What Is Love? | My Inner Demons x Reader

Chapter 32: Be There For Me... {Asch's Route}

~(Y/n)'s PoV~

Though I was ready to stay with Ava and Pierce for awhile longer, I couldn't help but wonder how Asch was doing. I hoped he didn't get angry because of something that Ava and I said; I didn't mean to impose, though Ava probably didn't care because of the 'hot tub.' I sigh as I get to my feet. "I'm... gonna go turn in for the night."

Pierce nods to me. "Would you like me to walk you to your room?"

"No, I'm alright, but thank you." I gave him a small wave of my hand as I turned away and walked out of the room. I glance back at him through the doorway and when I see that he isn't looking and stop to the side and wander up the stairs. That's where I saw Asch go, but I'm not sure how large this palace is. For all I know, it may take me hours to find him.

I make it to the top and place my bets on the path that leads right and down a dimly lit corridor. I walk through the doorway, dragging my fingers along the ornate engravings on the wallpaper as I go. The palace is almost completely silent, other than the subtle crackle of flames from the candles mounted on the walls. I try to keep my footsteps quiet, but the way my bare feet hit the marble floor makes a faint noise with every step.

I suddenly become all too aware that I'm dressed in my underwear and that my clothes had been left by the pool. I huff and cover my body with my arms as much as I can, hoping Asch doesn't call me out on it if and when I find him. I contemplate whether or not I should go back to get my clothes, but I decide against it and keep walking.

A few more minutes pass of silence in the dimly lit hall before my body is forced to the side. The cold surface of the wall on my bare skin sends shivers down my spine. My limbs tense and a small squeak of surprise escapes me. When I look up, I'm met with the familiar coal-colored eyes of my attacker. "(Y/n)?"

"A-Asch..." He pulls away from with an annoyed huff.

"You shouldn't be here..." He mutters. "I thought you were an intruder, you could've been killed."

I step away from him, feeling my ears burn as I rub the back of my neck. "Sorry..."

Asch crosses his arms. "It doesn't matter... Why are you here?"

"I wanted to check on you, actually." I admit. "You stormed off so suddenly back there and I wanted to make sure Ava or I didn't offend you or something."

Asch scoffs, turning away. "You did nothing wrong, I just dislike the idle talk. My knights and I have more important things to think about than you..."

I nod, looking down at the floor. "Right..." A random chill brushes by me, making my bare skin get goosebumps. I'm prepared to turn away and go get warm in my room when the prince speaks up.

"Aren't you cold like that?" He asks, his eyes roaming my half-naked body.

My face burns under his gaze, but I force a nod. "Y-Yeah... A little." I sigh. "I'm probably just going to head back to my room and-" Before I can finish, he takes my arm and starts walking, leading me along behind him. I try to get a word out, a question, an objection, something... but nothing comes out. I decide to put my trust in him this time and let him take me wherever he's taking me.

We walk down the corridor, his hand gripping tightly onto his wrists. Compared to my footsteps, his sound so intense and purposeful. I guess that's the part of him that makes him more... princely. Other than that, I can't really see him being a royal; He's weirdly human in his own way with his edginess and anger issues. Those thoughts resonate with me for a moment. Anger issues...