Seduce Me ~ The Path To Forgiveness

Path Two, Step Seven: Eye of the Storm

Breakfast is lively as they discuss their training regime and strategy in the event something does attack and I sit in comfortable silence as I listen to them talk. I'm relieved albeit a bit surprised at how easily they believed my tale, none showing any signs of questioning my past and even arguing against me in my defense, and touched by how determined they all seem to be, particularly Matthew who enthusiastically offers suggestions throughout the conversation. While I know they believe they owe my father a great debt, and though I may be reading too deeply into it, it feels as though they truly care for my safety and I'm all the more grateful to them for it.

I pull open the curtains that cover the glass doors as the others file out to begin their first day of training and am surprised to find as I turn back around that Matthew has lingered behind, looking a bit nervous.

"What're you gonna do today?" He asks before I have the chance to inquire if something is wrong.

"Watch you guys train, of course." I reply with a smile, as though this should be obvious, but he doesn't respond, looking down at the floor and tapping his foot nervously.

"Matthew, is something.."

"My name." He blurts out suddenly, cutting me off, and I stare at him questioningly.

"I want you to know my name, in case something happens." His face flushes, his eyes remaining downcast, and I can understand why. Knowing a demons name is a rare thing, a very personal thing, as it grants the person the ability to summon them wherever they may be. Though they aren't forced to answer the call, if they've entrusted you with that power even the gates of heaven or hell couldn't stop them.

"Matthew, are you sure? I know you're worried but you don't need to do this."

"I want to, it's not a big deal." He shrugs nonchalantly, his eyes filled with apprehension as though he's unsure if I'll accept his offer, but we both know this isn't the case.

"If you're sure." I reply simply, doing my best not to hint at the comfort it would give me to have a guardian at my disposal as I want his choice to be his own. A bright smile lights up his face at my response and he moves closer as though worried someone may overhear, and who knows in my twisted reality someone might, before whispering softly.

"Zecaeru." Simply a word but such power radiates from it that it takes all of my willpower not to speak it myself just to know how it would feel. It etches itself across the cracks of my glass mind, a promise that I'll never be alone or helpless again, and the fear I hadn't even realized was lingering inside of me fades away.

"If you ever need me just call, I promise I'll be there." He smiles warmly, reassuringly, and before he has the chance to move away I throw my arms around him and hug him tightly.

"Thank you, Matthew. This means a lot to me."

"Me too." Matthew mumbles softly, so softly that I'm sure he hadn't intended me to hear, but before I have the chance to respond someone clears their throat and we quickly turn our attention to the doorway.

"We're losing daylight here, what the hell is taking you so long? You can hang out with your girlfriend later, let's go." Sam smirks as we both turn a similar shade of crimson and Matthew hurries after his brother, waving to me as they disappear from sight.

I seat myself at the table with a steaming cup of coffee, so sweet one could hardly call it coffee anymore, making sure to have a good vantage point as I watch them train, though it's less training and more being pummeled by Sam. I'm surprised to find that quiet Damien seems to be the only one able to keep up with him, almost as if he knows where Sam will be, but after a while he, too, begins to slow while Sam has yet to break a sweat. I also find that despite their unearthly speed I have no trouble following the fight, knowing they should be nothing more than streaks of blurred color yet watching their movements with crystal clarity.