“It gets a little steeper here. Be careful.” Raxx warned.
Faye stepped cautiously down off a deep step and waited for her horse to follow her. Gaia, ever the brave and courageous steed, didn’t even hesitate. Faye smoothed a palm over the mare’s nose in praise.
“She’s a nice horse.” Raxx nodded, eyeing Gaia appreciatively.
“Thank you,” Faye cooed. “I’ve got several horses back at the castle, but Gaia is my favourite and most trustworthy.”
“And the most expensive?” Raxx enquired.
“What makes you say that?”
“She’s clearly well bred, fast and sure footed. Those sorts of traits don’t come cheap.”
“And what do you know about horses?”
“Enough.” Raxx countered.
“Do you ride?” Faye asked.
“No need to. I’m faster than any animal I’ve ever encountered – horse or otherwise.”
Faye pressed her lips together. Gaia had been at a flat-out gallop and the demon had still headed them off, not even out of breath. She shivered. They approached another drop, this one even steeper than the last. Raxx hopped down first and turned, holding out his hand for Faye. The princess stared at it dumbly.
“I won’t bite.” The demon extended his hand again.
“Will I be able to grab you?” Faye asked, recalling all the times her hands had sailed through the mysterious demon.
“If I want you to, yes,” he replied, dark eyes glinting.
Faye stretched her hand out and Raxx grasped it tightly in his own. He used his strength to steady her as she jumped down over the edge behind him. Her arm met with resistance as Gaia hesitated at the edge behind her. Faye coaxed the mare forward, murmuring soothingly under her breath. She stilled, her breath caught in her chest, as she felt Raxx’s body behind hers. He leant over the top of her, tugging Gaia’s reins from her outstretched hand.
“Trust her to make her own way, princess. The mare can handle herself.”
Gaia shook her head and after shifting from hoof to hoof, carefully dropped her front legs over the edge.
“Thank you,” Faye murmured, turning to glance over her shoulder at Raxx. The shadow demon had already moved away and had continued along the pathway.
* * *
Twilight had long since draped itself over the frozen wilds when Faye finally stood on flat, solid ground once more. She stepped out from the rocks, instantly barraged by blisteringly cold winds. Wet snow pelted her and she grasped the trim of her cloak, holding the hood in place. Protected by the narrow passageway, they had been blissfully unaware of the snowstorm that had been howling around them.
Behind her, Gaia snorted with relief as the mare exited the small mouth in the cliff face. It was so narrow, the saddlebags scraped against the rocks. Faye snatched the reins back into her fist before Gaia got too far.
The princess glanced back over her shoulder, shielding her eyes against the blustering winds. Snow whipped at her delicate skin and she tugged her scarf up over her mouth. It was getting darker by the second and Faye could feel anxiety beginning to bubble up in her chest. Her eyes scanned around the gloom of heavy snow for Raxx. Just as she opened her mouth to call for him, a large hand took hold of her elbow.
“We need to find shelter,” the demon shouted to her.
Faye assumed the demon could have easily avoided the worst of this weather in his incorporeal form, and yet he maintained a firm hold on her arm as they entered the dense forest. She was oddly comforted by his physical presence and leant into his touch. The princess led Gaia along by her reins and they hurried into the cover of the woods, as quickly as they were able.
“We don’t have much daylight left. Once we get somewhere a little more sheltered, I’ll help you with the tent.” Raxx paused. “I don’t think evenIwould be able to light a fire in this storm, princess.”
The princess didn’t respond. She just stared blankly ahead, trying to mask the impending terror she felt lingering beneath the surface. Faye’s gut churned. No fire – just dark, menacing wilderness and howling winds. The pines swayed above them in the ferocious gale.
“Will you—”
“Stay with you again? Of course.” Raxx’s expression was serious, but there was the softness of sympathy in his eyes. Faye broke her gaze away from his, feeling foolish for being so cowardly.
“I’d really appreciate it,” she replied, swallowing back her embarrassment.
