Loyal coompanion

Uncertain of the duration it would take for her to return, he was sure that humans, like everyone else, do not immediately awaken after death, but spent some time in the void.

It also takes some time before their corpse disappears and they regain consciousness by their last saved spawn point.

Stepping past the gate, he made his way towards the imposing circle situated in the center.

Eventually, he settled down and waited patiently, his affection unwavering. Unfazed, treating her as though she was merely in slumber.

Well aware of how much he must have disappointed her.

Anna ate her dinner with a worried expression and cried herself to sleep. She had no idea it could hurt so much. The memory of how the sharp pain suddenly exploded in her ripped flesh was too disturbing even for her.

She woke up at 4 AM, covered in cold sweat. Knowing there is no chance for her to fall asleep again, she took a shower and quickly ate something to be able to log back into the game. It should be possible by now; the death penalty is only about two hours long.

Confusion enveloped her as she woke up, finding herself naked at the rim of a flat stone circle. In the darkness of today's night, the chill air carried the scent of hay, iron, and wet stones.

She trembled a bit and covered her chest with her hands, in a desperate effort to warm herself up a bit.

Her eyes met his, recognizing the intensity within his gaze as he sat there, still holding onto her empty clothes.

"You waited the whole time?" As Anna approached him, a warm smile graced her face. She couldn't help but notice the numb expression etched on his features and the desperation rooted deep in his eyes. Taking another step closer, she hoped to ease his misery.

She got used to his presence already, to the comfort he was able to give her.

"I'm so sorry. I regret that my failure got you killed..." With a sincere apology, he assisted her as she took her clothes back on. He knew that she was not able to defend herself. He knew it. And he still let them hurt her. She will surely banish him for good now. The broken spine from earlier, then the forgotten clothes, and now - she died because he got too comfortable and forgot to watch their back.

He averted his gaze when she started to dress. He is not worthy.

"It was scary." Her inability to utter anything else was only fueled by the fear that gripped her. It was a truly bone-chilling experience.

With a graceful movement, Anna secured her jewels onto her feet and straightened her back again "Would you please help me with this one? Make it look pretty." she pressed the golden hairpin into his palm and turned around, so he would be able to put it in her hair.

With tender melancholy, he gently brushed through the strands with his fingertips, well aware this was the last time he was allowed to touch them.

To touch her.

His heart ached, yet he summoned all his strength to resist the urge of pleading for her forgiveness.

She raised her hands to feel the edges of the surprisingly nice shape he had created on her head.

As he watched how she made a few strides toward the inn where they spent the previous night, he found himself incapable of tearing his gaze away.

The knowledge that he would have to leave as far as possible to be able to ease the memory of her lips uttering his name, her tender caress, and her stunning eyes, which possessed an indescribable beauty.

So sad yet filled with light.

"What are you waiting for, Bugak? Come." Casting a glance over her shoulder, she beckoned him over like a stray dog.

 And his body moved on his own, strangely excited, following her like a shadow.