"Summer will end soon enough, and childhood as well."

― George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones

"Meliodas! Hurry up or you'll be late!"

The rapping at the door grew louder, rousing Meliodas from a dreamless sleep. Sunlight streamed through the gaps of the shutters. Songbirds that had made a home on his sil earlier in the season chirped happily. Meliodas wished he could've had their vigor this early in the blasted morning, his lids still weighted heavily by sleep, his limbs protesting against each demand of 'move'.

"Mel-ee-oo-daas!" The voice continued to call out for him. He already knew it was Elizabeth, and no doubt Ban and Elaine were close behind her. She never went anywhere without one of them.

Reluctantly, he threw his light wool blanket from his body, hopping barefooted onto the chilled hardwood of the attic that he called his room. The cool of the wood helped to jolt his senses to life, a few firm slaps to the cheeks aiding in bringing his mind back to alert.

"Coming!" He called out, the insistent knocking finally dying down from his acknowledgment. He teetered across his room, throwing open his wardrobe and wincing as it creaked loudly. His furniture was old, but it was functional, so he never complained when it needed to be oiled thrice a month or hammered straight now and then. He worked hard for his spoils, and he treasured them all the same as a golden throne in the high palace.

Dressed and with his boots laced up, he patted down his mop of hair before throwing open the shutters. Fresh air and morning light poured into his room in a rush. He inhaled deeply as he reached into a small shelf next to the window, pulling out a small mason jar full of seeds. He poured a handful onto the sill, blue and green birds cooing in thanks as they began to peck away at the morsels. Their feathers glinted, extenuating their long, flowing tails and bobbed feathers atop their heads like a miniature crown.

His grandfather had threatened to burn the nest on numerous occasions. Apparently, four in the morning was too early to be woken up, even for a farmer. He had defended the birds and their perch, eventually reaching an agreement with the old man in that he would help around the fields more should they continue their morning calls.

Luckily, the singing died down as the season progressed, and as the trees began to grow pregnant with foliage and weeds began to grow through the cracks in the cobblestone, they had laid three, small blue speckled eggs; effectively worming their way into grandpa's heart and earning their perch on his sill.

"Good morning," Meliodas hummed softly to the birds, observing their eggs. "It shouldn't be too much long now, I hope." He beamed, imagining three little additions to their family. The birds chirped as if to give their reply, ruffling their feathers proudly as he regarded their handiwork. Proud parents extended throughout the animal kingdom, it seemed.

Meliodas wondered for a brief moment if his own parents regarded him in such a way when he was younger. He shook away the thought as soon as it sprang forth. He had lost his parents when he was barely a toddler. He couldn't even remember their faces, let alone parental love. Nothing of them remained but a small dagger and names that were no more than ghosts to his memory.

The thatched building's white walls and oak beams caught the morning sun, illuminating the roads below. It was but one of many in their small village, a town made up of the same five or so families over generations.

The village barely made the map, far south towards the bottom of the country and with no other export except for wheat and dairy. As a result they were mostly overlooked by the monarchy, and thus had to make do with what they had.

It was a hard life, but extremely rewarding. Grandfather had always lamented on his days spent in the capital, always saying how he wished he had come to the country sooner.

Meliodas had always asked about the city; what the people were like, how the food tasted, even if he had ever had a brush in with the monarchy. Each question, however, was always met with the same, sombre response. "That was a time long gone. You would do best to leave the city from your mind."

A flash of movement below suddenly caught his attention. The sweeping motion of a blue dress and wild blond hair. Elaine was jumping towards Ban, who was holding a lace ribbon high above his head. Elizabeth, her flowing platinum tresses seeming like an extension of her pale yellow dress was stomping after them in an agitation.

Quickly placing the seeds back in its proper spot on the shelf, he set off down the stairs and out of the small cottage he called home. Townsfolk had already taken to the street, merchants heading to their shops and hawking their wares and mothers tugging unrurly children along. It was a standard sight, yet it helped make him feel at home.

Jogging forwards, Meliodas could hear Ban's shrill laughter tying in with Elaine and Elizabeth's protests. The ribbon from earlier was now tied crookedly across Ban's forehead, his pale hair sticking up in all directions as if it had been attempted to be tugged off. He held Elaine back at arm's length, the much shorter girl whining as she fought against his much stronger grip. Elizabeth was behind him, futilely leaping for the item.

