(The night before departure)
Nathan slowly made his way down the hallway while in deep thought.
Even though everything seemed fine, inwardly, he was worried.
Ever since becoming Dyara's retainer, he had experienced highs and lows, but one thing he never experienced was the brutality the Demirs were known for.
Which was why he was desensitized to freedom.
He managed to survive the Awakening project and awakened, pulled his family from the surface, and made a good life for them.
He was grateful for everything they had given to him and he tried to pay her back by doing his job properly.
Of course, his desensitization received a hit the moment Felix arrived.
Time and again, he experienced Dyara changing.
Sure she was crazy, but not this crazy.
Nathan had also done some crazy things as well, going as far as acting without permission sometimes.
It's not like he wanted to, but he couldn't help it.
He saw the pain and suffering in Felix's eyes.
Unlike him, Felix had experienced the worst and he couldn't help but feel for him.
He acted impulsively which was already a red flag for a Demir, yet Dyara had done nothing… until now, that is.
As he stood before a room door, he gulped instinctively.
"Come in." Dyara's ethereal voice sounded from within.
Taking a deep breath, Nathan reached out to open the door before stepping in.
The first thing that caught his attention was the sweet-smelling scent that wafted across the room.
He unknowingly took a deep breath before noticing the room's design.
It was his first time in his Madame's quarters and he was immediately drawn in by the aesthetics.
Its size was almost twice that of the room Felix was remanded in with designs one could only find in imperial chambers.
Nathan knew Dyara held an interest in human history, but he never thought it was to such an extent that even her room was styled after human emperors.
"Over here." Dyara's voice came again.
Nathan walked into the bedroom to find Dyara standing on the balcony overlooking the city of Haven.
It was a beautiful sight with towering buildings, different holograms as well as technological wonders.
Dyara was dressed in a nightgown with a wine glass in hand.
Nathan stood at the balcony entrance. "You called for me, Madam?"
"Mn, pour me a glass," Dyara said without turning to face him.
Nathan quickly did as instructed, pouring a glass before standing aside like a valet.
Currently, he was sweating profusely.
The fact that this could be his last day serving Dyara crossed his mind and he couldn't help but tremble at the thought.
Of course, after several years of service, Nathan knew how to keep his composure thus he didn't let his nervousness show.
Dyara took a sip from her glass before sighing. "What do you think?"
"Madam?"
"About Felix… what do you think of him?" She had a certain drawl in her speech.
"…He is determined and arrogant. Also quite pathetic and focused." Nathan replied after a moment of hesitation.
Dyara took another sip just as a supply ship passed by.
On it, the emblem of the Demir was imprinted.
A world with a serpent wrapped around it and a sword piercing through the middle.
"...Am I crazy?" Dyara suddenly asked, catching Nathan off guard.
He had experienced similar episodes before but this was the first time Dyara attacked herself.
Most times, it was tantrums about the Demirs or how she missed family.
He could never understand her and attributed it to the alcohol, which she was currently indulging in.
Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Nathan replied softly. "My lady is not crazy."
Dyara trembled as she slowly turned to face Nathan. "Have you ever experienced a loss that made you want to take revenge so bad but at the end of the day… you were helpless?"
Nathan tried to speak but found himself unable to.
The words were stuck in his throat and showed no signs of coming out.
Silence ensued as both parties stared intently at each other.
After what seemed like an eternity to Nathan, Dyara staggered toward him.
Nathan instinctively moved back before stopping himself.
Once she came within arm's length, She reached out and tore off his mask.
A blonde-haired man with blue eyes and a chiseled jaw was revealed.
"You humans… can be quite attractive."
Before Nathan could respond, Dyara fell into his arms.
Soon after, soft snoring could be heard.
After ensuring she was asleep, Nathan sighed self-deprecatingly. "Why does it feel like I'm the only one who hasn't suffered?"
Organizing his thoughts, he picked up Dyara and took her to bed.
***
(Day of Departure)
Felix made his way out of the mansion, dressed in a black leather suit and jacket.
Today carried a lot of firsts for him.
It was his first time in such clothing since most of the time it was either rags or patient garb.
It was also his first time seeing a house in a floating city. He was mostly used to the experimental wards and cells.
In truth, a part of him wanted to enjoy the moment but he found himself unable to.
"How do you like the attire?"
Felix turned to find Nathan coming toward him with a large bag while dressed in a similar attire to his, only that it was white.
"I'm surprised your clothes fit me, you are bulkier than me," Felix said while also subconsciously acknowledging Nathan's looks.
Truly, the heavens did well on his creation.
"It's clothing tech. As long as we are the same body type, the clothe can adjust to fit our size. It's no big deal." Nathan said as he tapped his shoulder before moving forward to deposit the bag he was carrying in the flying car floating on the driveway.
Felix attempted to respond only to pause as he suddenly glanced at the third floor of the mansion.
Dyara stood at the balcony, overlooking him like some ruler.
Their eyes met and momentarily, Felix tried to rile her up with killing intent.
Alas, his intentions were seen through as Dyara looked away from him.
Unsatisfied, Felix was about to speak up when Nathan called out to him.
"Oi, let's go."