Memory
Cheers rose beyond the attic window.
The elf had come up here to escape the celebration, but an elf's hearing was too keen. Theorad's proposal and Ashley's joyful answer had reached her as clearly as though she were standing beside them. She pressed her hands against her ears. Even after the voices faded, she could not make herself lower them.
“…”
She sat against the head of the narrow bed, knees pulled close. Her hands trembled on them. A tired sadness hollowed her chest; she felt too heavy to move.
Why does it hurt like this?
She had always known Theorad would marry Ashley. They had loved each other since childhood. Their lives had been bound together long before the elf arrived. It was she who had intruded into that love.
And Ashley had still chosen to understand her. She had listened, forgiven enough to let her remain at Theorad's side, and treated her with a kindness she had no right to demand.
Even so…
The elf could not make herself rejoice. Again and again she told herself that she should congratulate them, while her heart refused. That was why she had hidden in the attic. If she met the newly engaged pair now and failed to hide her grief, she might wound them on what ought to be their happiest day.
How selfish of me.
Ashley belonged beside Theorad. The elf repeated that truth to herself when footsteps approached the attic door. Her heart jumped, afraid and hopeful that they might be his, then settled when she recognized the tread.
A gentle knock followed.
“Are you there?” Havid asked.
She remained silent.
“The master and Lady Ashley have been looking for you. They're worried because they haven't seen you today. I said you weren't well and needed rest, but I don't think either believed me.”
No answer.
“I know you have feelings for the master. But hiding isn't always the way to protect everyone's happiness.”
Of course she knew that. Yet what could she do while her own face would betray her? Ashley would notice, and Theorad would worry. The laughter outside would wither into pity and discomfort.
Please, let me stay here until I can truly be happy for them.
“You still don't want to come out?” Havid asked.
She lowered her head.
“Listen. An old man like me can't pretend to understand all your feelings. Perhaps my concern sounds meddlesome. But in the years I've lived, I've learned that turning away from what you feel is rarely a good answer.”
The elf stared at her knees. She could not bring herself to say that she had lived much longer than he had. His words still reached her.
“You need time. I understand. I'll tell them you've gone to sleep early. Rest until tomorrow if you want. I'll leave lunch at the door. Eat when you're hungry.”
There was a small clatter outside. His footsteps faded.
The elf buried her wet face against her knees.
Only today…
Tomorrow she would try. For today, she wanted to be alone.
After talking with Ashley for some time following the proposal, Theorad escorted her to the carriage before sunset. She was reluctant to go, but the wedding had not been held yet; staying overnight at Deharem Mansion would invite talk. She promised to tell her father and departed for the count's castle, her face still radiant.
Theorad returned to his office. He wanted to check on the elf, but Havid urged him firmly to leave her in peace for the day. He agreed, though the worry did not leave him.
Is something wrong?
Work waited. Most of the letters piled on his desk concerned the imperial household. As someone counted among the foremost contributors to Benelia's new empire, he had become a convenient contact for nobles seeking appointments and merchants eager to supply the court.
He did not intend to sell that influence. He read each appeal carefully, hoping to grant at least a hearing to capable people the former government had excluded—merchants denied contracts despite sound wares, and nobles blocked from office because of their birth.
He had been answering letters for some time when an imperial seal caught his eye.
Has Her Majesty summoned me again?
Surely not; she was busy consolidating her rule. Curious, he broke the seal and unfolded the notice.
Notice from Taidin Kaihaden, Minister of Cavalry, to the Empire's officials and subjects:
Her Majesty Benelia von Esteban seeks a stable period in which the Empire may recover and develop. Your safety and cooperation are essential to that peace.
Be vigilant against demons that entered imperial territory during the recent turmoil. The Marshal's Department, assisted by the Dawning Steps, the palace guard, witches of the Association, Mage Tower professors and paladins of the Holy See, is hunting them. These forces cannot protect every home at once.
Guard yourselves until the remaining demons have been dealt with. We expect this transitional danger to pass before long.
The meaning was plain: demons inside the Empire were resisting the attempt to eradicate the danger they posed. Until the hunt ended, everyone was to take precautions.
Demons…
He thought of the tricks by which some of them corrupted human souls. Demons in the Demon Realm could live by more orderly rules, but untamed wanderers were another matter.
The government was not trying to kill every demon indiscriminately, he reasoned, only those who threatened people. Still, how was a nobleman supposed to guard his household against creatures he had scarcely encountered?
A stumbling sound came from the corridor.
Who's walking about at this hour?
Evening had grown late and the servants had finished most of their duties. Theorad took a candle and stepped outside.
Ashley lay on the far side of the hallway, eyes full of tears.
“Sir Theorad… Help me. It hurts.”
He nearly hurried to her, then stopped.
Ashley went back to her father's castle before sunset.
Had she returned unexpectedly, Havid would surely have announced her. The woman on the floor looked and sounded exactly like her, but she could not be the real Ashley.
An oblivion monster…?
He had read of demons able to imitate faces and steal memories by drawing victims into conversation. Cold sweat ran down his spine.
“Sir Theorad? Why are you standing there? It's me. Your future wi—”
The voice was sweet and terribly convincing. He shut his eyes, turned away and started walking. The false Ashley called after him, pleading that he not abandon her.
He kept going. A few more words might cost him his memories. He had read the warning just in time; now he had to alert the others before anyone was hurt.
On the stairs he met Beynon coming up. Relief loosened his chest.
“Beynon! An oblivion monster is inside the mansion. Wake everyone and prepare the household!”
“An oblivion monster? What are you talking about?”
“I'm serious. I just saw one in the corridor!”
Beynon's expression turned grave. He rested his hand on his sword.
“If that's true, I'll deal with it. Where did you see it?”
“Can you manage?”
“Have you forgotten I worked as a mercenary before I became your knight? Trust me.”
Theorad nodded. Beynon could face a demon, surely. He turned back toward the upper floor.
“Come. Unless it escaped, it should still be there.”
“I'll follow you, my lord.”
With the knight beside him and one candle to light the way, Theorad felt his panic begin to recede.
Step. Step.
Something troubled him. Why would Beynon be wandering the halls so late? Patrols were not generally a habit of his.
“Wait…”
Theorad stopped. The fear returned, colder than before. Shadows danced in the candlelight as he looked back.
“Beynon. Since when have you called me ‘my lord’?”
Beynon usually called him young master. The knight behind him said nothing. Then he laughed under his breath.
“Ah.”
The smile stretched. His face softened, melted and twisted. Features parted where no human features belonged.
“I heard you,” the thing said.
It was not Beynon at all.
The demon laughed, delighted that Theorad had finally caught on.