Things were going to change. I was done losing people, done running, and certainly done with Kane's little cult. Fuck him and his stupid knife. He wanted a fight? Well, he had one. Fuming, I picked up the menu for the tenth time and scanned through it. I was getting a burger. I didn't care how undignified I would look eating it. I was mad and hungry. Where the hell was the server?

"Taylor."

I peered over the menu. Sebastian still wore the same concerned look he had back at the house. Granted, my outburst about "burning my enemies" had been a bit gleeful, but I was perfectly sane. Just really pissed off.

"I'm fine."

He put his head in his hands.

"I'm having trouble believing that. You learn that your family, the one you had no memory of, died horribly in front of you. You have a small outburst, threaten to "burn your enemies", then march right to this diner. Do you see my issue?"

"I was hungry," I grumbled.

Sebastian waited until the server had left with our orders before continuing.

"I might have believed that had we not walked past ten other restaurants on the way here. You came to this specific diner. Why?"

This was where I realized I wasn't who I thought I was. This is the same booth where I learned my memories were lies. That spot in front of the door is where my life fell apart before my eyes, leaving me with more questions I could possibly answer. This diner is where I started to learn the truth, and I needed to know more.

"I want to jog my memory. Learn something useful for once."

Sebastian pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Taylor, you're not thinking clearly." He sighed. "Hell, I'm not thinking clearly. We just lost our child! This is much better than running, but this isn't how you handle death."

I crossed my arm defensively.

"No, it's not. That will happen tonight when I bawl my eyes out. Right now, I get to be angry. It makes me feel better."

The server returned with our food. My water watered at the greasy monstrosity before me with its delightfully melted cheese. Ecstatic, I bit into it, relishing how juicy it was. God, I needed this. Avoiding my partner's questions was just a plus. Sebastian sipped at his wine glass disapprovingly, though I wasn't sure if it was because of my answer or how I was eating. Probably both.

"We need to talk about what happened," he said finally.

I swallowed, wiping my face with a napkin.

"I'm pretty sure we don't."

His face darkened.

"Taylor, that was my child, too. I have every right to know what exactly occurred, start to finish."

I pushed my plate to the side and leaned on the table.

"Look, I get you're pissed, upset, whatever! I'm sure you need to talk about it. It's healthy, and it helps with the grieving process. What you don't need to know is what happened in that forest, okay? I gave you the basics."

He leaned forward, arms folded over his chest.

"Yes, the basics. That consisted of saying that Kane beat you and forced a miscarriage. I want to know exactly how he laid his hands on you so I can repay the favor."

He was starting to piss me off. Yeah, it was his child, and he had every right to be angry, but he wasn't there. He knows we lost our child because I told him. I lived it. The blood and pain and fear were not just words to me. I could still see Kane's distorted face, feel my scalp burning as he held me by hair as his fist connected with my stomach. Why did he want to know this so badly?!

I stood slamming my hands on the table.

"You want to know? Fine! He started by threatening to torture you. He was going to cut you up into littles pieces and send them to me with a recording of your screams if I conceived again! You know what he did next? He punched me in the stomach until I was sick, and left me bleeding on the ground. But that wasn't enough for him, oh no! Then this bastard kicks me like a fucking ball!"

Sebastian has risen, his pale face strained.

"What? You don't what to hear anymore? Well, too bad! I almost died! That monster was planning on beating me to death!"

He grabbed my arm.

"Stop. Not here."

I tried to snatch it away.

"Fuck that. You wanted to hear it."

He yanked me out of the diner by my arm, jaw clenched.

"Not. Here."

Sebastian led me into a nearby alley before releasing my arm. His eyes were glowing a terrifying shade of red that dampened my anger. A vein pulsed in his forehead as he paced, his steps brisk, but stiff. A hand waved impatiently for me to continue, but he wouldn't meet my gaze. Shame washed over me. He looked like a caged animal.

"There was a lot of pain," I continued, my tone soft, "and blood. My brain didn't process what that meant until after the Dryads pulled me into the forest clearing."

Delicate green faces passed before my eyes.

"He drew back for the killing blow, but I was saved by the Dryads. They dragged me away from him into the clearing. I remember that there was a barrier he couldn't pass through, and there was a sound in the forest that drove him off."

Kane's furious face flashed before me, pounding against an invisible barrier before shifting into the ocean blue Water Nymph, her full lips pouting.