"Look who's finally up!" Ban called out as he spotted Meliodas. Elaine stopped reaching forward to face him, Elizabeth leaping to his side at once. "The slugabed arises from his cave!"

Elaine and Elizabeth both looked towards him pleadingly, tears (real or fake, he wasn't entirely sure,) dotted the corner of their eyes. They were playing at his heartstrings – trying to get him to do their dirty work for them.

Normally, it wouldn't have worked. Shouldn't have worked. But seeing Elizabeth's blue eyes glazed in sadness crushed his heart. Even if it was a game, it was going too far.

"Okay, Ban. I think that's enough. Can you give Elaine her ribbon back now?" Meliodas said firmly, holding out his palm for good measure. Ban seemed to consider it for a moment, tapping a forefinger against his chin in mock contemplation.

"I don't know, Mel. You'll have to take it off me if you want it so bad." He slurred in a sing-song voice, cracking a wicked grin. Ban leaned forwards, widening his stance to ready for the attack. Elizabeth clutched at Meliodas' sleeve loosely, butterflies flying through his stomach from the way she looked at him.

He couldn't stop the colour from tinting his cheeks as he lunged forwards, tackling the much larger boy to the ground.

They wrestled through the dirt for a few moments, exchanging a few light blows. They fought often, and seemingly over anything and everything. Not a day went by that either of them went without a new bruise or scrape to be nursed.

The girls, however, never liked seeing them brawl; and though they would never openly admit it to them, in their own way, the fights between them were also a test amongst men to prove they were worthy of them at all.

In the end, Meliodas arose from dust clutching a now thoroughly dirtied ribbon. His own clothing not much better off. His linens were tainted in a light beige and his hair matted down in thick clumps. Ban wasn't much different, save for a slight swelling on his left cheek from where Meliodas had landed a solid blow.

Meliodas handed off his spoil of war to Elaine, a fit of prideful giggles bubbling through his chest. His heart fluttered once more as Elizabeth thanked him softly, gingerly inspecting a bruise on his shoulder as she did so.

Elizabeth had only moved to the village a month ago, but she fit in with their small group as if she had always belonged. In fact, Meliodas was finding it more and more difficult to remember a time when Elizabeth wasn't there. She seemed so natural, so innate in this life that it almost felt wrong to think of a time before her.

Despite or upbringing in the city, she took well to rural life and never once complained. Meliodas had always imagined city children to be crass and snobby, never once daring to dirty their custom boots or tear a hem. Elizabeth had shattered his prejudices, the girl as bold and daring as the rest of them.

The townsfolk were quick to notice the budding relationship between the two. Whispers of future wedding bells echoing through the streets whenever they passed by. The adults thought they couldn't hear, or perhaps assumed they didn't understand.

After all, they were children untouched by life's hardships and trials. How much could two twelve year olds know about the topic anyways?

"Thank you, Meliodas. At least someone here isn't a big bully!" Elaine stuck her tongue out towards Ban, making a sound for emphasis.

"Come on, Elaine!" Ban retorted, a wide grin plastered across his face as he rubbed away at the swelling on his cheek, "it was all in good fun!"

"Is that what you're calling it?! Look at you! What is your dad going to say when you get home with a fresh injury?"

"He'll pat me on the back and say ''atta boy', and then I'll get extra desserts for a week." Ban chided.

"I thought the last time you got your ass beat into next Tuesday and were forced to work in the barns for just as long." Meliodas recounted, his own grin spreading across his features. Ban flinched at his words, obviously caught red handed in his lie.

"That's… uh… Technicalities? Right, that's it. I was showered in praise for my valance first, though, promise!"

They all erupted into a fit of laughter, Ban left floundering as he brushed himself free of dust and debris. He mumbled something to himself, unheard by the rest of the party before stringing an arm around Meliodas' shoulder. "Come on, man. You're supposed to have my back in this!"

"Yeah, sure, whatever you say." Meliodas brushed Ban off nonchalantly, taking a few steps forward closer to the girls. "All of that nonsense aside, is there a reason you all came knocking so early in the morning?"

Elizabeth clasped her hands together, jumping excitedly. Her eyes seemed to come alive, her entire face brightening as she hopped nearer towards him. "Oh! That's right! I heard from my uncle that knights will be stopping by town today! Real! From the Capital! Knights!" She beamed.

