Edmund sat on the grass by the riverbank. The wind blew his hair back as the morning light shone softly on the surface of the water.
The air smelled of damp earth from yesterday's rain.
Ariel was still sleeping in the small cottage not far from the river, and he had just stepped out to get some fresh air.
He knew how much damage he had already caused in the demon realm, and that alone was enough to double his enemies, and put Ariel in even more danger than she was already in.
Edmund's hand reached to the ground, picked up a stone, and threw it into the water. Ripples spread from the impact.
Yesterday, they had gone back to her aunt's place, but she was not there. Instead, they met three men who said they were the new owners.
Although he did not like the thoughts of Ariel staying there, she had said she felt safer with her aunt.
She had no other choice but to come with him, since she had nowhere else to go, and she would definitely not go to her uncle's place.
