Chapter 48:

  Prelude to War

  (Maya's POV, Cont.)

  "I'll be staying with you while we're here," Maya expined to Hannah after they finished eating, "Lucas and El will remain in town...so, if you want to talk with him, you can do it then."

  Maya had to practically lift Hannah by the back of the shirt to pry her away from Lucas. She had, much like both Maya and Elizabeth predicted, bonded quickly with him over their mutual appreciation of Maya herself. This fact was still incredibly embarrassing, and he had gone on about all the things he likes about her for a while. As much as she was gd they were getting along...did it have to be over her?

  "Damn him..." Maya though with annoyance, unable to get his words out of her head. Not that she wanted them gone, but it was distracting. Apparently, Maya held her tongue between her teeth, pressing it against the inside of her cheek or lower lip whenever she was in deep concentration. He noticed this whenever she was focusing on a particurly challenging level in a game, or when her attention was focused on cooking a particur dish. She had never realized this, but now...she was overly conscious about it.

  "He called it cute..." she grumbled, now unable to think of anything else.

  "Come on, Big Sis!" Hannah insisted, "I just wanna ask a few more things! I haven't seen you in forever, so someone has to tell me what you've been up to!"

  Lucas gave her an apologetic smile, but Maya simply waved a dismissive hand to tell him it was fine.

  "If you behave...I'll tell you all about it myself," Maya told her, which made her eyes shine brighter than the very sun.

  "Really!?" Hannah was in awe, "You rarely tell me about what you've been up to."

  "...I know," Maya gave a small, pained smile, "I didn't want you to worry more than you do."

  "Well...that's okay," Hannah told her with an affectionate smile, "I know you're protecting me. I just...you're my Big Sis, you know? My only family..."

  Maya's heart ached, which resonated with the expression that Lucas had on his face.

  "You two should definitely catch up," Lucas said, wrapping an arm around Elizabeth's waist, "We'll give you two some time, but...we'll be here if you need us, okay?"

  Hannah looked to him, eyes softening.

  "...I really did judge you too quickly," she said softly, "Thank you. I'll definitely take this opportunity."

  With that, Maya and Hannah left Lucas and Elizabeth, heading back towards the college where Hannah lived in the dorms. She had her own, private room provided for her, so the two of them would definitely have privacy. Still, as they began their walk back to the campus, Maya's senses were tingling.

  She may have been distracted by Lucas's kind words about her, but she had learned ever since he had been attacked to never fully let down her guard. She felt eyes watching her. No, watching Hannah. Hopefully, they weren't foolish enough to try anything, but if they did, then...

  "Aaaah!" Hannah let out an exasperated sigh, "God damn it. Really?"

  She stopped in the middle of the path they were walking, pcing her hands on her hips.

  "I thought I told you to leave me alone," Hannah talked loudly, calling to the watchers.

  "...Hannah?" Maya asked with a whisper, "Do you know them?"

  "Unfortunately..." she replied with annoyance, "Come on out before my Big Sis gets mad."

  Four individuals stepped out from the behind the corner ahead of them. Three guys and one girl. They wore what Maya could tell were high end name brands. The girl had on a red sundress and bck tights, complete with dark red Mary Jane shoes. She had her brown hair up in a fancifully high ponytail. She had an arrogant aura about her, green eyes appearing to look down on them.

  Two of the guys wore khakis and button-ups with an undershirt. Both had dark hair cut short and swept back. Maya wasn't concerned about them, but rather the third guy who stood next to the woman in front of them. He wore jeans and a bck button-up with the top couple of buttons undone. Underneath he wore nothing, but this exposed the muscles underneath.

  He was a lean, fit individual. His eyes were green, much like the woman next to him. His hair a soft brown, shaved on both sides, but kept long on top and tied up in a bun. His smile as he stepped from around the corner immediately put Maya in a protective state. Not only were all of their clothing made from special materials harvested from dungeons, but the two of them in front had an aura that Maya was quite familiar with.

  They were Pyers.

  Most importantly, and what made Maya begin to step in front of Hannah, was the lecherous gaze he gave to Hannah. However, before she could do so, Hannah pced an arm out to stop her. She gave a subtle shake of her head to Maya, which she reluctantly listened to. However, her bdes were just moments away from being unsheathed.

