Chapter 34:

  A Gentle Home

  (Lucas's POV)

  I took a moment to gather myself. This house had a lot of memories in it. I had to wonder, despite the effects of the pills wearing off and my head beginning to pound again...how many lives had I lived in this pce? How often did Elizabeth watch over me?

  "...A thousand lives," I whispered to myself, remembering that day in the park on my date with Elizabeth, "Such a long time. Do I even deserve such love?"

  I wasn't compining, but I was deeply touched that someone could love me so much that, in every single life, they made sure I was okay. She's watched over me all this time. Through every single life...and it's only ended in heartache.

  I felt the tension in my chest, holding a hand over my heart. This time had to be different for her. I didn't know how, but...I would do my best.

  "But, I do wish you'd do a little less sometimes." Elizabeth's words echoed in my mind.

  I took a deep breath, silently apologizing to her.

  "I'm sorry, but...I'm gonna have to be a little extra," I mumbled, pushing myself from the wall and making my way towards the kitchen, "At least...for the moment."

  I smiled deeply to myself, excited for the future and the pns I had already made. I wasn't about to back down now. After all of that...perhaps I would take her advice.

  The smell coming from the kitchen was incredibly divine. It rose with the spices of a homemade alfredo sauce and the browning of chicken. My mouth was already salivating before I walked into the room. I was pleasantly surprised to see Maya and my mother getting along incredibly well.

  Maya had on an apron over her suit with her sleeves rolled up. A bit of flower painted her nose and was smeared against her cheek. My mother was next to her with her own flower-stained apron, showing her how to spread the dough and cut it. I stood in the doorway for a moment, admiring the scene before me.

  Sunlight filtered in from the window above the kitchen sink and the door to the backyard. The room was aglow with a soft golden light, basking everything in an incredibly warm dreamlike state. It truly felt surreal to see them together, not because it was strange, but because they looked so...natural.

  "Enjoying yourselves?" I asked, making my presence known.

  "Oh! Lucas!" My mother excimed, looking up with pleasantly surprised eyes, "Come, come! We're making a pie!"

  "I can see that," I looked at the ingredients id out before them, apples and cinnamon, "Apple pie? Can't wait. Maya, you doing alright?"

  "Yes, Sir," she replied softly, gncing at me with a gentle twinkle in her eye, "Your mother has been more than accommodating. It's been...fun."

  The way she spoke was a little hesitant, but I could tell...she was thinking quite deeply about something. I saddled up next to her, giving her a pyful nudge with my shoulder.

  "What's on your mind?" I whispered, beginning to help roll out the dough as my mother found another apron and pced it around me.

  "Going under!" my mother announced, wrapping her arms around me to grab the ribbons of the apron to tie it behind my back.

  Maya smiled gently, taking the dough from me as she cut it into strips to y over the top of the pie. Her knife work was methodical and precise. I caught a glimpse of her face, and for a brief moment, my heart faltered. With the sun filtering in, giving her an otherworldly glow, and her unusually softened expression...she looked incredible.

  "I don't think I've seen you this rexed before," I muttered, completely in awe.

  A light blush appeared across her face as she simply shrugged.

  "Your mother is very...inviting," Maya replied quietly, gncing over my shoulder at my mother who had practically skipped over to the fridge to pull a few other ingredients out that she began to y on the table, "Is she always this...excitable?"

  "Heh, she can be, yes," I nodded, helping to sprinkle cinnamon over the apples and begin to mix them with the rest of the ingredients, "If she's bothering you, I can-"

  "No," Maya interrupted almost immediately, surprising herself as her blush deepened; she cleared her throat and continued to speak quietly, "I mean...it's alright, Sir. I've never..."

  She trailed off, and for a moment her face took on a look of mencholy before it completely disappeared and was repced by something that took my breath away. For the first time since I've known Maya, she wore no mask to hide her emotions. Her violet eyes shone brilliantly with a wish that she spoke deep from her heart.

  "If it's alright with you..." she began to ask, shifting a little nervously, "I'd like to cook more with your mother."

  "What do you have to ask him for?" my mother chimed in, having overheard and pced her hands on her hips, "You're more than welcome anytime! I'd love to cook with you, Maya."

  "Ah, it's just..." Maya gnced between me and my mother, composing herself and the mask she had always worn was returned, "I'd not want to overstep any boundaries, Miss Kate."

