Chapter 20 The Consequences of Love

Chapter 20 The Consequences of Love
Dixon's steps were heavy, his legs unsteady as he struggled to find his balance, the aftereffects of shifting still coursing through his veins.

Aethon appeared from the backyard, a dress slung over his arm, just as Dixon's foot caught on the threshold, his knee buckling slightly beneath him.

Aethon hurried over to Dixon, grabbing the dress and tossing it onto a nearby chair. “Easy there,” he said, ducking under Dixon's arm to support him.

He guided Dixon towards the table. His grip was firm, holding Dixon upright as he helped him sit down.

Dixon collapsed onto the chair, his eyes drooping as he tried to catch his breath. 

Aethon's hands lingered on his shoulders, steadying him, before he finally let go. “Your dress.”

Aethon's hands moved quickly, helping Dixon into the dress. As Dixon stood up, his eyes locked onto Aethon's, a worried look crossing his face.

"I feel something, Aethon," Dixon said, his voice strained. "It's like nothing I've ever felt before. A pain, even far worse than when the poison was spreading through me."

“It's—” Aethon opened his mouth to talk, but was interrupted by Izzy's voice.

“Dixon, is that you?”

She peeked through the corner. She'd been noticing some movement for a while, but held back, not wanting to disrupt Dixon's meditation. 

However, the footsteps and voices got louder, making it hard to believe that meditation was actually taking place there.

Dixon glanced over at Izzy and walked up to her, a warm smile on his face. “This is Aethon,” he said, pointing at Aethon. “He's my fri–”

"Servant…" Aethon cut him off, his tone firm. “I'm his servant.”

Dixon didn't argue, continuing as if Aethon hadn't spoken. "He's been visiting every day while you were sleeping. He fetched all the herbs and medicine you've been using."

Izzy nodded, turning to Aethon with a slight curtsy. "Thank you. Maybe one day I can return the favor."

Aethon's voice was cool as he responded, his head bowed slightly, "You owe me nothing. I'm just doing what needs to be done."

His eyes flicked up, meeting Izzy's for a brief moment before dropping again, his expression detached.

“You—”

Before Dixon could say more, Zephyrine burst into their midst, his presence a sudden interruption. “Hark! All is quiet on the winds,” Zephyrine said with excitement. “We can take a stroll, but not too far afield.”

Aethon and Dixon exchanged a look, their faces mirroring their surprise. “A stroll?” They echoed.

Izzy tilted her head, her gaze locking onto Dixon's. “Yes,” she said. “I asked Zephyrine to scout about and see if it was safe. My feet feel restless, and I'd like to stretch my legs.”

“It's a good plan,” Aethon said. “But why don't you let the master go with you instead of Zephyrine?”

Dixon nodded. “Yes, I'll go with you,” he said. “The forest's not entirely safe. Let me go with you, to keep you safe.”

Izzy shook her head. “No, I'll feel safer with Zephyrine than with you, and it's more... exciting with her.” 

Dixon's face fell, his eyes clouding with concern. “But–” he began, only to be interrupted by Aethon.

“If that's how she wants it, so be it,” Aethon said, a smile playing on his lips. He turned to Dixon, his voice smooth. “Let her go with Zephyrine, and while they are away, we'll deal with other things.”

Dixon nodded, his lips tightening. He fell silent for a moment, his eyes locked on Izzy's face, before finally agreeing. “Okay…”

He lifted his gaze, his eyes boring into Izzy's. “Don't go too far, and avoid bumping into anyone. We don't want anyone tracing you here...”

Before Izzy could respond, he turned to Zephyrine, his expression stern. “Make sure she's safe. Nothing must happen to her. Got it?”

Zephyrine nodded, a playful grin spreading across his face. “Okay, Fatherrrr,” he said, drawing out the last syllable in a teasing tone. “Bye.”

Izzy smiled. She waited for Zephyrine to lead the way, falling into step behind it as they headed south.

Dixon watched them go, his expression neutral, but his eyes betraying a hint of concern. He wished Izzy would change her mind, to come back to him, but he knew it was no use.

“She'll be fine,” Aethon said, drawing Dixon's attention. His smile broadened. “You can entrust her to Zephyrine's care. Looking after someone is what it does best.”

Dixon raised an eyebrow. “How do you know so much about Zephyrine?” He asked. “Have you seen it before now?”

Aethon’s eyes darted sideways as he struggled to create a convincing lie. “Uhn... not really,” he said finally, forcing an awkward grin onto his face. “We first met after your return from Moiraea. You were... exhausted, and Zephyrine talked nonstop while you slept…”

Dixon's expression remained unconvinced, his furrowed brow indicating he wasn't buying Aethon's story. 

Aethon chuckled softly. “Zephyrine told me it's your... guidance angle, or something like that...”

His words trailed off, his eyes locked on Dixon's, hoping to gauge his reaction. “Overall, it said it enjoyed your company.” He added, trying to sound nonchalant.

Dixon's eyes dropped from Aethon's face, and he turned away, striding towards the front of the hut. Without looking back, he tossed a question. “Izzy's healthier than I expected, but I'm not sure about the state of her wolf. She hasn't shifted since the ritual, and I'm worried about the implications…”

Dixon's voice trailed off, awaiting Dixon's response. “Hun...” He hummed, taking a step forward. When the silence stretched out, he halted and turned around, his eyes questioning. “What's it?”

“Your mate must never go near Spilaio ton Skoton or step into it again,” Aethon said, his voice urgent

Dixon's brow knitted, confused. “Spilaio ton Skoton?”

Aethon nodded. “Yes, the Cave of Shadows, where her soul awakening ritual was performed,” he explained. “If she ever steps into the cave again, it might cause trouble. I chose the cave because other species, other than demons, barely go there or pass through its route. It's believed to be haunted...”

“Also,” he continued. “We wore a white garment for her ritual, so white dresses are poisonous to her body from now on. Any day she wears a white garment might be the last day she'll spend on the surface of the earth. That's the price... the consequence of cheating on death on her behalf.”

“If she does neither of those two, nothing will happen to her, right?” Dixon sought reassurance.

Aethon nodded. “Yes,” he responded. And then, in an instant, his demeanor shifted. His head bowed, and his arms clasped behind him, he added, “But a lot will happen to you.” 

“What are you talking about?” Dixon asked.

“Your fate and hers are like two opposing forces—destined to clash…” Aethon’s voice was rough. 

Dixon's face contorted in confusion, his eyes searching Aethon's for answers.

“Your fated mate is also your fated disaster, and with her by your side, you're walking a tightrope over destruction…”