"Oh, sing sweet nightingale,"I sing merrily as I comb my hair within the reflection of my mirror, "Sing sweet nightingale
High above me
Oh, sing sweet nightingale
Sing sweet…Nightingale…"
"Someone is happy this morning," I yelp, dropping my brush onto the floor as I whirl around to see Aeris standing against the gaping door. Just as startled as I am.

"Aeris! Lord, you almost gave me a heart attack." I said grasping the fabric at my bodice as my heartbeat pounds within my ears.
"My apologies, Danny." Aeris said offering me an apologetic smile, "In my defence; you arequite easily startled."

I cannot help it. I am meeting with Sora for breakfast and my nerves are shot enough as they are. Turning back to place my comb back upon the dressing table, I catch sight of Aeris' reflection walking towards me. Placing a fair hand upon my shoulder, she speaks softly, "I have heard tale this morning that the little master slept well last night. For the first time in many years as a matter of fact...You would not know why this occurred now would you?"
I can decipher her tone to hold no accusation or sadness, merely curiosity. Dropping her gaze, my bottom lip once again finds itself held down by my teeth. Certainly I could admit to Aeris regarding what transpired last night? After all, no one's reaction to such news could be worse than that of Axel.

"I suppose I would know a thing or two about that..." I laugh nervously, heating my face, "I-We, uh, decided to...see if we could help each other. You see; neither Sora nor I have been getting the best of sleep lately and...well, it was not planned..." I trailed off, curling the ends of my hair around my fidgeting fingers.
"Mmm?" Aeris hummed, urging me to continue.
"It was not planned, however...we ended up...sleeping together?" the temperature for which my face now burns has reached an all-time high as I duck my head beneath the curtain of my hair.

Silence. That can never be good...

"Sleeping together...?" I do not understand the trembling within her voice. I brush aside my curls to see Aeris' flushed cheeks and wide eyes burning a hole into the mirror. Why this kind of reaction?
"Aeris?"
"Slept together!" her voice breaks harshly, "Little master indeed...I am going to castrate that young man!"
Her hand is gone and she is making her way to my open door when I recall what 'castrating' entitles. Racing forth to stop her, I grip her arm, holding her in place with me.
"No, Aeris! It was not like that at all!" I stressed, rather embarrassed that she could think we would have gone so far. "All we did was rest. Only rest. All-all clothes intact."

The very room seems to draw a deep breath as Aeris turns to me once again, brow furrowed.
"Just slept?" as if I would lie about such a thing, "No other nonsense? Do not lie for him now, Danella."
"I promise! Nothing more. The most we did was...hold each other. It was-" I clear my parched throat "-pleasant. I...I would like to believe it really helped us last night, Aeris."
It takes no more than a moment for the fire to extinguish within the depths of her eyes.

"Oh, Danny. I am sorry." she said, petting the crown of my golden hair, "Of course the little master would not behave in such an inappropriate way. It was foolish of me to think so belittling of him.
"As you may have deduced; I can get a little...intense when it comes to you, Danny. I would hate to hear of your mistreatment."

Ahh...Axel, you owe me greatly for keeping my mouth shut, I mused, finally seeing for myself what could have befallen Axel should Sora have followed through with his threat.

"That is alright," I said, releasing her arm from my grasp, giggling, "I am sorry I did not explain more clearly. Ha-ha. Sora might have rescinded his invitation to breakfast had I not stopped you."
That puts a smile upon her face, "Danny! That is wonderful! Oh, quickly; we must get you ready then!"
I stammer as Aeris grasps my wrist, hauling me over to the wardrobe, "B-But Aeris, I am already dressed and ready. I do not understand."
"Oh, hush now, that is not 'ready'. Please, Danny, if not for your sake then for mine – wear a proper dress. These dresses deserve to be worn, just as much as you deserve to wear them."
Looking down on my simple wardrobe, I see no error in wanting to dress this way. Cream blouse, though a bit bigger fit for me in some aspects, a perfect fit in others. As well, the saddle brown pencil skirt seems fine for what little I have planned to do today. Appropriate attire for a simple breakfast and chore-less day.

