A week has passed.
My appointed time has come. A date with destiny, as I’m calling it.
Looking over my shoulder, Gai is right where he’s been every day of this week, over by the window reading a book by candlelight.
Sighing, I walk over beside him. Gai looks up at me for a moment, gently smiles, then goes back to reading his book.
Smooth.
Dragging a sheet off the bed, I bring it over to Gai. A chair is already positioned next to him as if waiting for me. That’s probably because it is. I sit in said chair, cuddle up in the blanket, and lean my head up against Gai’s shoulder. My eyes close as I lay there.
This is aaaaall a part of my plan!
To get out of this shitty castle in time to annihilate the killer and fulfill the destiny I think is being laid out for me, I need to be able to leave this room. Gai will not let me unless he’s severely incapacitated.
As such, I’m sleeping on Gai’s shoulders.
It’s been a whole process getting here.
The fact that I’m sleeping on a guy’s shoulder doesn’t perturb me. It’s not like I can ignore the fact that I nearly screwed him a few months ago. What annoys me the most is how easy it’s been to follow through with the actions needed to satisfy my current objective.
The strategy for weakening Gai’s defenses is straightforward.
Kind of.
During the day, I do nothing. Gai sleeps in our bed. I complete daily activities under the watchful eyes of Remi. She’s started putting me to work since she technically still has to do her job while watching me. After that, we get lunch. Come back. We work some more. When she has to leave the castle, I’m followed around by around four Divine Treat eaters. At night, Remi and I get dinner and talk a little. The conversation is a bit muddied given the circumstances. I then take a bath, and Gai takes over.
It is then that I act out my plan.
It all started on the first night. Obviously, I’d just been yelled at by everybody. If I’d begun that night being overly pleasant to Gai, he’d have suspected something. I basically gave him the silent treatment and went to bed by myself. It was rather easy to do.
Because Gai is directly watching over me at night, he’s in the room from around eight at night until eight in the morning. Thus, he reads a book and watches me sleep. It’s not like there’s anything else for him to do. It’s weird. He’s like a totally different person.
On the second night, I did the same thing. I gave Gai the silent treatment. Before I went to sleep, though, I kept tossing and turning. On purpose, of course. I did that for a bit, then rolled into Gai’s spot. When I did that, I made sure to look like the lack of a body there woke me up. Upon doing so, I looked at Gai, eyed him angrily, made an audible noise of annoyance, rolled back to my side, and went back to sleep. I did this a few more times before actually going to sleep.
The third night, I did the exact same thing. This time, when I looked over at Gai, I made sure my gaze was a bit softer. I wanted to project that I wasn’t that mad anymore and that, combined with my inherent actions while sleeping, I was feeling lonely at night. As if I suddenly missed him not being in bed, and it was making it hard to sleep.
On the fourth night, that’s when I changed things up.
Again, I did the same things as before. Tossing. Turning. Oh, how pitiful I looked! I’d forced myself to “wake up” again, only to give Gai the saddest of sad looks in my repertoire.
After a moment, I said the words “screw it,” walked out of bed, and moved a chair close to Gai. He asked what I was doing, and I paid him no mind. I then pulled a blanket off the bed, wrapped myself in it, and sat in the chair next to him.
Oh! Scandalous! Our arms touched! Is that love? Psh! I fell asleep and woke up on his shoulder as I’d hoped.
The fifth night, much of the same. Instead of pretending to sleep, I merely eyed Gai from bed with my arms crossed over my chest. Uncomfortable with my gaze, he asked me what was wrong multiple times. I said nothing. Then he invited me to sit next to him.
Ha!
That was the key. I needed him to feel like he was doing me a favor by tempting me over.
With a frown on my face, I nearly skipped to him, blanket in hand, and leaned against his body until I fell asleep. It took me a while to do so that time, so I pretended for a while. During that period, Gai started petting my hair. It helped me pass out. If he knew I liked that, I think I’d be in danger.
On the sixth night, well, I didn’t even bother going to bed. I just dragged the bedsheet over and fell asleep next to him.
Thus, brings me to the present where I’ve done the same thing again.
Soon, as expected, a hand begins to rub my head. Fingers smooth out my follicles as they advance between waves of hair with care. Squinting my eyes open, I see Gai looking at me. His book remains in his other hand, but he isn’t looking at the pages.
Hahahaha! This is working! Fall for my trap, foolish man!
