Orion was laid by a boulder with Bellona sat next to him, her eyes growing so weak, focusing on his figure.

His chest heaved up and down rapidly, while he fought so hard to keep his heart beating.

He writhed in pains from the deep injury he acquired earlier before, his blood coming out profusely, staining his clothing.

"You should be glad that I'll be gone"

"Then, you won't receive anymore of my taunts, my arrogance and pride as you call it"

He gritted his teeth, at each word he spoke, trying so hard to ease the pain he felt.

"You're not gonna die, Orion" Bellona uttered assuringly.

"You think so" He scoffed.

"I know so" She responded immediately.

He stared into her eyes, taking in all of her words.

"Your faith in me is so strong, I do not wanna let it down" He muttered under his breath.

Shifting his body uncomfortably by the rock he was sat next to, he panted heavily, while the insides of his chest burned.

"Stay calm" She touched his arm softly.

"Elpida has gone to fetch some leaves. She'll be back soon"

"I won't make it before then" He replied immediately.

"Don't say that" Bellona muttered

He paused for a moment, and then began speaking.

"You know, you're right. I won't die.........not until I'm done with that beast, and I seize his heart in my palms"

"Forget about Cedric. All that matters right now is you"

"I won't forget a man who murdered my father!" Orion snapped.

"You're stubborn" Bellona uttered softly, stroking her fingers on his face, tears filling her eyes as she looked at him.

"I know that" He replied.

He was about speaking yet again, when he noticed the tears which gathered in her eyes, causing him to go silent while staring at her.

"Bellona" He called.

"Why do you cry?" He asked in a low voice.

Instead of a response coming from her, she just stared blankly at him, with disbelief in her eyes.

"That's the first time you've called my name"

"You never say it" She spoke softly.

"I never had a reason to call your name" He responded, his gaze still resting on her, watching every feature of her face.

"Look" He began.

"I may not make it till dawn, judging from how I feel inside of me, but before leaving I'd like to lay down my pride and let you know how sorry I am, for everything"

"On my sweat, I apologize" He uttered.

"I've learned a lot from you, Bellona. Things my father would be proud of, if he were here"

"Some I'm happy to have known, others, well not so good" He said.

She chuckled lightly, staring into his eyes.

"Never did I think you and I would one day, have a talk that didn't result in arguments, chatting and even laughing" Orion spoke softly, commenting on her light laughs.

"You're fascinating, Bellona"

He remained silent, his gaze focused in hers.

"You're the only girl who has made me feel powerless right in front of them, the only person who for some reason warms my heart being with"

"I am glad to have known you, but more than that, I'm glad that you're the one person I'd be next to, while passing on"

There was a long pause, as they both stared at each other, while the gentle wind, sailed past their figures.

Bellona for a brief moment got tense, but as soon as the sincerity in his words got to her, warmth englobed her entire body.

She watched him with much compassion, while he gazed on at her figure. Orion in an instant crashed his lips onto hers, pulling her closer to his chest, and then kissing her softly.

Taking aback by the kiss, Bellona froze at the impact, not believing the man whose lips were locked in hers.

His hands rested on the side of her tender face, holding onto her, yearning for more.

She gently wrapped her arms around him, returning the kiss, living in the moment.

Orion paused, bringing his eyes to hers, watching them as they faltered at his stares.

"I adore you" He whispered softly to her, and then planted a kiss right on her forehead.

"Erstwhile" He added, with a weak smile on his face.

"No Orion! Fight it!" Bellona urged, yelling, while tears streamed down her face.

She felt weak, seeing him become so helpless.

"You'll survive" She uttered softly to him, squeezing his hands and holding it in hers.

"Trust me" She whispered.