"Denzyl!"

The crimson-haired demon looked at the human gazing up at him with a curious glint. They were lying on the lower bunk together; Devyn was on his back while Denzyl propped his upper body up on his hand and gazed down at the brown-haired human.

"What?"

"Did your mark give me...erm...you know, abilities?"

"Most likely. It's basically a part of me in you, so...yeah, you could have gotten some of my abilities."

"Woah..."

Denzyl's curiosity took over as he looked at the beautiful human. "What is it? Are you experiencing something?"

"Mm. For now, it's advanced senses like better hearing," the human responded quite chipperly.

"Ah. That's good."

The two's attention was grabbed by a dendrum crewman opening the compartment's door and standing at the entrance. They both turned and looked up at him. "Arrival to Morthram in two hours," the bulky smuggler announced before retreating through the door.

"Two hours until Morthram...Where to go," Denzyl wondered out loud. He had not yet planned this far as he had just been focusing on escaping Sendrum.

"Let's go to Borum," Devyn proposed.

"Borum?"

The human nodded. "There's someone who may help us."

Denzyl stopped to think.

"It's the best option we have," Devyn added.

"How well do you know this person?" Denzyl inquired.

"She's like a mentor and older sister."

"But it's been fifty years. Will she still be there?" He reminded the human.

"Believe me, she's not the type to give up. She's still there."

Devyn's determination convinced the demon. "Okay. Borum it is."

A soft smile came onto Devyn's lips. "Thank you, Denzyl."

Denzyl could not help but smile back at the human. "Mm. It'll be nice to find someone you know and trust."

TIME SKIP: ARRIVAL AT MORTHRAM

Denzyl stood behind Devyn protectively as they waited to exit the dendrum ship. The demon steadied the two as they felt the ship docking. The line of passengers began moving, and the two entered the station in a matter of minutes. Denzyl took the lead as they went to buy passage to Borum.

"Flight's in an hour. Bay N-12/7.9," Denzyl informed Devyn as he handed the human a small, thin disk containing his ticket and the flight's information.

The two made their way to the train in the space station. Denzyl followed Devyn onto the train and stood behind him, placing his hand right beside Devyn's on the overhead bar. The train eased into a high speed after it filled with passengers. The in-station train stopped at each bay, letting off riders before gaining passengers. Denzyl and Devyn politely made their way to the doors as the train left Bay M.

"Bay N," an automated voice sounded throughout the train as the transit came to a stop.

The demon and human exited the train and walked down to Sector 12 of Bay N before finding Terminal 7. From there, Denzyl led Devyn down the massive hallway, passing several pods filled with chairs and people until they came to Gate 9. Numerous travelers were waiting at Gate 9; some sat, but most stood. Devyn found a circular column towards the edge of the gate's area away from the density of the crowd. Folding his arms over his chest, the human leaned against the column. Denzyl came to stand next to him.

Devyn looked up at the demon standing to his left. Denzyl towered over most humans of average height and other smaller beings. Standing at six feet and one inch, Devyn was towards the higher end of the average height of a human, but Denzyl was easily four to five inches taller than Devyn.

The human's eyes trailed from the demon's feet up to his head. Woah... Devyn's keen eyes observed Denzyl's muscles and lean figure. How tall is he going to get? Is he going to continue growing? Wait...how old is he? I am pretty sure demons stop growing around 150.

Denzyl noticed the human ogling his pectoral muscles and looked at him curiously. "What are you doing?"

"Hmm?" Devyn looked up at the demon. "Oh, just thinking."

"About what?"

"How old are you? You know, I don't know much about you."

"Including the fifty years?"

Devyn nodded.

"Two hundred and fifty."

The human's jaw dropped. 250?! Whew! That is a relief. He is not getting any bigger...Wait...why is that a relief to me? Why don't I want him to get bigger? Aish! Get these dirty thoughts out of your head, Devyn!!

"Are you okay?" Denzyl asked with worry as he saw thoughts racing through the human's head rampantly.

"Mm hm. I'm fine. It's just...250 is a lot."

This drew a scoff out of the demon. "Heyyy, 250 is young for a demon."

"I know. I was just teasing." WOAH. Hold up! Did I just FLIRT with him??...Well, I can't say I am against it. I mean, look at him. He's a specimen.

"Ahhhh. Were you now?" Denzyl said in a low voice as he turned toward the human and stepped closer.

Devyn looked up at the demon's grey eyes as Denzyl placed his arm above the human's head on the column and leaned in close to him. At this moment, all thoughts went out the window as Devyn was engulfed in Denzyl's stormy eyes.

"So, how old are you? You know, I don't know a whole lot about you," the demon returned the human's inquiry in a low voice.

Denzyl's deep whisper did something to Devyn, but he would not be able to tell you right now exactly what it did. Just know that he liked it. Devyn was well aware that he and Denzyl went through hell together and that he had decided to trust Denzyl, but flirting was a whole new world to Devyn. He was still very much flustered that he was flirting with the demon.

