Night Talk

The night was dead silent. Not even the sound of crickets filled the emptiness. Tilaya had just extinguished the fire that was used to cook dinner.

The party’s camp was set up on the edge of the forest, far away from the battle they had been involved in earlier that day.

Calum and Kia watched for any signs of danger. Erik, as usual, was helping Tilaya clean up the camp.

“We’re in a fairly sheltered area, but I still wouldn’t doubt if we’re swarmed with enemies in the middle of the night.”

Kia sighed. “Unfortunately, that’s how it’ll be for the rest of our journey. We’ll probably be sleep deprived by the time we fight the Demon Lord.”

“Do you think he knows we’re here already?”

“I’m not sure. I am unfamiliar with how much the Demon Lord knows about what happens in the southern region, or how fast information gets to him.”

“Let’s just hope he doesn’t already know. If he knows we’re here, we’ll be fighting our entire way to the castle.”

A shiver went through her body. “That would be a nightmare…”

Behind them, Tilaya and Erik were having their own conversation. From the sound of laughter, Calum could tell they were having a good time chatting.

He turned to Kia, concern showing in his eyes. “We don’t know what will happen on this journey…”

“I know, we’ve already established this. It’s dangerous, and we might not all make it out alive. But I’ve chosen to follow you to the end. You don’t have to worry about me.”

“You only joined us recently… Why are you so committed?”

She looks out at the horizon and takes a deep breath. “Because you believe in me, even though I’m a demon. No one else has ever done that for me.”

“...I see. I will admit, I was shocked when I found out you’re a demon. However, that didn’t change who you were, so I was not going to treat you any differently. Demon or not, you are still you.”

Kia nodded, holding back a few tears. “You were the first person to see it that way. I’ve never established any relationships with anyone other than you and Tilaya, because everyone sees me as a demon that will kill them if given the chance. Even Erik still thinks I’m evil.”

“Erik is stubborn and has a strong sense of justice. He believes that all demons are evil and must be killed. That may be true or normal demons, but you are special. Perhaps it is the human side of you that makes you different.”

She ponders this. “Maybe so…”

Calum returned to searching the distance for enemies. He places his hand on top of Kia’s. “We might not be alive much longer… I want to make the best of the time we have left. It would take a miracle to all survive this journey.”

Kia leaned against Calum. “That’s a miracle that we can hope for.”

Tilaya called out to them. “The camp is clean. I’m heading to my tent to sleep. You should both get some rest, too. Erik is supposed to have the night watch tonight.”

“Alright, we’re coming!” Calum stood and returned to his tent with Kia by his side.

She continued past his tent and into Tilaya’s. Since there were only three tents, she had to share with her. Naturally, it made Erik uncomfortable to let a demon sleep in the same tent as Tilaya, but it was the only option.

Erik stood guard while the others went to sleep. He sat on a log, focusing his attention on his surroundings.