Mentally, I secured the room, making sure that our conversation would remain private. Abe was facing the window, silently I stood behind him, observing hm. His posture mirrored the tension he was holding within himself. It reflected the past few hours and the emotions we were all feeling. Sometimes I forget, that at the end of the day, no matter how powerful he is and how indestructible he makes himself to be he is a person that feel, that mourns the loss of those that were close to him and fears for the life of his only child.

"Old man!"

"Rose" His voice heavy. Something in my face must have given away the way that I was feeling and what I have been thinking for the past few moments. "come here kid, I know"

Just like that, I was enveloped into a heartwarming hug of my father. His hand, stroking my hair in a gentle calming gesture, showing me that he was here for me in such a hard moment.

"Kid, it's a great loss to all. You did all you can"

"There was no other way" a sob escaped from me and I replayed the scenes of it all to my father in his mind, like a film, you wish you never watched

"I know darling, you are so incredibly strong. I wish I could do more to shield you from such responsibility but…" He was looking into my eyes, and holding on to me like I was the most precious thing to him. Both of us knew exactly how that sentence was meant to end, yet it seemed pointless to state it out loud. After that, the silence fell within the room. It seemed like an eternity has passed before another syllable left his lips. "I have made a decision. I have arranged for someone to keep an eye on you. All of you."

"You can't put any more people in danger. You know how much of a risk I am"

"You, my darling, are not a risk. You are the solution and I want someone else to be there for you when I can't. Keep an eye on you. You will need to tell them everything or as much as possible. The person will do the same. Plus, your team will also need protection."

His mind was set. His body language said it all, there was no point in arguing with him. Plus, he made some solid points right there. I can't be everywhere at once, and this is beyond just my protection.

"I can't change your mind I see. Fine. I want this person and the security files. It's best if I am familiar with them all before we meet."

"Of course. I didn't expect anything less. It will be with you before I depart or waiting for you in your room at the Academy."

Finally breaking our embrace, I looked at my father. He looked tired but as youthful as ever.

"You have risked a lot coming here"

"Yes, but you needed me. The were the family, that I and your mother never could. Don't give me that look kidz, I am not blind. This is why I sent you to be with them so often. They could give you the feeling of family that you were missing. I am sorry for your loss but as ever, you are the one looking after everyone. Did you tell them?"

"Yes, I will need their help. The future ahead is dark, but there is hope. A team is needed to change the outcomes for the best of everyone. A time will come when I will call upon you once again. Perhaps even my mother" pausing for a second I continued on a more emotional note. Looking up to the man that did all he could for me, I put all the emotion I could "Dad, you did your absolute best. You have always done for me and helped me in the ways that no one else could. You gave me the life I needed and wanted. You accept me, love me, and listen to me. I love you."

"I love you too, and so does your mother." chucking "She loves a good fight, and I wouldn't miss it for the world"

"Thank you. How long are you staying here?"

"Long enough to pay my respects, and organised your safe arrival to the Academy. My team is already working on organising the funeral, with the final decision left for you, Andre, Lissa and Christian. It will most likely take place in a day. After you will have time to purchase anything you need, and finally I will make sure all of you arrive in the academy safely."

"Let me guess, on top of that, you will ensure we have security while on and off the premises. Intervening and improving it all, making it even better, as if by magic!"

I saw his lips twitch just a little bit, lifting the heaviness that was upon us both.

"Stop reading my mind"

"Oh, I knew that without reading it, because I know you and how you work. Plus I made you smile."

"It's needed. I am sure that you know, that their death wasn't exactly an accident"

"Yes"

"There, you understand"

"Of course, but right now, all of us need rest. We are safe here. Are you staying here?"

"For tonight, then I will move"

The discussion was over, I looked over at Abe once again. His eyes, full of mischief, worry, love, and tiredness. This was hard on him too. Once again, as obvious as day, but hidden behind his mask. The mask he wore every day. You have to in his and mine line of work. It is only in these precious moments that we can be ourselves, even if it's just a tiny portion. After all, they were his friends, and it was a loss for all of us. I hugged him once again, quietly whispering into his ear words of support.

"I love you, Dad, we will make it right. It will be okay"

He tightened his arms around me, silently thankful that I was alive. He worries despite the fact that he knows, I am more than capable of looking after myself. With that, we parted our ways and I went back to my room. Falling into the bed, I welcomed the silence and the empty blackness that sleep offered. Tonight, I was praying for just sleep, no dreams or visions. I wanted to forget this day, even if it was just for a few hours.

