," he admits, his voice filled with a tenderness I never expected to hear from a demon.

His words resonate deep within me, and I find myself nodding. "Yeah," I breathe, stealing another glance at Bronwyn. "I know exactly what you mean."