Nero paused and laughed awkwardly before realizing Amina was serious. His hand dropped from hers as the realization sunk in.
"No soul?" he questioned, pondering how that could be possible and how he was even alive without one.
"No... that's why I was so scared when I first saw you. I thought you were something... demonic. I'm sorry, I don't mean to, I mean, obviously, you're not because you're human a-and a good man just... without a soul," Amina stammered, unsure of what to say or do to comfort him. Nero seemed to be in shock, staying quiet and very still, as if in deep thought. Amina reached for his hand with both of hers and squeezed. Nero came back to life and gave her a small smile.
"Thank you for telling me. I don't know what it means or what I am or how I'm alive but... maybe I'll figure it out. Is there... nothing else you can see? You know, inside me?" Amina shook her head as she looked deep inside him, seeing only an empty void. She couldn't see anything. No soul, no emotion, no lifespan, nothing. Nero was a mystery.
"I can't see anything. I've never seen anything like it. I can't see your emotions, lifespan, or anything else I mentioned I could usually see or do with my powers. You're an enigma to me." Amina was used to knowing more about anyone than they ever intended or felt comfortable with. She had always felt like she could practically read someone's mind. But Nero was different, unpredictable, and oddly fascinating. She felt her deep-rooted attraction to him strengthen the more she was around him. Like an instinct inside of her saying she needed to stay close or keep an eye on him or both.
"Are you still scared of me?" Nero asked under his breath, torn between hoping she would pretend she didn't hear it and answering him with kind reassurance that she was no longer afraid.
"I'm still afraid but not of you... I'm scared for you. What this means and what might happen to you," she replied resolutely but her hands trembled slightly at the thought of him dying or disappearing one day because his body could no longer live without a soul.
Nero felt his heart tighten painfully. He had never been so emotional until this tiny woman came running into his life. He never liked being touched, even by his best friend of half a lifetime. He had always liked that people feared him and stayed away but not her. Her touch comforted him, aroused him, and he always wanted her near him. It was as if his body needed her and his instincts screamed that she was special. His rational mind kept telling him this could be a trap, she could be a witch, she could be someone from the queen's faction, that he should keep his distance and take his time getting to know her and looking into her background. But his heart dominated everything, squashing the doubt and caution his rational mind encouraged. He wanted her. He needed her.
"I'm just glad you're not afraid of me."
"I may not be able to see who you are with my power but I can see you're a good man without it. You protected me and took care of me without knowing anything about me. Not many people would do that, especially once they learn what I can do."
"Well, I'm not afraid of your powers or what you can do with them. I'd rather you not use them in such a dangerous manner but..." he shrugged, flashing her a crooked smile as she rolled her eyes.
"Can I hug you?" Nero asked, feeling he just needed the reassurance of her touch. Amina nodded and allowed herself to be wrapped in his long, muscular arms. She wrapped hers around his waist, resting her face against his chest. They fit together perfectly. It was warm and comforting. Neither of them wanted to let the other go. They stood there like that until Nero squeezed her against him slightly muttering that they should probably go get ready for the ride down to the forest. Amina begrudgingly let go of him. Nero walked her to her room to change into riding gear, kissing her hand as he left to ready the horses. Amina blushed as she watched him walk away, still feeling his lips against her skin and his warm embrace.
She hurriedly changed and gathered her things before being interrupted by Ruby.
"Sir Nero prepared this for you. He wishes you would wear it for more protection when you all go to the Forbidden Forest," she explained, holding up contoured leather armor very similar to his own. Amina waved the young maid over and allowed her to help her put it on, as she had no earthly idea how to. The leather clung to every curve of her body, making her movement a little more difficult and stiff. Ruby led her down to Nero before bowing and leaving them alone once again. Amina blushed as Nero looked over her armor, fixing it in a few places. She wanted to jump whenever his fingertips brushed against her.
"There, now it's perfect. It's a bit stiff at first but it'll loosen up with time. I know it's uncomfortable but please bear with it, I don't want you to get even another scratch on you," he finished, stroking the small cuts on her face with his fingers but dropping his hand as he saw Prince Oro striding quickly toward them.
"Ready to leave, then?" Oro questioned, glancing at them as they looked away from each other shyly. Nero grunted his assurance and Amina nodded, quickly being picked up and put onto Nero's stallion. Her body immediately reacted when he sidled up against her up on the beast; his thighs brushing up against hers, his chest against her back, his arms reaching around her. She was even more aware of every inch that was touching her as thoughts of last night flashed in her mind. Amina tried to cover her red cheeks by swishing her hair forward as a curtain to hide her face. A chuckle rumbled in Nero's chest as he noticed and guessed what she might be thinking about, as he was thinking of the same thing.
Nero leaned down close to her ear and whispered so closely his breath sent shivers down her spine when he said, "Ready, Mia?" She gave him a slight nod, unsure of how husky her voice might sound or if it would come out at all at this point. He was teasing her and she reveled in it.
After a long, jostling, tease of a horse ride they finally arrived and disembarked, Nero and Oro flanking Amina as they began to explore once again. Amina stopped, grabbing both their hands to halt them. They looked down at her, nervous at her sudden halt. Amina closed her eyes, reaching her power outward to sense any souls nearby. Her legs almost gave out at what she saw. They were surrounded by demonic energy and she could sense several demons nearby. It was a mistake coming here alone.
"Mia?" Nero whispered, squeezing her hand to grab her attention. Amina held her finger up to her lips, signaling them to be quiet. She spoke so softly they had to lean in almost cheek to cheek to hear her.
"We're surrounded."