I keep my eyes closed for a few more minutes before opening them, rising as I do. Gai recoils. His hand stops rubbing my head, but he doesn’t move it away. Instead, it drifts to my shoulder.
“Did I wake you?”
I shake my head. “Nah, I’m fine.” My voice quivers, intentionally, of course. “I’m still mad at you, you know.”
“I’d be surprised if you weren’t. It’s not like I’m doing this just to be an asshole.”
I release a sigh. “And I know that. Still doesn’t mean it’s not annoying.”
“I bet. Sorry.”
“Feels kind of pathetic to say ‘sorry’ for something you don’t feel sorry for.”
“I’m saying sorry for how you feel, not the results of my actions.” Gai tussles my hair playfully. “There’s a difference.”
My face contorts until my cheeks puff out haughtily. “Annoying.”
“I’ve been told that many, many, many times.”
“Hmmm,” I garble. “But…no…never mind.”
“What is it?”
“It’s…embarrassing.”
“Then I have to hear it.”
“With that response, now you never will.”
“Ouch. My heart.”
“You’ll get over it.” I bite the bottom part of my lip. Looking up at Gai, a cute look controls my face. I force the gaze down at once, imitating some form of embarrassment, hopefully. “It’s…I can’t say it.”
“You’re used to having me in bed?” Gai whispers close to my ear. It’s almost like he’s teasing me.
My face lights red. I wanted him to say that, but hearing the words embarrasses me even though it’s all been a ploy. Thankfully, that means my acting these past few nights has worked.
“I didn’t say that,” I whisper back.
“You didn’t have to,” Gai coos.
Gods, men are so easy. Was I like this? Ew, probably. That’s sad.
“And now I never will with that attitude.”
“Maybe I’d like to hear it.”
“I’m sure you would.”
“Scarlet…”
What a pitiful noise! Ugh! It almost breaks my heart. It’s a suitable opportunity to solidify Gai’s feelings about me at this moment, so, if I must…
“…maybe,” I mutter.
“Hmm? Come again.”
“Don’t make me say it.” I wrap my face with my blanket to hide my mouth. My reaction is entirely purposeful. “You clearly already know.”
Gai stares deeply at me as if he’s unearthed a diamond. His gaze softens. “Cute.”
“Don’t call me cute.”
“You’re adorable.”
“That’s worse than cute.”
“You are one of the two. Pick one.”
“Neither. I’m fierce.”
“Really? I haven’t slept with you yet to know if that’s true or not,” Gai jokes.
I lightly batter his chest with the back of my hand. “Stoooop!”
Gai chuckles.
I lower the blanket a little from my mouth, smiling.
This is going perfectly! Hahaha! I almost feel bad!
All I know is, if a girl ever acted like this towards me in my past life, hell even now, I’d be willing to lay down my life to see her stay happy. Ahhh, cuteness is a powerful weapon! It’s even more potent than raw attractiveness. Combine the two together, and the world is yours!
Okay! Time to let this bastard stew for a bit.
I close my eyes again, curl into Gai, and remain silent for around half an hour.
Theeeeen…
I look up once more. Gai notices this, puts down his book, and glances at me. “Can’t sleep? Am I not comfortable tonight?”
“No,” I mutter. I stress out a gap between that word and my next. “I guess… I’m…sorry.”
“Sorry?”
“Don’t make me repeat it. It’s embarrassing.”
“You think you’re saying a lot of embarrassing things tonight. There’s no one else here but you and me,” replies Gai. “Say it.”
Wow. How commanding!
A little intimidating, too.
I bet that would work on an ordinary girl. Guess I have to pretend that works for me.
“Well...” I peek my head out of my blanket, but I force my gaze away from Gai. Apparently, he thinks my being embarrassed is cute. Might as well keep milking it. “I’m not sorry about what I did, but I am sorry for…leaving like I did last time. It wasn’t fair to anyone, especially you. I’ve had time to cool down, and I’ve wanted to apologize for a while. I’m just stubborn. You know that.”
“Yes, you are.”
“I appreciate everyone caring for me. It honestly warms my heart,” I say truthfully. “But it makes me feel weak. That doesn’t mean I don’t realize the intentions. None of you are considering my feelings, but your actions come from a place of love, so—” I look up at Gai, pursing my lips slightly to make myself seem vulnerable. “—I apologize.”
Gai’s face reddens a bit. Unconsciously, he leans forward as if he wants to kiss me, but he hesitates. He closes his eyes for a minute. I bet he’s trying to regain his composure. Slowly, they open again.
