"Little one, please come down."

Frankenstein carefully approached the perch the small child was balanced so precariously on. The light of the full, white moon cast an ethereal beauty across the land. Moonbeams filtered through the large window, casting dark shadows across the small infant. Sharp, calculating blue eyes swiveled to look at him, and Frankenstein felt his breath catch in his throat at the cold gaze.

Takeo blinked, small hands gripping the couch. Standing up straight, the child had a clear view of the front lawn. Small shoulders were tense, and young brows were furrowed with such a harsh line that Frankenstein wondered what his son's little mind was conjuring up.

But Takeo slowly released his grip on the couch. Turning his body away from the window, he held out his arms. Frankenstein quickly responded to the silent, universal sign all children have when they want to be held. Securing Takeo in his arms, he felt the infant rest his head on his shoulder, hands tightly holding on to his shirt.

Frankenstein glanced out the window at the silent, undisturbed lawn. "What were you watching?"

"Things."

"Ah," Frankenstein hummed. "What kind of things?"

"Bad guys."

Frankenstein frowned, dread pooling into his stomach. His Master had not said anything about any foolish Nobles trekking near their land. Edian remained undisturbed in the guest bedroom, all but one of the children were asleep, and his Master was still present.

"Protect," Takeo continued, lifting his head to glance once more out the window. "Help keep safe."

Understanding dawned on Frankenstein. Like a sniper hidden from a high spot but with the vantage point of a falcon, Takeo could see and report anything he felt was a threat. His heart hurt at the thought of his child losing his innocence and feeling the need to protect his family.

Frankenstein placed a kiss on Takeo's forehead. "You did good. We're safe now."

Takeo's soft sigh remained wary. "Okay."

Frankenstein ran his hands through Takeo's hair, now eyeing the shadows with growing suspicion. He would not prowl the halls tonight in search of enemies he could not conjure. His Master had put a stop to that immediately. But he would remain vigilant.

xXx

The Lord sat upon his throne, staring down at his one audience member with a pensive stare. Raizel remained where he stood, arms casually at his side and waiting for the Lord to speak. Walking through the halls with the palace teeming with life and curious gazes had been an interesting experience. He had ignored the sharp whispers and alarm coursing through the air. Rumors would probably spread that he was here to execute someone.

Despite that, no one had dared to approach him, though he was certain he had felt Roctis' presence mingling with the crowd.

"I had requested that Frankenstein join us. Why is he not here?"

"He is indisposed at the moment, so I had him remain behind." Truth be told, they had not wanted to leave a young Ashleen alone with three infants in unfamiliar territory. When Raizel had departed, Frankenstein had been hard at work in the garden while the children played outside.

The Lord placed his hand down on the throne, the mask of cold indifference dropping to reveal excitement. "So…how was the trip?"

Raizel blinked. "It was good."

"Well, I need details boy! I know you went to Italy, but what did you do? Did Frankenstein treat you well? What did you see? And don't leave a single thing out of your story! You know I don't get out that much. Did you spend some time out in the sun? You look like you've got a tan."

Raizel waited for the Lord's questions to die down. He was reminded once more of Tao and Takeo's attempts at talking when they rapidly babbled.

"Italy was good," he answered. "We stayed in Venice where Frankenstein purchased a quaint home. The market was a good walking distance. I mingled with the servants of the home and Muzaka dropped by to visit." He glanced down at his hand. "I did spend some time outside enjoying the gardens and the marketplace." When the Lord leaned forward expectantly, Raizel tried to think about what else there was to say. Anything he wanted to say about the children stopped him. He knew eventually that the Lord would find out about their existence, but at the moment, he held his tongue.

"We were visited by Gradeus at one point," Raizel confessed, tone growing dark.

The Lord sighed, aware that pleasantries were over. "I see." He leaned back. "And with Muzaka visiting you as well, there are certain matters that have come to light. Does your trip to Venice have anything to do with this?"

"Our trip was personal, but it became entwined with the events that are yet to come," Raizel answered.

"And what events may this be?"

"A plot of treachery amongst the werewolves."

The Lord hummed. "But werewolf skirmishes are not our business, even though I know of your friendship with their lord."

"It is as it should be. Which is why it was alarming to see Noble involvement."

The Lord's eyes sparked. "Interesting. From what families?"

"Unidentifiable."

"But you have suspicions."

"I dare not cast blame." And he couldn't, even though he knew which families were involved because of events not yet coming to pass.

The Lord clenched his fist. "How messy. Raizel, you seem more aware of the issue. How far up does this go?"