It seemed that my head just hit my pillow, but all too soon, I could feel the sun setting. Slowly opening my eyes, I opened my mind. The house was awake and it was grieving. I felt Lissa, walking through the hallway, and stopping in front of my door. She hesitated.

"Liss, just get in here already"

The door opened, and a grief-stricken Lissa, dressed all in black was standing in front of me. Sitting up, I offered her my arms, and in a second I was embracing her, like a mother did to a child.

"Shh, it's going to be okay, I am here with you, we will get through this. I will always be here for you, the sister you can never shake off"

Finally, among the sobs, I felt a small smile.

"You always know what to say to make me feel better. We are going to be okay, right Rose?"

"Of course Lissa. Now, wipe away those tears and go feed. In the meantime, I will get dressed and I will meet you for breakfast in a bit."

"Okay Rose, see you in a bit"

Today is going to be a long day. I managed to get myself out of bed, into a shower, and dressed within 20 minutes. Not bad.

I knew that it was time. Making my way downstairs, I quickly got some breakfast. Everyone was already here. Seeing my arrival Abe started to speak.

"Now that everyone is here, I wanted to once again to offer my deepest condolences. This is a great loss for us all. It is going to be painful, but it needs to be done. Andre, I know that you have already started the preparations for the funeral. My team carried on from where you left off, and almost everything is organised. I have left the last few details to you, Lissa, Christian, and Rose. The funeral will take place tomorrow. After that, you will have a day to get any other items you need for the Academy. I don't want to rush you, but the sooner you are under the safety of the Academy the better. I am sorry for all of this, but you as well as I, know that this is for the best"

Andre was the first to respond. His voice heavy with emotion, yet strong and even.

"Thank you, sir. I speak for us all, when I say that we are grateful for your appearance, help, and support."

Abe nodded and hugged Andre. Offering his support, man to man, like a father would to a son.

"Christian, I know what they meant to you as well. From what I see, all four of you are a family unit of your own." With the final nod to Christian, Abe left.

The rest of the night went in a blur. Phone calls, heavy conversations, and people offering their condolences. Christian's aunt, Tasha was coming tomorrow as well. I haven't met her before, but she was the one who looked after Christian. The only blood family he has left. Just like Abe said, like a family, together, we made decisions on flowers, clothing, list of all those attending, and finalising the last few of arrangements that were left to do. Tomorrow will be the day we bury the two people who meant the world to us all.

Finally, the night was over, and we needed to get our rest. Having just fed, I searched for Lissa and Andre in the kitchen. Christina was already in bed, he must have left the two siblings to have their own moment. Christian was a rock to Lissa, and she to him. Everyone could see it. The entire day, he was there, holding her hand, letting her cry when she needed to, and calming her down afterwards. I think he even managed to get her to smile at least once when no one was looking. Now, Andre and Lissa were giving the love and support their both needed. After all, they were burying their mother and father. Making a decision, I made my way over there. Lissa and Andre were embraced in a hug, offering their support to each other. I had a feeling that Andre was about to become even more protective of Lissa, than ever before.

Now, Andre and Lissa were giving the love and support they both needed, brother to sister. After all, they were burying their mother and father. Let them be or join them? Making a decision, I made my way over there. Lissa and Andre were embraced in a hug. I had a feeling that Andre was about to become even more protective of Lissa, than ever before.

"Hey, how are you both holding up?"

Lissa looked at me with tears in her eyes. She moved away from Andre, as I gave her a handkerchief.

"We are okay, aren't we Andre? Today was hard for all of us, there were like parents to you too Rose, I know it's difficult for you as well. I am grateful for Abe. It's crazy to think, that before yesterday, I didn't even know of his existence, yet now, he is a rock for us all"

"Indeed" that's all that I could say on the matter. Lissa was, of course right.

"Hey Rose, come here, I know that look. You may not be my sister by blood, but you are my sister. I am here for you, just like I am for Lissa"

"Thank you, Andre. I know, and I am here for you both"

With that, all three of us were in a hug, giving support and love to one another.

"We know, and you are. Let's get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be hard for us all"

The hug was broken, but the feeling of the strength that we shared remained and will always stay with us. Together we are strong, perhaps, even unbreakable.