Myriam picked up various things in the market, more than she would normally buy. It seems that she would now be providing for two from this day forward. She wasn't opposed to the idea, but the fact that her life had changed forever because of this had yet to register in her mind.

Arias’ nose picks up a scent. Demons… He thinks with a frown. Arias senses the vibrations in the air and picks up movement within the woods on the road to Myriam's house. Immediately, Arias picks the demons out and his gaze connects to their unwanted guests. Then… Arias simply turns away…

Hidden in the woods, five demons suddenly sensed their doom, and within an instant, their heads separated from their bodies. A sixth demon’s eyes widen, then, with all the strength of his body, he fled.

Like an obedient child, Arias continues to hold Myriam’s hand as she leads them home.

…

…

“What do you think about going on a trip? There’ll be other kids there. You can make some friends!” Myriam says with enthusiasm as she goes about baking her cake.

Arias frowns. “I don’t want to make friends.” He says. Since when have I ever needed friends? He thinks, somewhat confused by the notion.

Myriam shakes her head. What a troubled boy. She thinks, somewhat sad, and somewhat intent on raising the boy right. “It will be good to make friends. They can teach you a lot of things. Don’t look down on other people, you don’t know who’ll end up surprising you.” She says.

Arias tilts his head. “Teach me? What could they teach me?” He asks in doubt.

Myriam lets out a laugh. “That’s what I’m saying. You don’t know. No one can know everything, but together, people can achieve much, much more.” She says with a smile.

Arias considers the matter, and he had to admit, the lady had a point. “Where are we going?” He asks as he looks up.

Myriam smiles. “We’re going home. To Elmgrove, the capital of Shearpeak.” She says happily.

“And what will we do there?” Arias asks.

“Well, you’ll go to school. Be with kids your own age and learn about the world.” Myriam says.

Arias raises an eyebrow. Does she think I’m a child? He asks himself as a few pieces of the picture fall into place.

…

…

The demon commander frowns. “Why did he allow one to escape?” He asks.

The demon general sitting behind the desk shakes his head. “You’ve just been promoted so you wouldn’t know. His Highness Arias always leaves one to tell the tale.” He says with a sigh.

The demon commander frowns again. “His Highness?” He asks, challenge in his words.

The demon general stares back at his subordinate without a care. “Do you know why His Highness always leaves one alive?” He asks, unfazed by any waves his words might create.

“Why?” The demon commander asks.

“It’s impossible to strangle the truth. It’s the way of the universe. So His Highness doesn’t try to fight it. Instead he releases one back into the wild with a prayer; deep in his bones, he very much wants the enemy to come back as an unstoppable fire. This is how he has refined himself to stand where he stands.” The demon general says. Deciding to ignore the commander, he turns to the witness. “You say he was with a woman?” He asks.

The demon reporting nods. “Yes. I’ve also tracked where they’re staying.” He says.

The demon general waves. “Then ignore them for now. I don’t want to disturb him while he feeds. But keep track of their whereabouts.” He says.

The demon commander frowns a third time. He would have to report this to someone else.

…

…

“My god, this is divine. What is this?” Arias asks with wide eyes, savoring each taste.

Myriam smiles. “It’s vanilla. Have you never tried it?” She says.

“No, never.” Arias admits as he continues to eat. “But I must have more. Where can I find this vanilla?” He asks.

Myriam lets out a chuckle. “Unfortunately it’s only produced in very small quantities. Not many people can afford this luxury.” She says with some pride.

Arias leans back, somewhat disappointed. “Well, it is very delightful. I thank you for the treat.” Arias says with a smile. This woman was somewhat growing on him.

“I’m glad you liked it. Now get ready for bed. It’s getting dark. I’ve bought you some new clothes you can sleep in. They’ll be on the bed.” Myriam says as she grabs his plate to clean up.

Arias raises an eyebrow. Was that an order? He asks himself, considering how much to tolerate. Eventually, he shrugs. He somewhat enjoyed the woman, and he had nothing else to do, so he was willing to continue playing along.

Arias gets up and walks to the bedroom. There he finds some soft, cotton clothes to wear for sleep. Without a care he puts them on and gets in the bed.

After a while, Myriam comes into the room and also gets into the bed.

Arias’ eyes widen. The audacity! He thinks, shocked.

Myriam ruffles the boy’s head once more before hugging him and closing her eyes.

Arias forcefully closes his eyes to suppress his emotions. Continue to play along. Continue to play along… He tells himself, trying to ignore it.