I was shocked when I heard his voice. Shocked to the point I almost burst into tears. Seven years. Seven years since I've seen his face. His stupid, arrogant and yet so devastatingly beautiful face.

I didn't want to turn around.

I wasn't prepared.

When he spoke again, I heard a frown in his voice. "Little kitty, why won't you turn around? Is my face too handsome for you to handle?"

That caught my attention and I immediately spun around, a glare on my face. Then, I froze.

It really was him...

Eshai.

It was really him...

He was the same as when we first met.

Had the same arrogant golden eye, same eyepatch, same scruffy black hair, same personality. Nothing had changed with him.

We stared at each other for a bit before I rushed up to him. I wrapped my arms around his waist and leant against his chest. His rigid body relaxed and he pulled me tighter with his arms. They made me feel safe and secure, just like seven years ago.

Though it was different now.

I had changed.

I had matured.

That childish vulnerability I used to have disappeared in the presence of that woman.

And I finally truly realised that this world was so very cruel.

But he was the same. A wave of nostalgia hit me like a truck and somehow, somehow, the tears just poured out. It was strange, ever since the snake had stepped into our lives, I had only cried for Mother in front of my family.

Now, I was crying in front of someone I met once. But it felt right.

He didn't say anything, just held my shaking body tightly against his firm one.

"Don't let stupid little things break your happiness kitty. They aren't worth it. No one is worth your tears."

That made my heart shatter.

People care... They truly care. Sure, I was surrounded by loving people but would they choose me? They were here now but who knew if they would be in the future. Once they found their destined partner, would they still choose me?

And maybe I was fearful.

So very fearful.

Fearful of losing those who cared. Those who stood beside me. My friends, my family, would they leave me? Running through the back of my mind, insecurities poked these fears and made them become bigger and bigger with each small touch.

I'm not invincible, I can still break. And maybe to the world, I am fearless and strong but inside I'm still a fearful and weak little girl.

And it hurt to think about that.

This constant reminder of my past life, a life full of menace and knives that scarred my skin. Scars that have left my physical body but the mentality never changes. Mental wounds will never leave, staying with your soul no matter where you go.

Like a lifetime scar, it is forever. Every step you causes pain and reminds you of a past mistake. It was horrible, so disgusting.

"Stand up. Just stand up my precious kitten."

I looked up at that handsome face, frightened and pained.

"What if I fall?"

A small smile tugged at his lips.

"But what if you fly?"

I stared.

His calm face looked back at me, filled to the brim with affection. And in that moment, I suddenly felt content. I realised, maybe there would be someone there for me through it all. That one person—I only needed one. One to be there for me and to comfort me.

A person who could heal a broken heart.

"And even if you have broken wings, I'll help you. I'll fix them. Then you can fly once again, with or without me. As long as you can be free, I'll give up everything. You're all that matters."

My tears stopped and I just stared up at the golden-eyed man standing above me. For some strange reason—I believed him. Believed those words that he'll be there forever. That he'll help me.

Though Eshai was usually childish and arrogant, I found him reliable. Someone I could trust. I knew he would be there for me in the future. Even when everybody else left and moved on, he would remain.

He once again spoke, holding me tighter. "I know you're scared, I know you don't want to let go but it's time. Those ghosts that you have need to be at peace. And if you want, I'll be there. If you don't want me there, I won't. And you know why Amaryllis? It's because you're my precious one, the person I'll care most about and never leave. This is my promise to you—if I ever leave, cut off my head and send me to the depths of hell because that will be what I deserve."

Warm hands stroked my hair and the feeling of security I craved was now there. And I wished it would always be there. Right beside me, never wavering.

"Don't leave. Please, don't leave me." I heard my sobs ruin the silent air. Eshai's chin rested upon my hair as he hugged me tighter and I felt him nod.

"Always.

I'll always be there for you."

~~*~~