Hours went by and soon the gentle sound of Madeleine's breathing let Dyon know it was probably time to bring her back. Just as he was about to retract the thick blanket he had brought out hours earlier, his keen senses noticed that Madeleine was back to imperceptibly trembling. The movements were so minute he hadn't even felt when she was right up against him.
But, what really made Dyon's heart ache was the smile on her face hadn't faded. Even feeling so cold, her smile bloomed with happiness. Somewhere deep within Dyon's heart, he decided to ensure that this smile never faded.
At the beginning he was captivated by Madeleine's beauty. He had never in his life seen a girl so beautiful. But, what won his heart was her strength, charisma, and the hardships she had gone through.
Dyon's flirting was simply a part of his personality, his mother always taught him to say what he meant and mean what he said… to say whatever you thought because you may never get a chance later… to treat a woman's confidence like the light you needed to fuel… to understand that when you found something good, and when that something good just fit – there was no change needed.
His mother had always said that when he met the woman he wanted to be with, he would just know. And right now… He felt like he knew.
Madeleine was willing to live a short life the way she wanted rather than a long one she had no control over. She even despised the days she was lauded as a genius, preferring her more quiet days. Her beauty was only secondary to the strength of her heart. She was a right fit that required no change.
Dyon picked Madeleine up gently. She felt like a feather in his arms as he kept the blanket tightly wrapped around her. Madeleine shifted adorably in her sleep, falling perfectly into Dyon's chest.
Dyon leaned down and kissed her forehead, "I won't let you suffer for long. I promise. This sickness, I'll burn it to ash for you."
They soared through the sky towards Patia-Neva Peak. Dyon had never been to Madeleine's home, so all he could do was bring her to Delia. He was sure she'd have a place to rest there.
After scanning the forest through the air, Dyon finally spotted a small but elegant home. Swooping down, he used his foot to knock lightly.
A few minutes later, Meiying and Delia came to the door, surprised to find Dyon.
"You two were still together this late at night? How scandalous," Meiying said while giggling.
Dyon let off a beaming smile, not the least bit embarrassed, "I wasn't sure where her house was, so I thought I'd bring her here."
Delia wiped the sleep from her eyes and nodded.
"You can bring her in," She said with a light smile.
After settling Madeleine down, Meiying and Delia walked Dyon to the door. Before they could bid him good bye, though, Dyon suddenly spoke.
"You've all been following me for a while, since Madeleine is gone now, you might as well come out."
Delia and Meiying looked confused. But then, 10s of shadows started popping out of the forest.
"You don't deserve her," Akihiko said sinisterly.
"To think a worm like you would think you'd have the right to be with such a goddess. I wonder what you'll do now that she isn't here to protect you," Caddell walked out.
Dyon ignored them, "I can't be bothered with clowns like you, why don't you come out too… Oliver."
"Oliver…?" Said Delia softly.
Before she could explain to Dyon that he must be mistaken, a figure they all knew walked out, golden eyes shining behind his crystal framed glasses.
"Your senses are keen," Oliver said faintly.
'There are about 20 of them… the weakest are at the 3rd layer… Oliver is the strongest at the 9th … How do I get out of this?' Dyon's gaze narrowed.
Dealing with Oliver alone felt impossible, let alone all of them at once.
Despite the raging storm of plans forming and deforming in Dyon's mind, his face was calm and placid.
Turning back to Delia and Meiying who looked worried for him.
"No matter what happens tonight, never tell Madeleine her brother was involved."
"But—" Delia and Meiying tried to protest.
"No." Dyon said firmly, not leaving any room for negotiation.
'She's suffered through enough pain… how could I make her choose between a brother she loves so dearly and me?'
Dyon remembered all the things the two had spoken of this night. Though he didn't know what had made Oliver suddenly turncoat like this, it didn't matter.
Madeleine was a girl who loved her family dearly. Dyon could tell by how she treated Meiying and Delia like her own little sisters that she even wanted to grow that family larger. He didn't want to see a day where she had to make such a choice…
Oliver trembled when he heard what Dyon said. He was already prepared to be hated by his little sister for life.
After Dyon and Madeleine left, his father and Pillar Elder Kami, as well as Akihiko had explained the possibility of a cure to him. How could he not give his sister this chance? If his sister really could be cured, he didn't want her life to be cut short. If it meant being hated, he would take such a burden on his shoulders
'Am I doing the right thing?...'
Oliver shook his head and regained his resolve.