"For I have derived much joy and comfort

  from your love, my brother, because the hearts

  of the saints have been refreshed though you."

  - Book of Philemon ESV 1:7

  Nicodemus was not one to eavesdrop however; hearing Ruth raise her voice peaked his curiosity. "I'M NOT IN LOVE WITH THE EMPEROR!" he stood behind the door and crossed his arms. He heard a slap and grabbed his dagger from his belt, if Micah dared to touch her he would suffer the highest consequence. He heard a laugh and both their voices got softer. Debating if going in would be the right choice he pressed his ear closer to the door. He felt silly, Nicodemus shouldn't care what anyone thought of him, he is above all, and besides this is his house he can walk in and out as he pleases. Hearing his title being thrown with ease, pushed his final decision, he was going to step inside. He reached to touch the door handle, although the door was opened by Ruth, she looked annoyed. Nicodemus moved out of the way.

  "I hope you can marry me one day." Micah said, well, Nicodemus heard. His voice was soft, and he looked defeated. Ruth walked away and did not bother to respond to his last comment. She even moved Nicodemus aside, not greeting him at the door, that's how he knew she was upset about whatever was spoken previously.

  "Marriage? Trying to court my staff, Micah?" He responded, Micah turned around and made a face of disgust, Nicodemus took a deep breath as if not phased by what he just said.

  "I would go for someone who wasn't previously being courted. I do not think you are Ruth's type either." He bit his tongue to hold back from laughing at Micah's reaction.

  "Come again?" Micah stood up.

  "Sit." Nicodemus said snapping his fingers, Micah listened to the command. The two men sat across from one another, Nicodemus did not know where this conversation was headed. In fact he did not once stop to think about the situation before hand. He wondered if he perhaps misheard something.

  "I was not talking to you." Micah explained.

  "Ruth is engaged. If she is who you wish to court, you are a few months too late."

  "I- I do not want to court anyone!" Micah asserted.

  Nicodemus tried to hold back his laugh. He now understood that he most likely did mishear the conversation. He felt bad for listening in to something that didn't correspond with him. Yet, getting a chance to annoy Micah was one he always took advantage of.

  "I heard Ruth yell at you." he said, there was a curiosity in his face. The kind that tried to say 'tell me more.' He hoped Micah would get the message with just a facial expression. Micah stared at him blankly, Nicodemus stared back.

  "She did, however it does not concern you."

  Nicodemus nodded in agreement. He would just have to ask Ruth later that day. Nicodemus had felt some guilt in the past few days, Micah had been trapped in the same room day and night with only being allowed to speak to the same three maids, Ruth or himself. Yes, he was still a prisoner, truthfully Nicodemus had slowly begun to see him as more than just that. Originally, he was going to have Ruth offer him a chance to walk through the palace, apart from seeing the way their last meeting played out, that choice would not be the wisest. He hoped that with offering him palace freedom, Micah would be willing to cooperate and finally resolve the elephant in the room; 'How can you earn your freedom, without causing a war.'

  "Your Majesty!" A guard ran in, Micah and Nicodemus both stood up fast and looked at the guard. He seemed out of breath as if he had run here to meet them. The guard took his helmet off, His messy brown hair covered in sweat, he had teal blue eyes, and deep dimples. He also had some light facial stubble, the guards were quite busy these past few days. Dimitri took his glasses off cleaning them with his shirt before speaking once again.

  "Samyaza requests your presence." he was a bit more put together now, fixing his shirt and standing straight.

  "Dimitri, where did you come from?" Nicodemus asked, he got close to him. Nicodemus was concerned about the guard, his glasses seemed to be loose. He took them off of the man and checked them, a screw was indeed missing "They seem broken. Why have you not gotten new ones?" he handed them back.

  "I have new ones being made, to answer your previous question; I was with Ruth. We went to check up on Samyaza and he asked to see you." Dimitri was close to Nicodemus, he was one of the guards who was a bit older yet it was hard to tell with his personality. Dimitri was about Nicodemus' height although he had a bit more muscle on him. He knew about Micah nonetheless this was the first time they met, Nicodemus looked back at Micah who crossed his arms. Micah had the same deadpan expression from earlier.

  "I see, I am glad he has finally awoken. Give me a few before we leave." He realized Micah's face now carried a sour expression. He felt his stomach drop. He wanted to speak although he could not muster up the correct words. He had come with plans to settle things once and for all, simply now it seemed like bad timing.