"Your uncle was a knight once, right, Elizabeth?" Elaine inquired, tying her ribbon in her hair and sticking her tongue out at Ban once more. "I wonder what they want to do here-"

"-Does it matter!" Ban cut in, "Nothing ever happens in this backwater town. This is probably the greatest thing to happen here since sliced bread!"

Elaine smacked Ban on the arm. "You're also so pessimistic, Ban. Things happen here." She argued, her cheeks puffing out in annoyance. The two set off to bickering in their own little world. Really, the villagers had taken to snickering about Meliodas and Elizabeth seeing wedding bells, yet failed to notice the seemingly already-married-couple in Elaine and Ban.

"They're at it again." Elizabeth sighed, massaging her temples in irritation. "Anyways, Uncle Denzel says some priest or some-other is stopping by on some pilgrimage, and that knights will be accompanying them! I haven't seen a knight since I left the city! Meliodas, I know you'll love it."

"Why do you say that?" He asked earnestly. He had never seen a knight, at least, not a royal one. Foot soldiers would sometimes stop by the village for lodging or to resolve small disputes, but they were hardly impressive.

In fact, most were more trouble than it was worth. Demanding more food than a small family could eat, complaining about the conditions... Sometimes a company would stop over for extended periods of time, a safe space ideal for recuperating from war efforts far away. All of them were the same though, demanding and not worth the fuss. "Most knights seem rotten. I don't see how city soldiers would be much better."

"Those weren't real soldiers. These are nobility, the best of the best!" Elizabeth chirped happily, spinning around in the breeze, her dress and hair flowing around her gracefully. "Every girl in the city dreams of marrying a royal guard. The royal balls, the chivalry, the heroics. They come to rescue maidens from towers and slay dragons!"

"Doesn't sound that special to me." Meliodas huffed, crossing his arms in an attempt to hide his jealousy. Wasn't this town enough for her? Wasn't he enough for her? He bet he could do all those things, and better too. He didn't need to be a stupid knight to protect her…

"Sounds like Ban could learn a thing or two from them." Elaine hopped in, startling Meliodas and earning a small giggle from Elizabeth. "He's uncouth, lazy, loud, and the farthest from chivalrous you could ever get!"

"Guilty as charged.~" Ban snickered. Elaine rolled her eyes.

"Come on guys!" Elizabeth stomped her foot down, waving to gain their attention. "Uncle Denzel said they'll be here around noon. That only gives us a few hours to prepare!"

"More like a few hours to mess around before we'll be forced to serve the best rations to those pigs- oww!" Ban flinched when Elaine flicked him on his swollen cheek. The smaller girl was fuming, quickly walking over to take Elizabeth by the arm to stroll down the street.

"Can't you tell this is important to Elizabeth! Sheesh. Men can be so insensitive." Elaine chided, making sure her voice was loud enough for the two boys to hear. Elizabeth looked back over her shoulder, casting Meliodas a solemn look before being thrust forward by Elaine.

Ban and Meliodas exchanged their own puzzled looks before racing to catch up to the girls, pushing the other playfully as they went.

Meliodas rolled down a cliff unceremoniously, Elizabeth, Elaine and Ban close behind him. Grass and wildflowers tangled in with the girl's hair while thistles poked at their sides. They crashed at the bottom, a fit of laughter bubbling in all their chests as they looked up at the sky.

Elaine crashed into Ban, tackling him to the ground roughly as she tickled his sides. It wasn't long before the two were in their own little world, laughing loudly.

"They're going to get married one day." Elizabeth panted, still catching her breath. "All the lady's in town say so."

Meliodas righted himself, his elbows still weak as he tried to make sense of the spinning world around him. "I don't know. I don't think Ban will ever be ready to become a husband."

Elizabeth punched him lightly in his shoulder, unintentionally knocking him back down into the grass with a thud. "Don't say that. Anyone can change."

Ban chortled loudly to their left, startling them both before they started giggling as well. "Sure, Ban can change," Meliodas said between laughs, "but it will take a lot before Ban is ever ready for that. I doubt he'll ever ever become an adult."

"Yeah, maybe you're right." Elizabeth laughed as she leaned back beside Meliodas. "I think you'll turn out okay, though."

Meliodas flushed, his heart halting in his chest. All of a sudden it was too hard to breathe, and he swallowed the wrong way, sending him into a fit of coughs. Elizabeth bolted upright, worry plastered on her face as she patted at his back.