  "Nonsense!" my mother protested, pcing a gentle hand upon her shoulder, "You're not overstepping anything, dear. And it's just Kate."

  Suddenly, that gentle hand felt a little bit heavier. I knew because of the sudden change in my mother's demeanor. I had been on the receiving end of many simir situations. That pressure of being burdened by her ungodly kindness, but it wasn't a burden at all. It was something you'd understand after spending a lot of time with my mother.

  Maya looked to me with pleading eyes, asking for help. I sighed with a look of sympathy upon my face, for I knew exactly how it felt. This time, I answered her call and took my mother by the hand and led her from Maya.

  "Come on, Mom, y off. I need to speak to you about something," I spoke warmly as I led her away from Maya, but gnced back for a brief moment, "Oh, and Maya? My mother is right, though. You'd not be overstepping anything. So, please. Feel free to do what you wish."

  Maya tried to hide her face, but I caught a glimpse of her smiling gratefully. It truly warmed my heart to see her opening up more.

  "Alright, alright!" my mother shook me off gently and turned towards me with a keen eye, "I got it, okay? What did you need to talk about?"

  She turned towards the stove, beginning to stir the alfredo. The chicken was simmering next to it, my stomach rumbling from just the smell. I almost forgot my train of thought, but quickly regained control and leaned against the counter, watching my mother as I did.

  "You know exactly what I'm here to talk about," I said quietly, trying to level with her, "I'm not a child anymore. Ellie takes good care of me. Between her and Maya, I'm safe. Not to mention, Azure."

  I looked over towards the little Drake who sat happily in a chair at the table, head above the counter as he watched Maya work with intent eyes. He was too adorable.

  "...I just don't want you to make a mistake," she replied, becoming rather serious, her demeanor rexing, "Elizabeth Falcrest. I know who she is. She has everything in this world...why does she need you as well?"

  My mother looked at me with pitiful eyes filled with love and concern for her only child.

  "Mother..." I sighed softly, pcing a hand on her shoulder, "She makes me happy. Incredibly so. I've never felt like this before in my life."

  She sighed, adjusting the heat on the stove as she thought for a moment. I could see her struggling with the idea. I knew she wanted me to be happy, but at the same time, it felt like she was losing me. It was ridiculous, and she knew that.

  "...She knows nothing about you," my mother muttered, not knowing how wrong she was.

  "I apologize, Ma'am, but..." Maya spoke up in that professional tone of hers, "I'd have to disagree with that. Miss Falcrest truly cares for Sir Luke. When she sets her mind to something, she puts all of her efforts and energy into it."

  Maya carried one of the finished pies over to the counter, setting it down next to another that had already been prepared. She wiped her hands off on her apron as my mother looked at her with a begrudgingly curious expression.

  "Is that so?" My mother asked, tapping the spoon she had been using the stir the sauce on the edge of the pan, "I'm not trying to be difficult. I want you to be happy, Luke. I do, I just..."

  My mother looked away in slight shame, feeling embarrassed. I pced my hand on her shoulder and pulled her in for a warm, gentle hug. She returned it in kind, squeezing me tightly.

  "I know, Mom," I whispered softly, "And I am happy. Give her a chance. She knows me better than you think. Besides..."

  I gnced at Maya, nodding as I made a motion to my ring finger. She raised a curious eyebrow but understood what I was asking. She nodded and reached into her inventory, pulling from it a very intricately designed bck box with golden filigree. She handed it to me behind my mother's back, and as I pulled away from the hug, I presented it to her.

  "I've already made my decision," I expined as I saw her eyes go wide, an apprehensive fear in them, "I was going to do it tonight, but..."

  My mother shakily took the box in her hand, opening it to see the ring inside. It was an elegantly designed ring, bck like midnight. The design upon it were thin lines of silver and gold intertwining in unity. Set into it, near flush with the surface, was a brilliant emerald stone.

  "It's made of Star Metal," I expined with a smile, "She lights up my world. I've never felt this way before. I know it's quick, but-"

  "Shh," my mother held up a finger to silence me, "Give me a moment here."

  She wasn't angry. Her tone was more pensive than anything. I nodded, smiling as I allowed her to take all the time she needed. I kept an eye out and my ears open. I knew that Elizabeth probably already knew what I had pnned, but that didn't mean I wanted her walking in when I was showing my mother the ring.