  "Don't let me stop you, I'll be here all day." Micah said, Nicodemus opened his mouth to say something merely fought against it once again. He would have to clear the air between them eventually. He had that thought in mind all day, he just could not seem to get time alone with the other, a distraction would always appear. Nicodemus cracked his knuckles before heading out asking Dimitri to lead the way. He had a distaste in his mouth for the way that talk ended, he felt like a huge asshole for always putting Micah last or to the side. First, he would check on Samyaza to make sure everything was alright. He too had some questions to answer. Once he could manage to free some time, Micah would be his next priority.

  . . .

  Nicodemus followed the other man to Samyaza's room, Dimitri kept looking back at Nicodemus as if wanting to say or ask something. He slowed down his pace to give the other man time to say what was on his mind.

  "Dimitri, is there something you wish to say to me?" Nicodemus finally said, the other man just matched his pace still fidgeting with the laces on his sleeves.

  "No, Sir. Well- More or less I was just curious about something, of course you do not owe me an explanation! Ruth also was wondering the same-"

  "Ask. You are older than me, you know? If an elder has a question I will respond." Nicodemus leaned in to Dimitri's shoulder in a snarky manner. He did not lie; if a question seemed to bother the other so much or if his curiosity was that strong, he would be honest.

  "Sir. Why do you keep Micah in a guest room? I am not questioning your reasons or disagreeing, merely for someone who is allegedly a prisoner, the treatment he's getting is making the staff question you."

  "Because it's what my mother would have done." Nicodemus smiled.

  "Empress Silas, is that so?"

  "Yes, Dimitri, my mother has never kept prisoners, at least not that I know of. I keep him safe and taken care of because eventually I want him to cooperate with me. He's an Alvon, if word got around or if he escaped and left mistreated it can cause big problems between Avernita and the Holy Kingdom of Alvonia. So, I treat him with respect, make him see me as a friend and then eventually I will let him go." Nicodemus had this planned out since the day they locked Micah up, and hurting other humans was also something he did not enjoy. Micah would be set free under the condition that nothing would be said about it, a blood oath would be signed with both seals and life would go back to normal.

  "Your Majesty, aren't blood oaths a little too extreme?"

  "Yes, otherwise if it means preventing a war or worst case scenario, an attack, then it’s worth it. Plus, I won’t break the oath, only those who break it get the mark."

  "I understand now. How are you sure the Alvon will willingly do it?"

  "If he doesn't, then he's a fool. Samyaza will then be in charge of him."

  Dimitri decided it was best to not ask anymore questions, and the two men knocked on the door before Ruth let them in. Nicodemus didn't know what to expect, as he had almost fully avoided seeing or asking about Samyaza. His anxiety would have gotten in the way and if all Samyaza needed was rest, then that was the least he could provide. Buer bowed to the emperor before lightly pulling on his arm for him to follow. Nicodemus felt a drop in the pit of his stomach, it couldn't be good. He wanted to run towards Samyaza, ask him as many questions as possible and demand answers.

  "Your Majesty, Samyaza has lost something precious to him. He is healing nevertheless, I am afraid a time bomb has been set off." Buer looked nervous, there were clear signs that he was avoiding something. Nicodemus rubbed his temples, all he wanted to hear was that his friend would be better. Buer seemed hesitant to continue. "Follow me." he led the way for Nicodemus.

  "Do you know about the three holy oaths?" Buer asked, while washing his hands. A nurse pulled out a silk wrap for Buer to dry them on.

  "Somewhat, I just spoke to Dimitri about about the 'Blood oath'."

  "Great, how well do you know the 'No speak oath'?"

  "I've heard of it."

  "Samyaza, broke the oath." Buer said, he looked at Nicodemus as if waiting for a response before saying, "He is not allowed to speak about the oath or what happened, and as more is exposed the divine thorns sink deeper into his skin. He will ultimately die. I have managed to hold it off for the time being, simply I am afraid I cannot do any more. The 'No Speak Oath' chokes the victim as more of what is not to be said or shown is exposed. Do you remember what you saw the day the Empress passed?"

  "Vaguely, I do not remember much, how does this relate to Samyaza breaking the oath? Did he betray my mother?"

  "No, he would never. Besides, I am afraid I do not have the answers. Samyaza also will not be able to tell you more. If you speak to him today, forgive him as he cannot say who and why." Buer bowed to Nicodemus before turning back and walking away.

