They don't speak a word as Alfred follows the Neko down a side stair case and what he feels is deeper into the palace. It's a slow walk as the Alpha limps down the stairs, holding tightly to the railing as he goes. "Are you okay?" Alfred asks ready to reach out to steady the man like he would with Gilbert.

The Neko turns back, his eyes sharp and cold as Alfred retracts his hand. "I'm fine." For a moment he looks Alfred up and down before continuing on his way. Berwald knows exactly who the Omega is and what will happen to him if he's caught with the half breed. "This way."

"Where are we going?" Again the Neko doesn't answer and with nowhere else to go Alfred follows him into a side room. It's a small room with multiple beds cramped tightly into it. From what Alfred can tell there's only two other people inside thought both seem to be sound asleep in the corner. "Uh,"

Berwald doesn't say another word as he pulls out a new pair of pants and shirt. "Change," he says tossing them towards the Omega. "You're...bloody."

It's only now that Alfred notices the red stains littering his pants. "Shit."

"Hurry." As the Omega changes, Berwald pulls out a small brown bag. There's not much he can stuff into it but he has to finish before he changes his mind. Once he's nearly down he turns a child hidden in the darkness. "Peter, wake up." He coos softly taking the small rabbit near the child and shoving it into the bag.

When the kitten doesn't stir right away he lets out a soft purr, picking up the boy in his arms. "Papa?"

Berwald offers a smile to the boy. "You're going on...an adventure." He doesn't dare let the kitten hear the pain in his voice as he shoves the boy into the Omega's arms. "Take him home."

Quickly Alfred moves the boy to his hip still in pure confusion. "Back to Starlight?"

"Home." Berwald says again. "I know Emil is..." He stops picking up a cloak. "Care for him like he's yours."

Soon Peter is asleep again so Alfred dares to whisper. "You're Berwald, so where are the others?" He turns to the two men sound asleep but even in the low light can tell they're not Nekos but Tigers.

With a heavy sigh he shakes his head. "They're gone...they've been gone for a long time." It still feels raw and tender to say what happened to them and what he himself was forced to do.

"Then why stay?"

Softly the Neko ties the cloak around Alfred's neck and touches the man's ears, using his own kind of magic to make fox ears appear. "Because," Berwald says looking Alfred dead in the eyes. "We all have our sins we...have to atone for."

"You can come. Emil," Alfred starts knowing the man's mind is made up. "Abel still regrets what he did."

"He was a kitten."

"I know he was, you both were but that doesn't change the fact that he doesn't feel bad for hurting you." He tries not to raise his voice.

Again Berwald manages a sigh motioning towards the door. "Go down the hallway to the end...take the southern stairs...and it will take you out." He kisses Peter's head as he hands over the bag. "Stay safe..."

"I will and if you ever want to join us." Seeing Berward nod, Alfred quickly leaves seeing one of the Tigers start to stir. "Thank you."

Berwald inhales slowly as he sits down on one of the dirty cots. "Peter..." He mutters quietly pulling out something he's kept hidden since the day Emil left. There's only one round in the chamber but, it's all he needs. His brothers are gone and his clan long forgotten. Both he betrayed in order to feed a hatred that he allowed to consume him heart and soul.

Now with the hatred gone, he's left with a bitter emptiness. It's a fate worse than death so when he's sure the two are far out of ear shot Berwald rests it on his temple and eases back the hammer. "I love you."

Alfred's out the door and down the hallway in a matter of moments and soon he pushes open the door and finds himself in the open early morning air.

He adjusts the kitten still resting on his hip before making onto the street. It's now that he notices his bushy tail poking out from under his cloak and as he passes by a puddle he's quickly put at ease. Staring back at him is a pair of green eyes hiding behind crimson hair. With a smile he continues on until he spots the Avian waiting for him. "The fuck?"

"I told you I'd make it out." Alfred answers with a wink. "I just never said I'd look the same or be alone."

Lovino looks him up and down, his mouth agape. "Who?"

"A friend."

It's all the Alpha has to hear. "Well," Lovino says wrapping his arms around his Omega, careful of the child still sleeping in his arms. "It'll take a few days but we'll be home soon."

"So you're staying?"

With a shrug Lovino answers, "I want to see my son born. He's a prince after all."