  "Hey, Hannah," the guy's voice in front was grating to Maya's ears; sickeningly sweet, and overly confident, "Was afraid I'd miss you due to the break, but I see your Big Sis has visited you. That's so sweet."

  "The fuck do you want, Clint?" Hannah's tone was cold, "I already told you to leave me alone."

  "Yeah, but..." Clint shrugged, and as he did, looked down at her with condescension, "I don't want to."

  "Hannah..." Maya whispered to her sister.

  It was a warning that if he didn't back up, she would act. Hannah gnced at her with a small, knowing smile, but still...she shook her head.

  "I got this," she whispered back, "He's just a blowhard."

  "My brother's right," the woman spoke up for the first time; a high tone with an arrogance attached to it, "He missed you at the party st time. It's almost like you're avoiding him."

  "I am avoiding him, Naomi," Hannah responded sharply, "Your brother is a creep. I want nothing to do with him."

  The man Hannah had called Clint grimaced, while the woman, Naomi, grew obviously irritated.

  "Words hurt, you know," Clint told her through clenched teeth, "You might want to be careful what you say. You never know what might happen."

  "I'm not afraid of you," Hannah retorted with a sneer, "I have no interest in you. So back off."

  "You should be afraid," Clint growled, standing taller than before, "Do you know who I am? I'm Clint Colfield. My family-"

  "...Colfield?" Maya said the name with disdain, her anger fring.

  The sudden shift in her demeanor caused everyone, including Hannah, to look at her with a slight hesitation. She tried to keep her composure, as there could be many with that st name, but for someone with that name to be close to Hannah...it couldn't just be a coincidence.

  "Y-Yeah, what of it?" Clint composed himself enough to reply, "We have many connections. Even in Aegis, so if you don't want your schorship to-"

  "Clint, I told you before..." Hannah composed herself, pcing a comforting arm on Maya's shoulder, "I don't care. I'm not interested. So just let us go."

  Hannah attempted to pull Maya around them, but the two behind Clint and Naomi, stepped out to block them. Hannah sighed, gring daggers at Clint.

  "You really think you'll win me over this way?" she asked him, "Let us go."

  "Come on. Give me a chance," Clint tried to coax, reaching a hand out to touch her arm as he stepped forward, "You can even bring your Big Sis. My friends can keep her entertained while you and I can-"

  "Let go of me!" Hannah ordered angrily, but he wouldn't relent.

  "Not until you say yes," Clint said smugly as she attempted to free herself.

  Hannah visibly recoiled in disgust, but his hold on her arm was tight. Maya's bde flicked to her hand, ready to cut his off. However, because of Hannah being there, she restrained herself just enough that something else happened. Something that even Maya wasn't expecting, though she recognized the footsteps before she heard the voice.

  "Hey, Dickhead!" a familiar voice called out angrily, "She said...to let go!"

  Maya turned just in time to see Lucas appear suddenly, his fist connecting with Clint's face. There was a moment where time seemed to stand still. Maya's eyes went wide as her heart skipped several beats. She had never seen Lucas look so pissed off before. His face was contorted in anger, eyes fiercely reflecting the light of the fading sun.

  The sound of his fist connecting with Clint's face was satisfying, and there was enough force behind it that it actually sent Clint back, breaking his grip on Hannah's arm. However, she also heard something else break, but there was no time to handle that right now. The two guys rushed to his side as Naomi turned angrily towards Lucas.

  "Who the hell do you think you are!?" she screamed, eyes fring to life, "How dare you-!"

  Naomi attempted to use a spell, but that had been her mistake. In the fsh of an eye, ethereal fmes erupted around Lucas as Elizabeth appeared behind him. She had one arm draped over his shoulder, pulling him back into her, and the other hand held before Naomi's face. There was a dangerous look in her eyes as if daring her to try something.

  At the same time, Maya put Hannah behind her protectively, bde fshing towards Naomi's throat. Her eyes honed in on her fiercely, ready to spill blood.

  "I do suggest you rethink that," Elizabeth said with a sinister smile, "Unless, of course...You want to end up as ash."

  Naomi swallowed hard, her spell fizzling. Stumbling backwards, she stared in horror as she recognized Elizabeth.

  "M-Miss Falcrest..." Naomi stuttered, "I didn't know...I mean, I-"

  "Don't py sweet," Elizabeth said coldly, "You've been following us all day. So don't cim ignorance now."

