A flicker of frustration crossed Azriel's face, his voice sharpening, "Well, maybe you should consider the fact that I'm not doing it out of some misguided need for control. I'm doing it because-"
"Yeah, yeah I know that it's your job."
"Yes. And I have to protect you. I have to care about you."
I flinched. "Well, you don't have to if you don't want to. I didn't ask you to be my guardian! I wish I had someone else as my guardian!"
He glared at me, and he could've killed me if looks could kill, "Well, I didn't want a ward like you. But guess what? I didn't fucking have a choice!" His jaw clenched, his gaze piercing into mine. "Don't you dare act like you're the victim here. You have no idea what it's like to carry the weight of responsibility, to constantly worry about someone else's safety. You don't know anything, do you? Do you even fucking remember your childhood?" He yelled at me.
My eyes welled up by tears. You were not the victim here. Your parents were! You killed them.
"I-" I couldn't speak because I was trying to hold my tears in.
Realisation hit his face as he rubbed his palm across his face, his muscled tensing, "Fuck...Selene, I'm...sorry."
"Why?" My voice cracked. "You didn't say anything that's not true. You spoke facts." I whispered, shifting back as he came closer to me.
"Selene," He whispered, hovering above me, his face just inched away from mine, "I didn't mean to say that."
"It's okay." I let out a shaky breath.
I was about to excuse myself to the washroom because I want to cry, and plus he was very close to my face. I was going to lose my mind.
I closed my eyes tightly and then opened them, seeing him so close that my breath hitched. The moonlight coming through the window was the only thing lighting up the room except from the candle which didn't do much.
I could hear our breaths mingle together while he just stared deep into my eyes until they fluttered to my lips, and then again to my eyes.
I bit my lip, my heart racing.
"Fuck…" He whispered and slammed our lips together. My tears traced down my cheek as he moved his soft lips against mine. I did the same as I pulled his t-shirt, him closer.
He pulled back abruptly, making me look at him, "We shouldn't do this." He said.
My heart hurt yet again at his words, "You're an asshole."
"I am." He said, his amber eyes looking into my black ones.
He was almost about to kiss me again but the he plopped up beside me. "You have no idea, fiery."
"About what?"
He smiled like he knew everything, "You should sleep. As I said, if we keep kissing, you'll fall for me."
"No, I won't. I hate idiotic assholes."
"I may be different, fiery." He smirked, and I hated that I blushed. "For blurting out things before," he added, his beautiful eyes shooting me an apologetic look, "I didn't mean to-"
"It's fine." It was really fine. His kiss distracted me from whatever argument we were having.
"Sleep, Selene. I'll be here." He uttered softly.
I closed my eyes. No matter how much of a asshole he was, I still felt safe with him. But I hated him too much to accept that. "I'll be fine now. You can go."
"Selene, Sleep." He said as a warning, his voice sending shiver throughout my body.
I shut my mouth, and closed my eyes. I was too tired to argue anyway. That's what I was trying to tell myself. But, the truth was I wanted him to stay with me. And it was all his damn fault for being an annoying (when I talked to him) yet comfortable and safe presence.
As the bed grew heavier, indicating his proximity, I could feel his warm breath on my cheek. The scent of his cologne mixed with a faint hint of mint enveloped me, causing my heart to race. I resisted the urge to open my eyes, afraid of what I might see.
Fuck.
His chuckle rumbled, "You know shutting your eyes so tight might not be the best way to act like you're sleeping."
My eyes shot open in surprise, and I found myself staring directly into his mischievous gaze. Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I quickly averted my eyes, feeling a mix of embarrassment and annoyance.
"Can't you just leave me alone?" I muttered, my voice laced with frustration.
He chuckled again, the sound vibrating through the air. "Why would I do that when it's so much fun to tease you?"
I huffed, trying to maintain my composure. "You're insufferable."
"Maybe," he replied, his voice dripping with amusement. "But you can't deny that I make things interesting."