  Nicodemus had a headache now. He knew enough about the three holy oaths, Blood, No Speak and Sacred Heart, each had their own punishment if broken. Sacred Heart being the extreme, if a person broke the Sacred Heart their own heart ignites in flames and death is unavoidable in the span of a week. No Speak gains a crown of thorns around their neck, the more that is exposed by the person, they choke and spit blood out, it’s a slow and painful death usually, the person is known to last about three months. Last and least severe, Blood Oath. Two individuals cut their palms and hold hands, the oath is spoken and sealed by the mixing of blood. If one breaks the promise or oath a wide hole appears in the middle of their palm, flesh is eaten away from rot and one is forever marked with gauged holes in their palms. Wether Royal or civilian, oaths were never broken. Nicodemus made his way back to Samyaza’s room, he walked to the bed and noticed bandages around his neck and back.

  "Good Morning Nico." Samyaza smiled.

  "Your bandages, can I see how bad the cuts look?" Nicodemus wanted to get straight to the point, he wanted to make sense of his questions, he reached out and pulled down the fabric, then his eyes widened. Samyaza covered his back and reached out to grab Nicodemus, it was too late. He felt a vision of the past fill his head. "Your wings." he whispered. Samyaza, tried to step out of the bed, to pull him back before he hit the wall. There Nicodemus remembered, his mom’s scream, Samyaza's silver wings and the Giant. Nicodemus began to tremble "STOP!" he heard his mom screaming his name, “THAT'S ENOUGH!!" Nicodemus yelled again, as nurses rushed into the room surrounding him. The cicadas got louder, 'BE NOT AFRAID' echoed in his head. Nicodemus fell to the floor pulling at his hair. He tried to cover his ears from the echos. His finger nails started to scratch his neck, finally he managed to lower his hands slamming them against the marble floors.

  "I can't breathe." He gasped, his throat felt dry, and his lower lip was trembling. "I feel like I'm going to die, I don't want to die," He reached up to his own throat feeling around as if trying to remove a chain, and he heard the voice again, he felt the rush as if he were re-living the past. Samyaza knew it was better to stay away, he grabbed a pillow and placed it on ground to protect Nicodemus from further hurting himself. He called for back up.

  "Your majesty!" Ruth ran in, trying to hold Nicodemus’ arms, pulling them away from causing more damage and slamming them on the ground. "Your majesty, it’s okay! Please, relax!" Nicodemus felt his heart beat out of his chest, he felt tense and his muscles were tight. He began to shake uncontrollably and his shortness of breath had become worse. He could hardly face her, and his pupils were dilated. Ruth sat next him holding his arms. Nicodemus was strong, and his hands were locked together. Ruth had managed to bring comfort to him, just a bit to control his outbreak.

  "What do you see? Name three things." Ruth said, her main goal was for him to be able to take back full control. Nicodemus tried to look up and focus on three items.

  "Bed, Samyaza, Ruth." he said, his voice became even more shaky as he tried to focus.

  "Good! yes, good. Now, three things you can hear." Ruth had dealt with this before, it wasn't the first time Nicodemus has had a panic attack, she sat next to him still holding his wrists and started to tap the wall in a small count. "Tapping, I-I-I hear tapping, water, and Ruth’s voice." he said, his breaths slowed. Nicodemus’ heart slowly began to beat normally again. Ruth let his arms go and caressed his head. He rested against her chest, still trembling as he gained more focus and awareness.

  "Good, now last one, I want you to move three things." Ruth offered Nicodemus a pen, a cup of water and a towel. He grabbed the pen and fidgeted it between his fingers. Then switched it with the water and took a sip. Lastly, using the towel to dry his mouth and placing it neatly on the floor. Ruth relaxed. Nicodemus tried harder to control his breathing and gain back full control of his body, forcing the shakes to stop. Samyaza got up and kneeled on the floor. He cupped Nicodemus face and pulled him into a hug.

  "I'm sorry, Nicodemus I'm so so sorry. Please forgive me." He said, rubbing the emperor’s back and kissing the top of his head. Nicodemus felt ashamed, he hadn't had an attack this bad in a while. He thought he was doing better than before. Why was he the one being cared for when Samyaza was in pain? Nicodemus released himself from Samyaza’s hug.