"Meeting with the Clan Leaders might reveal some light."

"Speaking of the Clan Leaders," the Lord started. "You put my dear Rayga in quite a bind." He smirked. "When are you going to stop being so sneaky?"

"Rayga is trustworthy," Raizel began, "just as Gejutel is."

The Lord hummed, eyes narrowing at the implications. "Indeed. Well then, that is good to know." He beamed. "I appreciate you bringing this to my attention. As you know, Rayga has shared his findings with me. Shame I wasn't able to visit Muzaka when he snuck here to Lukedonia."

"..."

The Lord frowned. "That's it? You were so chatty!"

"I apologize."

"You know, I do enjoy these talks," the Lord continued. "I feel like no one tells me anything."

"An issue of secrecy is certainly in place," Raizel warned.

The Lord frowned before rising from his seat. "Walk with me. The flowers are in bloom."

The cold corridors of the throne room melted away with the warmth of the afternoon sun gracing the garden. Raizel inhaled the sweet scent of the many flowers intrinsically planted within the Lord's personal gardens. He was reminded of Frankenstein's efforts to restore the garden. He recalled during his lonely years how desolate the fortress of the Noblesse had once been before Frankenstein tackled the challenge of brightening up the land. It disheartened him to know that Franeknstein's hard work had been dismantled, but he saw how his bonded threw himself into the challenge of restoring the once flourishing gardens of his Master's home.

"Have the flowers put you in a good mood?" the Lord asked.

A soft smile graced Raizel's features. "They have."

"I heard that the foul beast has made a mess of your own personal grounds." A scowl twisted the Lord's features. "Honestly, you should have Frankenstein roast it."

"It serves to haunt the land," Raizel admitted. "But the goat and her children seem content with staying away from our home." He glanced up, noticing the few Nobles in the distance scurrying away. Even without the utilization of his power, Raizel detected no malice, only fear and apprehension.

The Lord noticed as well, and he sighed. "I thought that I would only see one uprising within my reign." His chuckle was void of mirth. "And yet here I have failed again. My own court wishes to turn against me."

"I have failed," Raizel said. And it was true. The Nobles had wanted him dead. Once he had disappeared with Muzaka, their acts of rebellion had subsided. They were not after the throne. For 820 years, they had left Lukedonia alone and only returned when Raizel was reported alive.

"The center of conflict has always involved me," Raizel said. "First with my brother, and now with this skirmish."

The Lord looked weary. "I am tired of executions, but it looks like this may be unavoidable. Still, I cannot condemn anyone unless they have committed a wrong. They will handle the matters of their wayward family members with the werewolves, and then they will retreat to hide their movements from me, and I will have blinded myself once more."

"Side with Muzaka," Raizel said. "When the time comes, he will call for aid. He will accept your help."

The Lord frowned. "But if he is challenged, then the strongest contender will remain ruler over the werewolves as is their custom."

"There are some who will not honor that custom. Not anymore." In their eyes, there was no need for a Noblesse, one to execute and judge. Why wouldn't the same sentiment extend to Muzaka? It is why they tried to pit him against Raizel, to unfairly put someone else on the throne.

"But will Muzaka ask for help? You do know how prideful those werewolves can be."

"I reckon that both sides will come to ask for aid." He knew who the traitors would want to side with. "Ultimately, it is up to you who you will support."

"But you will support your friend." The Lord laughed. "Well that puts me in a bind." He paused. "Actually, no, it really does not. Whoever is declared the victor and rightful ruler will have earned my help."

And Raizel had no problem with that. If, on the off chance, Muzaka was challenged and he lost the throne, there were always plenty of rooms in the mansion for Muzaka to live in with his daughter. If the werewolves wanted his head to solidify their new ruler's right, they would be hard-pressed to invade Lukedonia.

xXx

Frankenstein carefully set the plant in the dirt he had carefully dug. With another glance over his shoulder, he saw M21 running in the yard as Ashleen chased him. Their peals of laughter mingled with the song of the birds and the rustle of the leaves. On a blanket, Takeo sat upright, watching with wariness at the undisturbed woods.

Frankenstein sighed. He had hoped that Takeo's sudden alertness would die down a bit, but it appeared that the infant was just as resilient. He was surprised. As an adult and even an infant, Takeo had been the least troublesome out of the trio. But that might be because his stubbornness was often overshadowed by M21's headstrong tendencies and Tao's eccentricities.

