When the snow began disappearing and warm air surrounded him, Ari knew they were growing closer to the place he used to call home. The air carried the smell of fire on it, but it was no new thing. They were nearing a town and chimneys were burning. Along with that came the burning smell of demons. The Khaeo was somewhere near the town if not in it already. 

Ari wanted to travel to town in hope of the possibility of seeing Freir or Rein. The chances were slim that they would be there, of all places, but Ari wanted to see regardless. In addition to that, Kaval's complexion was paling. Kaval would not take his blood no matter how much he pressed him to, so Kaval would have to take it from humans. Ari did not want to ask if taking their blood would lead to their deaths. He did not care if it kept Kaval well and alive. He would not judge Kaval for it. 

Ari stole a glance at Kaval before looking ahead at the town growing nearer. When Kaval was quiet like that Ari noticed it was either because he was upset or in deep thought about something. Even with that pensive face, Ari could not help but think how attractive he was. Ari pushed that thought aside. There was no time for time for it. Acting on it once before was what had gotten them into the situation that they were in now. 

Still, even though he thought that, thoughts like those still lingered. They only grew with each innocent gesture of care Kaval showed him. Whether it was a smile or small brush of his hand against his cheek or hair, Ari could not help but pine for more. That desire made a burning sensation grow in the pit of stomach he did not know what to do with, so he ignored it as best he could. 

There were many emotions and memories clawing its way to the surface as he slept or laid awake. He did not want to worry Kaval, so he did not tell him a thing. However, he did not want Kaval to think he was hiding something from him. He was just trying to make sense of them was all. He would deal with them in time. His feelings for Kaval were growing stronger and more abstract with time. Ari's heart swelled at a memory of him resurfacing before Ari pushed it away with a shake of his head. 

There was Auovin and Freir to worry about. There was no time. "No time," Ari murmured to himself catching Kaval's attention.

Kaval smiled and combed through Ari's hair. Although they have been traveling for many days, Kaval always made sure he was well groomed and dressed. He did not pay much attention to himself. He had slight curls, like Sai, but less defined. Surely his hair would be a mess to get through, but Ari would help wash and detangle it if given the chance. 

"You are quiet."

Ari's eyes shot up at the sound of his voice. They lowered and sunk into the wet grass not long after. "Am I...?"

"What have you remembered?" 

Ari did not answer him.

"Ari."

"Nothing that I have not known already," Ari mumbled. He scratched his chin and gazed at the massive wall coming into view. 

"It is fine if you do not answer me now. When we are settled here for the night, I will ask again." Kaval continued to stroke his hair before he lowered and kissed him right below his eye. "We have nothing but time."

"Kaval—"

"That demon may have his reasons for keeping you away. For once, he is not being selfish or manipulative, Ari."

"And that is what is worrying me."

Kaval scoffed away a laugh. "Shall we go find him too?"

Ari gazed into his gray eyes. They were dark enough to see some of his reflection until he blinked. He had long lashes like Auovin except Kaval's curved more than his making his eyes look bigger and rounder. Ari put a thumb to his lips and kept walking. "It is best if we find Freir and Rein first."

"And what of you? What will we do with you?"

"Me?"

"Blood. You need it. Your silence only makes it more obvious."He grabbed Ari's wrist and made Ari face him. "Your head must be filling with sensuous thoughts."

Ari blinked a couple times as a blush threatened to spill onto his cheeks. 

"Thoughts of blood and of pleasure are one and the same for you, after all." 

His hand slid down Ari's wrist and stopped near the tip of his fingers. They were warm and soft much like his lips. Ari bit his own lip and let out a frustrated sigh. Kaval knew him too well. Even when he thought he was hiding his intentions or thoughts away from him, Ari realized in all actuality he was not.

"The town is nearing and our minds must be one." 

"I promise I will not act without you knowing first."

Kaval shook his head and said, "this is a demon town. It has humans, but there are demons here who take on human skin and feed." 

"What?" In all his years at the Khaeo, Ari never heard of it once. 

Ari could make out people on the wall. Some people with horse-drawn carts were exiting out while some were entering from another direction. As soon as their papers were clear they let them in and slammed the large metal gate shut. 

"You must be cautious. Stay close to me, and do not draw attention to yourself," Kaval said.

"I will."

"I know you can defend yourself with humans and lesser demons, but until your memory returns, I do not believe you will fare well with the skinchangers and gluttonous eaters."

"Gluttonous..." Ari remembered the demon he encountered at the clearing. There was too much he did not know— or at least remember. With the way he was now, it would not do. He did not want to become a burden to Kaval, but rather the opposite. Time and time again, Kaval put himself in harms way because of his uselessness. His desire to protect Kaval should far outweigh the fear of the knowledge his memories might bring. 

"I fear telling you all this now may be too much for you, but I cannot wait for you to learn gradually." 

Ari flicked his eyes over to Kaval before facing the mortar wall growing bigger and bigger with each step. "It is fine." 

"Like the demons found in the mountain and dark places, you must ignore them. Unlike those demons, these demons are dangerous, vengeful beasts."

It was no wonder why Kaval was pressed about him taking blood before they left. If he was not so stubborn, they would not be in the situation that they were now in. He was putting Kaval in danger once again due to his selfishness. Ari gave him no place to call home or peace of mind. If something were to happen to him... Ari shook his head away at the thought. He could not bear to think it. 

When they arrived at the gate, the men above the wall made a motion, signaling the guards near the crank to open the gate. It must have been because of his clothes. Being apart of the Khaeo came with some good after all.

He turned to Kaval and noticed his posture stiffening and his eyes narrowing. He scanned the area with his eyes. They darted left and then right. Soon his head turned to the back of them. Ari continued to follow his eyes until something caught his eye. 