  "Go lay down. I can talk now. Ruth... Bring me more water and something to eat. I will be fine now." Ruth seemed to hesitate although she followed the orders given to her. Nicodemus had had his fair share of panic attacks in the last month, this was the most violent one as of late. Nicodemus knew how to fight them off, controlling himself became second nature after the first few attacks. He brought a chair over and looked at his palms and knuckles, they stung and the pain settled in. Nicodemus relaxed and tried to release the tension in his back and sunk deeper into the chair. Feeling Samyaza’s eyes on him, he wiped his face with his shirt while taking in one last deep breath. He was here to get answers, he was tired of being clueless and he felt endless embarrassment. Nicodemus wanted to leave and almost forget everything that had happened today, he was tired and everything just seemed so foggy for him.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  "Tell me about your wings. Why am I just now finding out you have- had...wings" Nicodemus frowned, he felt as if his entire life had secrets he did not know about. Remembering what Buer told him, getting clean answers was not going to happen. He held hope that Samyaza would be able to explain himself to the best of his ability.

  "You were not supposed to find out, I broke an oath."

  "With who?" Nicodemus asked "My mother? Was she hiding something as well? How many more things will I have to find out on my own cause no one here can tell me anything? Here, now you have this stupid oath so even I cannot trust you to tell me anything!"

  "Your Majesty, no, if I say more…Who will you have to guide you? I have three months, nevertheless if i expose more I am not so sure how fast the thorns will react."

  "HOW WILL YOU EVEN GUIDE ME IF YOU CANNOT TELL ME ANYTHING? You will die, Samyaza! You are all I have now." Nicodemus felt his eyes water, his headache only got worse from here, extending from the front of his head to the back and now his neck. Samyaza coughed and grabbed a towel as blood oozed out from his mouth again. He started to wheeze, slightly when trying to speak. Nicodemus handed him a glass of water, panicking would not solve anything now. Death was unavoidable when it came to the “No Speak” oath, delaying it was possible simply only one thing was certain.

  "I cannot tell you, other than that, one man can. There is actually a way to cut the thorns as well." Samyaza cleared his throat. "Your mother and I were in search of him. If the story is true and he exists, then so does the sword. The man we were looking for, his name is Enoch."

  Nicodemus knew of the name, Enoch was the son of Jared and father of Methuselah, grandson of Adam and grandfather of Moses. He was known to have never died, legend has it that God himself took Enoch. Enoch could prophecy the end of times and knew the beginning and the end. Nicodemus scratched the back of his head. So, his mother and Samyaza had a plan to find this sword before her passing?

  "Wasn't it said that God himself took Enoch with him when he died?"

  "Enoch lives, I know of a man who has met him. Your mother and I planned to find Enoch before she passed away, I will go on this journey once my back heals and I promise to guide you once I am back." Samyaza said, Nicodemus stood up.

  "Nonsense. I cannot have you risk your life more. Who do I need to find? If you and mom were planning this trip and failed, I'll make sure to do whatever it takes. I have men, and horses, just tell me where to go."

  "Enoch is not in Avernita directly, he stays in the border between Alvonia and Avernita, and you have not once left the empire? You will need a guide, let me go with you."

  "I have a guide. One whose life is meaningless. I will take the Alvon with me." Nicodemus refused to hear Samyaza out. He would never risk his life, if he could barely talk without spitting blood. He already was already weak. Nicodemus needed someone who knew their way around, and if Micah managed to come to Avernita, clearly he could manage a trip back to Alvonia. It all made sense, If Micah truly wanted his freedom, he would help Nicodemus find Enoch, get the sword and save Samyaza. Once they returned his freedom will be granted, and no one would be able to hurt Micah as long as he lives since he would be under the emperor’s protection.

  "You trust the Alvon?"

  "..."

  Samyaza sighed, "Nicodemus, look at me when I am speaking to you. Do you trust the Alvon?

  "Not really. He is unpredictable, and is known to blurt out stupidity. His life is on the line. I do not care if I need to sacrifice him, he can fight and once again, if he's from Alvonia then he would be able to know his way-"

  "No, you're not thinking straight. Do not think with your heart more than your head."

  "I am thinking with my head." Nicodemus stated.

  "What if he betrays you?"

  "That is why I will make a Blood oath-"

  "Nonsense!" Samyaza got up and faced Nicodemus. He knew Samyaza would never be on board with this. He was also correct, Nicodemus was thinking with his heart. Still he refused and fought back.

  "I said, I will be going and that is final. I will be taking Ruth as well. Have them prepare me three horses, food and weapons." He commanded, Samyaza knew he could not disobey the emperor’s direct orders. Nicodemus was stubborn; the other knew well enough how far Nicodemus would go. They continued to argue with one another, Samyaza still refusing to let Nicodmeus go without him. He tried hard to convince him that it was not the choice of an emperor. That he wasn't even in the best of conditions to take on such tasks. Samyaza seemed almost defeated, that’s when Nicodemus turned and began to walk out. He had made up his mind and he was not about to change it. He felt a tug at his sleeve and turned.

