For what felt like the hundredth time that day, Asher watched his death come for him while feeling powerless to stop it. Needless to say, he still hadn’t come to appreciate the sight. Thankfully, Uriel was able to erect a barrier of darkness before Livia’s barrage could reach him, but the prince was forced to watch in horror as Naya was struck by stray shards. His face contorted into a pained grimace and his teeth clenched in frustration at his powerlessness. How in the world he was going to stop the wraith was beyond him, but if the witch was going to have a chance of surviving he would need to find a way to do so quickly. The sound of his old man’s voice thundering through the forest put a halt to that train of thought. And as the ice shattered before him, it became apparent that Asher’s chance to end the war had escaped him, as the King’s demands were absolute. His face darkened as the realization set in that all of the bloodshed over the past few hours had been for nothing and that he was to return home to explain himself. The prince didn’t have a clue what he would say just yet, but it was something he was going to need to figure out quickly, as the king had little patience for half-hearted excuses. Once more, the demon made eye contact with the angel, but he did not understand the almost yearning look in her eyes, as if she was disappointed that she was leaving. Asher said nothing as she left the clearing, his eyes all but lifeless, as he watched the strange creature disappear into the woods. With her gone, the prince’s attention snapped back to the injured witch near him. Being completely spent magically, there was nothing he could do but watch as Uriel lifted the frail girl. [color=slategray]”Uriel,”[/color] he called after the general, [color=slategray]”When she wakes up tell her that should she wish it, I will personally compensate her and would like to express my gratitude. The castle’s doors will always be open to her, she need only ask.”[/color] Asher wished there was more he could offer the brave witch, but he truly had little more to give in his present situation. Strangely, part of him hoped to see the witch again, but he expected full well that she would want nothing to do with one that attracted misery like himself. [color=slategray]"And Uriel,"[/color] he added before the demon was out of ear shot, [color=slategray]"You did fine work today. I thank you for your loyalty and assure you that neither you nor your men will take any blame for this."[/color] Lastly, his eyes fell on the stunned wraith. [color=slategray]”I cannot even begin to make up for your loss, but I swear to you that I never meant for any of this to happen. And while I may not be able to give you a new reason to live, I promise I will do everything in my power to help you find one,”[/color] he vowed solemnly. [color=slategray]”Should you need to vent your rage at me, I’ll fight you. But I cannot give you my life, as I am still needed and it will not dull your pain.”[/color] With that, the prince unfurled his wings, but before he took off, he gave the wraith one last look of regret. [color=slategray]”Take care Livia, I hope one day we can be allies once more.”[/color] The familiar rush of wind assaulted the prince as he soared through the air. Today, the wonder of flight felt even more pretentious than usual. ----------- The prince arrived at his father’s castle in a state beyond exhaustion. Luckily, the King of Darkness, ever the prudent individual, had arranged for a servant to meet him at the entrance with a rather strong draught. Feeling returned to his body once more as he drank the bitter brew. He would still need to some rather thorough medical attention, but for now he was ready to meet with his father. The imp showed him in to the war room and the prince presented himself with all the dignity one could looking as battered and disheveled as he did. And as they cleared out, Asher felt the powerful gaze of his father fall upon him, but still he held his head high, refusing to show anything that resembled regret or shame. [color=slategray]"This war has gone on for long enough,"[/color] he replied to his father's pointed question, resisting the urge to respond with an equally sharp tongue, [color=slategray]"And for the first time in months I saw an opportunity to sneak a legion all the way to their capital, so I took it."[/color] The prince's voice was even and his eyes refused to back down from the King's icy gaze. [color=slategray]"I am not arrogant enough to presume that I am capable of ending the King of Light, but I knew that if I could get a hold of his daughter that there would be a chance to break his will. Unfortunately, she was gravely injured in the process and needed a witch's attention, but from there the situation spiraled out of my control as unexpected variables kept revealing themselves."[/color] The explanation was honest and short, as he was sure that the old man already knew most of what had transpired in the woods. [color=slategray]"Does that answer your question, father?"[/color] Asher asked, unable to keep all of the day's frustrations out of his voice.