13. Hanna

Iwish I could say I had a good night's rest, but the truth is that I couldn't catch a single wink despite the comfort of the bedding. That, and the ocean's waves make it difficult to remain asleep.

The whole night consisted of turning over in bed in worry about my father's well-being. Not only that, but I'm worried about what all of this means for my future.

The perfect plan for my life was laid out right in front of me. All it took was one xaphan to turn it upside down. I find it ironic that my quest for wings has led me to unite with a volvath demon. How strange things seem to turn out sometimes.

"How will I ever explain this to my future grandchildren?" I say, laughing dryly in disbelief.

The morning sun has risen in the red sky. Somehow, I'm not exhausted, but I'm going to need a good rest sooner rather than later.

Perhaps, for now, my fuel is the thought of returning safely to my father's arms.

"It'd make everything thus far and all that's to come worth it," I mutter.

I rise to my feet just as Kazrith knocks and enters, holding a cup of kaffo for me. I thank him and sip on the dark, nourishing mix.

"You didn't sleep well, did you?" he asks.

"Is it obvious?"

"We'll be arriving at Ikoth very soon. It won't be long until you can get some proper rest. Come join me outside, the view is marvelous."

He lingers in the doorway for a moment, brandishing a handsome smile my way. I wonder if he's alluding to me, which quickly leads me to turn away at the thought in embarrassment.

I meet him on the deck a few minutes later, greeted by him and the indeed amazing view of Ikoth's coastline.

In the far distance are great cliffs, clawing out of the mainland like the talons of airborne predators. Dotted along the central area in front of us are the docks, with ships of many sizes arriving and leaving at a fast pace.

I spot fishermen's boats with their catches of the day, military warships, and traveler's vessels just like this one all anchoring down.

The sight is picturesque, and I'm soon to be a part of it with my fake husband. There's a great port city that looms behind the docks, stretching over the land, its magnificent buildings overseeing the ocean below.

"You were right about the view," I remark.

"Yes, it's breathtaking. What makes this city even better is that there are nowhere near as many xaphans scuttering around the place. Though I hope you won't mind all the demons. There'll be more of those than you're accustomed to."

"I can handle them," I say with a proud smile. "After all, I did train for my wings, so I can handle a bunch of demons."

Kazrith returns the smile and nods in approval.

As soon as we dock, we make our way to the markets where Kazrith purchases some new clothes for me. My old ones are in tatters and they reek of musk and ocean salt. Once they're procured, we stop at a restaurant for a bite to eat.

We sit outdoors, watching the busy streets. As I sip on a bloodsuckle tea, I observe the chaos, watching demons running in every direction, drunks stumbling along the sidewalks, and parents chasing their mischievous horned children around stalls.

The citizens here are louder and far less reserved. I've been here an hour, and I've already been witness to two street brawls and a violent arrest of a shop thief.

Kazrith finishes his drink and props down an empty pint on the table.

"So, what do you think of Ikoth so far, Hanna?" he asks.

I tilt my head as I spectate the goings-on of the demon civilians. Swallowing thickly, I set down my cup and gaze at Kazrith. His loose shirt dips low, revealing much of his muscular chest. His black hair has started to curl slightly at the ends because of the ocean breeze. Hopefully, he didn't catch me staring.

"As strange as it may sound, there's a certain profound serenity to it all."

"You really think so?" he asks, perking a brow.

"Most certainly. Maybe it's the lack of xaphans that's making me feel this way."

"An astute observation," he remarks.

The mainland architecture consists mostly of sharp skyscrapers, each point and curve of the building shaped like the tip of either a sword or an axe. I admire the detail in each carving and statue, so brilliantly executed with an artist's hand.

It's less modern than what I'm used to back in New Solas, but there's a certain charm to it all that I find myself drawn to. At least the demons here don't masquerade themselves as heroes. They're honest, albeit brusque with their words, and it's incredibly refreshing.

"Are you ready to head to my estate? We'll take a carriage."

I depart on my second carriage ride with Kazrith as we journey to his home in the city outskirts, further along the coastline. He explains that this port city is called Ximos and it's always bustling with activity no matter the time of day.

As we move away towards the nearby hills, the roads become less occupied and frenzied, allowing some breathing room for me to take in the beautiful nature of Ikoth. Almost all of the bushes and trees are blackened, some of them even appearing charred. Kazrith informs me that it is simply the way they grow and that it's perfectly normal for Ikoth. Wildfires here are also much more common, but flames carry lots of usage here.

I cover my face as Kazrith talks, trying but failing to stifle an exhausted yawn. The combined effects of my escape and the passage to the demon continent have begun to catch up on me.

My eyes are as heavy as anvils. It is becoming difficult to keep myself awake.

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to be rude," I say.

"Worry not," my fake husband replies with an amused smile. "We're coming up to my residence now. Have a look."

I pull the interior curtains fully back, watching a gated property come rocking closer. Maybe it's my tiredness, but I can't believe what I'm seeing is all Kazrith's.