  "Are you sure about this, Lucas?" my mother finally asked, her tone serious, "You've not been dating long, have you?"

  "...No, but I'm sure," I told her with resolve, "I may not have known her long, but it feels like I've known her all my life. Multiple lives, in fact."

  Maya raised a curious eyebrow at my choice of words, but said nothing. I simply shrugged subtly in response as my mother ughed lightly.

  "What a romantic," she teased me, closing the box and pcing it gently back into my hand, "I can't say I don't understand. Your father and I-"

  "-were engaged a week after dating," I finished her sentence in an monotonous drone, smirking knowingly and earning a pyful smack from my mother.

  "Don't be a smartass," she chuckled before sighing heavily, "I love your father, and if you love this...Elizabeth, then who am I to get in the way of that? Just don't forget to tell me things from now on, yes?"

  "I'll do my best, Mom," I promised and received another warm hug, returning it in kind, "I love you. I just get caught up with thing. I'm sorry."

  "It's okay," she assured me, patting my back and giving me a kiss on the cheek, "I love you, too, Son. I'd be lying if I said I didn't notice how you shine. I can't hold onto you forever."

  "Heh, no, but I'll always be your son," I stated, and she nodded affirmatively.

  "Damn right," she said with a huff, "And don't you forget it!"

  "I won't, I promise," I ughed, handing the box to Maya for safekeeping, "Thank you, Maya. By the way..."

  As Maya pced the box back into her inventory, I couldn't help but notice that the bracelet that I had gotten her wasn't on her wrist anymore. I tilted my head curiously, motioning towards her empty wrist.

  "Did something happen to the bracelet, or...?" I inquired, her eyes widening in slight surprise before they softened with a gentle smile.

  "Oh..." she spoke softly, an unexpected tenderness to her words, "No. I...didn't want to get it dirty again."

  She carefully reached under the apron to a pocket in her suit's jacket. I watched as she took out a small, silken handkerchief and unfolded it to reveal the bracelet safely inside. I felt a twinge in my heart at the sight of it, touched that she would go to such lengths to protect the gift I got her.

  "Since I was baking, I made sure to keep it clean," she expined, now returning it to its rightful pce on her wrist, "I hope you don't mind. I didn't mean to-"

  "Why would I mind?" I interrupted with my question, "It's yours, Maya. I was just worried it got lost or something."

  The look of horror on her face as I mentioned it being lost was priceless.

  "Absolutely not!" she stated defiantly before growing embarrassed at how quickly she said that, "I mean...I'm not so foolish as someone we know. I won't lose this. Ever."

  "Hey! I may be clumsy, but I don't lose things!" I defended, decring my innocence, "How dare you besmirch me!"

  Maya got a glint of amusement in her eye, suddenly becoming a little sassy.

  "If it weren't for myself or Miss Falcrest, Sir..." she said facetiously, "You'd not be able to find your own head sometimes."

  "Absolute heresy!" I decred, feigning offense, "For the record, I was a courier. I don't get lost."

  "Who said I was talking about directions?" she inquired, raising an eyebrow, "How often do you get distracted, Sir?"

  "...The court throws out that evidence," I grumbled, "It's inadmissible!"

  "Sounds like the case is closed in favor of me," Maya smirked triumphantly.

  "Yeah, yeah..." I waved dismissively, but after a moment, both of us ughed.

  It was...good to hear Maya ugh. However, this had unforeseen consequences as my mother appeared between us, gncing at us mischievously.

  "Are you sure you two aren't dating?" she inquired, catching us both off-guard.

  "Mother!" I excimed, blushing almost immediately, "She's my fiancé's best friend!"

  "Hmm," she looked between the two of us curiously before giving it up, "I was only teasing. You two get along really well. It's good to see."

  I couldn't disagree with her. I felt incredibly comfortable around Maya. Besides Elizabeth, she was the only one I truly felt safe around. I had grown to become really good friends with her. I'd be lying if I didn't say I care about her, but...why did my heart ache?

  I looked to Maya to see how she reacted to my mother saying this. Unfortunately, it was difficult to get a read on her. She usually had an impassive face, and in this moment, it was more so than normal, but...was that a light blush or a trick of the light?