Knowing Gai, he’ll try to defuse this situation with a joke so he won’t feel as emotionally vulnerable.
“If you really wanted to apologize, you’d start sleeping naked again like you said you used to,” Gai suggests, putting a finger on my lip.
Idiot.
“O-Oh.” I fake astonishment. Turning away, I tense my cheeks so that they warm up, tinging red. “I-If…If that’s…um…if that’s…all.”
Gai nearly gasps.
Yes, yes, fall for my trap!
“What is up with you?”
I turn to him, feigning annoyance. “That’s your response when a girl says that!? Rude!”
“It’s out of character. Shocking, even.” Gai blinks. “Something’s wrong.”
I force a frown upon my face as I stare up at Gai.
Shit. Okay. I may have pulled the trigger a little too forcefully on that one. Not what I wanted to hear. I can’t fumble this. I’ve worked too hard to get here. A few more words, some simple phrases, and I’ll have his guard lowered for sure. Then I can strike.
“During these past few days, I’ve come to realize how much I rely on you,” I nearly whisper. “You stood up for me against my father. At the ball and when I was being punished. You’re the one who helped me get through the darkness in my life and find my purpose. You listen to me. You even stopped drinking as much. I’ve grown…close to you. I don’t know how to say it. You…fill the gaps in my deficiencies,” I scoff. “Like you’re my better half. It’s horrifying.”
“Horrifying?” snorts Gai.
“Shut up. I don’t know how to describe it. I’ve been sheltered in this stupid castle my entire life. My friends all work for my dad. Sometimes I wonder if they’re being my friends because they like me or because of the circumstances. I don’t have anybody who truly cares about me besides them, not even my own family. Maybe Master Talbert, but that’s it,” I say. “You’re an anomaly. I don’t understand how I feel towards you. It’s confusing. Scary…but I don’t hate it.”
Gai says nothing.
I let the blanket drop slightly, showing my clothed body underneath, but only a tasteful amount. The blanket still predominantly covers me. A baggy shirt and shorts are an excellent combo for feigning vulnerability. It gives the illusion of nudity without getting fully naked. Let’s call this “show” a side effect rather than the intended purpose in my outfit pick.
As expected, Gai seizes the moment. The hand on my head slowly drifts to the side of my face.
Fool. You absolute horny moron. The day is mine! All I have to do is get him to kiss me, feel him relax, then I’ve got him. Dark tendrils, be my savior!
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
Expectantly, I close my eyes.
“Do you think I’m an idiot?”
Opening my eyes, I blink rapidly, utterly confused. “What?”
Gai allows me a rather judgmental grin. “I know what you’re trying to do.”
Ah, shit.
My face droops a little. “I thought…you wanted that…though.”
“Scarlet, you’re trying to get me to drop my guard.”
“Why would kissing me make you drop your guard?”
“If I’m going to do it, I’m going to be invested,” says Gai. His hand on the side of my face moves to my chin. He lifts it until our eyes most certainly meet without me being able to look away. “Doing something like that in this room with us together, that’s got implications, doesn’t it? Give me an inch, and I’ll take a mile.”
“It’s more than an inch,” I mutter.
Gai snorts. “Funny.” He releases me. “If you feel this way when you’re free of me, try again then. I’ll go down easy. I just don’t believe you right now given the circumstances.”
“Why don’t you trust my feelings?”
“Scarlet, we’ve known each other for half a year. I can count on three fingers the number of times you’ve acted like this.” Gai holds up two fingers as if to further demonstrate his painful, sarcastic personality. “One was when you wanted to see the Voiced and you used your body to manipulate me into doing your bidding. The second time was the first night we played vigilante, and I had blue balls for two days after that. Tonight’s the third time, and it feels a lot like the first. Forgive me for not believing you.” He hesitates. “Besides, after you told me how you feel, I find it unrealistic that you’d change in such a short amount of time.”
I did not expect sound, reasonable arguments from him after all the efforts I’ve made. Dammit. He’d have been more susceptible if I’d kept the conflicts in my heart to myself. Now, he’s wary.
“Maybe I’m a masochist?” I argue meekly. “I guess I should applaud you for not taking advantage of me.”
That seems to cause Gai to flinch as if, only for an instant, he was wrong. That look goes away quickly. He stares at me, firmly, unrelenting in his assertion now.
Dammit.
