Raxx stopped to survey a small patch of flat, open ground. He dug his boot into the snow, checking for hidden rocks and debris beneath the surface. When he waved her over, Faye hurried to join him.
“Come on, we should try to clear away some of this snow and set up here.”
Once Gaia was tethered securely to a nearby tree, Faye unstrapped her possessions and lay the tent equipment out on the snow. With shaking hands and chattering teeth, she began assembling the various wooden rods. Raxx knelt and dug his gloved hands through the snow, clearing a small area. They worked quickly and silently. Faye focussed her attention on constructing her tent, trying to brazen out the panic she felt building inside as it became steadily darker.
By the time the tent was standing tall, it was difficult to see through the dim light. She hugged her belongings tightly to her chest and turned to glance through the darkness at Gaia. Faye’s heart was hammering as she struggled to make out the mare’s large body through the darkness.
“I-I’ve got to see to Gaia,” she murmured, trying to ignore how her voice shook.
“Get in the tent.” Raxx instructed.
“But I—”
“I will sort the horse. Get in the tent.”
Faye hesitated, eyeing the demon warily. He rolled his eyes.
“I know how to care for a horse.”
With one last look out at the darkness, Faye fell to her knees and clambered into the mouth of the tent. She had barely unrolled her bedding before she began frantically snapping her fingers, trying in vain to summon the enchantment Raxx had taught her. Bright sparks flew and Faye gritted her teeth, angry with her shaking hands. Just as panic threatened to overwhelm her, a bright flame burst to life. She sagged with relief as it lit the dark tent.
Faye took a deep, steadying breath and stared into the bright flames that were dancing on her palm. If she just stared at the enchantment, she could almost forget the darkness surrounding her. She wasn’t sure how long she had been watching the flames, but Faye jumped when Raxx came barrelling into the tent, clearly in a hurry to be out of the storm.
“You’re a quick study,” Raxx muttered, nodding his head towards the flames. After shaking off as much wet snow as he could, the demon crawled further into the tent and lay down heavily. Faye remained bolt upright; legs tucked beneath her. A few, tense moments of silence elapsed. The winds whipped at the canvas tent, cracking and snapping with the force of the storm.
Raxx cleared his throat. “The horse is fine. She was a little spooked by the weather, but I noticed you had a nosebag in one of the satchels still attached to the saddle. When she eventually let me get close enough to strap it to her, she seemed to settle.” Another long pause. “Are you alright?”
Faye shook her head quickly, not trusting herself to talk, and continued to stare into the flames. She heard the demon sigh as he shifted himself into a more comfortable position.
“Here, let me. You only just learnt that yesterday – it must be difficult trying to maintain that enchantment.” The demon raised his hand beside hers. His fist burst into a shock of bright purple flames and Faye slumped, allowing her majick to fade. Her arm fell heavily to her side. With nothing to hold her focus, Faye felt shame burning a hole in her gut.
“I’m so sorry, I know it’s ridiculous and I’m a grown woman and I shouldn’t be so pathetic but—” she stuttered.
“It’s fine. Everyone is afraid of something.” Raxx shrugged.
“Really? Even you?”
“Well, maybe not everyone.”
Faye shook her head, lips curling into a smile. Before she could help herself, a small laugh escaped her.
“Will it make you feel better if I keep this going until you fall asleep?” Raxx gestured to his enchantment.
Faye didn’t respond immediately, just glanced down at her hands in her lap. Now her panic was beginning to subside, she felt foolish. A hot blush rose to her cheeks. “Would that be okay?” she asked.
“Yes.”
Faye awkwardly shuffled around until she was able to lay down on her back beside Raxx. She felt hot. Was this tent smaller than she remembered? The demon seemed much closer than the last time they shared this space. His wide shoulders touched hers. The princess wriggled to get comfortable, but didn’t move away. They lay beside one another in silence for a long while. Raxx held his hand up above them and Faye watched the eerie lilac flames flickering. A small smile crept onto her face.
“Is your arm aching yet?” she whispered.
“Yes,” Raxx whispered back.
Faye chuckled and a small snort escaped her suddenly. She clasped her hands over her face, mortified. Raxx laughed loudly and, despite her embarrassment, Faye dissolved into giggles once more. Tears of mirth sprang to her eyes. It was the first time she had heard the demon laugh properly – he had scoffed and smirked at her countless times, but this… This was different. She had gotten so used to seeing his face serious and emotionless, it was quite shocking to see him laughing.
Eventually Raxx sighed and turned his head. Faye met his gaze and his grin faded. The demon’s expression fell suddenly serious and that familiar troubled frown reappeared on his brow.
“Is everything alright?” she asked.