  Naomi slowly made her way to her brother who was just now recovering to attack as well, only to freeze upon seeing Elizabeth.

  "Damn it..." Clint muttered, eyes flicking towards Hannah, "This isn't over. You'll-"

  "Hey," Lucas called firmly, holding his fist up, "I can do it again. Get the fuck gone. Now."

  Clint grimaced, gring at him before looking between Elizabeth and Maya. Grumbling to himself, he pushed the two guys off of him.

  "Come on, let's go!" Clint told them as he turned around.

  "But Clint, shouldn't we-" one of them began, but immediately got hit hard over the back of the head.

  "I said let's go!" Clint ordered, and they soon disappeared.

  Maya didn't rex until they were out of sight. Putting her bdes away, she turned her attention towards Hannah and Lucas.

  "Are you okay, Hannah?" Maya asked.

  "Yeah...I'm good," she reassured her with a smile, "But...is he okay?"

  Hannah motioned towards Lucas who Maya saw trying to sneak out of Elizabeth's grip, but that was a more difficult task than he was capable of accomplishing.

  "My love..." Elizabeth called sweetly, an underlying sense of danger.

  Lucas froze, looking up at her sheepishly as he held the hand he punched Clint with protectively in his other hand.

  "Y-Yes, dear?" he asked, trying to give his best, nonchant smile, "Everything okay?"

  "You tell me," she looked at him with an unwavering pressure, "What was that?"

  "What do you mean?" he tried to avoid the question, side saddling away from her, only for her to lift him up under her arm with ease, "H-Hey! Wait, put me down!"

  "I really can't let you out of my sight, can I?" Elizabeth sighed, "I know you wanted to return that to Maya, but...remember how we talked about your impulses?"

  "I honestly don't recall," he feigned ignorance, which Maya found adorable, "What impulse?"

  "Mhm..." Elizabeth wasn't buying it, but looked amused, "Regardless. You're in timeout, Mister."

  Lucas sulked under her arm, giving up on escaping because he knew it was futile. Of course, he didn't seem too upset about it. Seeing the two of them like this, especially Lucas who looked like a cat pleased with himself, was quite amusing to Maya. "He's too cute...." she thought with a smile, but..."What is that about returning something...!" Maya noticed in that moment that something was missing from her wrist.

  "He was a creep," Lucas defended, folding his arms defiantly, "Hannah told him no, and he wouldn't let go. I don't care who he is. Fuck that guy."

  "...Indeed," Elizabeth chuckled, though a cold dread washed over him as she looked down with that obsessive nature of hers, "You know what this means now, my love, right?"

  "And you say you're not a dictator..." he grumbled, teasing her, "Yeah, yeah, but first...Maya!"

  "Yes, Sir?" Maya perked up curiously.

  "Come here for a second, will you?" Lucas motioned for her to come over, "Since I can't move..."

  He gred pyfully up at Elizabeth who ignored him, quite pleased with herself. As Maya approached, he reached into the inner pocket of his shirt and pulled out what Maya suspected he had. It was her bracelet. The gift that he had given her. She felt incredibly guilty for having almost lost it.

  "Gimme your hand," he told her, and she lifted her wrist for him, "It must have fell off when you grabbed Hannah earlier. I'm gd I noticed it."

  "...I'm sorry," she muttered, but he shook his head.

  "It's fine," he told her with that gentle nature of his, "Don't worry about it."

  Maya smiled softly, a warmth in her heart. He may not think this bracelet was a big deal, but to Maya, it was everything. To have almost lost it was a crime she could never repeat. Once they were back home, she would get it enchanted to never lose it again.

  He was careful with how he put it on her, attempting to use both hands, but one wasn't working like it should. Still, he was able to do it, and neither Elizabeth nor Maya stopped him, though they probably should have. It was just too endearing seeing him focus on trying to put it on, but once it was, Maya held it close to her chest.

  "Thank you..." she told him genuinely, "I'll be sure to take extra care of it from now on."

  "...Sure," Lucas's expression softened with his smile, "It's yours, so...just be careful."

  He wasn't upset at all, which was very like him.

  "Uhm...not to ruin the moment, but..." Hannah spoke up, "His hand is broken."

  "Ah, yeah..." Lucas blushed out of embarrassment, "Bro was like a fucking brick wall. Still, he deserved it."

