Touch of Flame

Ephraim watched as the gentleman approached him, offering a smile in return. "Ares will do, and I am glad to see you again, too."

He took notice of his more sickly complexion briefly before he offered him a seat. They sat at the table with a large umbrella, providing them with protection from the hot sun.

"I hope whatever endeavors you have been on, have been going well for you." Ephraim began.

Ares, looking a bit uncomfortable, tugged at his collar to loosen it. He cleared his throat and responded, "Thank you. Things have been progressing well. I have been spending time with the X-Clan."

"A human among dragons. How is that going?" Ephraim asked.

As Ares briefed him on what was going on, Ephraim couldn't help but notice the tension in his demeanor. He had only met the man once before, but he did not get this impression from him. He had rather seemed relaxed, almost unbothered even when he should be. What was going on with him?

Trying to ease the atmosphere, Ephraim gestured to a nearby server to bring them some refreshments. Ares reached for the cold drink, not sipping but rather taking a gulp.

"The weather is too hot," Ephraim pointed.

"Indeed."

He didn't seem focused anymore, his eyes looking a bit here and there. "Are you alright?" Ephraim asked him.

"Not quite," he admitted, and Ephraim could see how his hold around the glass tightened. "It was in fact one of the things I wanted to talk to you about."

He looked around as if making sure they weren't being listened to, before looking at him. This time his gaze locked into his firmly. You guessed I wasn't entirely human. You were right."

Of course. It was too obvious for his trained eye and senses. But what was he?

"Have you heard of Marozak's?" Ares asked.

Oh, it couldn't be. He would have never guessed, but he had never seen one. only heard tales his mother told him while still a child.

"You are one?"

"Well, I am an Arozak. Half-human."

Ephraim nodded, fascinated and curious. "You have magic in your blood then."

"I have been told the magic in my blood won't save my weakening heart."

"Weakening heart?"

Ares managed to explain to him with difficulty, and Ephraim could already hear the change in breath and heartbeat.

"Alright," he stopped him with a frown. "Let's get you away from here first. You are not well."

As Ephraim stood up, Ares remained seated, his body swaying a little. Afraid he would fall off the chair, Ephriam took his arm and helped him up.

"My apologies," Ares breathed.

"No need to apologize," Ephraim said, holding him firmly. He nodded for the servant to quickly bring the carriage forward and then led him inside.

He could tell the man was trying hard to stay focused and awake. He wasn't one to trust easily, and now he was being taken away in a carriage while in a vulnerable state. Even his loaded jacket had fallen into his hands.

"Relax," Ephraim told him, as they rode in the carriage.

Ares's head fell on his shoulder. That wasn't exactly what he meant by relaxing, but he knew the man was suffering to let him see him like this. His breathing was still labored, and his body was jerking from side to side from the ride.

Quickly, Ephraim's hand flew, to stop the man's head from falling forward. Cold sweat dampened his fingers. Weakening heart, because he hadn't been to the sea?

Ephraim's mind swirled with many questions. None of which he had answers to either. He already knew that magic could not heal repeated injuries. He had also heard that Marozaks came to the land as a way to shorten their lives.

Then, was he really dying? He didn't know the man well, but somehow the thought of his death bothered him a great deal.

When the carriage pulled up to Ephraim's home, he knew he had to act quickly to get Ares inside and into a more comfortable environment. He instructed the driver to stop as close to the entrance as possible and opened the carriage door, feeling Ares' weight still resting against him.

With great care, Ephraim slid one arm under Ares' knees and the other around his back, lifting him up in a gentle yet firm embrace. Ares' head lolled against Ephraim's shoulder, his breathing still labored and his body weak. He looked ahead at the entrance that led to the part of the mansion where he and only those who saw his face stayed.

As he carried Ares towards the entrance, a couple of his household staff members rushed to help, having seen the situation from the window. They opened the door and cleared a path, their faces a mixture of curiosity and concern.

Ephraim's grip on Ares remained strong as he navigated the hallways of his home, the servants following closely behind. They reached a comfortable guest room, where Ephraim carefully laid Ares down on the soft bed, adjusting the pillows to support his head and shoulders.

He turned to the servants and issued instructions to bring water, a cool damp cloth, and the physician. As they hurried off to fulfill their tasks, Ephraim stayed by Ares' side, watching over the man who fought to stay awake. He mumbled something incoherent.

"You are in my home. Rest now." He told him, removing a few wet strands from his bruised face.

As he stared at him, lost in thought, trying to understand his feelings about this man, the physician, Edward arrived.

Edward had been working with him for a long time and had vast knowledge and experience in medicine, among many other things. Ephraim trusted the old man, so he told him about Ares's condition.

Just as he suspected, Edward knew nothing about the sea creatures. He opened his medical bag and decided to run some tests instead.

Ephraim stood back, giving him the space to work but staying close enough to provide assistance or answer any questions. Edward began by checking Ares' pulse, noting the irregular rhythm and the strength of each beat. He then placed a stethoscope against Ares' chest, listening intently to the sounds of his heart. Throughout the examination, Ares' condition seemed to deteriorate, his labored breaths becoming more shallow and irregular.

Edward looked up at Ephraim after he was done. "If he was only human, I would suspect heart failure or a severe cardiac condition, perhaps even cardiomyopathy. However, given his unique heritage, I cannot be certain if these diagnoses apply or if there is a specific condition related to his dual nature."

Ephraim nodded, understanding the limitations of Edward's expertise. "Is there anything you can do to help him?"

Edward pursed his lips, deep in thought. "I can prescribe medications to alleviate his symptoms and manage his heart condition, but I'm afraid they might not work or only work temporarily. The underlying cause must be addressed."

"Thank you, Edward," Ephraim said, his voice heavy with concern. "Please do whatever you can for now."

Edward nodded and began to administer the prescribed medications to Ares while monitoring his vitals closely. Meanwhile, Ephraim left the room to begin his search for answers. Was there any way to undo this damage? Since it had to do with magic, Ephraim went to his secret library, where he pulled out all the books that he had gathered over the years about magic and spells. He began to carefully go through them, looking for a cure.

Ephraim was so immersed in the books that he only came out of it when the room became darker. The sun was setting, and he had not found anything yet. Leaving the library, he went to check on Ares again.

"How is he?" He asked Edward.

"The medicine helped with the symptoms, but he isn't awake yet."

Ephraim nodded. He would have to continue his search tomorrow. Now he needed to get some food and see Darcy.