"A Water Nymph from the pond tried to assist, but by then it was too late. She and the Dryads washed the blood from me. The elder Dryad healed me enough that I wouldn't die, but Kane did too much damage at that point. I was in shock. In mere seconds, I had discovered and lost my child. Then I blamed myself. I still do. I know that if I hadn't wandered off, I never would have run into Kane. Had I stayed in the Market District, our child would still be alive. We'd be setting up a nursery, not planning a funeral."

Sebastian had stopped pacing, his eyes hidden beneath his raven hair. He steadied himself against the wall of the adjacent building, his free hand curling into a fist. I debated if I should finish. Every word seemed to drive a knife into his chest, and I hated myself for being so stupid. Of course this would hurt him. He didn't have to be in the forest to see the bruises on my stomach or witness my nervous breakdown.

"The Water Nymph opened a portal. The first one would have taken me to you." He looked up at this, his eyes haunted, "I should have stepped through. I wanted to. I wanted you to comfort me. I wanted to cry into your chest. But I couldn't face you. I knew you would be angry I had disobeyed you, and I thought you would blame me. No, I knew you would blame me.

I know I wasn't thinking rationally when I took the second portal to the train station. Nothing mattered to me at that point, and I just wanted to run away from what happened. I could reason enough to know you would come after me, so when people asked me where I was going, I lied. I needed to throw you off my trail until I knew what to do.

At the mountain village, I heard about a cliff called Lover's Dive. At that point, I was weary and sore, and wanted my misery to end. I continued spreading false stories just in case you realized where I went before making the trek up there. I knew I needed a Cleric about halfway to the mushroom forest. I had started bleeding again and the pain in my stomach was unbearable. To be honest, I don't remember reaching the forest. I remember being in so much pain that I ate one of the mushrooms, hoping it was poisonous. Instead, it caused hallucinations. Of you."

I paused, letting out a sigh.

"At first, I thought it was you. I tried to run from it, but ended up tripping and falling through it. That's when I realized what they were. So, I continued to the cliff, too high to feel the pain, but too sober to forget. I just kept telling myself it would be over soon. I would reach the cliff and fall to my death. Fuck Kane. Fuck what happened.

There was a small part of me that hoped you would find me. Not to stop me from dying, but rather so I could tell you goodbye. To say how sorry I was and to beg your forgiveness before I jumped. I thought you were a hallucination when I reached you. I guess you assumed that from how I was acting, or realized I was having a nervous breakdown. I was angry when you stopped me. How could you possibly understood how I felt? Now? I don't even know how I feel.

It hurts to think about it, but I can't get the image of blood out of my head. I don't want to think about what could have been, but I keep imaging what the nursery would look like. What our child would have looked like. I thought throwing myself into rediscovering my identity would help, but it seems that I only have more fuel for nightmares. I'm afraid to sleep tonight. I don't want to relive either of these memories. I don't want to feel that pain all over again. I'm just…afraid."

I let my voice trail off. Sebastian had covered his face with his hand, his broad shoulders slumping. He looked beyond his years, and I half-expected his dark hair to turn gray. Hesitantly, I reached out to touch his arm. He flinched at my touch, and I drew away. He wouldn't look at me or respond to my voice. I was convinced he wanted nothing to do with me and my heart broke. I stood there, tears threatening to spill, before slowly turning and leaving him in the alley. I stepped back into the diner, ignoring the stares. Sitting down at my booth, I waved the server over.

"I need a box and the check," I said hoarsely.

I packed up my burger, wondering if Sebastian would reappear. I searched for him among the people outside the windows, but couldn't find him. It had started to rain, the gray overcast in sync with my mood. Normally, Sebastian would pay for our meals, but he hadn't returned when the check came so I mutely handed the server my card. I hadn't needed to use my stipend with Ciel providing for all my needs, so I had a decent amount saved up. With the bill paid, I got up and left, tears running down my face. I searched the alley, but he was no longer there. I stood there for a moment, rain plastering my hair to my face. Maybe if I waited, he would come back. Ten minutes passed, then twenty, but the tall man was nowhere to be found. I decided to walk in the direction of the manor, hoping to find where Sebastian had parked the car. I passed through the Market District into the start of the little suburbs. The car was still sitting in its spot by the jewelers, and I checked to see if it locked. It wasn't. Sliding into the driver's seat, I looked for the spare keys. Sebastian always left a set in the car so I could listen to the radio on days I hurt too much to go in the store with him. I found them in the center console beneath a tiny legal pad. Sighing, I started the car up. I had no idea if I knew how to drive, but there was no way I would survive the walk to the manor. Biting my lip, I put the car into the reverse and started to back up. Successfully avoiding other cars, I put the car in drive and turned onto the road. I had definitely done this before. My body seemed to move on its own, keeping the car neatly between the lines while adjusting the mirrors to my height. At a red light, I put the car in park and adjusted the seat so I could see over the wheel better. While I struggled to find the lever for the seat, the passenger door opened. Startled, I tried to shift gears and take off, but forgot to put my foot on the brake. Hissing, I did so as the door shut.