"This one, please, you must wear this." Aeris gushed, stripping a dress from its hanger and shoving it into the cradle of my arms. I plead my legs not to give out on me as she piles a pair of cream pantyhose, white ankle boots and a broach along with it.
"Aeris-" I whined, stumbling back onto the plush bed.
"No, Danella. This is what you are wearing today - I must insist."

I sigh, knowing from previous experience that it is pointless to argue with Aeris when she becomes fixated on the thought of dressing me up.
Placing the outfit onto the bed, I brace myself as Aeris dives in to dress up her 'doll'.

...

"Well, I have to admit...it does look nice."

The body of the gown, a soft silk sky-blue, is lined with creamy white trimming and lace. Strapless, it exposes the skin of my collar bone, shoulders and neck whilst my hair is tied loosely up upon my head. Matching cream lace gloves adorn my hands from the elbow down. The boning of the built-in corset shapes my torso whilst the skirt glides down my hips to sway loosely at the toes of my booted feet. Lastly, the broach Aeris pulled from the cupboard, a sapphire and crystal embedded bird is now pinned beneath the swell of my bodice. It is beautiful.

"'Nice'? Oh come now, Danny." she scolded as she combs my hair back from my exposed collarbone, "It's beautiful on you. You look so exquisite in fact that I very much doubt Sora will be able to secure his jaw shut from the flies."
I blush with pleasure of the thought that my appearance will be pleasing to Sora. I never really had reason to dress to impress – especially that of the male species – back within my home town.

"You really think so?" I asked timidly, turning my mother's necklace between my thumb and forefinger.
"I know so," she said, pressing her cheek against my own as she hugs me around the shoulders from behind me. So maternal; Aeris truly is another mother to me. I feel safe encompassed within these arms. Protected and loved. My decision to stay grows more concrete every moment spent within the company of these people. I never want to go back to the way I once felt back…home. Never again.

"What's wrong?"
I awake from my daze to see Aeris' concern for me as I have stood here, unresponsive.
"Oh, nothing! Sorry. No, nothing is wrong. I was just…thinking." I forcibly tug the corners of my mouth upward.
"Do not dwell so much on the dark past, Danny." I grip the forearm that gives me a comforting squeeze, "If you do, you may find yourself passing the brighter future by."

Brighter future…

A future with Aeris. Axel. Donald. Sora… A future with them. Like that of a family. A family of my own. They found me and saw fit to bring me into their home – their lives – with trust and care. Sheltered and living the way I am now; I dare not think what state I would be in had they not saved me. I love my family.

Family. I…have a family, I feel my heart clench. Mother, Father and Brother – they died so long ago it seems. Left alone with no family, no love. They were my family, my protectors. But…no more. A lie it is that I was left alone and unloved. I have a family. Blood does not make a family. The love you share between one another is what builds the ties of family – stronger and stronger they grow, every day.

"I love you, Aeris…" the grip around me becomes a chokehold for a moment.
"As I love you, Danny. As we all do."
Drips of warm water falls upon the skin of my collarbone and Aeris' arm, quickly gathering in number.
"Hush now, love. Hush. No more tears…"
I am crying. But I am not sad. No. Anything to the contrary. I am happy, deeply and whole heartedly. For the first time in years. I feel loved.

…

Slipping my fingers along the dining room door, I take another deep calming breath. I pat my cooling cheeks to ensure there are no betraying tears sneaking from the corners of my eyes.
Taking a breath, I push the door forward and enter the room.

Stumbling through the doorway, the master chair situated at the dining table creaks at me. This alerts me to its sudden movement.

