Kilian felt his world spin, and the rough, scarred hand brushed over his skin. It felt ticklish, and his inside was tingling all over.
He then smelled the hand that had a cedar-like fragrance to it, like the smell of a forest, and he couldn't help but smile into the palm, that covered most of his face.
He still could not tell what this feeling was, but it felt good.
'Is it because I want him?'
Rayden retracted his hand and used it to cover his own face, hiding an expression he did not want Kilian to see.
Even if he had stated he did not like Kilian solely based on looks, he could not help but want to do more to the beautiful man that had melted into his hand.
"Thank you." He just mumbled and opened the door to the carriage, helping Kilian out as they arrived at the Valen residence.
Dante stood ready outside, prepared to help his Master.
"Nothing happened," were the words Rayden left for Dante, and the young knight watched while the tall man disappeared down the street into the shadows of the night.
The flushed cheeks of Kilian were visible in the light of the moon, and they both didn't speak, as Dante carried Kilian inside.
Nobody raised an eyebrow at the look of the redhead carrying the young Lord, if they suspected anything then it was either a knight serving his Master well or they were too loyal to even think otherwise.
Kilian had to admit he loved how Dante's warmth engulfed his whole being, the strong arms holding him, and the loyalty this man had to him.
Yet he knew it was not love, and it did not give him the same flustered feeling, that he had experienced around Rayden.
"What should I do Dante?" The words were solemn and Kilian looked up at Dante as if expecting the answer to his dilemma.
"Just do what you want, whatever it is, I will always be here."
The words seemed to struggle to come out, but Dante had said them.
'He must have thought of what I said tonight, about not being his.'
The atmosphere was now awkward, and Kilian gestured for Dante to let him down in front of his room.
The room was cold. The window had been opened to let in the cool breeze, and Kilian nodded at Dante, who reluctantly left.
"Clack..clack"
His cane hit the floor hard, as he leaned on it while stepping towards the open window.
The night was dark now, and the air cold. The wind was cooling his cheeks, and his mind felt clearer.
'What did he say again?' Kilian thought back to the carriage ride.
Something about not being from this world. He looked out of the window but the dark did not share anything, and he sighed.
'Maybe I heard wrong, why would he even think so.'
There was a small golden flicker somewhere out in the dark, and Kilian's blue eyes followed the little trail of gold that flew like lightning, getting closer.
He smiled when the little golden bird appeared before him with its small chirps.
'He only just left, what does he want?'
The bird flew up and sat on Kilian's shoulder, and a small note appeared.
It looked like a quickly ripped piece of paper with only a few words on it.
Kilian read the words a few times.
'Step Back.'
He then looked out into the dark, which still gave him nothing to look at, then took a few steps back.
For a moment he felt silly as if he was expecting something but the night was silent.
"Thud."
A scraping sound came from the window and a body raised itself up in the light from the room, till it fell in through the opening.
"Lord…Rayden?"
Kilian was confused but walked over to help Rayden stand.
"I really thought that would be a smoother transition."
Rayden looked embarrassed at his own entrance and Kilian couldn't help but laugh.
The light chuckle from Kilian relaxed Rayden's expression, and he cleared his throat but didn't say anything, as if he had not planned any further than the current situation.
Kilian finally stopped chuckling and pet the small bird on his shoulder. It chirped happily as always, but he noticed how Rayden's ears got red instantly.
"Wait… can you feel it?"
Kilian vaguely remembered Dante mentioning how the creator or owner of the magical bird, was connected to it and could feel it being touched.
"Yes," was all Rayden replied.
It was now that it finally dawned on Kilian.
"Then, that time in the cave, and the time when I saw you injured."
Kilian swallowed, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks again, but this time not from alcohol.
"You felt everything?"
Rayden covered his face in his palm, not looking back at Kilian, and Kilian was unsure if he was smiling or embarrassed still.
"I thought you knew," Rayden replied.
"How would I know that, I was not even sure if it was real."
Kilian was getting upset, remembering what he had done to the golden Rayden during his time in the cave with the harpies. He had used the body for warmth and they had been laying together. Touching.
"You were the one who kissed me last time."
Rayden let his hand fall, and there was a playful smirk on his face.
Kilian just sighed and ignored what Rayden had mentioned.
"Why are you here?" Kilian tried to ignore the talk of the past and was genuinely curious why Rayden had come back this way.
"I am one of the first to depart for the War tomorrow."
He paused, letting the words sink in, and Kilian's expression soured.
The scars on Rayden's face and arms were already showcasing what had happened there last time, and the creatures that the West kingdom had invaded with were still mostly unknown.
"I am sure you will be fine…"
Kilian splurted out but regretted it right away. Something felt tight in his chest now.
"I came to say goodbye, after all, you are The Lady who healed me." The playful grin was back and Kilian both found it annoying and drawn to it.
He could never tell what this man was thinking.
"Goodbye then." Kilian annoyingly replied crossing his arms. His legs were tired and his body longed for the bed already.
"I need a good luck charm, Kil." He said in a low tone.
"What do you mean?"
Kilian replied back, not really interested, but just hoping this man would get to the point already. He suspected his heart would not rest until Rayden was gone.
"A kiss, Kil. Like how you kissed the golden version of me… It got me back safely."
Rayden stepped in closer, and his presence made Kilian hold his breath.
"Can I have one?"