  "I cannot win against you."Samyaza admitted before Nicodemus was let go. "You're a stubborn man. At least, let me help you as much as I can. I have a map. I do not know if you remember, when your mother passed, and the giant followed us, he asked for a map."

  "You said you did not have it."

  “We do not always tell the truth, and besides, I planned to do this trip alone. The map will take you to the twin ghost cities, You can only enter once the sun has fully set and the gates open at mid-night. Keep in mind you must leave before sun rises."

  "A place like that exists?"

  "There is a lot that exists, everything written by the prophets and that which you've read about. When you go into the cities, he will know who you are. My friend will help you and explain what I cannot."

  He thought for a moment, Nicodemus had read many books in his life. He knew many historical names and how many of the stories he read contained creatures such as Nephilims, Demons, Angels and ghosts. He just didn't believe they existed before, in a short span of time, they all became real. A creature from his books stood right in front of him too.

  “Samyaza...who really are you?"

  "Find Cain, I think its time you found out who you are. Bring me back the sword, and I swear on my life, I will explain everything."

  Samyaza slowly walked to the drawer and grabbed a few items covered in silk, and handed them to Nicodemus. Nicodemus looked down at the cloth and rested them on a table, he felt too unsure of everything now. He uncovered the items and inside was a collar, a leash and small notebook. Nicodemus turned to Samyaza and frowned.

  "Is this some kind of joke?"

  "Not at all, he was supposed to be a birthday gift to you from your mother. He's a strong dog, great at smelling and knows how to hunt. His name is Virgil, he will be your guide and will easily lead you where you need to go." Samyaza patted his head and asked him to follow along. Nicodemus held the collar between both hands. He felt a mix of emotions, unsure how to react or what questions to ask. They didn't walk far, as Samyaza began to feel pain again, instead he called upon Dimitri and asked him to bring the dog to them. The two of them leaned near a wall waiting in silence, little foot taps were heard running on marble floors, Nicodemus straightened his back and saw a large white figure coming closer, he had copper eyes and thick fur. Nicodemus kneeled down and opened his arms, and the dog ran right into him knocking him down licking his face. Dimitri ran behind the dog gasping for air.

  "YOUR MAJESTY!"

  “It's alright Dimitri, Nicodemus seems to be having fun." Samyaza laughed, Nicodemus blocked his face and tried his best to lock the collar on, finally managing to say "Sit!" Virgil got off of him, and sat straight with his tongue out. Nicodemus smiled and locked the leash. He got down to the wolf-dog’s level and scratched behind his ears. He had asked his mother for a pet for years, it was a little strange getting his one wish now.

  "He is well-trained for the most part, the notebook contains the commands and his stats. How fast he is, his bite strength and power. He's a military dog, aside from that he knows how to have fun. If you plan to go on this trip without me, Virgil is going. If the Alvon pulls a sneaky trick on you, count on him at all times." Samyaza turned around and started to walk away. Nicodemus got up handing the leash to Dimitri before running and hugging Samyaza from the back. He buried his face in his spine and squeezed. Samyaza turned his body and gave Nicodemus a hug back. Nicodemus felt the bumps from where his wings once were, 'when I come back, you have a hell of a lot of explaining to do.' he thought, then let go.

  "Please stay safe." Samyaza whispered

  "I will, I will come back and get that curse off of you. You better be prepared to explain everything to me in details." Nicodemus felt tears running down from his eyes. This would be the first time he had left home alone. He didn't want to fully admit he was nervous, he was so scared in fact. Nicodemus wished he had left the palace earlier in his life, or at least wished he knew more about the world he was now going to explore.

  "Virgil will help with the panic attacks as well. Make sure he is always by your side. I love you, kid."

  "I love you too. Go get rest please. I’ll be set to leave tomorrow."

  . . .

  Nicodemus laid on the floor of his room, his head resting on Virgil. He opened the book of commands and read through them all one by one. Virgil was a smart dog, he had easy commands and knew plenty of useful tricks. He turned his head and fur filled his nose making him sneeze. Virgil tilted his head and licked Nicodemus' nose.

  "Thanks, I'm curious… Did you meet mom? I have asked her for a dog for years, and here you are now." Nicodemus asked, Virgil laid back down closing his eyes. "I am going to assume you did not hear me. I am surprised they kept you hidden from me so well, never did I hear you bark or know about your existence till now." Nicodemus felt silly talking to a dog, yet there was a small sense of comfort knowing that at least he could pretend someone was listening to him.