The carriage enters through a shiny gate, passing underneath an archway. The gate clangs shut behind us.

"I don't like having visitors," he says. "Hence the gating."

"I must be special," I joke.

"That you are."

The pathway is lined with a neatly trimmed hedge on either side. Flowers I've never seen before sprout out of them—red, pink, and orange in hue.

Statues of the wildlife are spaced evenly apart, almost looking like guardians of the property. Beyond the low hedges are gardens, where I see demons at work.

"I have a team of staff working for me. Servants, gardeners, and such. Makes the upkeep here possible, especially when I'm out traveling on business."

I want to stroll through the gardens and spectate their beauty, but I don't feel like overstepping my chances here. I mentally note to bring it up at a later stage, when I'm more comfortable with being considered the lady of the household.

The structure of his home is the pinnacle of his property. It's a two-story building, its exterior decor a grandiose display of wealth and luxury.

Two balconies jut out from the second floor, no doubt giving an excellent view of the gardens and the city. Sitting along the rooftop are more delicately carved statues.

The entrance is a monstrous set of dark doors with a knocker shaped like an ur'gins' claw.

"You seem shocked," Kazrith comments low, staring at me with narrowed eyes.

"You never told me you owned such a luxurious home."

"I'm a businessman," he says simply. "And I take pride in my residence. After all, I've got to have something to show for my work, do I not?"

"I knew you had money, but I didn't imagine this."

He holds his smile as he opens the carriage door. After helping me down, he tips the driver and guides me to the door.

It opens as we approach. A demon appears in the vast doorway, smiling at the sight of Kazrith, then dropping ever so slightly at me.

"Corin, it's good to see you."

"Likewise, Master Kazrith. I see we have a guest?" the servant says, his last word spoken unsurely. Perhaps he thinks I'm a slave.

"This is my mate, Hanna," Kazrith speaks proudly. "I met her in New Solas, and we decided to marry each other on a whim."

"...Love works mysteriously," Corin remarks slowly. But then he dips his head. "Welcome, Hanna."

I bow my head and return the greeting, eager to get on the servant's good side.

"I shall have the master bedroom prepared for two then," he says.

"Uh, one moment," Kazrith interjects, looking at me as I try to hide the burning of my ears. "We'll… have her stay in the guestroom for now, just while she grows accustomed to the home. I'll show her to the space."

Corin's studious gaze darts between my fake husband and me.

"I'll show her to her quarters," Kazrith reaffirms. "In the meantime, unload the cart, would you? Store my goods carefully."

"It will be done."

Corin shoots me another strange gaze as he strolls past. I follow Kazrith deeper into his home, where more evidence of his wealth comes into display during a short tour.

Some open doors lead through into hallways, all of which are lit by sconces planted along the wall. Several art pieces of the city are displayed in the foyer, which doubles as the lounge room.

In between each painting are bizarre pottery formations, which Kazrith tells me he procured from craftsmen in the market hub.

He's got quite exquisite taste.

Even the bathroom is bigger than my old home. The tubs are big enough to accommodate four humans.

The servants I encounter along the way raise an eyebrow at me but are courteous nonetheless. Likely because they're under the watchful eye of Kazrith. I don't want to imagine what he does to the subordinates who get on his bad side.

"Your quarters are right through here," he says, opening a door into a spacious bedroom. "It should have everything you need, but I've never had a human stay here before. Need I request for any alterations to suit your comfort?"

Kazrith peers down at me, his posture strong. But something in his eyes makes me feel calm. For so long I've been running, but I'm starting to feel safe.

Why? A demon, of all creatures, is making me feel this way. An incredibly attractive and wealthy one, I might add. Maybe I won't be dreading this stay in Ikoth after all.

It's at that moment that I'm hit with a newfound sense of appreciation for the demon. I've known him for less than a day, yet he has treated me better than any xaphan I've met in my entire life.

He's opened his home to me and will aid in getting me back to my father. Hmm, what if…?

The mere thought of a future with him sprouts in my mind, but he interrupts my musing with a repeat of his question.

"Oh, um, yes. There's just a few things I need."

Kazrith and I stand by as he orders the servants to bring more blankets, lower the mirrors, and install blackout curtains. My new clothes are hauled in at his behest.

When everything is done, he says a quick farewell and turns to leave. I nearly grab him by the wrist, but remember my boundaries. Instead, I blurt out the words.

"Kazrith, I just want to say thank you for everything."

He smiles, his eyes sparkling with a marvelous glimmer. I wonder what goes on in that head of his.

"Thank you for aiding me in the pursuit of our mutual enemy. My servants are at your beckoning. Rest well."

He takes my hand and kisses it before leaving. I find myself missing his company as soon as he leaves, wishing he'd have stayed.

Alas, he is a busy demon. I retreat to the comfort of the warm bed, grateful for the chance to finally rest.