Sora jerks out of his chair and faces me in anxious greeting. I take a moment to admire his appearance whilst I fidget with my own.
Cleaned and polished. A stark contrast to how he appeared last night, tossing restlessly amongst his sheets. His hair, fixed into its usual messy spikes, his fringe hangs away from his eyes for the first time. Cautiously open and welcoming, I could dream of only these eyes for a time and never grow used to their expressiveness.
A white flannel poet shirt hangs loosely upon his form, its V-neck collar flipped upwards to hide the sides of his neck and bare the dip of his collarbone. Its bishop sleeves are rolled up to the elbow, baring his scars to me. However, I am not intimidated by them. No, not now. They are markings of his pain, not his anger. He would never hurt me. And I will make certain he never hurts himself again.

I can see he was uncertain of my reaction to the reveal of his skin, laid bare for my critique; he leaves himself vulnerable to my possible rejection and his hurt.

Silly young man...

Sighing, I take my stance before him as he stands stiffly, watching my every move like a cornered doe. Taking my eyes away from his own, I allow myself to focus on the patterns I trace along his face. No scars stain the brow of his paled face. A couple rows of indented skin cross his cheek. Four stroke along the right side of his jaw before continuing down the expanse of his jugular and disappearing into the flipped collar of his shirt. I remember when this one was re-opened.
...Misshapen with pain, tortured, his eyes flared like the voids of space as his jaw clenched. He was clawing at his neck, tracing the new raw marks perfectly with his own fingers. Tearing the unseen sin from his skin...
This one would have bled him dry without the swift healing on Donald's part. My stomach curdles at the thought.

He trembles slightly as I trace my fingers down, from his neck, to his shoulders. I feel the minor crevasses in his skin beneath the fabric of his shirt. Five pull down from his left shoulder, over his collarbone and along to meet the apex of his chest. Another set curl around his ribcage, almost as if he was trying to hug himself against cold air.

Trailing back to his arms, I find them fainter, but in no way less shocking. Decorating his arms like an intricate tattoo, there is no two inches of skin unmarred by either his or a Heartless' hand.
"Are you disgusted by them...?" Sora asked, broken but unwavering in his gaze.
"What? No! Never."
He seems unconvinced, judging by the furrow of his brow.
"No, Sora. These scars do not disgust me. However..."
"Yes...?" he almost sounds like he does not wish to know what I have to say.
"I am not saying I am not affected by them."
His Adam's apple bobs dryly as he quickly moves to rolls down his sleeves. Wishing to hide.
"Stop." I said, grasping his hands firmly before beginning to stroke his palms with my thumbs.
"Let me explain. I am not disgusted by them. I am...saddened by them."
"Why?"
"Because. From such a young age, you have been fighting your demons. The Heartless that lays dormant inside your heart has caused nothing but suffering for its victims"-he flinches at the word-"including you. Sora. And yet, you have seen fit to punish yourself for something you had no control over. Majority of these scars are done by your own hand, am I correct?"
I did not wait. I knew the answer.
"You have lost so much already. The Heartless have taken so much from the world, and yet you see yourself as guilty."
"These scars are a symbol of the lives I have destroyed."
"No!" I snapped angrily, grasping Sora by the sides of his face to stare him down – despite the obvious height difference, "These scars are a symbol of the pain the Heartless forced upon you. You are no more guilty for Its action than I am."
His face contorts, the exposure of his eyes show me everything.
"But, if I had just been strong enough-"
"Enough! Just…enough. We can always wonder 'What if?'. But the fact remains: The past is the past. We cannot change it – no matter how hard we wish to. We can only hope to affect our future by the choices we make now."

The trembling comes once again, in force, raking his entire body as his breathing hitches. Pulling him forward, I wrap my arms around him, placing his head against the cradle between my shoulder and neck, stroking his hair.
"Shh…it's alright."
He answers with a sniffling sob, tears trailing down my skin.

Sora. My broken boy...

"I promise you, Sora. I will never let It hurt you again." I feel the unsteady sigh he releases against the side of my neck. Making the hairs of the back of my neck stand on end. The result of the air brushing against wet trails on my skin. Or the warmth of his hands gripping at my waist – I am not sure.