"Where did that come from?!" Meliodas rasped out between coughs. He could see her from the corner of his teary eyes. Blue eyes glittering in the early morning sun, long, pale hair sticking up every which way and littered with leaves, grass and twigs. Marriage had always been the furthest thing from his mind, nothing more than a far off possibility.

Elizabeth stifled another laugh, "Don't worry about it." She teased, "no one would want to marry you anyways!"

"Hey!" Meliodas retorted, fists flying to a stray tuft of grass, yanking hard. He threw the grass and clumped up dirt at Elizabeth playfully, a brown and green confetti raining down on her. "No one would want to marry you either!"

Elizabeth ripped up a clump of grass, chucking it back at Meliodas. The laughter died down, replaced with a misplaced sadness. The world stilled as Elizabeth balled her fists in her lap. Oh crap. Crap crap crap! "I didn't mean it Elizabeth!" Meliodas rushed to correct himself, "I didn't mean it. Any guy would be lucky to have you as his wife. So please, don't cry!"

A breeze blew through the valley, rustling the trees and blowing pollen into their faces. Ban and Elaine could still be heard behind them, carefree and untouched by worry. Meliodas watched Elizabeth intently, waiting for the tears to fall, but they never came.

"I'm not crying, dummy." Elizabeth's voice was steady, calm, somehow wise beyond her years. "It's just… don't ever change. Okay, Meliodas?"

She smiled, the wind blowing a stray strand of hair into her mouth. Meliodas chuckled, pushing the offending lock behind her ear before he could stop and think about what he was doing. Elizabeth looked up at him expectantly, a slight purse to her lips reminding him how close he was to her.

"I-I promise!" He jerked backwards, scrambling to put more space between them. What was wrong with him today? This was Elizabeth, not some plague victim! This was his friend, practically his sister! And yet... something about her was making his heart beat out of his chest, as if he had just ran a mile without pause.

"Hey, lovebirds!" Ban whistled, throwing them both back into the real world, faces hot with a furious blush. "It's nearly noon! We better get back!"

The sun was high in the sky, its warmth sinking into Meliodas' skin. It was amazing how quickly time passed you by when you were in good company. Elizabeth's words still weighed at the back of his mind. What had prompted her to say such a thing? She was the one who had changed then, not him.

He rose to his feet, dusting off his shirt and pants before extending a grubby hand towards Elizabeth. She took it gingerly, her palm just slightly smaller than his own given their age difference. He hoisted her to her feet as Ban and Elaine caught up beside them.

The clearing they always played in wasn't too far off from town, though they had to stray from the path and into the woods to get there. It wasn't uncommon for a wild boar or bear to show up in these parts - those these days the fear seemed to be more of enemy soldiers who might hold the children for ransom. Beside this Elaine and Elizabeth locked their arms together, taking large, exaggerated steps without a care in the world.

It was strange. Meliodas had kept hearing about this far off war, yet it never seemed like more than fairy tales and stories meant to get children to bed at a decent time. Their village was so far removed from the conflicts. Be it blind faith in the state, or what his grandfather would no doubt call childhood ignorance, it made it almost felt as if they were untouchable.

"What do you think this big shot wants with us, anyways?" Ban asked loudly, dragging behind the girls.

"Who knows." Meliodas spat, irritation returning. "Hopefully they don't stay long."

"Someone's jealous." Ban sang, nudging Meliodas.

"Am not!" Meliodas shot back.

"Oh yeah you are. What, scared they'll steal Elizabeth away?"

"Of course not!" Meliodas fought to keep down the blush that threatened to blossom on his cheeks. "I just don't like those stupid show offs. They think that just because they have the nations crest they can run their mouths and get whatever they want. We don't need them, this war, or anything else. We're fine how we are."

"I get you how you feel." Ban softened, tossing his arm around Meliodas' shoulder haphazardly. "My folks run the inn. At least you can leave those asshats after nightfall. I'm the one stuck serving these bastards all through the night. You and I are all this town needs to protect em. Royal guard be damned."

"Careful Ban." Meliodas snickered, "you can't even beat me in a wrestling match. I doubt you'd ever be able to protect Elaine from bandits."

"Is that a threat?" Ban cocked an eyebrow, locking Meliodas in a head grip.

"It's a promise!"

The girls, hearing the fighting behind them rushed to break the two boys apart. Some things will never change. Meliodas thought happily.

Never.