I’ve already gone too far! I was fine with just a kiss! That would have been easy! It’s just friction between friends! Gods, now what am I going to do?
Shit, I know the answer. I’d need to do something that goes beyond what we’ve done up to this point, at least a little, and initiate. If I could beat him in a fight, I would, but I can’t.
This is, pathetically, the only way.
No. That’s not the only thing I could do. I could tell Gai what happened with the killer. He and Remi could get soldiers together and capture him. I could chop it up to a sudden realization I didn’t feel like sharing because I was unsure if I was correct.
If only that were a legitimate option.
Odds are, since I’m nearly one hundred percent sure the killer works in the castle, if Gai gets word to Remi about the killer’s arrival with a time and place, the killer will flee. We won’t hear from him again. We may then learn who the killer is as there will be an absence at the castle, but that’ll mean nothing. He’ll escape, and the killings will go unavenged. It’s likely why the killer felt comfortable providing me with a time and place to fight. Either way, it ends tonight for him. There’s no going back.
I doubt Gai would go with me to take out the man. If his words are true, he won’t risk my life. Not like this.
At least, that’s what I’ve rationalized so I can tell myself I am doing the right thing.
Risky things have the greatest gains.
Considering all that, I’m the only one who can stop the killer given the information at hand. To get to him, I must restrain Gai in a way that does not interfere with my work.
I need to be willing to sacrifice my past dignity for the sake of future salvation.
It’ll be fiiiiine. I almost had sex in this body. I’m sure I can fake some self-deprecation for a bit. It won’t be that hard. I barely mind at this point.
Gods, that’s kind of scary.
Ugh…
“I understand why you don’t believe me, but that’s not for you to decide. It’s up to me. That’s what we agreed upon, remember?” I coo.
Gai frowns. “And you’ve decided now of all times? Pretty ironic if you ask me.”
“Yes. Now of all times. Because it makes the most sense, idiot.”
“Idiot? For seeing through your bullshit?”
I lightly bop his forehead. “For not seeing the truth!”
Testifying and presenting evidence in court is, in a way, a form of acting. Dramatic performances, the tenure of the voice, the emphasis of words. All can change what something means. Referencing a murder weapon with a cocky, energetic attitude might downplay its significance while using slow, careful, revered words demonstrates its importance.
A good lawyer is great at putting on a show. If guilt and innocence were merely about the plain facts, the world would be a better place.
If nothing else, I know how to act. Even outside the courtroom, I acted like a happy workaholic willing to take on the pains of his peers. I was a rock for my office, okay with how my life was going. On the surface, anyways. On the inside, I was a mess.
When you don’t know who you are, it’s easy to pretend to be someone else.
I can do this.
I fling my sheet off my body, pointing an accusing finger right at Gai’s face. “Don’t belittle my feelings, asshole.”
“I would never do that if they were true.”
“How am I supposed to know if they’re true if you won’t even let me try?” I suddenly weaken my disposition. “If you just reject me outright because it’s convenient for you, how do you know if I’m lying or not?”
“Because I can’t.”
“Can’t what?”
“Be…hopeful.”
Looking over at Gai, I see a pained look on his face. It’s not all that’s there. A more profound emotion sits below the surface, one I’ve never seen before. Even then, I know what that feeling is. Everyone desires it. It moves life forward, drives people, strengthens their hearts.
Ah—
It explains why he’s changed so much.
He lo—
I shake my head.
No. If I reflect on that feeling, I’ll feel bad. It doesn’t change the facts on the ground. What needs to be done still needs to be done regardless of the intentions within this man’s heart.
They’re something I can use. That’s all.
I’ll apologize later.
By then, his feelings will be hurt. They might even disappear.
That’s probably for the best.
I’ve never been a person worthy of that feeling.
Standing up, I move in front of Gai. My face hardens for a minute, but I soften my gaze. My eyes moisten intentionally as I force myself to tear up.
Gai’s expression distorts as he sinks into his chair a little more. I can feel it. His guard has raised.
I lean forward until our heads nearly touch. Not once do I break eye contact.
I’m an asshole.
But I already knew that.
Carefully, I kiss him. I’ve done it before. It’s an easy thing, just a motion, a touch of skin. As easy as a high-five. That’s how I imagine it. That’s what makes it easy to do.
Gai hesitates at first. He doesn’t kiss back at all. His jaw is firm.
“You’re a good person,” I realize as I pull away.
Gai says nothing.
