Chapter 274 - The Duty of a Devourer (1/2)

*Eldovian Era 1713 18th day of the 12th month*

Aegin gave a huff of disappointment as he drew back the curtain from the window of his cabin. The sun had set, the moon was out, and Devina wasn't back. They were in the middle of the Jade Sea, so odds were that her Paladin friends hadn't caught up to her. Sure, she made a couple of Magician Friends on board, but they were researchers. They were not adept in combat.

Of course, this was all assuming that Devina had malicious intentions in being late to go to dinner. Aegin was positive she didn't. She'd been passive over the past month, agreeable even. It had been a stark contrast from when he'd first met her, though he was sure their bond had something to do with it.

Deciding that he should at least endeavour to make sure she was alive, Aegin drew on that bond, following it through the halls and decks of the ship to one of the public lounges. It was largely empty at this time when everyone was eating dinner.

Aegin was a little surprised to find Devina on one of the couches in the corner, curled up on a couch. Opposite her sat the two Magicians she'd gotten acquainted with, though they were both engrossed in their own debate.

”Evening,” Aegin greeted as he approached. They both looked up at his arrival, but Aegin's eyes strayed to Devina. He began to pick out that even in this duller light, she appeared slightly more pale than usual, ”Has she seemed unwell?”

”She was complaining that she was a little nauseous earlier,” one of the Magicians said, ”We moved to a lower deck so that the ship wasn't rocking as much seeing as we thought it was sea sickness”.

Aegin nodded, then took a step towards her and placed a hand on her shoulder. The light touch was enough to rouse her, and she met his gaze for a moment before she registered where she was.

Devina sat up quickly, ”Aegin, sorry I…”

She paused and clutched her head for a moment as if dizzy.

Aegin frowned, ”You're not well”.

Devina���s hand dropped, ”I'm fine, just a bit of sea sickness, it'll pass”.

She looked around, ”Gosh, is it this late already”.

”I came to get you for dinner,” Aegin stated, ”And I really think you should eat something. Something substantial to improve your strength”.

”I said, I'm fine,” Devina sighed as she stood, ”But I could eat”.

She turned to the two Magicians, ”Thank you, for watching over me. That was very inconsiderate of me to fall asleep”.

”Not at all, Devina. We were much to engrossed in our own work to be bothered anyway,” said the one who had yet to speak. Aegin then moved to take Devina's waist as he guided her towards the door.

”How long have you been feeling unwell?” asked Aegin.

”Stop worrying, I'm fine,” Devina sighed as the strolled towards the dining hall, ”Besides, when were you the kind to worry about me anyway. About anybody?”

Aegin frowned, ”Has it occurred to you that because of our relationship, I have to worry about your well-being?”

Devina turned to look at him for a moment, giving him her own frown, ”So I'm a burden now?”