9. Nox

CHAPTER 9

Nox

T he dense forest loomed around them as they continued on the winding journey to Levin, its shadows deepening as dusk quickly approached them once again. The air was thick with the scent of pine and earth, and the occasional crack of a twig underfoot seemed unnaturally loud in the stillness. Nox moved with practiced stealth beside Aura. They had been traveling for three days in disguise, their true identities hidden beneath layers of falsehood and secrecy as they embarked on a perilous mission to rescue their people.

Aura, with her midnight colored hair now hidden beneath a plain hood, kept up with Nox and his stark pace through the woods. Aura's eyes were sharp and her movements precise, something Nox had always admired in her, something that had made her such a skilled fighter. But Nox could see through the fa?ade of her practiced indifference; he knew the mission was wearing on her, this need to prove herself, to be something for her kingdom. It pained him to see her so burdened.

Aura and Nox trudged into the village of Levin after three days of travel. The journey had left them weary, the terrain unforgiving and the weather unkind. Dust coated their worn disguises, a stark contrast to the pristine clothes they had worn on their mission's outset. The village itself was a patchwork of quaint cottages, each with smoke curling lazily from chimneys.

The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the humble village. Aura's eyes were drawn to the modest stone cottage at the edge of the village, its thatched roof and flower-lined windows a welcoming sight. They approached with a mix of relief and apprehension, their disguises—a simple traveler's garb—doing little to mask their exhaustion. The door creaked open as they reached it, revealing an elderly woman with silver hair and kind eyes. She looked up from her evening chores with a warm, inviting smile.

"Welcome, travelers," she said, her voice soft but resonant. "You've arrived just in time for supper."

Nox gave her a weary smile. "Thank you, ma'am. We've been on the road for days and could use a place to rest."

The woman stepped aside, ushering them into a cozy, well-lit interior. The scent of freshly baked bread and roasted vegetables filled the air, a stark contrast to the travel-stained smell that clung to them. She led them to a wooden table where a hearty meal awaited.

As they sat, Aura noticed the woman's discerning gaze linger on Nox. There was something familiar in her expression, a flicker of recognition that Nox seemed to catch as well. He hesitated, then spoke.

"Do you—do you remember a woman named Elara?" he asked gently.

The woman's eyes widened slightly, and a wistful smile touched her lips. "Elara? Of course, I remember her. She was a dear friend—such a kind and courageous soul. It's been many years since she's left us."

Nox's gaze softened. "She was my mother."

The woman's face lit up with a mix of sadness and joy. "Oh, how lovely to hear her memory spoken of. She was an incredible woman, and I remember her fondly. She always spoke of you with so much love and pride, when you were just a little one"

Aura watched the exchange with a mix of curiosity and respect. She could see how deeply Nox was affected by the woman's words, a tender expression settling over his features as he absorbed the connection to his mother.

The woman busied herself with serving the meal, her movements filled with a grace that belied her age. The table soon filled with the rich aromas of home-cooked fare—roasted meats, vegetables, and a fresh loaf of bread. As they ate, the conversation turned to stories of old, with the woman sharing anecdotes of the village and its history. Nox listened intently, occasionally contributing his own recollections of his mother, the two finding a shared solace in their memories.

After supper, the woman led them to a small but comfortable guest room, adorned with simple furnishings but exuding warmth and comfort. The bed was modest but inviting, and Aura and Nox settled in with a sense of gratitude. The elderly woman checked on them one last time before retiring for the night. "Rest well. You'll need your strength for the journey ahead."

With that, she left them to their rest. Aura and Nox exchanged tired smiles, the exhaustion of their journey mingling with a quiet sense of contentment.

They lay side by side, the soft sounds of the village outside a lullaby to their weary minds. They would be setting out at first light, traveling five more days to the next village. The path would be long and arduous, but for now, they allowed themselves the luxury of rest.

When the morning sun peeked through the window, casting a gentle light on their faces, they prepared for the day ahead. The horses—borrowed for their journey—were ready and waiting, their coats gleaming in the early light. With a final check of their supplies and a heartfelt farewell to the kind woman who had offered them sanctuary, they mounted their horses and set off, the road stretching out before them.

The adventure was far from over, but the brief respite had rekindled their resolve. As they rode into the horizon, the village of Levin faded behind them.

The days blended seamlessly into one another, punctuated by moments of quiet solitude and bursts of shared laughter. The rhythm of their journey allowed space for ease and connection. Nox watched as Aura gradually relaxed, shedding the sharp edges of her usual demeanor. Her typical jabs and quick retorts softened, revealing glimpses of her true self beneath the hardened exterior.