"The light is green."

Sebastian sat next to me, brushing dripping hair from his eyes. His suit clung to him, drops of water absorbing into the seat. He met my dumbfounded gaze and motioned to the light.

"Dear, it's green."

An angry beep snapped me out my trance, and I quickly shifted gears and continued driving. Beside me, Sebastian had removed his gloves and jacket, tossing them to the back. His button-up shirt had fared no better, but he only sighed and sat back. At the next red light, I restarted my hunt for the seat lever. Leaning over me, Sebastian placed my hand on a switch on the side of the seat. Oh! It even lifted my seat up some! He started to return to his seat, then paused, his face level with mine. A soft smile crossed his face, and he kissed me gently. I tried to kiss him back, but he pulled away, pointing to the light. It was green. Huffing, I put my focus back on the road. Thankfully, there were no more lights before we reached the manor. I immediately put the car in park and turned to claim my kiss, but Sebastian was already gone. Disappointed, I headed into the manor.

Damion and Ciel were in sitting in one of the sun rooms, watching the rain on the floor in front of the window. The young boy was curled up against the snowy-haired Prince, sipping from a teacup. He grimaced.

"Tea-making is not a specialty of mine," he grumbled.

Damion chuckled, drinking heartily from his own cup.

"You've relied on Sebastian for so long that I'm not surprised," he took another sip, "It is quite terrible, but you went to so much trouble to make it for me."

It was heartwarming to see, and I felt a grin form on my face. They were so cute together, the Prince and the master. It would be a shame to ruin such a beautiful moment, but I couldn't help myself.

"Get a room, you two," I called to them from the doorway.

Ciel almost hit the ceiling. Panicked, he jumped to his feet, trying to straighten his clothing and tousled hair. He could barely stammer out a coherent sentence as he approached me, his face burning. Forever his opposite, Damion remained seated, unfazed by my presence. Long snowy hair fell past his shoulders in a messy wave, the band for his braid lost. He slightly turned his head towards me, a smile playing at his lips.

"Welcome home, sister."

Ciel had fallen silent, his head down. He stood stiffly, fists at his side. I remembered Sebastian's words. He lived in a time where being with the same gender was looked down upon. It was clear he loved Damion, but that same love fought with the morals and beliefs he had grown up with. I patted his head gently. Times had changed.

"I find hot chocolate is better for rainy days," I said thoughtfully, "I like mine with a pinch of cinnamon."

The boy looked up at me, his brilliant blue eye laced with fear and hesitation.

"Do you love him?"

He glanced back to Damion, then nodded.

"Then I wish you all the happiness in the world."

I gave his head a final pat and turned to leave. Ciel grabbed my arm, stopping me. He avoided my gaze, but I could see he was smiling.

"Thank you."

"Of course. We're family, right?"

I left him standing there with his mouth agape. The little lord seemed to forget that I knew him as the young boy who loved my dog. He was the brat that Sebastian couldn't stand some days, but who held a special place in his heart. To me, he was the young boy who provided for me simply because I had nowhere to go. The boy who talked to me each morning, and asked how my schooling was going. It was at his feet I often found my dog, with a box of dog treats on his desk. I was fully aware that he was far older than Damion, but he was a child to me, all the same. His gruff presence had become a necessary part of my life, and I couldn't imagine my life without it. Isn't that what family was? Smiling, I headed to my room.

A bouquet of blue rose waited for me on the bed, petals damp with rain. I edged towards them suspiciously. Okay, so these were either from Sebastian, which would melt my heart, or from Kane, which would scare the shit out of me. I picked them up, entranced by the fragrant scent. A small card had be slipped into the ribbon holding the flowers together. Carefully, I slide the card free. Please don't be Kane. Please don't be Kane…

"To my love of life," it read, "May these be a reminder of your beauty."

