DEVYN'S POV
We are led towards the middle of the ship to a compartment much like that of a long-stay train. Bunk beds line the walls; some are occupied, while others are vacant. All kinds of passengers fill the room.
Denzyl and I duck as we enter through the door. I find an empty bunk set and toss my bag on the bottom bunk. Denzyl walks over and takes my bag. I look at him in surprise and he sets it on the top bunk.
"It's safer."
Denzyl's words stun me; I find myself looking up at the demon with wide eyes.
"It's not as noisy up there," Denzyl adds as he notices my stare.
"Tsh," I sound between my teeth with a small eye roll as I rip myself from the trance. Grabbing ahold of the metal rung, I climb up the ladder to the top bunk. I reach the top to find my heart pounding. What is this? Why is it so fast? It's gotta be from the tiny climb, right? It is not from what Denzyl said...right?
I peek over the edge to see Denzyl settling in. He opens his bag and places a gun under his pillow. I do the same before getting under the blanket. Letting out a breath, I let my head hit the pillow. I fold an arm behind my head and lie on my back. Closing my eyes, I absorb my surroundings. Numerous languages flow throughout the compartment, some in whispers and others in laughs or shouts.
A steady sound catches my attention. I concentrate on the soothing sound. Ooh, I like this. It is very steady and strong. What is it? Is it a heart? My eyes pop open when I realize the sound is coming from directly beneath me. I am listening to Denzyl's heartbeat? And I like it...?
Mmmmmm...I do like it. I begin drifting off as I let Denzyl's heartbeat fill me.
WAIT! How can I even hear his heartbeat? Is it because of his mark? Ah, I will ask him later. It is too soothing right now. I close my eyes again and let myself drift off.
TIME SKIP: SIX HOURS LATER
A small nudge on my arm wakes me. I turn my head to see Denzyl standing beside the bunk with two cups of water.
"Come down and eat. You haven't eaten in a while."
"Mm," I respond. After letting my eyes adjust, I climb down to Denzyl's bunk. Denzyl brings out two slices of bread and some cheese as I sit on the bed and down the cup of water.
He hands me a slice of bread topped with cheese. As soon as I take a bite, flashes of me eating bread in front of the demon in the cage flood me. My hands shake, and my appetite vanishes. I remove the cheese and set the bread down. After eating the cheese, I offer the bread to Denzyl.
"Here."
"No, you eat it," he declines.
"Come on, Denzyl."
"I'm serious. You need it."
"I'm serious, too. You're a d-" I catch myself. "You're bigger than me. You need more."
"That doesn't mean you don't need it."
"Denzyl, please." I really do not think I can eat this without throwing up. The memories are just too fresh. Whether I like it or not, tears touch my eyes as I am reminded about that night.
Denzyl's face softens as he sees me. "Are you sure?"
I nod my head.
He sighs before answering, "Okay."
A sigh of relief escapes my lips as Denzyl takes the bread. I clasp my hands together to keep them from shaking. Denzyl notices and sets the bread aside. A pale hand covers my shaking ones. Warmth spreads throughout my body as Denzyl takes my hands in his.
"It's okay," he says softly.
I look up into Denzyl's grey eyes as mine sparkle.
"He can't hurt you anymore."
"I know." I lower my head. "It's just..."
"It's okay. You don't have to talk about it."
I nod in relief.
"Hey, you gon' eat that?" A strange, whiny voice asks. The stranger must have startled Denzyl because the demon flashes his red eyes at the man. "Woah, chill, man. I's just asking."
"You can have it," Denzyl answers after he gets over the startle.
The man snatches the bread and quickly scatters off.
I find myself chuckling after the man runs away.
"What?" Denzyl asks defensively in a shy manner.
"Nothing," I quench my laughter and just smile, glad to have even the slightest distraction. I lean back on my arms and look up at my bunk. "Ahhh, I don't want to have to climb all the way up there again," I whine.
"You can sleep down here."
I look at Denzyl with big eyes. I did not think he would actually let me, but, hey, I am not arguing. "Okay," I smile and lie down on the bunk.
I catch a small smile escape the demon's lips as he scoots me next to the wall and lies down beside me. The bunk is quite small, so we have to lie on our sides. I find Denzyl's grey eyes gazing into mine.
"Why do you work so hard to save me?" I was wondering about this in my head, but somehow the words came out, too.
Denzyl seems a little startled, but he answers, "You'll find out later. For now, let's sleep."
I nod and do not press for an answer. The question came out of nowhere, and I did not mean to put him on the spot. I relax as Denzyl pulls me into him. Yet again, his heartbeat lulls me to sleep. Ahh! I forgot to ask about that. Oh well, I will ask later.