A new presence drew near, and Frankenstein looked up to see Edian approach. She watched Ashleen and M21, her face pinched with confusion, before she wraily stepped around Takeo.

Frankenstein sat back on his heels. "Good morning Edian."

The Noble looked as if she was emerging from a daze. She fixed her gaze on him. "There are…more children."

"So there are." He glanced once more to see Ashleen tumble into the grass, laughing. M21 slowed down to look back, smiling. Frankenstein tried to remember when he had ever heard his boys laugh or smile like that.

"And they are all yours-?"

"They are mine and my Master's. They are a part of our family."

"I see." Her voice was that of a breathy whisper, torn between disbelief and awe. "And is it normal for human babies to eat grass?"

Frankenstein sprung up from where he was sitting, launching himself at Tao who was trying to eat the grass. Gently taking Tao's hands, he pried those tiny fingers open. Frankenstein gave him a warning glare. "No. You don't eat the grass."

Tao blinked innocently at him, smacking his lips.

Sighing, Frankenstein picked up the little one. "Edian, hold him for me. He's the troublemaker." He ignored Tao's squawk as he deposited the baby into Edian's stiff arms.

"Frankenstein, I'm not sure that it's such a good idea!"

"Support his back and hold him close," Frankenstein instructed. He grinned, remembering how his Master looked almost a year ago when he had to hold the children. Edian was no different, but Tao was now more awake and aware than before and easily settled into her arms. Resting his head on her shoulder, he sighed, almost cooing, as he gripped the fabric of her shirt. Panic and something akin to warmth flashed across Edian's face, and she worriedly glanced at Frankenstein. "He's making those noises," she started, voice shaking. "Is he alright?"

Frankenstein nodded. "He's cooing. It means he's comfortable." Then, as an added thought, "he trusts you."

As Edian relaxed briefly, Frankenstein had to wonder if part of this was Tao's doing as his mischievous, adult mind was probably taking advantage of the situation to butter Edian up. A quick glance at Tao's knowing grin confirmed Frankenstein's suspicions.

Now, he had another child to focus on.

He kneeled in the blankets where Takeo noticed him. "Takeo," he started. "Why don't you join the others?" At Takeo's uncertain gaze, he gently placed a hand under Takeo's chin. "It's alright. We will be safe."

Takeo hesitated once more before carefully getting up and approaching the others. As if attuned to his companion's presence, M21 looked up and a beaming smile spread across his face. Ashleen also looked up and rushed over.

"Takeo!" she exclaimed. "I'll give you a piggyback ride and we'll race M!"

If Takeo had any thoughts about retreating to the blankets, he was thwarted when Ashleen grabbed him. Hoisting him onto her back, Ashleen held on to the boy as she raced across the yard, but not before Frankenstein saw the worry on Takeo's face dash away as a smile overtook his features.

As the three children sprinted off, Frankenstein looked back to where Edian was holding the baby. She had yet to move, as if she feared that any movement would disturb him. "Frankenstein, why has there been no announcement about the children? The Nobles would hold a celebration in their honor."

Frankenstein shrugged, wiping at the dirt on his hands. The garden was coming together really nicely, as was the rest of the house. "We did not wish for there to be unnecessary fanfare. Besides, the Nobles reacted negatively to my presence. I can't imagine how they would react to the children."

Edian blinked. "But they are the children of the Noblesse…" she trailed off, eyes connecting with Frankenstein.

He smiled sadly at her. "And I am the Noblesse's bonded."

She swallowed. "Oh." Unable to hold his gaze, she focused on the ground as shame clouded her features.

"It does not matter," Frankenstein said easily. "The children can live a comfortable life without any attention from the Nobles."

"But you let me see them."

"Well yes, because my Master trusts you." He watched as the children disappeared into a particularly thick clearing of trees. Uneasiness twitched in his gut, and he had learned to follow his gut many times before. "But that trust does not extend to all."

xXx

Takeo clung to Ashleen, feeling excitement swell within him. He had not felt such joy in…well, it was difficult to pinpoint an exact moment, but he was sure that M21 and Tao had influenced his happiness on multiple occasions.

Wisps of Ashleen's red hair fluttered in his face, and he tightened his grip on her shoulders, the fabric folding between his fingers. He continued to have frequent dreams of an unkind, red-haired woman, a woman who continued to reside in his heart. But unlike M21 and Tao, the memory of this woman continued to fill him with fear and pain.

Closing his eyes, he turned away so that the sight of Ashleen's red hair no longer flooded his vision. Instead, he was looking at the green shrubbery and hanging branches of the willow trees.