  Hannah covered her mouth as she giggled, warming Maya's heart, and even Elizabeth seemed amused.

  "Yes, he definitely did, but..." Hannah stepped closer, looking between Elizabeth and Maya, "If I may...his hand needs to be healed."

  Elizabeth met Maya's eyes with understanding.

  "Not here," Maya told Hannah, "Let's return to their hotel."

  "Okay," Hannah nodded, but before they all left the area, she turned towards Lucas with a warm expression, "...Thank you, Lucas. Clint really is a dickhead."

  Lucas ughed, which eased the tension in the atmosphere. Though, Maya's thoughts were still on Clint's st name, deciding to [Message] Elizabeth.

  "Colfield" – Maya Rosengard

  "I heard" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  "They'll definitely make a move now" – Maya Rosengard

  "We'll be ready" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  "I hope so" – Maya Rosengard

  "He was quite heroic though, yes?" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  "...He's a fool" – Maya Rosengard

  "But a dashing fool" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  "Yes, he was quite dashing, haha" – Maya Rosengard

  The Colfields were one of the families with ties to The Ptinum Lotus. They weren't exactly high up in the organization, but they were affiliated. Maya had no idea that someone from that family was here, but it seemed that Elizabeth wasn't surprised.

  "Did you know?" – Maya Rosengard

  "I had a suspicion" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  "Why didn't you tell me?" – Maya Rosengard

  "I wanted to confirm it first" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  "I see" – Maya Rosengard

  "I'm sorry. I should have informed you" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  "No. It's okay" – Maya Rosengard

  "But now that it's confirmed..." – Maya Rosengard

  Elizabeth gnced back at Maya with a mutual understanding. The Ptinum Lotus wasn't just a threat to Maya and her sister. They were a threat to Lucas as well. She was respecting Maya's wishes of exposing them, but they had to be taken care of.

  Maya wrapped an arm around Hannah, pulling her close much to her pleased surprise.

  "Big Sis...?" Hannah asked curiously, "What is it?"

  "Hannah..." Maya spoked quietly to her with an affectionate tone so she understood, "You know what I'm capable of, though you don't say it."

  "I-" she began, but Maya interrupted gently.

  "It's going to get dangerous," Maya told her bluntly, "I need you to promise me that whatever happens, you'll stay near El, okay?"

  "But...what about you?" Hannah asked with genuine concern, "What if-"

  "I'll be fine," Maya assured her, looking towards Lucas and Elizabeth, then back at Hannah, her expression reflecting the feelings within her heart, "I have many important things to protect, and I don't pn on dying."

  "You better not," Hannah began to choke up, but quickly composed herself.

  Maya nodded, but said nothing else. The only one truly oblivious to the danger, or perhaps he just chooses to ignore it, was Lucas. He seemed so carefree, and Maya felt that his peace of mind would soon be broken. Anything the Ptinum Lotus got their hands on ended up being tainted, but...she refused to allow it to touch those she cherished.

  Let them come. Let them try to tear her down. They would taste their blood upon the razors edge, and the light which shone upon their deeds would drown them in their own poisonous breath.

  -----

  (Lucas's POV, moments ter)

  I had never broken a bone before in my life. Yet, in just one moment, I felt my hand give way to intense pain. I had put everything I had into the punch and paid for it. Still, I didn't regret a single thing. I just didn't know that the bastard was a Pyer.

  "Hold still," Hannah ordered, taking my hand in hers, "If you move too much, even my skills won't be able to fix it."

  "Sorry..." I mumbled sheepishly, trying my best to hold my hand still as it throbbed intensely.

  I was currently sitting on the edge of the bed in a hotel room that we had booked for our stay in Westfield. Elizabeth was watching me like a hawk with an "I told you so" look on her face. Maya looked concerned, but otherwise impassive as she kept an eye out from behind the blinds of the windows. She was keeping an eye out for anyone who may notice Hannah's abilities at work.

  Elizabeth and Maya had already done a sweep of the area for any bugs or possible scrying abilities. Everything came back negative, but they were on high alert. Meanwhile, my hand had swelled to twice the size it was before, and it was all I could do to concentrate on keeping my hand still.

  "What were you thinking?" Elizabeth asked, her firm tone belying the true worry she felt, "I could have handled it, and Maya was right there."

