Chapter 52: Meal at Dawn
The dawn shined above the horizon, casting a warm golden light upon the two boys walking through the roses. The grey petals stretched endlessly in all directions, their dull color a stark contrast to the pale blue morning sky. Dew glistened on each petal, creating a mesmerizing sparkle across the field as the first rays of sunlight touched them.
Aziel yawned expansively, stretching his arms above his head. His blue hair caught the light, momentarily glimmering. His face brightened with a smile that seemed to chase away the lingering shadows of night.
"Finally..." he said, his voice carrying relief and anticipation. "I’m starving, now that it’s day let’s take a break and eat."
The night had been long, but now, with daylight spreading across the landscape, they could afford a moment’s respite. The rose field was less threatening in daylight, though no less mysterious.
Arthur sighed and stopped walking. His dark hair hung slightly over his eyes, which showed the fatigue of their journey. His shoulders slumped almost imperceptibly as he considered the suggestion.
"Okay," he conceded, "I guess I’m a bit hungry too."
Aziel, smiling deeply, sat down on the roses with a casual plop. He seemed utterly unbothered by the bed of thorns and petals beneath him, settling into the deadly cushion as if it were the most natural thing in the world. His carefree attitude stood in stark contrast to the vigilance Arthur had maintained throughout the trek.
Arthur sat down as well, his movements more measured, more careful. He immediately felt the temptation of the roses. It was an insidious sensation, yet it didn’t frighten him as it once had. For some reason, Aziel seemed utterly unbothered by them at all times, seemingly immune to their enchantment in a way Arthur couldn’t understand.
And it didn’t even matter if Arthur succumbed to their temptations, as they seemed to have no real effect. This realization had gradually transformed his fear into curiosity. So as Arthur sat down, he actually let himself relax, allowing the tension to flow from his tired muscles.
He pulled some meat from his realm storage and handed both pieces to Aziel.
Aziel took the offerings greedily, his eyes widening with anticipation. Drool pooled at the corners of his mouth as he regarded the raw meat with undisguised hunger. His stomach growled audibly, emphasizing his ravenous state.