“You came off like such an asshole when we first met, but that’s just a facade, isn’t it? Every night this week, I’ve been thinking about you while I tossed and turned in bed. You had so many opportunities to leave, take advantage of me, let me get hurt. You never did. You’re kind. You care about my feelings. It goes beyond friendship, doesn’t it? We don’t have that kind of relationship we did before, do we?”
Gai’s face reddens as he looks away, neither confirming nor denying verbally, but his silence shows I’ve at least struck a nerve.
One of my legs juts forward. It stretches over Gai’s lap. The other follows as well. I’m sitting on him now, my gaze unbroken, as I look into his eyes.
Gai seems to choke on the air. He freezes. His gaze turns back to me.
“I wish I could know what I did to earn those feelings. I’m a boorish, mentally damaged person who can’t give you a straight answer on anything. I can see why you’re leery even now. You want to know something?” I force a smile onto my face. “I’m just scared. All the time.”
Ow. Why am I suddenly saying real things? Bad brain. Bad.
My hands go for Gai’s neck. I let my fingers reach up. They touch the underside of his chin. “I trust you. I’ve never done something like this before. I’m illogical. My life has been turned upside down now that someone wants to kill me, and nobody will let me do a damn thing about it.” I lean forward. My lips peck at his neck. “Let me feel good. I don’t want to keep having nightmares.”
I deserve a fucking Oscar. Where is it?! I demand it!
Gods, I’m just deflecting…
What the hell is wrong with me?
I don’t even know where the truth starts, and the lies begin...at any point tonight…
Gai tenses underneath my touch. With my speech done, all that’s left is action. I kiss his neck. Each one relaxes him further and further. Hands then set on my body. Their grip is tentative at first. Then they grow taut. Expressive. Hungry.
Why is this so easy to do?
Who the hell am I becoming?
Or is it rather…what have I let go?
I pull away.
Gai’s expression is weakened but still leery.
Already resolving myself beforehand, I reach my fingers down at the hem of my shirt. I pull it off in a fluid motion, tossing it to the side until I’m left in only my shorts.
With that, the tension in the room changes.
Acceptance reaches Gai’s eyes as his hands lean forward. One touches my face as the other gropes my chest.
He initiates the kiss now as his guard gently pulls away.
Now’s my ch—
I’m lifted into the air, much to my surprise. Flustered, my brain notes the inherent failures in my plan as my body begins to betray me.
Ah, there’s a weird feeling between my—
Brain, brain, brain, brain, brain work dammit!
My back soon hits my sheets as weight presses upon me. I’ve felt this feeling before. It’s not at all strange. Neither is this hunger behind Gai’s actions.
His shirt comes off.
Then his bottoms.
Then his—
No, no, no, I need to—
A finger fishes around the hem of my shorts as I’m pulled deeper into this process. My body begins to relax, to resist fighting as my brain squeals in the background, begging me for control.
It wins.
With my shorts peeled off my legs and a final motion mere seconds away, simple words fly from my mouth.
“I’m sorry.”
Dark tendrils launch out of my sides. They wrap around each of Gai’s limbs. His form suspends above me as I cover my nude body with my arms, embarrassed.
“Huh?” Gai slowly catches up to what is happening. Confusion sets in his gaze. It changes to anger. Then fear. He starts to shout. “Scar—”
I stuff my shorts in his mouth to gag him.
Gai’s shouts are muffled.
“You’re welcome?” I joke, pointing at the clothing in his mouth.
Gai’s expression changes back to one of anger.
I drop my head, annoyed at myself for having to do something like this. I hope my efforts are worth it. I hope I haven’t made a mistake.
*
“There! All dressed! How do I look?” I turn to Gai, wearing the outfit he picked out for me during our vigilante outings.
Gai thrashes around in bed. My shorts are still in his mouth, further restrained by a small rope I tied around his head. I did the same thing to each of his limbs. They’re latched to my bed underneath the mattress so that he can’t undo them via brute force.
“No mood to talk then,” I mutter, moving over to my desk. “Bummer.”
I take a piece of paper off my desk and begin writing. Once I’m finished, I make a second copy, leave the first on the desk, and then stuff the second into my pocket. My work complete, I turn back to Gai. He continues to thrash about.
“I’m going to explain a few things, okay? Quiet down. It’s important for when you get free.”
Hearing that, Gai calms.
I pull the cover back over his waist to hide his…yeah.
“Last week at this time, I ran into the killer.”