The faces of passersby blurred and distorted causing Ari's eyes to squint. He went to rub them, but Kaval placed his hand over them and brought him closer. 

"I told you, did I not? Do not look," Kaval hissed.

They looked like normal people to Ari. He could not tell them apart. Truth be told, he did not remember seeing a thing. They were like blurs. It dawned on him then. His senses were off and deteriorating as time went on. Ari would not put taking blood off any longer. He would not be stuck in his way of doing things even if it brought him some momentary discomfort. 

Ari sensed a presence approaching closer, but Kaval kept his hand tight around his eyes. Not even light was able to pass through. 

"Oh ho ho, what do we have here?" a graveled voice said. 

Kaval pressed Ari closer. 

"What brings your greatness to my humble town?" Ari sensed more than just their presence now. They were surrounding them. 

"Oh, am I not worthy of your words?" The person paced around them. Ari could feel their eyes upon him now. There was no reason to be afraid. No, not if Kaval was there.

"Lemme have a look at what tasty treat you brought here."

Ari could not see, but Ari noticed the power exuding from Kaval. He could taste it even. 

"Can we share? Oh, please say yes. Say yes," they begged.

"He is mine as I am his," Kaval warned.

"This little thing? He is your...?" Kaval's mood was darkening. "Mm, I see your tastes have taken a turn for the worst. Unfortunate." 

Ari bristled. He tried to peel Kaval's hand away from his eyes, but it was useless.

"It is fine as long as if he says it is, right?" they pressed.

Ari felt Kaval's eyes on him. They snapped their fingers and the presences surrounding them disappeared. 

"Give it some thought. It has only been some hundred years since I last seen you. I do not want to scare you away. Your pallor says you would not be able to make it far, so I will be accommodating just this once. Since it is you. And I love your eyes." 

Ari bit down on the inside of his cheek. He furrowed his brows and let out a frustrated sigh. Kaval uncovered his eyes after the presence was gone and did not say word to clarify the situation. Ari did not want to say anything in fear of sounding possessive, but he did not like it— the words they said. 

"This way." Kaval reached for Ari's hand, but Ari moved away from him and looked at him. 

"Do not make me seem like a burden. Go ahead with that person. I will be fine," Ari said although he did not mean those words entirely. 

"I will, but not until we settle somewhere for the night." 

Ari's brows kneaded together. He licked his lips and nodded. What was he expecting him to say? He needed blood. Ari promised himself that he would never let him be in such a distasteful situation like this again. That way he would not be filled with such negative emotions. Kaval supported him in whatever sexual ventures he wanted to pursue. Ari swallowed. He could support Kaval in his. 

"Let us continue onward." Ari let Kaval take his hand in his this time. 

The town had grown louder and filled with more people than Ari remembered them being. Ari trained his eyes to the ground and followed Kaval's lead. He wanted to take in his surroundings but he did not want to make another blunder like before. There were many sounds and smells Ari was unfamiliar with. Ari was curious. Ari was unbelievably curious and intrigued by everything despite that person's presence souring his mood. 

"Watch your step here. We are going up stairs." 

Kaval tugged him forward leading him up the stairs and down a long hallway. A myriad of voices came and went. Soon they were left in silence. Keys jingled and a knob jiggled. A door creaked open and Ari followed blindly inside. When Kaval shut the door Ari lifted his eyes and took in his surroundings.

It reminded him of Sai's mansion. The room swam in a sea of burgundy, cremes, and gold. If he touched the walls, Ari was sure he would dirty them. Even the floors were well polished and cleaned. Ari did not want to step on the carpet with his boots on and stayed by the door. There was such intricate detail lain into the fabrics of the bed and wooden tables littering the room. Ari was sure they were the products of master craftsmen. Ari did not feel like he belonged there. As if sensing his hesitation Kaval pushed Ari towards the bed. 

"Rest. I will be back," Kaval said.

"All of this lavishness is not... This is for you not me." 

"It is not for you because you are deserving of so much more." Kaval took his chin in hand and smiled. "And I will gladly give it all to you if you wish it."

Ari blinked not trying to become flustered by his words. What did it matter if he went and did things with other people? Kaval held a special place in his heart, and Ari was certain it was the same for him. Love did not equal sex especially in the realm of blood demons and Greats. 

"I will be back by morning." 

"Wait." Ari grabbed the hem of his shirt. "That person..."

"Nis is an old friend. Do not mind their words."

Kaval left out the door causing Ari to go behind him and lock it. Ari pressed his forehead to the door and lowered his eyes. That person could provide all of this for him and Ari could give him nothing but comfort. He could not give Kaval what he needed, unlike that person, and that what was causing his discomfort. Sometimes, Ari thought that he was with him because of the old memories and ties they shared with one another. There was so much of them Ari thought he would suffocate underneath them all. 

Perhaps, they were better going their separate ways. Ari did not want him to drag him into a hell he voluntarily wanted to walk in. To part with Kaval was a terrible thought to think, but it was a thought. A reasonable one. 

Ari gazed at the door knob. He needed to find Freir and Rein. People from the Khaeo were near. Ari could feel it. He did not have a chance to look around, but with Kaval gone Ari was free to roam around as he pleased. Ari had to rely on his own strength now and not others. What better time to do it than now? 

He unlocked the door and sighed. No more suppressing. No more running. No more hiding. No more being afraid. If he wanted answers, he would have to be swallowed by his memories and time before. He would have to endure, if he were to see Auovin or Cyrus again. A fleeting thought of Sai passed through his mind before he opened the door and walked out into the darkness. 

❤️ ❤️