Chapter 6: Turmoil of the Heart
As weeks went by, romance bloomed amid turmoil. Lila and Aiden shared gentle kisses between shifts. Every time she looked into his eyes, Aiden saw pure devotion. Yet the demon inside him bristled. It felt excluded. This weird tenderness. It didn't understand it.
One evening, Lila invited Aiden to her home. She cooked for him, lit candles around the dining room, soft music playing. Aiden wore a clean shirt; his bandages were gone. His fingers were numb. She cares so much, he marveled, watching her hum and dance around in the kitchen. He told himself: Be grateful.
After dinner, they sat close on the couch under a blanket. The moment was tender. Aiden brushed a strand of hair from her face. "You always make me feel safe," Lila whispered.
Aiden swallowed. Her honesty made him soar. "Lila, I—" he started.
Her eyes… your home… I could reach out… a malicious thought intruded.
As if on its own, a shiver ran through his hand. It jerked toward Lila. She gasped, pulling back. Aiden stiffened, confused by his own reflex. The demon presence was stirring.
No. Not now, Aiden commanded inwardly. Let me go on.
The dark voice giggled low. What if… we give her more?
Lila, alarmed, looked at him. "Aiden?" she asked.
He blinked, focusing on her. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "It's nothing. I just… get nervous."
She looked unconvinced but still concerned. She edged a little closer anyway and rested a warm hand on his. "Talk to me. I want to help."
He took a deep breath. Inside, the two forces warred. She's so innocent… Aiden's side pleaded. She's not weak… the other hissed.
Aiden forced a smile and squeezed her hand back. "You always do help, Lila."
Relief flickered in her eyes. "Good. I'll always be here."
The tension eased. They cuddled under the blanket, watching the ceiling. Aiden's breathing slowed.
**But as she drifted off to sleep on his shoulder that night, a gentle **
voice—hers!—whispered in his head: "Aiden…"
He snapped awake. The room was dark and quiet. Lila was sound asleep, her head lolling against his chest. Aiden stared at her, heart tender. He brushed her hair, smiling.
Then he felt it: the other presence rising. The demon's voice was amused, envious. She's yours now, but for how long?
Even in sleep, Lila whispered softly, as if in a pleasant dream. Aiden's breaths came fast. Blood rushed to his face. The demon's voice licked his thoughts: She feels so warm. I want her…
Aiden let go of the fear. No. She belongs to me, he thought fiercely.
As Lila woke up, stretching, Aiden pretended to yawn. He felt warmth radiating between her fingers and his. The demon inside recoiled, seeing its chance slip by. Aiden gently brushed her cheek, careful.
"You fell asleep," he said quietly.
She smiled dreamily. "Sorry, I had a bad dream."
Concern crept into Aiden's face. She was troubled. "What was it?"
She squeezed his hand. "It was nothing. Go back to sleep. I'm fine."
In that vulnerable moment, Aiden felt a surge of protectiveness. He believed her. She always sacrifices herself.
He just held her a little tighter that night.