Gai’s eyes widen.
“We fought. I almost had him, but I adverted a killing blow at the end,” I continue. “He told me to come back on this night a week later to kill him then kicked me hard into the water. By the time I emerged, he was gone. Based on his skills, he’s a soldier in this castle, though he claims he’s not someone I’d know. I’m assuming he ate a Divine Treat. I’m not sure what his abilities are. Here’s what I do know. Tonight is his last night doing as he wishes.”
Gai’s brow knits together, confused.
“I know his pattern, where he dumps the bodies, and how. If he doesn’t show up tonight, then what I’ve done is a waste, and the information I have will go to you guys. I’ll relent to any punishment given my way without resistance. You have my word,” I relay. “If he does decide to meet me, we’ll fight. One of us will die. At that point, you’ll know what happened and can cross-reference it with who was at the castle and who wasn’t to narrow things down.” I jerk my head to the sheet of paper on my desk. “Everything I know is noted down there. I’m gonna sneak another copy to Remi when I pick up my stuff from her room. Either way, this ends tonight.”
Gai’s face distorts. He starts shouting at me, but I cannot hear the words. If I had to guess, he’s telling me not to do this.
I get it.
I’m an idiot.
I’ve rationalized and re-rationalized this ordeal so many times over the past week. Is this a good idea? Is this a bad one?
All I know is that a year ago, I never would have done this.
That’s how I know it’s the right answer.
Purpose.
Hope.
I have hope.
Regardless of the consequences.
My face softens as I move close to Gai. I brush his cheek with my fingertips. “I’m so, so sorry. You don’t even know. I’ll understand if you give up on me after this. I used you. I’m a terrible person undeserving of—” I cut myself off. Clearing my throat, I put a hand over my heart, closing my eyes. “I owe you. Regardless of what happens after this, I’m in your debt forever. I regretted leading you on the whole time, but this is important. I wouldn’t be doing this otherwise.” I head towards the window. Looking back, I give Gai one last smile. “If I don’t make it back, take care of yourself, all right? I couldn’t imagine a better fiancé.”
That seems to break Gai. His eyes widen as he tries his best to sit up straight. Unlucky for him, I took his enhanced strength into account when restraining him. If I never known he was a Divine Treat eater, he’d already be free. Heh…that’s what he gets for trusting me, I suppose.
Shit, I’m a horrible person…
Eventually, he’ll get out of it himself, but that’ll be hours from now. My conclusion will have already been met.
I stare into the darkness.
It’s funny.
Why do I find so much serenity in the face of death?
Why do I seek it so?
I don’t even want to die this time.
Far from it.
I have the same feeling now that I did upon that ledge.
Ah. Ironic.
Looking back, I point a peace sign at Gai before falling backward out the window like a diver from a boat. The air suddenly rushes around me as the sensation of falling relaxes my spine.
“Hey!” a voice on the nearby balcony shouts. It’s the man who’s been watching over me all these days.
Smiling, I wave up at him. A tendril shoots from my arm. The thick vine of darkness wraps around the balcony. Quickly, I use the momentum to swing up onto the terrace. I land on the ledge, much to the man’s surprise.
“Wha—”
A tendril restrains the man’s neck. It pushes him back slightly as I allow the darkness to snag him in a chokehold.
“I’m so sorry.” I clasp my hands in apology before the soldier just doing his job. His fingers pry at the tendril, but I’ve eaten a Divine Treat and he hasn’t. Our strength isn’t comparable. “Gai’s been restrained, too. When you wake up, go get him and come after me, all right?”
Not knowing if he understood me first, the man collapses. His eyes seemingly roll into his head. All the fight leaves him. He slumps forward. My tendril releases him, laying him gently on the ground.
Now, to get my swords.
My abilities allow me easy access to Remi’s room, much like I’d done in the past. I slip through her room window quietly.
Peering towards her bed, I see Remi asleep on her mattress. Her back is to me, but she isn’t faking it based on the steady breathing.
I gaze about the room. Laying beside Remi’s desk are both of my swords. I tiptoe over to them, grab them, and restrain them to my waist on either side. Instantly, a sense of relief floods over me as I’m once again armed.
Turning back to Remi, I offer her sleeping form a sad smile. “Sorry,” I say, gently placing the copy of my information on her desk. “Don’t be too mad tomorrow.”
This is just something I must do to grow as a person.
I will not allow my second chance to be wasted.
My resolve is clear.