He marveled at the transformation, seeing her genuine smile and hearing her unguarded laughter. The walls she had built around herself began to crumble, and in their place, he found a warmth that was both surprising and deeply moving. Nox struggled to keep his own emotions in check, but it was becoming increasingly difficult. The softer version of Aura, vulnerable and real, was disarming him in ways he hadn't anticipated.

His own facade of indifference was slipping as well. The pretense he had maintained around her was unraveling, giving way to a burgeoning sense of affection. This newfound ease between them was a revelation, a refreshing shift from the guarded interactions they once shared. Nox couldn't ignore the truth any longer: his heart was irrevocably entangled in this delicate and intimate connection.

As they reached a secluded clearing, Nox stopped and signaled for her to do the same. He could see the fatigue etched into her features, the slight tremor in her hands as she adjusted her cloak. They had been avoiding conversation, each lost in their own thoughts, but now, with the forest around them still, Nox felt an overwhelming need to break the silence.

"Ror," he began, his voice gruff but gentle, "we need to rest for a moment."

She glanced at him, her expression guarded. "We can't afford to waste time," she replied tersely, though there was a softness in her voice that betrayed her exhaustion.

Nox sighed, stepping closer. "Just a brief rest. You're pushing yourself too hard." Aura turned to face him, her eyes flashing with a mix of annoyance and something else—something he could never quite name but always felt like a sliver of hope.

"And what would you know about it, Nox? You've always had your duty, your purpose. You don't understand what it's like to be..."

Her voice trailed off, and for a moment, the air between them was heavy with unspoken words. Nox's heart ached at the distance she maintained, the walls she had built up. He had longed to bridge that gap, to show her the truth of his feelings, but she had always seemed so distant, so determined to push him away.

"Perhaps you're right," Nox said softly, taking a step closer. "But there's something you should know, something I've been wanting to say for a long time."

Aura's gaze met his, a flicker of curiosity behind her guarded eyes. "What are you talking about?"

Nox's breath hitched as he searched for the right words, his heart pounding in his chest. "I've been by your side for years, and I've seen you at your best and your worst. I've watched you fight, lead, and even struggle. And through it all, I've..." He paused, swallowing hard. The words felt both heavy and liberating. "I've admired you, Aura. From the very beginning, I've been in awe of you. It wasn't just about my duty or my oath—it was about how you've always been more than just a princess to me. You're strong and courageous, and... you're everything I've ever wanted."

Her eyes widened, and for a moment, the hardness melted away, replaced by something vulnerable and raw. "You... you can't mean that," she whispered, her voice trembling. "You've always been so—" She trailed off, unable to find the right words. They drove each other insane, completely and utterly wild. In words and touches and every moment in between. The annoyance, the softened hate, it was normal for them, a given. It was comfortable. She knew where she stood. "I thought?—"

Nox stepped closer, his hands reaching out to gently touch her shoulders. "I've been that way because I thought you hated me," he confessed, his voice filled with a mix of relief and sadness. "I thought if I played the game, it would be easier for you. But the truth is, I've never hated you. I've always admired you, loved you more than I ever allowed myself to admit."

Aura's eyes filled with tears, and she looked away, her emotions too overwhelming to contain. "I thought you hated me too," she admitted quietly. "I pushed you away because... because I didn't want to be hurt if you didn't feel the same, it was easy to assume we hated each other, but these last few days..."

Nox's heart ached at her words, and he gently turned her to face him. "I've never hated you. I've only ever loved you, even when it was the hardest thing to do."

The clearing was silent but for the distant rustle of leaves, and for the first time, they were truly alone—free from the roles they played, from the masks they wore. Nox cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs brushing away a stray tear that had escaped her eyes.

"Aura," he said softly, "we're about to face a dangerous mission, and I need you to know that my feelings for you have never wavered. If you'll have me, I want to be by your side, not just as your protector but as someone who would burn the world down if you asked me."

Her gaze softened, her tears mingling with a smile that spoke of hope and longing. "I-I want that too," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I want you by my side."

With a shared, silent understanding, they closed the distance between them, their lips meeting in a kiss that was both tender and fervent. The forest around them seemed to pause, the weight of their unspoken feelings lifting as they embraced. In that moment, the danger of their mission faded, replaced by the undeniable connection they had fought so hard to conceal.

Together, they faced the uncertain path ahead, their souls intertwined—a guiding light in the darkness.