The rain had stopped, but the clouds didn't seem to want to move, lingering heavily in the sky as if they were waiting for something. The garden outside the east tower felt more like a prison to Elias than a place of solace now. His mind, still clouded by everything Rael had said and done, refused to quiet.
Elias stood at the window, looking out at the damp world beyond. His reflection in the glass seemed strange, a mixture of someone he didn't know and someone he'd rather forget. But when he turned his head, he could see Rael standing there, waiting for him to speak.
It had been like this since that night—the words stuck in his throat, and the space between them grew. Each time Elias caught himself stealing a glance at Rael, he felt the warmth of his magic pull him in closer, and yet, his heart throbbed with uncertainty.
"You're really quiet today," Rael remarked softly from where he leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, eyes tracing Elias as though searching for something. "You haven't been this distant in a while."
Elias didn't know how to respond. He had no words for the way his heart felt like it was tearing in half whenever he looked at Rael, but also beating faster, growing warmer in the demon's presence. It confused him, irritated him, made him question everything he thought he knew about himself.
"You've been here for days," Elias muttered, not turning to face him, but the words were meant for both of them. "And you've barely said anything."
Rael's eyes flickered for a moment. "I've been giving you space. You've been struggling with more than just the magic."
"I'm fine," Elias snapped, his voice rising despite himself. "Don't treat me like I'm a fucking mess. I'm not some fragile—"
He was cut off by the feeling of Rael's hands on his shoulders, warm, gentle, but the touch was enough to quiet the chaos in his mind. Rael didn't say anything at first, just stood behind him, the demon's heat seeping into Elias's back as his hands moved slowly, tenderly, down his arms.
"You're not fragile," Rael's voice was a low hum against Elias's ear. "But you are hurt. I can see it."
"I'm not hurt," Elias said again, but this time his voice wavered. He didn't want to admit it. He didn't want to seem weak.
Rael didn't press. He simply stayed close, his chest brushing against Elias's back, feeling the rhythm of his breathing. The heat between them was subtle but undeniable—an invisible thread pulling them together.
Elias stayed still, letting Rael do this for him, as strange as it was. He could feel the way the demon's touch made his body respond—wanting more, but holding back, afraid of what would happen if they crossed that line again.
"You should sleep," Rael said, his tone softer now, more patient. "You haven't in days."
"Not tired," Elias mumbled, shifting slightly. He didn't want to sleep, didn't want to close his eyes and let himself feel too much.
Rael chuckled quietly, his lips brushing against the back of Elias's neck. "You're lying."
Elias shivered at the touch, his pulse quickening. "I'm not."
"You're exhausted, Elias," Rael whispered. "I can feel it. You haven't been eating well. Your magic's been unstable."
Elias closed his eyes at the mention of his magic. "I can handle it."
"I know you can," Rael replied, his voice still low. "But you don't have to do it alone."
For a long moment, there was only silence. Elias could feel the warmth of Rael's breath on his skin, the quiet comfort of the demon's presence wrapping around him like a blanket. It was almost too much to bear. Almost.
Finally, Elias sighed. "I can't… keep doing this. I don't even know what we're doing."
Rael's fingers paused on his arms, and Elias could feel the demon's gaze burning into the back of his neck. The words that followed were so gentle, so honest, it made Elias's heart ache.
"We're trying, Elias," Rael said softly. "We're figuring this out. Together."
And for the first time in days, Elias allowed himself to relax—just a little. His shoulders sagged under the pressure he'd been carrying. He let out a slow breath. Maybe, just maybe, he could trust Rael.
The demon's arms wrapped around him then, pulling him back into his chest, holding him like he was the only thing that mattered. There was no rush, no need to hurry. The world could wait. In that moment, Elias didn't want anything else.
He closed his eyes and let himself fall into the quiet comfort of Rael's embrace. For once, he didn't feel like he was drowning.