  I gave her as best of a smile as I could, apologetically grimacing as Hannah adjusted my hand slightly.

  "I...didn't think," I admitted through ragged breaths, "I just...didn't care for their attitude, and-"

  "Save your breath, my love," Elizabeth finally relented a bit, pcing a calming hand on my shoulder, "Hannah will fix you, just hold still."

  "Doing my best..." I chuckled and watched as a soft green glow enveloped my hand.

  "Soothe," Hannah whispered, the word filled with power as she activated the skill of the same name.

  It felt cool at first, like icy hot permeating my entire hand. As this sensation took hold, I watched as the swelling slowly began to recede and return to normal. [Soothe], from what Hannah described, would help ease discomfort and pain, including swelling. It was the first step in fixing my hand.

  "Alright, the easy part is over," Hannah said, gncing up at me, "Are you ready?"

  "I mean..." I shrugged, chuckling nervously, "It won't hurt, will it?"

  "No, but...it will feel weird," Hannah expined with a half-smile, "Alright, first...realign."

  The word was followed by a swelling of golden energy which seeped into my skin. Just as she said, it felt weird. Imagine your hand was made out of jello, and then everything inside of it began to move. No pain, just...the feeling of malleable flesh. It made me want to shake my hand to get rid of the sensation, but Hannah had a firm grip on it.

  "Don't move," she ordered again, and I gritted my teeth.

  "Trying not to," I said through my teeth, "Why is it itchy?"

  "You did this to yourself," Elizabeth told me, but behind the admonishment was a coy amusement and concern, "Bear with it for a little bit longer."

  I nodded, feeling her hand squeeze my shoulder comfortingly. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the bones realigned and were put back in pce. Now, it was time to actually mend them. Taking a deep breath, I tried to avoid watching, as it had already been strange to have seen my hand practically morph back together like it was being molded from cy, but my curiosity got the best of me.

  "Heal," Hannah uttered the word to activate her skill, and the entire room practically lit up with a golden light.

  At the same time, shadows leapt from Maya, covering the entire room. It was like we had been swallowed by the very abyss. Within this darkness, only the golden light illuminated anything, and I watched in awe as my hand literally knitted itself back together. I felt everything, but again, there was no pain. It was just...weird.

  It felt as if every single bone in my hand cracked at once like some people crack their knuckles, giving instant relief and a wave of tingling throughout. My fingers, which had been longer than normal due to the break, and Hannah having to realign everything, shrunk back as the rest of the bones in my hand shifted and became one once more.

  "There," Hannah let out a soft sigh, "Test it. Everything alright?"

  I flexed my hand, feeling every movement carefully. It was good. More than good. It felt like my entire hand had been rejuvenated.

  "...Perfect," I muttered, impressed by such a feat, "It's as good as new. Thank you."

  I gave her a grateful smile, which she returned in kind with a nod of her head. Maya released her shadows, which rescinded back towards her, and the room was returned to normal.

  "I'm sorry for causing trouble," I said sheepishly, hanging my head as I gnced up at Elizabeth, "I didn't mean to worry you...can you forgive me?"

  Elizabeth looked down at me with a cool gaze that set my heart on fire. Even when she was being like this, I found her incredibly attractive. After a moment, she let out a heavy sigh, rexing her harsh gaze with a gentler one. Motioning towards Maya and Hanna with her head, Elizabeth addressed me.

  "It's them you worried," she told me, "Of course, I was too, but..."

  Her lips curled into a loving smile, and her hand upon my shoulder felt...gentle.

  "It's who you are," she shrugged with a defeated sigh, "Unless I chain you down and never let you go anywhere, which I have thought about, you're going to do what you do. I can only hope to keep you safe, my love."

  I felt a chill run up my spine as she said what she needed, and while I was touched by her affectionate tone...

  "How often have you thought of that?" I asked curiously, warily gncing at her, "About chaining me down, that is."

  There was that familiar glint in her eye. The protective and obsessively dangerous glint which revealed her true nature.

  "What do you think, my love?" she asked coyly, a dangerous sweetness upon her tongue, "You know the answer."

  "...I'll be more careful in the future," I vowed out loud and silently to myself, "As exciting as it sounds to be tied up by you, I do like fresh air."