"It's like an enchanted forest," Ashleen huffed as the looming trees enveloped around them. "Is this all Sir Raizel's?"

They had slowed down, but Ashleen had yet to put Takeo down. He was fine with that as his perch gave him a perfect view. The brightness of the sun provided a warm emerald and gold light that filtered between the trees, chasing away any sense of eeriness a normally dark forest would bring.

"Father has a lot of land," M21 said as a way of answering Ashleen. "We were chased by bad guys here."

Ashleen giggled. "Were you?"

M21 nodded, unaware of Ashleen's amusement. "Yes. But daddy saved us. He was mad."

"I've never seen him mad," Ashleen said.

"He's scary when he gets angry," M21 said. "But he gets really strong."

"Is that so?" Ashleen made a show of looking around the premises. But unlike Takeo, her watchfulness was playful. "Then it is a good thing that he is so strong. Who knows what foul beasts lurk around here?"

Takeo cast another suspicious glance around, sensing a change in the air. Even M21 stumbled, eyes flickering around. "Yeah," M21 started slowly. "Let's go back-"

"Humans!"

Takeo whimpered as Ashleen whirled around. M21 snarled, rushing to stand by Ashleen's side. Trembling, Takeo searched for the new arrival, feeling the influx of power but unable to detect the new threat.

But the hidden being emerged, and Takeo shrank into himself at the familiar sight of red hair. The Noble stared down at them with a burning scorn, his one blood red eye shimmering with disgust.

"What are you humans doing here?" Urokai's snarl chilled Takeo, and he was reminded once more of the power gap between them. Even Frankenstein had not been able to come out of his fight with the Noble unscathed.

Takeo's fists dug so hard into Ashleen's shoulders that she pulled away in discomfort, pain contorting her face. Yet despite the obvious pain he was causing her, his irrational need to find protection had him cowering behind Ashleen.

Still, Urokai eyed them. M21 crept closer to Ashleen, standing protectively before her. Takeo could feel Ashleen stiffen even as confusion reflected on her face. She could feel the tense atmosphere in the air, and though she could not yet determine what the cause of the threat was, she knew that the boy's in her care were uneasy.

"We are here with Sir Raizel," Ashleen said, voice unwavering as she stood tall between the boys and the Noble.

Urokai's gaze widened. "The Noblesse? Why would he allow humans to infiltrate his premise?"

"He has opened his home to us." Without breaking her gaze with the Noble, she subtly guided M21 down the path and away from Urokai. "Excuse us, but we will be making our way back-"

The air stirred, and Takeo could not keep track of Urokai's movements before he was standing before them, blocking their path. "No human will ever trespass on the Noblesse's territory."

Ashleen stirred. "My father has entrusted me into Sir Raizel's care. Please do not detain us."

"Your father? Who is your father? He shall answer for burdening the Noblesse with you mongrels." Urokai's one lone eye glowed, and Takeo's blood turned to ice. The warmth he felt in Ashleen's presence vanished as he was snatched from her hold. Urokai's nails dug into his arm, a cry bursting from his lips as desperation and fear filled him.

"Such unnecessary screaming," Urokai grouched, holding Takeo up amidst Ashleen's startled shouts and M21's screams. "I will be taking you back to face your proper punishment."

"My brother!" M21 screamed, rushing at Urokai. "Give me my brother!"

"Let him go!" Ashleen shouted.

"Urokai!"

The air crackled with static energy, and the Noble acted accordingly to the new threat, dropping Takeo and turning to meet his stronger adversary. Blood splattered the ground as the very hand Urokai had once held Takeo was pierced through with Dark Spear's malicious energy.

Urokai snarled, feral. "Frankenstein, you dare lay a hand against me!?"

"You harmed my son." Frankenstein picked up a sobbing Takeo, standing between the enraged Noble and the quivering children.

Urokai's rage was somewhat abated as confusion took place. "Your son?" His gaze fell on the children. "These brats are yours?"

"And under the protection of my Master." Frankenstein's grip on Takeo tightened as the child's sobs increased. "Leave now before I remove your other eye."

The rage returned, almost blinding. "How dare-!"

"If we did not have an audience," the blue in his eyes shimmered to an enraged black, "I would tear out your throat."

The standoff between the bonded of the Noblesse and the Agvain family leader vibrated with suchy bloodlust that it silenced Takeo's cries. Trembling, he held onto Frankenstein, burying his tear-stained face into his shirt. Finally, the pressure in the air abated, and when he looked, Urokai was gone.

