♥︎ The First ♥︎ ( aamon x fem!reader )

9

I could feel the arrow slightly brushed against my exposed ear, before it pierced into the wall behind us with a terrifying force. The speed of the arrow was as fast as a bullet released from a gun, it damaged the as well. Panic has rise within me, I hold Harith by his arm and drag him into the gateway of the empire, escorting both of us into safety. "Are you okay?" I scanned for any injuries at his body. "I'm okay, thank you so much for saving me," he hold onto my hand firmly. "How about you?"

"I am fine as well," I gave a pat on his shoulder. "And I have to go now."

"Why in such a hurry? There is still someone out there who is trying to kill us!" He was clearly worried on my safety, urging me to not leave his side. "Stay with us back in the city, atleast for just awhile."

"Maybe next time, I promise I will be alright." He still showed disapproval on his face. "I promise that I will come back soon as well, I have to arrive at Swan Castle especially Odette is waiting for me right now," my tone was rather pleading. I couldn't bear leaving him alone and disappointed by unbothered attitude, just like how Silvanna would be if she was here instead of Harith.

"I believe you will arrive safely there, please becareful," his ears dropped down. I gave him another pat on the shoulder for reassurance, hoping that it will cheer him up and his ears will perk up again. I turn my back against him after giving a goodbye wave at him.

I keep my guards up as I step outside from the gateway, without looking back. I don't want to know who is behind that arrow attack earlier, I am not in the best condition to fight as well. I still have the strength to run, but it is not the best move at the moment.

The sight of Castle Gorge from a distance tells me that I have entered the city outskirts, which made me sigh in relief. I knew that I had to take another turn to reach Swan Castle, it will take awhile to arrive there. I wish that Moniyan have vehicles provided unlike Erutidio, only royal carriages are provided for the empire here.

"Y/n!" A voice yelled from a distance. I darted my head towards the source of the distance, gasped at the launching dagger towards me. I instinctively took a few steps away, as Aamon dashed and grabbed the dagger infront of me. "What are you doing here?" A surprising question coming out from his mouth. At once, my vision turned blurry in a blink of an eye. My head was in pain, as if a needle was poking through my skull. I maintained my composure, closed my eyes for a second before responding to his question, "I was busy in the city." He frowned at my response for a second. "The lightborn?" He guessed.

I nodded at confirmation. "Well, what are you doing here? With Gusion's dagger?" I glanced at the dagger still in his hand. "He and I helped the Baroque to clear out the abyssal demons," he briefly explained, his eyes staring directly onto my arm wrapped with the bloody waistbelt. As I was aware of his notice, I prepared myself for his questions, like everyone else did.

"Were you injured?" He asked, just as I thought. "It is just a minor injury," I pursed my lips, watching his eyebrows creased. "The wound will have an infection if you don't treat it sooner."

"Follow me," it sounded like a demand, rather than a suggest. He turned his back against me, leaving me no choice to follow his orders. I walked by his side, remained silent for the rest of the journey. The swaying branches seems more interesting at the moment, despite of it is something I see everyday. Atleast, the trees around the outskirts of the city are having lush green colour than the ones around my house.

"Y/n," his voice snapped me out from my thoughts. His soft tone yet warning, caused me to grew worry by the time I saw his eyes fixated on my hair. "What happened?" I cluelessly asked. He stopped his tracks, which caused me to stop as well. He reach his hand onto strands of my hair, tucking it back behind my ear. I was shocked at his actions, it added when I felt his fingers brushed against my clumping hair.

"Your ear was bleeding, it must have dried." His concern made my panic rise within me, jumping onto conclusions and possibilities inside my head. "We have to hurry-" He cut off his own words when he saw me shutting my eyes close, silently bearing the sudden pain again. "May I carry you to the castle?" He offered, the evident worry in his eyes which I don't remember when was the last time I received it.

"It's okay, I can still walk," I assured him. He is extremely thoughtful and considerate, that was very generous of him. "Please let me know if you're feeling unwell," he told me. I nodded once in response, proceed on following him towards Castle Gorge. There was no other choice, even if I managed to arrive at Swan Castle, I would pass out infront of Odette and that will cause a burden for her. The worst scenario is that I might pass out before I could even reach there.

I should be thankful of Aamon's presence, still I don't want to burden anyone. I hold onto myself on every step I take, hoping that I won't collapse at any time. Another wave of needles poking onto my head has turned worse than before, stumbling in each step. Aamon held my hand to prevent me from falling, until he had enough when I nearly collapse against my back.

To his relief, we arrived infront of the gate of the entrance into the castle. "You're really sick," he lifted my whole body from the ground, carrying me as he hurried into the castle. Everything turned black, yet the pain still endlessly stinging my head.