Azazel, still catching his breath, sat on a boulder at the edge of the clearing, feeling the tension in his muscles start to ease. Shadow lay beside him, panting but content, his tail thumping softly on the ground. Kaela stood a few paces away, her staff planted firmly in the dirt, the glow of the runes slowly fading.
"We did it," Kaela said, breaking the silence, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Azazel let out a shaky laugh. "Yeah, we really did," he said, wiping sweat from his brow. "I wasn't sure we'd make it out of that one."
Kaela gave him a sideways grin. "Hey, give yourself some credit. You fought like a storm god out there."
Azazel groaned, leaning back on his hands. "Storm god, huh? Maybe I should add that to my ever-growing list of unwanted titles."
Kaela laughed, the sound bright and genuine. "How about 'Thunder Boy,' then?" she teased.
Azazel rolled his eyes, a smile tugging at his lips. "I hate that even more."
Before their banter could continue, a chorus of voices drifted up from the village below. Azazel and Kaela turned to see a group of villagers making their way up the hill, led by the village chief, a stern-looking man named Ketut. The villagers' expressions were a mixture of awe, relief, and, in some cases, lingering suspicion.
---
Ketut approached Azazel and Kaela, his face solemn but his eyes glistening with emotion. "You... you did it," he said, his voice rough. He glanced at the sky, where the last remnants of the dark mist were being burned away by the morning sun. "The curse is gone."
Azazel stood, brushing dirt from his clothes. "It wasn't easy," he said, his tone humble. "But it's over now. Your village is safe."
An older woman stepped forward, clutching a basket of flowers. "We owe you more than words can say," she said, her voice thick with gratitude. She set the basket at Azazel's feet, the petals a bright explosion of color. "These are offerings of thanks."
Azazel shifted uncomfortably, not used to being the center of such attention. "I, um... thank you," he said, unsure of what else to say.
Kaela leaned in and whispered, "Smile, hero. You saved their lives. The least you can do is look happy about it."
Azazel shot her a playful glare but managed a more genuine smile. "Really, it was... the least I could do," he said, though his words still felt inadequate.
A young boy ran up, his eyes wide with awe as he stared at Shadow. "Your wolf is so cool!" he exclaimed, reaching out a tentative hand. Shadow, ever the charmer, gave the boy's hand a lick, making him giggle.
Azazel chuckled. "Shadow loves attention," he said, scratching the wolf behind the ears. "He's a bit of a show-off, to be honest."
Shadow huffed, as if in mock offense, and Kaela burst into laughter. "A show-off, huh? Sounds like someone else I know," she teased, giving Azazel a playful nudge.
Azazel groaned. "I am not a show-off," he protested, but the grin on his face betrayed his amusement. The villagers around them laughed, and for a moment, the air was filled with joy and relief.
---
As the morning wore on, the villagers decided that the best way to thank Azazel, Kaela, and Shadow was with a feast. The entire village sprang into action, setting up tables in the town square and bringing out baskets of food, instruments, and decorations.
Azazel watched in amazement as the sleepy village transformed into a bustling hub of celebration. Children ran around playing games, musicians tuned their instruments, and the scent of roasting meat and fresh bread filled the air.
Kaela grabbed Azazel's arm, pulling him toward the food stalls. "Come on! We earned this," she said, her eyes sparkling.
Azazel stumbled after her, laughing. "Alright, alright! I'm coming!"
They made their way to a stall where an elderly man was frying up golden-brown dumplings. Kaela's eyes lit up. "Oh, these are my favorite," she said, grabbing a dumpling and popping it into her mouth.
Azazel watched her with raised eyebrows. "You didn't even wait for me to try one!" he said, mock-offended.
Kaela chewed happily, a smudge of sauce on her cheek. "Too slow, thunder boy," she said with a grin.
Azazel rolled his eyes but grabbed a dumpling, biting into it. The crispy exterior gave way to a warm, flavorful filling, and he couldn't help but let out a satisfied groan. "Okay, that's delicious," he admitted.
Kaela smirked. "Told you."
Shadow, meanwhile, was being fed scraps of meat by a group of giggling children, his tail wagging furiously. Azazel couldn't help but laugh at the sight. "Shadow, you're getting spoiled," he called.
Shadow barked in response, as if to say, I deserve this, and one of the children hugged him around the neck. Azazel's heart warmed at the sight. After everything they'd been through, seeing Shadow and the villagers so happy made it all feel worthwhile.
---
As the sun set and the celebration began to wind down, Azazel found a quiet spot at the edge of the village. He sat on a low stone wall, looking out over the terraced fields, now bathed in the soft glow of twilight. Shadow lay beside him, his head resting on Azazel's lap.
Kaela appeared, carrying two cups of some steaming, fragrant tea. "Mind if I join you?" she asked.
Azazel gestured to the spot beside him. "Go ahead," he said. "Thanks for the tea."
Kaela handed him a cup and sat down, taking a sip. "It's nice," she said, her voice gentle. "Seeing the village like this. Happy, peaceful."
Azazel nodded, taking a sip of his tea. It was sweet and calming, and he felt some of the tension leave his body. "Yeah," he said. "I almost forgot what peace felt like."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the distant laughter of the villagers drifting up to them. Kaela set her cup down and looked at Azazel, her expression thoughtful. "You know," she said, "I never expected to end up here. Fighting curses, saving villages... it's not exactly the life I planned."
Azazel raised an eyebrow. "What did you plan?"
Kaela laughed softly. "Oh, I don't know. I thought I'd be a wandering mage, learning spells and finding the occasional treasure. But then... Mizan's darkness spread, and everything changed."
Azazel set his cup down, staring at his hands. "I get that," he said. "I never wanted any of this, either. But now... I feel like I can't stop. Not until Mizan is defeated."
Kaela studied him, her green eyes serious. "Then let's do it together," she said. "I mean, if you'll have me. I've still got a lot to learn, and traveling with someone who can summon lightning and tame beasts sounds... exciting."
Azazel's eyes widened. "You want to come with us?"
Kaela shrugged, a playful smile on her lips. "Why not? Someone's got to keep you from getting yourself killed. Plus, I've grown attached to Shadow." She reached down to scratch the wolf's ears, and Shadow gave a happy sigh.
Azazel laughed, a genuine, deep laugh that made his chest feel lighter. "Alright, Kaela. Welcome to the team."
Kaela grinned. "Great! Just don't blame me if things get a little... chaotic."
Azazel rolled his eyes, but he was still smiling. "I think I can handle a little chaos," he said.
Shadow barked in agreement, and the three of them sat together, watching the stars begin to twinkle in the sky. The road ahead was still uncertain, but Azazel felt a new sense of hope. With Kaela and Shadow by his side, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
And for the first time in a long while, he didn't feel so alone.