  "I won't hold my breath," Elizabeth teased, pinching my cheek lovingly, "You've always been impulsive, especially when you think something is unjust. It wouldn't be the first time you threw yourself into danger, Lucas."

  Her words tore at my heart as I heard the deep pain within, but also the warmth of her genuine care for me. Taking a deep breath to calm myself, I wrapped my arms around her waist and hugged her tightly. I felt her hand fall upon tenderly upon my head.

  "I'll keep you safe, but do try not to make it harder," she whispered sweetly with an understanding tone, "Of course, in this case you weren't in much danger. They were nothing, but what comes next may be a little annoying."

  Peaking up at her curiously, I gnced between Hannah and Maya. They looked a little concerned themselves, but otherwise appeared rexed.

  "Is it because of the Ptinum Lotus?" I asked softly, and in response, the room grew silent.

  Maya shifted a bit before moving over towards us. She pced a hand upon Hannah's shoulder, who then rested her head against her sister's shoulder.

  "I didn't know..." Hannah said quietly, "Clint really is tied to them?"

  "Yes," Maya nodded, her tone cold, yet held a gentleness when addressing her sister, "The Colfield's are affiliated, but aren't much of a threat themselves. It's the fact they now know where you are...and we've just pissed them off."

  I felt my heart clench with a feeling of guilt.

  "I'm sor-" I began, but Maya shook her head.

  "It was going to happen," she said, looking upon me almost amusingly, "He was going to lose a hand, but I admit...it was quite something to see you punch him instead. I wasn't expecting that."

  "Neither did I..." Hannah admitted, looking at me with kind eyes, "Thank you. I really did judge you too quickly."

  "N-No, it's fine..." I felt myself blush, feeling embarrassed, "I just sort of acted. I didn't know he was a Pyer. You guys really are tough. Felt like I was hitting a wall."

  "That's why you don't do that," Elizabeth chided lovingly, "You let us do that."

  The fsh of deadliness in her eyes sent my pulse racing. "Gods..." I swooned inwardly, "I really must be crazy..." I swallowed hard, trying to still my heart.

  "So, what are we going to do now?" I asked, pulling Elizabeth into my p.

  She was surprised, but pleased, wrapping her arms around my neck.

  "Nothing," Maya answered, much to my surprise, "Don't get me wrong. We will do something, but until they make their move...we will act as normal."

  "Are you sure?" I asked, genuinely concerned, "Shouldn't we be a little proactive?"

  Maya smiled warmly, her expression softening.

  "You're kind to worry, but I promise you..." she assured, looking towards Hannah with love in her eyes, "I'll do anything to keep my sister safe, and the same goes for you, Sir. I'm prepared."

  I had no reason to doubt her. After all, she said it with such confidence, and Elizabeth appeared just as confident. Being with them definitely made me feel safe, but something in my chest felt off. While Hannah and I would be safe...what about them? I knew they were only concerned with us, but...I had to wonder, who would watch their backs?

  They had each other, but was that enough?

  "Should we call Zero Squad?" I inquired of Elizabeth, but she shook her head.

  "Even if I wanted to call them, they're currently busy," she replied as she pyed with my hair, "I've sent them to take care of a few troublesome dungeons and to increase their skills."

  "I understand your concern," Hannah chimed in, meeting my gaze with a knowing look, "They really rush into danger themselves, don't they?"

  I chuckled, nodding.

  "They really do, don't they?" I sighed, shaking my head, "Honestly, I know they want to keep us safe, but who keeps them safe? As strong as they are, they're not invincible."

  Maya and Elizabeth narrowed their eyes at the both of us.

  "We can handle ourselves, thank you," Elizabeth huffed, "You're the one who is defenseless."

  "I don't know, I punched that guy pretty good," I countered, which she growled at adorably.

  "I haven't been kidnapped," Maya stated, holding her head high as she looked over at Hannah, "Unlike someone."

  "That wasn't exactly my choice," Hannah crossed her arms defiantly, "If someone would teach me how to fight, maybe I wouldn't have been taken."

  " I have taught you," Maya retorted, "I just haven't taught you my skills."

  Hannah appeared sheepish as she was called out.

  "They aren't fit for you, Hannah," Maya's tone became somber, "Leave that kind of fighting to me...please."

  Hannah looked at her sister with sorrowful eyes.

  "That's unfair..." Hannah said quietly, "You know I can't argue with that..."