The town was abuzz with chatter. Everyone from the baker's wife to the local monasteries priest and clerics had seemingly crawled out from nowhere, filling the streets with warm bodies and making it hard to walk.

The children pushed their way unceremoniously through the swarm of adults, forcefully moving their way to the front of the commotion where they would undoubtedly get the best view. People cursed and shouted as they went, but they didn't pay them any mind. This was their turf, after all. Why should they show manners to those who didn't belong?

One by one they popped out from in between the bodies until nothing lay before them but empty dirt road. A plume of dust could be seen rising up in the distance, the galloping sound of horses muted by audible. "We made it just in time!" Elaine chirped excitedly, bouncing next to Ban.

The cloud of dust got closer until they could make out three white horses, each with gold and silver bridles and saddles. 'Good to know that's where our tax money is going.' One villager muttered under their breath. 'Good for nothings don't only have the nerve to ask for all of us to attend, but then have to flaunt their wealth too? What scum.' Muttered another.

Meliodas looked around at the faces of the adults in attendance. What had seemed like excitement at first now gave way to something else. Each of the adults had their noses turned up in disgust, their faces smeared in distaste. What was going on?

The horses rushed into town, leaving all the people in a fit of coughs. By the time the dust had settled and they could get a look at the riders, they had already dismounted and were regarding the crowds.

Two knights stood behind a third man, blocking him from view. The knights were garbed head to toe in intricately etched iron armor, the nations crest proudly shown for all on their pauldrons. Their capes swished behind them, long, indigo sheets with the crest embroidered largely in the back as well.

The Lion crest of Soclos. A symbol that was supposed to make its citizenry feel safe, but more often than not just made them feel uneasy. The sitting Lion - the symbol of a King who had not seen war - perched atop a golden crown embezzled with colourful jewels. It was nothing more than a symbol of the tax collector these days, or someone demanding a free night at the inn.

The knights shifted as the third man, no doubt the priest they were escorting, made his way around the crowd. He looked younger than Meliodas would have expected him to look. The priest of their own monastery was an older, sickly man. This priest however, was garbed from head to toe in white. He wore a tall cap draped in indigo tapestries, all etched with gold. He was clean shaven, his face barely containing any wrinkles.

He ushered through the people, shaking hands as he went. Finally, he came to the children. Elaine shyed behind Ban, who moved to shield her from the strange man. Meliodas took hold of Elizabeth's hand, grasping it tightly as if to keep her there, next to him.

The priest leaned down to rest at eye level with the children. The gold chain around his neck dangled from the movement, the religious symbol for the church of Amstros swinging like a pendulum inches from his face. A single circle with three horizontal lines and two diagonal. Meliodas had no idea what it was meant to symbolize, though he was sure the clerics had probably explained it to him a hundred times.

Without a word, the priest simply ruffled their hair before moving down the crowd once more. It wasn't long until he had exhausted all the people he could reach, returning to the center of the square. The knights returned to his side, their armor clanking with each step.

Within moments, Elizabeth's uncle, Denzel Lioness, stepped forward from within the crowd. The two exchanged pleasantries, shaking hands and bowing to one another. After a moment, the priest cleared his throat deliberately, garnering the attention of everyone around him.

Meliodas had never felt so uneasy.

"Citizens of Caefall." The priest let out a booming voice that demanded attention. "My name is Hendrickson, a Druidic high priest. With me are my escorts, Dreyfus and Raizer. I thank you all for taking the time out of your busy schedules to greet us. Truly, the Supreme Deity smiles upon your hospitality."

He paused. A few adults whispered among themselves. "However. I'm sure you all know we do not come bearing good tidings."

The crowds shifted. 'When has it ever been good news.'

'Just tell us how many more of our sons we need to send and be on with it.'

"This year's pilgrimage has been very humbling. I have traveled from the Northernmost Temples, and am ending with your lovely village. I have seen the effects of the war on both the land and its people. You have been blessed to have not been ravaged as so many others have - and for that, I praise the Deity."

"This guy is amazing." Ban whispered into Meliodas' ear. "He opens his mouth and nothing but shit comes out!"

"Shh!"

"However," Hendrickson continued, "it is our duty, both has followers of the Supreme Deity and his Majesty the King, that we give to aid all of our fellow countrymen. That is why I was chosen to make this trip. It is both your civic - and holy - duty to give to the holy kingdom of Britannia. For this, we ask that each house please offer as much as they are able."

'There it is.'