Stiff and authoritative, Frankenstein guided Ashleen and M21 down the path and back to the mansion. Even the peaceful silence of nature had stilled as if sensing a change in the air.

xXx

When Frankenstein had rushed off in the direction of the forest, Edian had been hard-pressed to follow him. But one look at the fragile infant in her arms, and she reconsidered her plan. What if her hurried movements harmed Raizel's baby? How fragile was this child? And if he was human, surely his frailty would only increase.

So instead, she moved back into the mansion, the comforting walls of the Noblesse's home wrapping around her like a warm blanket. Patting Tao's back like she had seen Frankenstein do, she paced the halls. Any movement or sound emanating from Tao had her stiffening, wondering if she had done something wrong.

But now that she was alone, she took the time to look at the baby. While Frankenstein had been unclear on the exact parentage of the children, his vague wording had her to believe that Sir Raizel had some connection to their existence.

Her traitorous heart clenched at the thought.

But she observed the infant, noting his piercing black eyes and fluffy black hair. He in turn observed her with equal interest, to which she was startled, detecting such intrigue in his seemingly young gaze.

Yes, he might resemble Sir Raizel in some way, and she could detect a unique power within him, but any other connection she might find between Tao and the Noblesse were hidden from her gaze.

Tao reached for her, small hand snagging at her hair. He didn't tug, but rather, held on to her blonde locks. Edian remained still as if she was dealing with a fragile animal that might scurry away. But the child just giggled.

Edian's heart felt lighter. "Are you going to be like your father?" She thought of the power and grace Sir Raizel wielded and the burden he was shouldered with. "Strong and noble?"

"Dada!" The squeal of the little one made her heart skip a beat.

Surely she couldn't fault Sir Raizel for having such an innocent, wonderful being? If he had…grown to love another and decided to share a part of himself with the world, then how could she carry any such ill feelings? Especially when the goodness of Raizel only flourished in this little one.

Yes, she thought as she held Tao close, the existence of this child meant that the man she cared for had finally learned to love for himself, even if it hadn't been with her. She would learn to be content with that.

She sensed Frankenstein's presence before she even heard the doors open. She had grown accustomed to the babble of the children, so the silence with Frankenstein's arrival was odd, unless he had returned without them. Curious, she made her way down to the rooms near the kitchen.

She found Frankenstein kneeling down, bandaging a sniffling Takeo. The infant hiccuped, using his free hand to rub at his eye. Not too far away in a corner of the room was Ashleen where M was holding on to her hand. Both had tear stained faces, eyes red-rimmed and terrified expressions.

Aware that the atmosphere was suddenly fragile, Edian made to move away, but Frankenstein looked up and she saw the tiredness in his eyes.

"Frankenstein, what happened?"

Frankenstein's gaze darkened, but it was Takeo, through his sniffles, who answered. "I got hurt."

"Rocky was mean!"

Edian blinked at M's outburst. The little one had rushed to Takeo's side, peering at the bandages Frankenstein had so carefully wrapped. "Daddy helped us!"

Had the children been attacked by a wild beast? But it seemed unlikely given that Frankenstein and even Sir Raizel would be so protective of the children, and she didn't know of any vicious animals roaming near the grounds. But then again, things must have changed in the years she had been isolated.

"There was a skirmish between the boys and a Noble," Frankenstein answered. He carefully dried Takeo's face with a handkerchief.

Edian's face hardened. "Who would dare?"

"A Noble whom I have crossed paths with before. I will inform my Master of these events." He sighed. "I had wished to keep the existence of the children a secret for a little longer. But word will soon spread."

"To lay a hand on the Noblesse's children," her hold on Tao tightened, "they must be punished."

"I will see to it." The promise was made clear. His sharp, blue eyes held a simmering anger Edian had never seen in the human before, but as Takeo attempted to stifle his cries even as his brother comforted him, she could hardly fault Frankenstein for expressing his rage.

A/N: Hi everyone. I am so sorry that it took such a long time for me to publish this update. A lot has happened. First, I wanted to focus on my thesis over the summer, so that took a lot of time. Then a new job opportunity (in my career field) presented itself, so I had to adjust to that change while quitting my old job which was a bit stressful. Just when I was getting back into writing, we suffered two deaths in the family. So...yeah. But I am back and feel settled into my new job, my thesis is somewhat underway, and my mental health feels like it is on the mend. I make no promises about the consistency of my updates, but I can promise that I will continue writing!

Please enjoy :)