  Tomorrow he would meet with Micah and Ruth and head south, a few maids came inside letting him know Micah was on board and prepared to travel with them. Ruth had already confirmed her assistance as well, all that was left was for Nicodemus to prepare himself and a few supplies. The plan was they would each ride a horse that carried enough water and food for all four. The entire journey shouldn't last longer than a month. Getting to the cities’ location would be a three day trip, there they would meet Cain, who would guide them to Enoch. The plan was pretty simple, and seemed easy to follow. Before they leave tomorrow Nicodemus would say his farewells and gather the last bit of information he can.

  Not many people knew how Nicodemus looked like, nor did many of the Avernician citizens acknowledge the fact that their emperor was only twenty-one. That night the court room advised Nicodemus to keep a low profile and to call himself a simple mercenary or traveler for his own safety. Many chair members still whispered and asked if it was truly a wise idea to send the emperor out with no personal soldiers and little supplies. Nicodemus would not hear to any reasoning.

  "My mother, our beloved empress, has gone on many adventures on her own before. I have been trained by the best, I carry my mother’s sword and besides, many of the men and women siting in this room have also asked themselves 'Is he fit to be emperor? He has yet to prove himself!' Therefore, that is what I plan to do today. I will find Enoch, and save Samyaza, that is my first order as Emperor. Samyaza, although sick, will lead the empire until I return. My word is final have a fucking blessed day." Nicodemus stormed off, his head was hurting and Virgil walked close behind him. He thought it was ridiculous how before the court wanted proof of his loyalty and thought of him as nothing apart from weak, yet now they try to hold him back from a simple mission and trip. Night meetings were Nicodemus' most hated times, he felt his hands clutch into a fist and his heart rate speed up as he walked through the maze of halls. Virgil ran in front of him and sat down, Nicodemus looked down at the dog and relaxed.

  The two of them walked back into their room and laid on the bed, Nicodemus felt a sense of imposter syndrome. He wondered what his mom would think of him now, would she be proud? He thought he knew everything there was to know about her, now he knows there is so much more, and here he was stuck with her untold stories, and had no idea who she really was. Would she ever have sat him down and told him them? Did she fight monsters? How many friends did she really have? Nicodemus got up and walked to the balcony. The air was humid, the moon light lit the world. He leaned on the marble looking up at the stars. Virgil followed closely behind, throwing himself on the marble floor by Nicodemus’ feet.

  "Please, Please...If you're listening God, help me." Nicodemus whispered "I am not as strong as her, please make me strong. I want nothing more than to be good. I want to make her proud." Nicodemus fell down to his knees clasping his hands in prayer. "Please make of me what you want, all I ask is for you to help me save those who are dearest to me, Father, Please." He felt a deep loneliness, as if no one was there to listen, he rested his head on top of Virgil burying his face in his fur, his knees digging into the hard, cold marble as he felt little drops of rain hit the back of his neck. Nicodemus did not feel like getting up, he wanted the pain in his chest to go away. He was tired of crying, it seemed all Nicodemus knew was how to cry. He turned to look back up at the sky which was now dark with clouds.

  "Mom, I am not sure if you're listening either. Tomorrow, will be my first time traveling alone. Why couldn't you have told me more about you? I don't even know who I am." Virgil looked over at him and licked the rain from Nicodemus’ face, he got up and bit his shirt and gently pulled on it guiding him back inside.

  Nicodemus wiped the tears from his eyes and got up allowing the dog to lead the way. He took his shirt off getting into bed, he patted the side calling for Virgil to lay besides him. It was a long night for Nicodemus, his eyes stung and his head hurt, that’s all it ever did recently. The dog rested his head on top of Nicodemus’ chest, allowing himself to be pet. Nicodemus felt a small sense of peace again, he couldn't help aside from being thankful that he had Virgil by his side now, who knew a dog would mean so much to him. His white fur glowed under the night sky, he kept eye contact with Nicodemus the entire night until finally both drifted off into a deep sleep. Tomorrow was a new day, he would prove himself to his empire. Nicodemus did not know what to expect, perhaps that kept his mind at ease, perhaps knowing nothing was better then knowing what to expect. 'Ignorance is a blessing in disguise' his father would say 'Nevertheless if one is ignorant for too long, then they would never escape the prison they create themselves in the mind.'