Zia began to stretch as she woke up to the sunlight peeking through the curtains in the cabin. She looked for Orion, but he had already left the bed.
When he rested with her, the frightening nightmares stopped. She felt completely rested. Looking over to the kitchen, she noticed Orion moving things around.
He reached for two teacups and placed it on a saucer on the counter, then prepared two sets of teabags and placed them into the cups.
The kettle had just begun to whistle when he finished putting the tea sets together. He poured the hot water into both cups and returned the kettle to the stove.
The scent from the teabags instantly created a lovely floral aroma in the cabin.
Zia lay in bed watching Orion's every move. He looked over at her as though he felt her watching him.
"Good morning." He said in a low voice.
"I know you don't really eat meat, so I got you some fruits and toast with olive oil. I hope this works."
"Good morning, Orion and thank you. This is absolutely perfect, and the tea smells lovely." She smiled as she pulled back her blanket and went to the washroom to freshen up.
When she returned, her face looked bright, and her hair was pulled up into a high ponytail.
Orion had set both cups of tea on the table along with the toast and fruits.
Zia sat down and sipped the tea as it began to relax her.
"This must be some special tea."
"Why do you say so?"
"It makes me happy and calm." Zia smiled.
"Well, I guess I better make it every day." He teased as Zia blushed.
"Did you sleep well?" He asked.
"I did when you lay with me. That was the best rest I have had in a long time. Thank you again."
"I am glad you were able to feel comfortable. You deserve it." He said as she stuffed a large strawberry into her mouth causing her to cough a bit.
"Careful." He laughed.
Zia didn't realize how hungry she was. She practically inhaled her breakfast and then sipped on the rest of her tea.
Suddenly, the look on her face began to look sad.
"What's wrong?" Orion asked.
Zia took a minute to respond.
"Tonight is my first performance since the injury and without Emrie. I feel like my heart is going to explode. I have had him on my mind so much." She said as she lowered her eyes to the table to hide the tears that swelled in her eyes.
Orion felt helpless. He wished he could take her pain away but there was nothing that could be done. Emrie was gone and she would have to perform in the same place that she nearly died in.
"Are you sure you can handle the performance? Are you ready? You have been through so much in such a short time."
"I have to be alright. I don't want any more trouble here. At least not until I figure something else out."
"I can kill him if you want," Orion said seriously.
"Oh my. I understand that that is what you do and I appreciate your offer, but I am not a fan of bloodshed. Especially if it can be avoided. Besides, what will happen to the circus and everyone here? Where will they go?" Zia asked.
Orion became thoughtful. "I honestly do not know. "
"Orion, do you ever want to just leave here and start a new life somewhere else?" She asked.
"Well, I had never planned to stay here this long."
"What would you have been doing if you didn't stay here?"
"I would probably be hunting demons. Who knows?" He said as he stood up and cleared the table, immediately washing the dishes and putting them away.
"Do you have any family or friends? Did you ever have anyone special in your life?" She asked.
Orion took a moment to gather his thoughts. He leaned on the kitchen counter and crossed his arms.
"My parents and sister were killed by a hybrid when I was very young. Hybrids were more prevalent at that time than they are now. I was able to escape and run off into the forest. Back then, the darkness didn't take over the lands completely." He said.
"Oh, my goodness, I am so sorry. I had no idea." Zia said.
"No one really knows anything about my past. You're the first person here that I have told. Everyone just thinks I am the Gemini whisperer." He shrugged.
"I am sure Gemini doesn't mind. He seems to be very fond of you."
Orion gave a crooked smile. "He is the only real friend I have had all these years. Hunters don't really keep friends."
"How did you survive on your own after you lost your parents?" Zia asked, curiously.
"Well, I spent some time living off the land. Like you, I ate mostly fruits and vegetables. I found shelter in the trees and caves. One day, I was found by an old man named Sidon, who lived in the caves as well. He took me to his home, and it was beautiful. Beyond the caves were lakes, rich land and clean air.
"It sounds amazing. Especially after being on your own."
"It was definitely easier than being alone. The old man had lost his son to hybrids just as I lost my family, so he took me in as his own. He taught me about demons and how to kill them. He passed on so much knowledge to me. When he passed on, I decided that I would get rid of every demon and hybrid I could for the remainder of my time on this earth."
"That sounds like a sad way to live out the rest of your life. Does that make you happy?"
"I wouldn't say it makes me happy, but I feel that it is necessary. I was trained to do it so I must follow through. It's like getting revenge for my family and Sidon's."
Zia looked at Orion in silence for a moment.
"You have been here this long. You have delayed your original plan. Maybe it is not your destiny to hunt demons. Maybe you serve a greater purpose." Zia said gazing deep into his eyes.
Orion felt like she could see beyond his flesh, like she could see his soul. It was the most intimidating feeling he had ever known, yet he liked it.
"We should leave this place. There must be somewhere that is safe." Zia said, feeling hopeful.
"I have been to many places, Zia. There is nowhere that I did not find the dark stalkers."