Moments pass as Sora begins to settle, shifting his face against my neck. Nuzzling. So much like a man in some aspects, whilst a young boy in others.
"Come now. It is time for breakfast." I said, combing through his hair one last time before drawing back – trying to ignore his tightening grip – and ushering him into his chair. Refusing to relinquish my entire grasp on him, I take one of the chairs situated closely at his side, always within an arm's length of him.

No sooner did the clock strike eight that Aeris burst through the door, humming merrily as she glides across the room.
"Good morning, you two," she said, placing a plate in front of each of us. As so many times before, the appetizing aroma assaults me as soon as the dish is placed beneath my nose, "I made something special for this morning. Honey, custard-filled waffles and..."-she produces a glass beaker in hand-"...home-made maple syrup."

I laugh lightly, "Are you trying to put us into a sugar-induced coma, Aeris?"
I delight in the sound Sora's laughter as Aeris grins down upon us, eyes alight.
"Now why ever would you think that?"
"What a nice way to go though: Drowning in a honey-syrup-and-custard-waffle-high." Sora muses happily, the tear tracks upon his face fading beneath his smile.
"I hope you make it through the first helping..." she sang as she heads for the door.
"You mean there's more?" Both Sora and I gape.
"What can I say? I could not help myself this morning." she eyes me in particular; "Something has found me in good spirits today."

My face bursts into flames as Sora witnesses the exchange between us with a confused expression.
"Enjoy." And she returns to her kitchen, no doubt very satisfied with herself. I see Sora regarding me curiously but I absorb myself in the waffles I have been presented with.
"She really outdoes herself with each meal she makes," I complimented as I begin to dig into my breakfast, delighting in the way the custard pours from the cut syrupy waffles.

I was right...she is trying to put us into a sugar-coma.

Thinking better of asking about Aeris, Sora returns my sentiment and starts to eat his own plate clean.

Breathe, Danella…Breathe, I try to soothe myself as I feel Sora glance my way throughout our breakfast. My stomach is in knots enough due to Aeris' comments – he is only making it worse.
"You, um-"he stumbled over his train of thought as I look up to regard him.
"I…?" I urged him to continue.
My jaw falls slack as I watch his right cheek fill with colour. He's embarrassed?
"You look beautiful this beautiful," he forced out, struggling to hold his gaze, "um, that dress – it suits you."
Taking a moment to look over my dress. I comb my fingers through my hanging curls, flustered by his complement.

"Yes, thank you. The dress is quite stunning. I am honoured you saw fit to add it to my wardrobe."
His blush begins to fade, "A dress is only as stunning as the one who wears it, Danella. You…could make a bed sheet look amazing."
If I was not blushing before, I believe I am now. This is too much.
"You should learn to take a compliment," he said, playfully teasing me.
"I will if you will." I countered, finishing with my breakfast.
"Oh? And what compliment would that be?"
I pause.
"Try me."

It takes me only a moment to decide what I am going to tell him. However, this does not quell the embarrassment.
"Your eyes."
This leaves him wide-eyed and speechless for a moment. "My…eyes?"
"Yes. Your eyes are…captivating. Beautiful. And for the first time since I woke up on your hallway floor, you are not hiding them from me."

Silence.

"Learn to take a compliment, Sora…" I try to play off my embarrassment. I never planned to tell him this. Save myself from revealing my acute fascination with his eyes. I cannot be whole-hearted guilty – it is his fault they are so alluring. He hid them from me, spiking my curiosity and obsession from that very moment. Every glimpse granted to me since that day has captivated me. Not just by their familiarity – Brother - but also by their depth. They are the window to his soul, baring so much when freed from the shadows of his hair. Does he know how vulnerable his eyes leave him? Is that why he hid them from me?
"My eyes." he mused, whispering as he discards his dish, "I share my mother's eyes."
I begin to stumble over my apology for my carelessness but Sora grasps my flaying hands firmly, silencing me.
"Do not take my words for pain. I was merely pointing out something I had almost forgotten until this moment. My mother…" he still struggles, yet he continues on, frowning – determined, "…she was beautiful. My father always said it was not her form or figure that ruined him for all others – it was her eyes."
He is miles away, recalling his father's words as I offer what support I can, petting along his arms.