I sat on the bed cradling the roses in my arm as I read the card over and over. Even his handwriting was perfect, its beautiful looping letters an art of its own. This sweet gesture was a reminder that he still loved me no matter what happened. The flower were placed in an empty vase, the card placed beside them. I stared at them with wonder, my heart singing. A soft rap on the door stole my attention and I turned to see Ciel standing in the doorway.

"What's up?"

"It seems your maids have arrived early. Would you care to meet them?"

I followed him to the ballroom where Damion stood before three woman, speaking softly. Upon seeing me, he gestured for me to join him.

"Sister! Come meet your maids!"

The three woman did not look like maids. The first woman looked like a giant. Easily taller than Sebastian, she had skin the color of cinnamon with red braids pulled back into a massive ponytail. Built like a bodybuilder, I feared for anyone who made the mistake of fighting her. Arms crossed over her chest, she beamed down at me with kind eyes. The second woman did not take kindly to being called a maid. A frown on her ruby lips, she stared holes into Damion with her dark eyes. Raven curls spiraled down her back, the color contrasting prettily against her ivory skin. Dressed in a fitted black dressed with dagged sleeves, she looked like an enchantress. The final woman caught me off guard. Clothed in flowing white robes, this woman could have been my twin. Long brown hair fought to escape her hood, and her porcelain hands flipped through a book as she sat demurely on a stool. She looked up with a sweet smile. It was uncanny how much we looked alike, from face structure to body shape. The only discerning difference between us was our eye color. While mine were a stony gray, hers were a deep sapphire blue.

"Uh…hello."

Damion motioned to the tall woman.

"This is Chief Nali of the Amazons. Her swordsmanship is legendary, and she has never lost a battle."

Nali greeted me with a slap to the back.

"It is good to meet you!"

Next was the enchantress.

"Lacey, the Witch Queen. She has an extensive knowledge of plants and potions with a mastery of Artifact Magic."

She simply nodded her head at me.

"And finally, the Princess Mage, Alexandra. She is the only Mage to ever master six of the seven types of Elemental Magic. Her specialty is in Light Magic, and she has earned the rank of Master Cleric."

Alexandra rose gracefully from her seat and curtsied.

"My lady, it is a pleasure to meet you."

I looked at Damion.

"Did-are-what-? Those aren't maids!"

Lacey rolled her eyes.

"At least someone gets it," she grumbled.

Damion shrugged.

"They may not look the part, but I'm sure you will manage."

What? He-he had to be insane! I knew who these women were, if only by name. Nali was the leader of the female race known as Amazons. They were considered to be the strongest race in terms of battle and war. No race would ever willingly fight them. Lacey? She was the ageless ruler over Witches. It was her who decided who would or would not learn magic, regardless of potential. She was a frightening person to cross, as she had the power to wipe out armies with a single spell. Alexandra was next in line for the throne over the Mages. It was said that at ten years old, she had gone before the Mage Council in order to enter school. At the time, female Mages were not allowed formal education, their magic only aiding them as wives and mothers. The Council had laughed at her request, shooing her away. Stubborn, she claimed that they were afraid to lose to a child and stated she could beat each one of them at their own element. Infuriated, each Mage went against her, testing the strength of their magic against her own. She defeated each one with ease until she face a Mage with Dark Magic. In a sweet voice, she admitted that she was unable to use that type of Magic, but would gladly test against another Element he had mastered. The Dark Mage refused, stating that was clear her power was far greater than his own. Within the following months, female Mages were allowed formal education, Alexandra included.

These women were not maids. Not even close. They were extremely powerful Supernaturals with much better things to do than look after a single human girl. What the hell was Damion thinking?!

"M-manage? You do realize who they are, right? Right?!"

Alexandra tittered behind a delicate hand.

"The poor thing is in shock. Did you keep us a secret, dear Prince?"

Lacey sighed irritably.

"It would seem that way. I thought you had more sense, Damion."

Damion looked sheepish.

"What. Did. You. Do?" I asked between clenched teeth.

He put his hands up in defeat.

"Now, now. I may not have been entirely truthful, but these three are here for you. They will ensure that Kane can't get near you until we learn what exactly he's doing."

"So you hired bodyguards."