"You told me to sleep. I was trying to sleep. You should've kept your mouth shut."
"But the urge of teasing you won." He grinned. His hand reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. The unexpected tenderness in his touch sent a shiver down my spine. "Sleep well, fiery."
My heart raced, and it didn't seem to slow down. I let out a heavy breath and faced him, watching his eyes closed. Finally, after the comfortable silence we were in, sleep made it's way to my eyes as I relaxed.
Azriel
I knew she had slept when I opened my eyes.
Selene's features were softened in slumber, her defenses temporarily lowered. I couldn't help but admire the delicate curve of her lips, the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. She was captivating, even in her most vulnerable moments.
Her eyes were like windows to her soul, revealing depths of emotion. When she argued with me, those eyes blazed with a fiery passion, refusing to back down.
Her eyes sparkled all the time.
But it was when she blushed, that subtle flush spreading across her cheeks, that her eyes truly came alive. They sparkled with a mix of vulnerability and desire, a reflection of the emotions she struggled to hide.
I shouldn't even have these kind of thoughts. But, fuck me, I couldn't stop.
She knew nothing yet. She had a lot to discover, a lot to be scared of, a lot to fight for, a lot to live for, a lot to enjoy.
With each passing moment, my desire to be one of the reasons she fought for, lived for, and found joy in life grew stronger. I wanted to see her eyes continue to sparkle, not just with the sparks of anger or desire, but with genuine happiness and fulfillment.
I closed my eyes and I slept, thinking, looking at her.
Selene
My eyes fluttered opened to see nothing, just a cold morning window which tried it best to let the sunlight in. I didn't know why but my lips curved up, as I confused myself as to why I was feeling so good. Plus, I also had such a good night's sleep, that I wish I could sleep again, but a voice interrupted me.
"Morning, Fiery," Azriel's voice came from behind me.
I turned around to face him, my heart doing the weird thing again. He just got out of shower, his hair was damp, and his eyelashes sparkled with water. I felt myself heating up when Jared's knock interrupted whatever I was feeling.
The door opened, and I saw a girl my age instead of Jared, "Hi, Azriel!"
"Grace? What are you doing here?" Azriel smiled widely, seeing her, and walked towards her to hug her.
I winced, just watching that. Why were they hugging?
"Well, my magic smelled you were here in your secret little hideout."
"Oh, well, you know, wanted a place to rest before we continue towards the Granzy tower."
I glared at them awkwardly, my stomach burning with I-don't-know-what.
"Who is she?" She looked towards me, as I still glared at her.
That's what I should ask you, dumbshit.
"Ah, She's selene. Chosen protector of world." Azriel introduced.
"Chosen protector of the world, huh?" Grace's voice held a hint of skepticism, as if questioning my abilities.
I straightened my posture, meeting her gaze with an unwavering stare. "That's right. And who are you?"
Grace shrugged nonchalantly. "A traveler, and a witch, black magician, tagged along Azriel a while ago, he needs my help frequently." She smiled.
"Well, nice to meet you, Grace," I replied curtly, my tone laced with an edge.
"Oh my god, Grace?" I saw her expression tense at the voice of Jared's.
She turned around, "Jared? H-How?"
"How am I alive?" He chuckled.
"Yes, how?"
"Well, little Selene rescued me along with Azriel. Brought my heart to Caves of crystals and boom! I was alive again."
Her expression seemed shook.
"I know." Azriel mumbled, "I couldn't believe it either."
Grace still seemed flabbergasted, her gaze shifting between Jared and me. "I can't believe what I'm hearing. This is beyond anything I expected."
Jared grinned, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Well, believe it, Grace. The prodigal son has returned."
Grace sighed, a mix of relief and amusement washing over her face. "I have to say, this is one of the more interesting plot twists I've encountered in a while."
After a while, I saw Azriel talking to Grace with a serious face. I got a pang of I-don't-know-what again.
"Okay! It's decided then. Grace is going to help us get back the trident."