Jack went over to Ao's house; he had left them for three hours already. He glided towards the snow, leaving small traces of ice behind, holding his staff pointed downwards.
He reached the small shed. He knocked on the door slowly, waiting for a response.
"Aos? Mila?"
"Ma—"
He stuttered.
"Arya?"
The door opened. Inside, Maya was wearing a loose shirt over her. Her hair was slightly wet, falling down her shoulders. She was drying her hair with a towel while opening the door.
Jack stood still, his face a little red at the sight.
Maya spoke.
"Hey!"
He nervously scratched his face and spoke.
"Where are they?"
She replied with a smile.
"They went to get firewood."
"I stayed and took a shower."
"Come in."
She made way for him to pass through.
Are all daughters of royalty this carefree?
Jack entered the shed. It was a warm place. Now bigger than before, it held two beds—one for Aos and the other for Mila. Everything was placed tightly. The kitchen and… the people. They sat in Ao's bed. Jack was sitting close to her.
She spoke excitedly her cheeks glimmering in red.
"Oh, do you know people here warm their water with fire before using it?"
"Oh, and look, this towel kind of rashes my hair."
"And these clothes are actually quite comfortable. They are made of cotton by a kind man down the road."
She pulled out a small carton bag from behind her.
"Look, I bought two."
Jack smiled.
" I am glad you like it here…"
Jack spoke in a more serious tone. Looking at the floor.
"Maya."
She blinked a couple of times, confused by his attitude.
"Yes?"
"You… need to go already."
She dropped the bag to the floor, making it echo in the small shed. Her expression changed into a frown.
"What? Why?"
"It's dangerous for you."
"Something is attacking the villages nearby."
"A monster is killing people, or maybe even him. My uncle."
Jack made his hands into fists.
"You can't be here… not anymore."
Maya's face frowned further..
"How do you know that?"
Jack still looking at the floor spoke.
"That friend I told you about, he visited the villages"
Maya spoke worriedly.
"And you?"
"Aren't you going to leave?"
"You told me how strong he was."
Jack sighed.
"I'm resting here for three days. After that…"
"I'm going to the other villages."
Maya stood up, her voice now determined.
"I'm going with you."
Jack's eyes shook in confusion.
"What?"
She crossed her arms.
"I'm going."
Jack's eyes widened slightly.
"No."
"You are the daughter of a monarch."
Maya's face twisted, she spoke nervously.
"You are also tied to a Monarch!"
"I'm helping you. There's no other lineage heir here, aside from the man you mentioned."
Jack shook his head both ways.
"He left. He's going to rescue the survivors of the destroyed villages."
"I just have to make sure that those in the other villages are safe."
Maya walked in the small room her hands slightly shaking. Going front to back as if speaking to herself…
"Even more of a reason for me to stay."
"You can't do it… Not alone, Jack."
"If he appears you might not survive again"
"You don't have Miche's help anymore. You won't make it."
She turned and faced him, meeting his gaze.
Jack stood up. His voice was calm, yet with a hint of anger.
"Watch me."
"I'm not letting that happen."
Maya gritted her teeth.
" You are not taking this by yourself."
"Just accept help!"
"Is that how you are, you just push people off?"
Mayas voice now with a hint of anger.
"If I knew that I wouldn't have come here."
Jack eyes grew wider at her words. He nervously shouted.
"Because I don't want to lose someone again!"
"First my parents, and then Miche, after he was already dying!"
He turned both of his hands into fists.
"Not you too…"
Maya's gaze turned even more furious. Getting closer to Jack with a strong step—making the wood screech underneath.
"THAT WON'T HAPPEN TO ME!"
Jack's eyes trembled.
"How do you know…?!"
"I don't think a fragile girl like you could do anything anyway!"
"Your life has been served on a silver platter!"
Maya froze. Her voice trembled, still her teeth grinding against each other.
"Fragile?"
"How would you know my life…"
Jack took another step toward Maya, their faces only inches from touching. He lowered his voice, still filled with anger.
"Yes. Fragile, weak…"
Maya's eyes shook, turning slightly teary. She took a step back.
"Really?"
"That's what you think?"
She wiped her face of a small tear that dropped from her cheek in an attempt to hide it.
"I won't leave—whether you like it or not. Whether it be with you or without you."
" I know how to fight, you saw it firsthand Jack…"
Maya stormed out of the shed, grabbing her coat before leaving, slamming the door behind her.
Jack gave a regretful look and then sighed.
He sat back down, prompting himself to lie down on Ao's bed, his eyes slightly teary. He wiped off his teary eyes.
Damn it.
Please, I don't want to lose someone else…
His heart still racing, he looked at the ceiling remembering his words filled with regret. Her face as she shed a tear.
He closed his eyes.
Jack felt tired… His body still ached from the previous battle. And now… He was emotionally drained. The soft bed and pillow comforted him. He closed his eyes, finally letting himself rest.