  "He's a really good friend," Maya told my mother as she helped her pce the pies into the oven, "I'm...really happy to know him, but he is my best friend's fiancé. I'd appreciate if you don't joke about that."

  "I apologize, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable," my mother looked genuinely apologetic.

  "It's...okay," Maya assured her with a small smile, "Besides, I...don't know if I like men."

  "Oh, that was a mistake..." I mumbled.

  Maya looked at me curiously, but soon understood as my mother immediately entered gossip mode.

  "Oh? Do tell!" she took Maya by the hands, her eyes sparkling, "What's your type? Do you have a type?"

  "I..." Maya looked to me for help and I could only give her a sympathetic shrug in response, "Uhm, well...Sir Luke and I have simir tastes."

  "...Pulling me under the bus with you?" I asked with a pyfully exasperated sigh.

  Maya remained impassive, but I knew that underneath she was smirking smugly.

  "Is that so?" my mother gave me a sly look, causing me no end of embarrassment, "Strong. Protective. Don't tell me my son stole Elizabeth from you?"

  Maya's facade broke for a moment as she blinked in shock. She looked like a deer caught in the headlights. My mother, as sensitive as she was to the needs of others, was an insatiable gossip. She'd keep a secret, but if she smelled something even remotely juicy, she'd pounce on it like a starving hyena.

  "Alright, nope!" I immediately stepped up, turning my mother's attention elsewhere, "Food is done and I'm starving."

  "But, the pies aren't...!" my mother began, but I paid no attention as I continued to urge her to finish the preparations.

  "They're dessert, we'll have them ter," I insisted, beginning to help mix the alfredo into a rger dish that would be used to serve.

  I gave an apologetic smile towards Maya who returned a grateful one of her own, waving a dismissive hand as if to tell me that it was okay. Still, I felt a little guilty. She didn't deserve to be bombarded with such pointed questions. As good as my parents were, they could be incredibly nosy.

  "Maya, dear," my mother called over her shoulder, "I let my curiosity get the best of me. I apologize."

  "No, it's alright," Maya assured her, finally back to her senses, "Can I help you with anything?"

  My mother and her shared a look for a moment before she nodded.

  "Grab some ptes from that cupboard there," she motioned with her head to a cabinet above the sink, "Oh, but make sure you get-"

  "A bowl for Sir Luke, yeah," Maya finished with a half-smile, surprising my mother at her knowledge, "He prefers to use bowls."

  I felt a little embarrassed, but was gd that things were finally settled. Though, there was one thing I still had to do.

  "By the way, mother," I called, a devilish intent in my heart, "Father was the one who asked me to tell you about me and Elizabeth. Says he supports us, but you'd need convincing."

  Suddenly, my mother stopped what she was doing, a cold aura surrounding her in contrast to the warm smile she held upon her face.

  "Oh, did he now?" she inquired, returning to working, "Well, that's very kind of him. I'm gd he wanted to convince me. As if I wouldn't be happy to support my own son."

  I silently apologized to my father, but he was the one who threw me under the bus first. I quickly got to work helping Maya and my mother set the table to eat, and before I knew it, we were all gathered together once more.

  -----

  (Elizabeth's POV, Moments Later)

  It was a relief to be reunited with Lucas shortly after he left the room. Every second away from him was next to agony, but she persevered as she always did, knowing that he wasn't far. Still, she would prefer him by her side at all times. That's why she was doing all of this, after all.

  "Did something happen?" Elizabeth whispered in Lucas's ear as she leaned over to help pour him some milk.

  Maya sat on the other side of him with Azure on her p while Lucas's mother and father sat across from them at the table. She motioned towards his parents who were eating silently. His father was cowering slightly while trying to ignore the sharp gre that his wife. Lucas simply shrugged nonchantly.

  "Nothing much," he said coyly, "I just had a chat with Mom. She understands how I feel about you, so I hope you two will get along now."

  "Lucas, please," his mother chimed in sweetly with a kind smile, "We were getting along. You can't bme me for being a little protective, can you?"

  "I agree," Elizabeth nodded with a pyful smile, "Being protective of the ones you love is natural. Isn't it?"

  Lucas swallowed hard, looking between the two of them anxiously. He was too adorable.

  "I suppose so, yeah..." he replied with a nervous chuckle, "I just...you two are good now, right?"

