Chapter 48: within reasonable doubt.

What was it; what was it about this woman that made my master like her so much? I stared at the seemingly average girl as she played with Rise outside. It had been a few weeks now; Other than the daily chores, such as washing garments, cleaning and cooking; which I now took over. She did little else other than read and train Rise. She was kind but kindness alone could not win my masters favor. After a long while of debating I decided to ask about their relationship. Surely she would not tell Master that I asked her, so there was little reason not to ask. I walked over to her after hanging the clothes on the line.

"Mistress; exactly what is your relationship with my master?'' Her face was an open book really. The surprise and embarrassment on her face was so obvious it was silly. She replied with a bit of shyness but told me anyway.

"Hah; I honestly don't know myself. " She had a small smile on her lips and her eyes told me that her thoughts we're miles away.

" It was so sudden and terrifying really. A monster of a man who had stalked me for goodness knows how long; made himself known to me and demanded I give him my everything; or he'd destroy everything I loved." She laughed it off but the idea gave me chills. Master could be so unreasonable.

"But I'd be lying if I said it was all bad. He'd swoop in and whisk me off my feet sometimes, Show me things I never dared dream of, And he never held back his love for me. He was the first person to Show his love in such a way; He seemed to accept everything about me no matter what. That kind of unconditional affection is almost addicting." She was still smiling but she was also shaking as if to hold something back.

"I don't know exactly when but the more to him I saw and the more affection he gave; I started to like him too. but I don't know if I can accept it. He is marked for death; which means if I start to love him completely one day he will be killed and I'll be left alone again. I don't think I am strong enough to protect that kind of love, or go through that kind of sorrow again." I reached out and pulled her into a hug. I wasn't sure what her story was but her face reminded me of the extreme loneliness I felt at home. I could feel my breath catching as I held back tears from remembrance. Now that I looked around; there were many dilapidated houses here but not a single person was in sight but Eva. Why was she here?

"I'm rambling. Heh; sorry." I shook my head at her; I didn't realize the topic was so touchy. I let her go and we decided we'd do chores together. It was surreal for me to have a person be genuinely kind to me; everyone was either after my family or hateful to me. If it was this woman I think it would be okay for her to marry Master.

On an Island far far away...

"Amos, Play with me." Jara whined insolently. My ears felt as if they were going to bleed at this rate. She had been doing very little aside from demanding my attention.

"Jara be more helpful." I said it nonchalantly but she still pouted. Gail then motioned for her to get to work and with visible displeasure Jara dragged her feet; but began to help the pitiable minions.

I walked around inspecting the already completed structures somewhat impressed. I had- had no faith in my underlings yet they still managed to surprise me by recreating some of the amazing architecture of my old homeland. It was not the same of course; but it was similar and this somehow put me at ease.

It was all coming together and soon I could bring her here. What better way to show her my love, and devotion? A future with her; That's what I want. If I have to create a place where we can be together without being wary of others, so be it. My fist clenched tight as I remembered the annoying obstacles that yet stand in our way. Surely the New Gods and Church of Light would not let this place be. Before my rebirth I would have definitly fallen to them; But now I was a Demi-god. If I include my [Demon lord] title and [Demi-god of Sacrifice] title; I am the equivalent of a Demon God. With a cocky smile I inspected the most important part of this kingdom next to what would be the castle. The Temple which was constructed in dedication to me it's god king. A shrine was erected in the deeper part of this temple to the God and creator of my kind; Kyne. As a second generation born before the eradication of my people I had seen our god only twice. Unfortunately I never got the chance to ask why we were named Kyne like The God itself. I pondered the question as I walked the halls deeper into the temple; until I finally came to my destination. A grand door with intricate carvings of monsters and devils. I pushed the ivory door open and marveled at the creation inside. A Grand, splendid statue made of polished obsidian stood imposing and glorious. I brought the candles to life with a snap of my fingers and watched the shimmer of it in the dimly lit room. The black marble flooring only added to the glory of the work of art that was in Kyne's image.

I always found it strange the way I felt whenever I looked upon my lord Kyne. The reverence and adoration that compelled me to give myself like nothing else ever did; even more so than I felt for my parents. Was that just how it was; or was there something more manipulative at play? I stared at the quiet statue with questions swirling in my head. If my lord was still awake surely my voice would reach through this statue.

"My lord rest well." I bowed humbly and departed. I was glad to have a place to worship Kyne again. All the temples and shrines were destroyed during the war. It was much harder to maintain and grow power without such places for gods. I exited the temple and found a crowd bowing before me.

"We pay tribute to the sovereign God King. Long live Amos." Said Gail as she bowed. I was just in a bad mood a moment ago but now I was laughing in amusement. Long live? That had to be a joke. I'm Immortal now even if they asked me to I couldn't die. Lastly as long as a single follower existed so would I.

"All Raise. There is still much work to be done; Show your devotion through your actions not your words." With a small cheer they dispersed and began to work. I snickered at how giddy they had become; it was ridiculous how a few words could change their mood so much.

"I guess I could get acclimated to this. " At that time Gail who stood next to me responded.

"Did you say something Master?" She had earnest eyes and I simply shook my head.

"Nothing at all" I said, waving away her worries.