The human's brain scrambled to think under Denzyl's intense gaze. How old am I? Oh, that's right. "Including the fifty years?"

The demon smirked before nodding.

"Seventy-one."

"You're really young. Even for a human. I've heard some humans can live up to five hundred."

"I won't."

Denzyl raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"I won't use the drug."

"Why?"

"I don't want to be like...someone."

Denzyl sensed the tension through both Devyn's voice and the bond. "Don't worry." The demon's voice was suddenly soft like when he told Devyn he could never hurt him. "You won't have to."

Devyn found himself melting from the demon's voice. He barely managed to say, "I don't follow."

"You'll stay young without the drug."

"How?" Hope and excitement started building up inside of the human. I do not know why, but I want to stay with you for as long as I can. Woah, did I just think that?

Denzyl brought his free hand to Devyn's back and placed it over the mark. "This. It's a part of me remember? As long as you have this, you're not going anywhere."

That was sweet and kind of possessive. I like it. It's kind of romantic, too. "Okay," Devyn found himself smiling under the mask. It is a good thing I have this mask. Otherwise, Denzyl would see just how excited I am.

The excitement coming off of Devyn was overwhelming. Denzyl wanted to rip off the human's mask and kiss him in front of God and everyone. But Denzyl did not want to scare Devyn. He was still in shock, and the avex got the feeling that it was not the first time someone abused him.

Denzyl wanted to take Devyn in his arms and protect the human from everything and everyone, but an overhead announcement stopped him. "Boarding at Gate 9 has begun. Passengers please ready your tickets. Boarding at Gate 9 has begun."

Denzyl was the first to break eye contact. Pushing off of the column with his arm, the demon took a step back. Clearing his throat, Denzyl calmed himself down. "You ready?"

Devyn nodded and followed the demon to the line of boarding passengers.

"Enjoy your flight," the stewardess said politely as she checked their tickets.

Devyn and Denzyl nodded at the female before entering the passageway to the interplanetary ship. The flight was long, so Devyn was able to squeeze in a nap. Denzyl remained awake, his protective instincts did not let him sleep while Devyn was vulnerable. Denzyl unfolded the blanket provided for the flight and laid it over the sleeping human. The demon's eyes traveled to Devyn's masked face. The human's long lashes stood out between the cap and mask. Denzyl was glad Devyn was sleeping. His body was still recovering from the fifty-year crypt and was adjusting to the mark as well as healing from the fight.

Denzyl woke Devyn when the ship docked in Borum. His green eyes fluttered open and looked around sleepily. "We're at Borum already?" Devyn asked after a yawn.

"Mm hmm. They're about to open the doors."

The human nodded in response. He took off the blanket and folded it before tucking it into the net on the back of the chair in front of him. Once off the ship, Devyn took the lead. He led Denzyl out of the station and into the bustling capital city of Zohan. It was nighttime, so the city was filled with vibrant lights and images.

Devyn led the demon through the city to a tall tower with the word VIANT running down it in giant, blue letters. Denzyl was met with loud music and flashing lights when the two entered the tower.

Is this a club? I have never been to a club, but I have heard about them. Denzyl looked around at the bright lights. Everything was new to the demon, so he wanted to take it all in.

Devyn took Denzyl's hand in the frenzy of the club, which stunned the demon. His body froze, but his heart was racing freely. Devyn turned around and looked at him. Colorful lights danced in the human's vibrant green eyes, stunning the demon with his beauty. Devyn tightened his grip on Denzyl's hand and led him through the club to the back of the tower. A stout guard blocked their way as the two reached the back.

"I need to meet with Miren," Devyn said with an authoritative tone.

"Master Miren is not accepting any new guests," the guard responded.

Devyn removed his mask in response which made the guard's eyes widen. "Mr. Vaumyr! Just a moment." The guard talked into his earpiece. "Devyn Vaumyr is here to see Master Miren."

"I can't believe you're still here," Devyn told the guard after the man relayed the message.

"It's good to see you, sir," the guard bowed. "Someone has to look after Master Miren."

"Thank you. Keep up the good work."

It was only now that Devyn realized he had tightened his hold on Denzyl's hand. "Ah, sorry," he said shyly before letting go.

"It's okay," Denzyl said, not really wanting Devyn to let go.

After a few moments, the two's keen ears picked up hurried footsteps running down the hallway.

"Devyn!"

Devyn turned to see Miren racing down the hallway. He barely had time to react before the redhead slammed into him and wrapped her strong arms around his waist. Devyn winced from the pain, but did not let out a sound. He quickly nodded to Denzyl to let the demon know he was okay. He was sure Denzyl would have peeled Miren off of him quite violently had he known just how much pain her strong hug caused. But, since Devyn's body was able to heal freely on the journey from Sendrum, the human was on the way to being nearly completely recovered.

"Where have you been? It's been fifty years!!" Miren exclaimed.

Devyn pet Miren's head softly until she let go and backed away to take a good look at the green-eyed man.