  It was sweet of him to worry, but the truth was...his mother had only been assessing Elizabeth. From the moment they arrived, Kate had been watching Elizabeth with a discerning eye. She wanted to make sure that Elizabeth was right for her son. One of the reasons that they had always gotten along in Elizabeth's past lives was because of that devotion to ensuring Lucas's safety and wellbeing.

  "Of course, we are, dear," his mother told him, taking a drink from her gss with a loving smile, "Don't worry. I support you. Anyone who says otherwise, or that I need convincing, is a fool."

  As she said this, she gnced at her husband who grimaced, meeting her gaze with an apologetic smile before gring at Lucas in betrayal.

  "Th-That's right," his father cleared his throat, agreeing with her, "You have our full support. We just wanted to meet the woman who swept our son off his feet."

  "And who's to say that he didn't do the sweeping, hmm?" his mother inquired indignantly.

  Theo froze at the tone of her voice, sensing the danger behind it. Elizabeth ughed lightly, looking over at Lucas with loving obsession. She smiled, raising her hand to help tuck a few strands of hair behind his ear. He blushed lightly with a small smile. "Too cute..." she thought, remembering many years ago when they had first met.

  "To be honest..." Elizabeth spoke fondly, "Kate is right. Lucas swept me off my feet before I had even known what was happening."

  Lucas's blush deepened as he pressed his head against her hand affectionately.

  "To be fair, you literally took my breath away," he added, alluding to the time he had fainted when meeting her for the first time in this life, "I've never seen someone so beautiful in all my life, let alone someone with such...passion."

  Elizabeth felt a little embarrassed from his praise, but especially because he was hinting at her obsession over him. It wasn't said out of malice, rather there was a hint of desire beneath his words. He loved that side of her. It was...comforting to know.

  "You're too sweet, my love," Elizabeth spoke softly, "Truly, I've never met anyone quite like you."

  "Nor I, you," he added, taking her hand in his, which she held eagerly.

  There was a sense of warmth that filled the room in that moment. His parents looked on with gentle expressions, satisfied in knowing that their son was going to be taken care of. They were smart people, and Elizabeth didn't work all these years for her not to be on their good side. Everything she had done, she did so she would finally have a life with Lucas. One that would st.

  Azure was feeling a little jealous, as he suddenly leapt into Lucas's p to cim his territory. The two of them gred at each other, and Lucas had to calm them down. Elizabeth had truly never felt calmer than in the moments she could simply exist with Lucas. Even Maya looked to be more rexed than normal, and though she tried to be subtle about it, Elizabeth noticed how she fondly ran her fingers over the bracelet that Lucas had gotten her.

  In all of Elizabeth's lives, Maya had always kept her distance, though had always been a friend to Lucas. Elizabeth was a very jealous woman. Territorial and protective. However, Maya was an exception to that. Perhaps because she saw a bit of herself in her, or perhaps it was because she knew that she could trust her the most out of everyone.

  That's why her heart warmed at the sight of Maya growing closer to Lucas. That being said, Elizabeth was also ravenously greedy. Until her desires were sated, no one was allowed to taste what was hers. Elizabeth's eyes fell back upon Lucas who had finally brokered a peace between her and Azure, forcing them to shake hands...or in Azure's case, paws.

  "There!" he stated in triumph, "No more fight! There's plenty of me to go around. Do you want some chicken, Azure?"

  Azure's eyes lit up and immediately became docile, sitting like a perfect Drake in his p. He waited patiently as Lucas ughed, grabbing a piece of chicken from his alfredo and feeding it to him. Azure took it nicely, purring happily.

  Elizabeth's heart melted, completely enamored by Lucas. It was like an aura of stars and hearts were floating around him in a haze. All she could see in that moment was his smiling, ughing face. For a brief second, she caught Maya's eyes as she also looked upon him.

  Their silent vow to protect him was cemented once more. Kate, on the other hand, had been watching the two of them with a rather knowing gaze. She said nothing about it, simply smiled as she caught Elizabeth's eye.

  "Would you like some more alfredo?" she asked kindly, offering to dish some up for them, "You'll be taking care of my son, so eat up. Both of you. It's the least I can do."

  "Yes, thank you," Elizabeth nodded, holding her pte out at the same time as Maya, "Oh!"

  "I apologize, Ma'am, I-" Maya began to pull her pte away, but Lucas was already there.