"Well…"

"We came one our own," Nali piped up. "Your death would lead to the ruin of our people, so we had to do something."

"What better than to personally guard the sacrifice?" Alexandra added sweetly.

Lacey brushed imaginary dust off her dress.

"These two dragged me along," she growled.

"You presence is absolutely needed!" Alexandra cried, "Who else will provide potions and salves to heal our precious charge?"

"You're literally a Cleric!" the Witch snapped back.

"Yes, but there only so much I can do," the Mage said with a pout.

Nali grinned.

"I wouldn't have anyone else at my side!" she boomed, slapping her on back.

Lacey almost toppled over.

"Must you do that?" she hissed, rubbing her back.

The Amazon only laughed boisterously.

Um. Okay. So, three extremely powerful Supernaturals were going to be my bodyguards, and I had a feeling that they could give Sebastian a run for his money. Which reminded me.

"Damion, have you seen Sebastian?"

His brow furrowed.

"No. Did something happen?"

Lacey's eyes lit up.

"Ah! The Demon asked me to give this to you," she said, pulling a letter from her sleeve.

I scowled at Sebastian's beautiful script. I swear to God…

"Taylor,

I'm afraid that I will be away for a few weeks. There are some matters I must attend to, but I have faith that your maids will adequately serve you in my absence. Please, take care of yourself. I would hate to come home with you in pieces.

Sebastian"

"That son of a bitch!"

I stormed off, my three maids following me with a shrug. I needed to call him. That stupid, idiotic bastard! Snatching my phone off the bed, I searched for him in my contacts. My maids were making themselves comfortable on the couch, Nali flipping through channels. She and Alexandra were immediately absorbed into Say Yes to the Dress, but Lacey's gaze never left me, her neck craning to see me through the doorframe. My hands shook as it rang. He couldn't be this stupid. God, please tell me he wasn't this stupid! After ringing for what seemed like forever, it went to voicemail. Oh, hell no. You are not going to ignore me. I called him again, listening to it ring before going to voicemail. He picked up on my third attempt.

"Darling, I'm afraid I'm in the middle of something."

"Where are you?" my voice quivered

There was a pause, and I heard muffled voices in the background.

"Damnit, Sebastian! Tell me where you are!"

"Calm down, my love. I'm fine."

That did not reassure me.

"Are you going after Kane?" I hissed.

He chuckled.

"No, of course not. I'm not so foolish as to walk into the lion's den."

I sagged with relief.

"Oh, thank god. If you had…" I let my threat trail off.

"What would you have done?"

He sounded amused.

"I would have hunted you down, killed him, and then dragged you back here. In chains. Or worse!"

"Dear, you aren't serious."

There was a hard edge to his voice.

"Don't test me. I refuse to have you show up in a box with a damn audio recording."

I felt a hand on my shoulder. Lacy sat beside me, her hand out.

"Give me the phone."

Sullenly, I handed it over. Shoving a mass of curls over her shoulder, she put the phone to her ear.

"Demon. Yes? Yes. Well, what else did you expect her to think with that damned cryptic letter? Of course I did. Well, are you? Oh. Oh. No, of course not. Hm? Yes, I can do that. …Hmph. Would you like to speak to her?"

She handed me back the phone, a sly smile on her face.

"Sebastian?"

"I am not going after Kane. Okay? What I'm doing has absolutely nothing to do with him. Will you believe me, now?"

I glanced at Lacey. The Witch nodded her head.

"Okay."

His rich voice brightened.

"Good! I will be back as soon as I can."

He hesitated.

"I love you, dear."

"I-I love you, too."

Was I blushing?

Lacey leaned over me.

"Goodnight, Demon. My young charge needs her rest."

"Ah, I suppose I should let you go. Goodnight, dear. Sleep well."

When the call ended, Lacey took my phone and put it on my desk.

"Put your mind at ease," she said, turning to face me. "Your Demon is not going after Kane. I will know if he does, and he does not want that. Now, I plan on retiring to my room. Nali and Alexandra will be just in the other room in you need anything."

With that, she glided away, hands clasped before her. She had been almost motherly towards me, this regal Witch, and I found I didn't mind. It was comforting, though not quite as comforting as having Sebastian beside me. Hm. Maybe having these maids by my side wouldn't be so bad. Nali's voice rang out in approval over something on the screen, the Mage beside her giggling. At the very least, my life wouldn't be boring.