"Oh, look at you! You haven't aged a day! It's so good to have you back. How did you escape the dendrum? Tell me everything!" Miren took Devyn's arm and began leading him down the hallway, not even noticing the tall and handsome specimen standing just behind Devyn in her excitement.

Devyn motioned for Denzyl to follow as he was dragged away. The three entered the VIP elevator and went to Miren's office on the top floor instead of the office where she met Kilo and Castyr. It was not until they sat down that Devyn got a good look at Miren. She now looked twenty years older than Devyn instead of seven. She had not taken much of the drug, but she was still as gorgeous as ever. Thin strips of white streaked through her still-vibrant red hair, and small crinkles danced under her hazel eyes, but she was still radiant.

"Oh? Who is this?" Miren motioned to the demon sitting beside Devyn once her nerves calmed and she was able to focus.

"Miren, this is Denzyl. Denzyl, Miren."

The two nodded at each other in greeting.

"He's the one who saved me," Devyn told Miren.

"You've been with him these fifty years?"

"Yes."

"What is he? He's clearly not human."

Devyn remained silent. What do I say? I do not know what Miren thinks of demons. "He's my boyfriend," Devyn spat out. Ahhh! Why did I say that?! What if Denzyl does not want to be with me in that way?! Devyn kept his eyes on Miren as he was too nervous to look at the demon sitting beside him.

The woman looked at Denzyl then back to Devyn before sighing. "Devyn, you know having a boyfriend is dangerous and, technically, illegal for you."

Miren's warning stabbed the green-eyed human. "I know." Aish!! I should not have said that he is my boyfriend.

"Can you at least let me know if you're okay?"

"I'm fine, Miren. Don't worry," Devyn smiled reassuringly after he regained his composure.

"Alright. As long as you're okay," Miren smiled back.

"Did Kilo and Castyr get to Heaven?" Devyn inquired as he thought of the angel and star. What had happened to them the past fifty years? Were they alright?

Miren's smile disappeared, and she took a moment before answering, "Castyr is safe. He made it to Heaven...but...Kilo was taken by demons fifty years ago. I haven't heard anything since. I'm sorry, Devyn."

The human's heart sank as he heard the update on the angel and star. Devyn felt Denzyl tense up at the mention of someone getting captured by demons. The human reached over and took the demon's hand as he responded to Miren, "It's okay. You did your best. If you hear anything from them, let me know?"

"Of course," Miren smiled. A few moments passed as Devyn thought about the angel and star, his brows remaining furrowed. Feeling the silence build, Miren decided to continue their discussion another time. "Well, why don't you two get some rest? I'm sure you've had a long trip. I've opened up a hotel in the middle levels. I'll arrange a room for you two," Miren said as she stood and walked over to the desk stationed behind the set of chairs and sofa.

"Thank you, Miren," Devyn smiled at the woman sweetly.

"Of course. Oh, and Devyn! I'll give you a detailed debrief over Vaumyr & Co. after you've rested."

Devyn's ears perked up at the name of the only thing left of his parents: Vaumyr & Co. "How is it?"

"It's doing well. I told the board you were on an extended business trip."

"For fifty years?" Devyn's brow arched. He was shocked the board believed it.

"It was tough, but I managed to keep you in your place. Plus, it helps that your fiancé holds the majority of the shares. There was no way they could have you removed."

Devyn's hands clenched at the mention of his fiancé. "What did you tell Wil?"

"The same thing: extended business trip."

"How did he respond?"

"He was pissed. Trashed his office. Be careful when you see him again," Miren warned.

Devyn's heart raced in fear. "Thanks, Miren." He hoped he would never have to see that monster ever again, but he knew that was impossible.

"Of course," Miren said as a knock sounded at the door. "Hanna will show you to your room." The door opened, and Miren's secretary entered.

Denzyl and Devyn followed Hanna down to floor 35. Denzyl looked at Devyn worryingly the entire way to their room. The demon accepted the key card from Hanna and followed Devyn inside the room. After shutting and locking the door, he took off his jacket and sat beside Devyn on the bed.

The demon took Devyn's clenched hand and held it gently. "What's wrong?"

Devyn instantly melted and grabbed onto Denzyl. The demon wrapped his arms around the human and channeled warmth into him. No tears came, but Devyn's body shook and his jaw was clenched. Denzyl continued to hold Devyn until the human could steady himself.

"Is he the one who hurt you?" Denzyl asked softly. Devyn's eyes glistened as he nodded, and Denzyl's eyes flashed red. "Where is he?" The demon's voice was a deep growl.

"You can't kill him. You'll be caught and executed. He's a prominent figure on both Earth and Borum as well as several other planets." Devyn's grip tightened as he held onto Denzyl's shirt, afraid he would run off and do something rash.

Denzyl's eyes turned back to grey, and his face softened. "Okay. Don't worry," he petted the human's head. "I'm not going to leave you."

Devyn nodded and rested his head on Denzyl's chest. The demon pulled Devyn into him and continued to soothe the human. Devyn let himself relax in the safety of Denzyl's arms.