Never Alone

Agatha woke up with a pounding headache and a growling stomach. Hunger gnawed at her, but fear and anxiety quickly flooded her system. Memories of recent events surged through her mind. Her eyes searched for Aiden, and when she saw him lying on a nearby bed, she sighed with immense relief.

She sat up, her body tensing as a full glass of water came into view.

"Drink this," a hoarse voice commanded. The room was dimly lit, making it difficult for Agatha to see who had spoken. A moment later, she cleared her throat, recognizing the voice as Liam's.

Fear crept back in. Agatha had no idea where she was. Was she in Etherealis, the continent of Elemental Faes?

Panic surged through her, and she attempted to get out of bed. But her body, still weak and not fully recovered, gave out, and she fell to the ground, landing on her knees.

Liam cursed under his breath and helped her back into the soft bed.

"What the hell are you doing?" he demanded furiously. "Your body isn't fully healed yet. Don't be reckless and try to escape."

Liam didn't shout. Perhaps because it was late at night and everyone else was sleeping, but his words pierced Agatha's heart.

There was a pause, followed by a long sigh. Liam whispered, "Just sit and rest." His gaze briefly lingered on Agatha's delicate skin before he looked away. "And eat. You need to restore your strength."

Liam left her side for a moment. When he returned, he brought a silver plate of fruits and bread.

"Thank you," Agatha said softly, avoiding Liam's penetrating stare. She was too hungry to decline. She hadn't eaten since breakfast, and it was already past midnight.

In silence, Agatha ate quickly, leaving a few fruits for Aiden.

Liam's firm voice broke the silence. "Eat everything," he ordered when he saw her stop eating.

"I... I'm already full," she lied. Although she was still hungry, she wanted to save some for Aiden. He needed it more than she did. "I'll give it to Aiden when he wakes up."

Liam seemed annoyed as Agatha glanced at him sitting in the corner. "He ate before he slept. If he wants to eat when he wakes up, there's plenty of food in the kitchen. Don't worry about him. Eat all of that, and you can ask for more."

Agatha felt her eyes warm. With a tight throat, she resumed eating as her stomach protested and craved more.

The silver plate was soon immaculate, and Liam handed her a glass of water. After taking a few sips, Agatha asked, "Where are we?"

"Slumber Shack," Liam replied, placing the plate on a nearby table.

Agatha looked around. The room was vast and elegant. It was her first time staying in such a warm and cozy place.

"Are we still in Primotheus Capital?" she asked. She wasn't well-informed about the world's geography, nor did she have the time or interest to be.

Liam nodded firmly and returned to her side.

Agatha lowered her gaze and massaged her hands. "T-thank you for the food and for helping us," she said, clearing her throat and biting her lip. "I owe you my life. Thank you." She paused for a moment. "I'm sorry, but we need to leave now."

Without waiting for Liam's response, Agatha tried to stand. She was relieved to be able to approach Aiden on the other bed, albeit slowly.

She was about to wake him up when Liam intervened, standing abruptly.

"Leave?" Liam seemed to have just processed her words. "You're leaving?" His eyes narrowed. "And where are you going?" He sighed. "Just stay here. It's safer that way." His tone carried a finality that made it clear it wasn't a suggestion, but an order.

"We can't stay here," Agatha replied firmly.

Liam sighed. "You can't leave."

Agatha raised an eyebrow. "And why not? We're leaving, Liam. We can't stay here forever." Her voice trembled. "Nysander already knows our location, and I'm sure he won't stop until he gets Aiden."

"That's exactly why you must stay, Agatha." Liam's breathing quickened, and he fidgeted with his hands. "Wherever you go, they can easily find you. That Ravager paid a Witch to watch your every move to ensure Aiden is located. And once he captures both of you, how will you save him?"

Suddenly, Agatha's heart burst with fury, and her eyes brimmed with tears. "How dare you question my ability to protect Aiden?" she choked out. "Yes, I am weak, but I am more than capable of saving Aiden, even at the cost of my own life."

"I can't let that happen…" Liam whispered.

"What?" 

Liam sighed heavily, shook his head, and looked at Agatha. "That's it…" There was a hint of irritation in his voice. "If you can do everything, why can't you stay here? If you're by our side, we could protect Aiden and you."

Agatha shook her head, desperate for answers to the questions erupting in her mind. She wondered what they needed from her and why they were so determined to protect them.

"What's the cost? Is it my body?" Agatha knew that Liam could see the anger in her eyes. She couldn't think of any other reason that justified their actions. Either they wanted her body as payment, or they intended to return her to Etherealis.

Liam clenched his jaw and averted his gaze.

Agatha was aware that Liam had a point. Wherever they hid, Nysander could easily track them down. Since she didn't know how to fight, it was likely that Aiden could be taken from her swiftly. Liam and his companions could indeed help them based on what she had seen of his fighting skills, but she remained suspicious. Why would they risk their lives for her and Aiden? What other motive could there be?

"What's the catch?" Agatha asked, her tone laced with mild irritation.

Liam paused for a moment before speaking firmly. "That Ravager was one of those who captured our Queen. He's to be punished according to our King, but he managed to escape. Before he did so, Leonel poisoned him with Ghostfire Venom. Only the blood of his relative can cure him…" 

Agatha's weary eyes darted to Aiden. He was still deep asleep, peaceful and ever so handsome. Then she met Liam's gaze.

"Is that why, after so many years of abandoning him, Nysander suddenly got interested in Aiden?" She could feel the anger boiling inside her. The Ravager would hurt Aiden just to save himself. How dare he!

"It's our main mission to kill him, and since you and Aiden are involved, we must protect both of you." Liam's breathing became steadier. "Our work will be much easier if you both stay with us."

Silence followed as Agatha considered Liam's plan. She hated how he always seemed right and rational. She clearly couldn't fight the Witch, let alone Nysander. But they were Faes….

Agatha sighed with resignation. It was apparent that she must surrender her pride to protect Aiden's life. And since it was also their mission to kill that bastard, then…

"Fine," Agatha whispered to herself, the words escaping her mouth on their own.

Despite the distance, Liam seemed to have heard it. His smile sparkled in the candlelight.

Agatha stood rooted to her spot as Liam approached her gracefully. He snaked his arms around her waist and gently pulled her toward him. Before she could think or react, Liam planted a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"Don't worry, Aggie, you're no longer alone in this," Liam whispered in her ear, his breath warm and reassuring. "I'm here, and I'll do everything to protect both of you, whatever it takes."