  "No, no," he insisted, taking her pte from her and the dish from his mother, "I got this, both of you, rex. There's plenty to go around. My mother doesn't know how to cook unless it's for an entire army. She'll probably make us take leftovers home."

  He spoke teasingly, earning him a pyful roll of the eyes from his mother.

  "As if you wouldn't want some," she replied with a light ugh, watching him fondly.

  "Well..." he said sheepishly, filling both Elizabeth's and Maya's pte, "If there's some left, I'd love some, yes."

  He knew how much Hunters could eat, and Elizabeth was touched by his attentiveness. She wasn't the only one as Maya thanked him quietly, trying to hide her smile. The rest of the meal went by retively well, with Lucas feeding Azure some more chicken and ensuring everyone had enough to eat. Elizabeth knew where he got his kindness from after all these lifetimes.

  His parents had been a huge influence on him. She was grateful to them for having given birth to such a wonderful person. That's why she would ensure that their lives would be seen to. Their wellbeing was important, as it was important to Lucas.

  "Thank you for coming," Kate said as she saw them to the door, "I'm sorry to have taken so much of your time. It's already so te..."

  It was already nighttime by the time they were leaving. After eating lunch, they had stayed for several hours talking. Much to Lucas's embarrassment, his mother pulled out an old photo album and gathered her and Maya close. His mother fought him off as she showed them pictures of when he was younger.

  It had been an incredibly pleasant experience all around, and time flew by incredibly quickly. Lucas was growing tired, leaning against Elizabeth's shoulder in exhaustion. He smiled and dismissed his mother's worry.

  "It's alright," he told her, tiredness in his voice, "It was really good seeing you again. I'll try to keep in touch more often, but you're also free to come over whenever you're free."

  "Oh, don't say that..." Kate cautioned, pulling him into a firm hug, "I might actually take you up on that offer and never leave!"

  "Heh, well...maybe we can get you a pce next to us," Lucas joked, but Elizabeth had thought of it.

  "No, we couldn't impose," Kate said with a gentle smile, "Besides, this pce has too many memories for us to just move."

  Elizabeth took him back into her embrace, holding him lovingly. He gratefully accepted, leaning against her once more.

  "Well, the offer is there," he yawned, trying to keep himself awake, "Oh, and say hi to Denny for me."

  "Don't you have her number?" Kate asked, exasperated, "Honestly, I keep telling you two to keep in touch..."

  She sighed, pulling out her phone and giving him Denny's number. After that was done, she pulled them all into one final hug, Maya included. Theo, for his part, remained a little more formal, but no less warm, as he shook their hands and gave Lucas a hug.

  "By the way," Kate rummaged into her pocket and pulled out a yellow piece of paper, "Since you asked for it earlier, I prepared it for you. Use it wisely."

  She held it out towards Elizabeth, who took it curiously. Opening it up, she was pleased to see the recipe for those brownies that Lucas loves so much. Lucas woke up slightly to notice, excitement evident on his face.

  "I'll make sure he doesn't eat too much," Elizabeth chuckled, handing the paper to Maya who took it almost eagerly, "Wouldn't want him getting sick."

  "I won't get sick!" he decred, looking towards Maya for backup, "You'll make me some, won't you?"

  "...Within reason, Sir," Maya folded the piece of paper neatly and pced it in her inventory, "Miss Falcrest is right. We don't want you getting sick."

  "Aww, come on..." Lucas sulked, much to everyone's amusement.

  With alfredo and pie in their stomachs, it was finally time to get going. Today had been a fruitful one, despite things not going according to Lucas's pns. Elizabeth could wait another day or two, but for now...it was time to get Lucas back home. He was exhausted, and she couldn't wait to snuggle up with him.

  "If only every day could be like this..." Elizabeth thought to herself, her heart aching at how much work there was still left to do. Helping Lucas to the car, she put it from her mind for now. As they settled in, Lucas nestled against her contently. She held him close, kissing him softly upon the head.

  "Rest, my love," she whispered as the car began to move, Azure curling up in his arms, "We have a long life left to live...you'll need it."

  He smiled as he closed his eyes, his warmth and weight against her was comforting. Yes, she'd ensure he had a long life to live. As she turned her attention out of the car's window, she saw for a brief moment in her reflection the appearance of Von Angeal and smiled. Yes, they'd make sure it.

  -----

  Nikushimi