  Maya smiled bittersweetly, but it was filled with an incredibly warmth as she fussed with Hannah's hair, tucking a loose strand behind her ear before cupping her face.

  "Precisely," Maya told her with a chuckle, "You don't need to dirty your hands. Leave that to me."

  Hannah sulked, but otherwise gave in to Maya. Even I couldn't really argue with her, but I did have something to say.

  "At the very least, Maya..." I spoke up slowly, trying to find the right words, "She loves you very much. Let her help you somehow, yeah? I know what it's like to feel like I'm useless to those I love."

  I felt Elizabeth stiffen slightly as I said this, and I even cast a coy, knowing gnce up at her. She cleared her throat, furtively looking away. I chuckled, letting out a soft breath before looking over at Maya. She was watching me carefully. I felt a little self-conscious from her attention, but held my ground.

  "I'm sure you understand that feeling, right?" I asked her, to which she slowly acknowledged.

  Breaking her gaze from me, she took a breath and closed her eyes briefly before rexing her posture in resigned defeat.

  "I do," Maya answered softly.

  Hannah's smile softened in pained understanding, wrapping her arms around Maya's neck and pulling her into a hug.

  "I know you worry for me," Hannah told her, "I'm grateful to have such a loving, caring Big Sis like you, but I'm a big girl now, you know. I know the world isn't pretty."

  Maya froze for a moment before pcing a hand on Hannah's back and pulling her into a genuine, tight embrace.

  "I've known what our parents did for a long time," Hannah expined, surprising Maya, but somehow, I think that she always knew that Hannah had known, "You've always been an inspiration, which is why I've done my own work. I didn't just become a socialite for nothing. I have allies which they can't touch. Just say the word."

  Maya hugged Hannah tightly one more time before reluctantly holding her at arm's length. She looked her over carefully. I saw the love and pride in her eyes. It was quite heartwarming.

  "I should have known," Maya stated with a shake of her head, "You're too smart for your own good. Alright. You can help."

  Hannah's eyes immediately lit up.

  "Really!?" she excimed, practically bouncing with glee, "I can?"

  "Yes, but..." Maya held up a finger of warning, "Not until I say so. If you act on your own again, I'll do to you what El has thought of doing with Luke..."

  Maya gnced over at me with a mischievous glint in her eye. Another chill ran up my spine.

  "A sentiment I also share with her," Maya added with a devious smirk, "You're quite troublesome, Sir."

  I blushed, frustrated that they were teasing me, but also gd that we seemed to have made some progress with her retionship with Hannah. The two of them loved each other very much, but from everything that had been told to me, and everything I've seen...Maya had always been keeping Hannah at an arm's length. It was painful for the both of them, but now...it felt like they were closer than before.

  "Yeah, yeah," I waved my hand dismissively, gring at her and holding onto Elizabeth sulkily, "If you hate it so much..."

  I teased them by leaving the rest unsaid. This was a mistake as I felt the danger close in on me almost immediately.

  "We don't hate it, love," Elizabeth told me with an overly sweet tone, "So don't even go there. Trust me, if I hated it..."

  She leaned in close to my ear, whispering something that set my face burning brighter than the sun in that moment.

  "I'd break you," she spoke deviously, "So much so that you'd be begging me to stop. What a good little boy you'd be."

  "E-Ellie!" I excimed, shocked and aroused at the same time, "I...listen, I didn't...you...how dare!"

  Her ugh filled the air with its silvery notes as she draped her arms around my shoulder, hugging me lovingly.

  "It's a part of your charm, darling," she said nguidly, "That's why I don't do that. If I didn't like everything about you, I'd get rid of those qualities, but that would be changing who you are. Who I fell in love with."

  I felt myself blush even more, unable to win against her at all. Even Maya looked to be in silent agreement with her. I was surrounded, and so...waved the white fg in surrender.

  "I trust you, Luke," Maya added in, piling on after I had already been defeated, "You are who I trust, and if I hated anything about you...I'd never have let you into my heart."

  I felt my heart give out, hiding my face in Elizabeth's clothes, holding my hand up.

  "Okay, okay! I give up!" I couldn't compete, and I knew that now, "I got it. I'm sorry!"

  These women were dangerous. Would my heart survive? Would I survive?

  -----

  Nikushimi