'It's never anything but money with these types.'

"Also, seeing as Caelfall has been untouched by the war, His Majesty ask that rations offered to the clergy and war effort be increased twofold."

The chatter around the square grew, each person adjusting themselves uncomfortably at the news. They were already sending the bulk of their harvest to the city, barely leaving any for themselves. There was no way they could put up with those demands!

The knights tightened their stances, seemingly bracing for a rush towards Hendrickson. Denzel, however, stepped forward, halting the unrest instantly. Hendrickson nodded his thanks before continuing.

"Now, I understand that this may seem unfair. But I promise you it is only a temporary change. Please, see it in your hearts to offer all you can for the sake of Britannia. Once again, I thank you for your attention. I greatly look forward to seeing you all on my tour later."

Without further prompting, the crowd began to disperse. The adults, none seemingly believing a word from the priests lips. Denzel stayed behind, chatting casually with Hendrickson.

"Come on Ban, let's go look at the horses!" Elaine pulled at his shirt, leaning towards the stallions eagerly. "I've never seen a horse that big before!"

"Elaine!-" Ban began to scold her, but it was too late. She had lost her footing and had begun careening towards the knights. She landed face first at their feet, their horses ears perking up towards the sudden commotion. They all turned to look at the poor girl indignantly sprawled out before them.

Meliodas, Elizabeth and Ban all rushed forwards, each grabbing Elaine's arms and pulling her back to a more dignifying stance. Elizabeth, noticing her uncles stare, tried to hide her face behind her hair to little avail. He shook his head disappointedly. "I'm sorry. My niece. I told her to stay back until later tonight."

"It's quite alright," Hendrickson pat Denzel on the shoulder reassuringly, "I'm sure the children were just excited to see us."

"We're very sorry Uncle Den." Meliodas said all the quickly, bowing his head as he and Ban pulled Elaine back to safety. "We'll stay out of your hair, sir."

They turned to leave, Meliodas gripping Elizabeth's hand even tighter. Something about Hendrickson didn't feel right. Like a milk gone sour, his presence left a bad taste in his mouth. Every bone in his body screamed to get away from him, to get Elizabeth away from him.

A tug came from his left. The hand that was holding on to Elizabeth had jerked him backwards. Hendrickson, a single hand laid on her shoulder, had kept her put when he tried to pull her away. Get away from him, get Elizabeth away from him. Get your filthy hands off of her!

"You, child." Hendrickson's voice now sounded as sweet as poison. It grated at Meliodas' ears. "What is your name?"

Elizabeth blinked up at him. She looked unsure as to if she wanted to answer or not. Was she feeling the same unease he was? "She doesn't need to give her name to strangers." Meliodas spat before Elizabeth could answer.

"Hold your tongue boy!" Denzel snapped, "Your grandfather will be hearing of this outburst later, young man!"

Hendrickson rose his free hand, silencing Denzel. "Now Denzel, no need to be harsh. The boy was simply protecting his friend. You have to respect his bravery. Now I ask again, lass. What is your name?"

"... Elizabeth." She croaked, voice low and shy. Uncharacteristic of Elizabeth. Get her away from here!

"There, you know her name!" Meliodas bit down hard, struggling to maintain some composure. "Are we free to go now?"

Hendrickson gave a small nod, the beginning of a wolfish smile creeping onto his features. Before he could be stopped again, Meliodas tugged hard on Elizabeth's arm, pulling her away from the priest.

The children all ran towards the clearing, unaware of the holy man's following gaze.

That night, Meliodas lay awake in bed. The sun had long since retreated beyond the horizon, and Ban, Elaine and Elizabeth had all gone home long ago.

Meliodas held up his parents dagger against the torchlight. The blade was clean, it's edge sharpened to a deadly point. Small etchings of religious patterns lined the edge, leading towards a leather wrapped handle.

The blade had always given him an odd sense of comfort. Almost as if his parents could somehow protect him through nothing more than an old knife. It was ridiculous. He wasn't a child anymore, so why was he believing in some stupid childhood folly as that?

He poked the tip of the blade into his index finger, allowing the metal to pierce the skin until blood began to bead at the tip. He watched as the liquid seeped from his veins, pooling against his skin until it gave out to gravity, dripping down steadily onto his bed.

Rest came over him slowly. Uneasiness washed over him like a sickening blanket, causing him to toss and turn all throughout the night.

The next morning, Elizabeth was gone.