Death Defying Book: The Devil Watches

Darius stared at Angelina, her plea echoingin his heart. Her vulnerability made his resolve burn even brighter. He reached out, gently taking her hand in his.

"I promise," he said, his voice steady and sure.

For the first time, a faint glimmer of hope sparkled in Angelina's eyes. Snowflakes danced outside the window, settling softly on the frozen ground, while Darius silently vowed to keep that promise, no matter the cost.

'I will not let the darkness consume me...' he promised himself.

"Hey," he said, trying to lighten the mood. "There's a first time for everything, right? Maybe I'll be the first to survive the curse and live to tell the tale."

Angelina looked at him for a long moment, then slowly nodded. "I believe you," she whispered.

Darius smirked, his usual confidence slipping back into place. "Good. I'm strong, you know. So don't you dare worry. I'd hate to see that beautiful face tainted by frowns and wariness."

Angelina's lips curved into a small, genuine smile. The tension in the room softened as they sat together in quiet companionship.

After a moment, Darius reached into his coat and pulled out a small book and a worn pencil. "How about this," he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Let's write some poetry together. Maybe you could draw a few flowers for me?"

Angelina blinked, surprised. Then, brushing away the last of her tears, she took the pencil from his hand and nodded.

Together, they wrote and drew, sharing the warmth of silence and the solace of creativity. Their laughter occasionally punctuated the quiet, and for a little while, the weight of the world seemed to lift.

---

Winking Stag Inn

The warmth of the hearth at the Winking Stag wrapped the room in a golden glow. Hilda bustled about, refilling mugs and tending to the fire, while a handful of patrons sat scattered at the tables.

"Yo, Paladin, back so soon?" Willen's gruff voice called from a shadowed corner.

Kael turned to face him, offering a polite nod. "A blessed morning to you, my friend."

Willen snorted, his face creasing into a deep frown. "Ain't nothing blessed about this morning," he muttered, sipping from his mug.

Kael, clad in gleaming black armor, merely chuckled. The polished surface of his armor caught the flickering firelight, making it seem almost alive.

Willen's gaze lingered on the long weapon strapped to Kael's back. "You off to war, eh?" he asked, feigning disinterest.

Kael's expression turned somber. "The nearby perimeters are secure, but it's time to join Captain Cedric. We need to investigate the Veilshade Hollow more deeply."

Willen stiffened at the name. "Veilshade Hollow?" His voice dropped to a near whisper. "Friend, if it were up to me, I'd tell you to steer clear. Whoever ventures deep into that cursed forest… never comes out."

Hilda approached with a steaming cup of tea, her motherly smile softening the tension. "Child," she said gently, "I'd advise against going. The Veilshade is no place for mortal men. Legends speak of spectral hunters, grotesque beasts, and shadowy figures that prey on fear and despair."

Willen nodded grimly. "Even the Iron-Mourne Bastion couldn't stand against it, the legendary Vainglory are rumoured to have went extinct in there. That place is a ruin now, swallowed by the Hollow."

Kael listened to their warnings but shook his head. "That's exactly why I must go. It's my duty to stand against the darkness."

Hilda sighed, placing a hand on Kael's armored shoulder. "Then may Orthovix keep you safe and guide your blade."

Kael's eyes widened, momentarily stunned. "You… you would invoke Orthovix for me?"

Hilda's smile was kind but firm. "Why not? You're a good lad, unlike some others I know." She cast a pointed glance at Willen, who rolled his eyes.

Kael bowed deeply. "Thank you, Hilda. Your faith means more than you know."

"Just promise me one thing," Hilda said, her tone softening. "If it becomes too much, retreat. Live to fight another day."

Kael straightened, determination etched into his features. "I promise. And I'll make sure this isn't the last you see of me."

Willen snorted but couldn't hide the faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Good luck, madman. Don't get yourself killed. I want to hear tales of your stupidity straight from your mouth."

Kael chuckled, clasping Willen's hand in a firm shake. "Goodbye, my friend. May Orthovix watch over you all."

---

Outside the Winking Stag

Willen stepped out into the biting wind, his thin tunic offering little protection from the cold. His blue hair whipped around his face as he watched Kael adjust the straps on his weapon.

"You don't have a horse?" Willen asked, raising an eyebrow.

Kael shook his head. "No need."

Willen smirked. "What, you planning to conjure a dragon out of thin air?"

Kael's lips twitched into a rare, mischievous grin. "Something like that."

Before Willen could retort, a vortex of swirling heat and light appeared behind Kael. The ground cracked beneath their feet as a wave of blistering air swept over them.

Willen stumbled back, his eyes wide. "Don't tell me… it is a dragon!"

Kael turned to him, his smile widening as the vortex began to solidify into a massive, otherworldly form.

"Close," Kael said, his voice laced with amusement. "But not quite."

And then, with a deafening roar, the creature emerged.