"When they first met, she hid her face beneath the veil of her blond hair. Every moment he thought he would see her face – her eyes – she would falter and keep her eyes downcast. Only when he tilted her chin up and ask; 'Why hide from me?' did he catch his first glimpse of…heh, 'enchanting blue'.
"He said from that moment outwards, he was my mother's – in every form of the word. So, you see; it truly was love at first sight. With the first glimpse of my mother's eyes, father fell quickly and deeply."
Love at first sight. A romanticized notion. However, this myth has been proven factual with Sora's parents. The idea that eyes could cast such an everlasting spell would seem ridiculous had I not experienced it for myself. His eyes are a treasure to behold. Even when glazed over like they are now, eyes wide open yet they witness an entirely different scene.

"I was six years old when he told me that story." Sora said, gulping harshly as I bring him forth, resting my forehead against his own, "It is one of the few pleasant memories I still hold of my youth."
Trailing my grip away from the back of his neck, I stroke his cheek with my thumb. A laugh escapes him, almost unwillingly. "It is amazing what a simple statement about my eyes can recall…Thank you, Danny."
"Why thank me? It was only an honest observation on my part."
"No. Not the compliment – though I will receive it far more easily then you did yours." I blush whilst he chuckles, brushing the bridge of his nose along my own, "No. I am thanking you for helping me remember happier times. Even by accident on your part. I have missed such memories."
I delight in his words, warmed by the hand that mirrors my own movements against my cheek. This simple act of affection has the power to seep into the bones of my body, drawing forth a pleasured sigh akin to that of a kitten's purr. So close, we sit, nose to nose. The awkwardness of previous encounters has faded. Feeling comfortable in the proximity of a young man for the first time, I inwardly swoon as I begin to lose myself in Sora's eyes. The blue of his eyes have become deeper, yet no less bright. The flecks of baby blue - when otherwise nonexistent - are now filling the colour of his eyes. If I could determine the message reflected in his eyes, it would be…
"You have become so precious to me, Danella." I blink, surprised. This is not quite what I had in mind, "I will protect you. No matter my fate."

The betraying sign of my tears pierce the corners of my eyes, swiftly blurring my sight as I struggle to compose myself.
"Why such tears?" he asked, drawing his thumbs over the trails on my cheeks, "Have I upset you with my words?"
"Ah – no." I clear my throat, blinking past my emotional state. "No. It was not that at all. You caught me by surprise."
A small smile curves the corner of his mouth. "Is it so unexpected of me to feel protective of you? To believe you are someone I deeply care for?"
"U-uh. Well…"-Yes-"No. I harbour similar feelings."

Two exposing admissions within the span of the same hour. How will I survive the day if I am going to spend my time this way? Next thing I shall know, I could find myself declaring far deeper and impractical feelings for him.
"Danny," his whispered words draw me from my frantic thoughts, "you have no idea of what it means to me to hear you say such things."

I am somewhat prepared for Sora's intentions as he leans forward. Pausing momentarily to gauge my reaction, he steals my breath with a chaste kiss. There is only so much a lady's heart can take…

Though he remains somewhat innocent, the brushing of his lips against my own provokes a somewhat…less-innocent response from me. With eyes closed, I am forced to drown in his alluring scent, shattering the ties to my tamer persona. I cannot just sit passively by as he offers me such a rare opportunity. His hair is knotted amongst the fingers of my right hand before I can take my next breath, summoning a groan from Sora as he understands my silent request. The brushing of his lips becomes stronger, deeper, forming our lips in longing.

…

My head is spinning by the time we begin to slow down, allowing ourselves to settle our breathing for moments at a time.
Lord, how I wish we could do that more often.
"Mmm…I am glad we can agree on that." Sora hummed, running his fingers through the knotted mess of my hair. Still in a state of daze, I cannot make sense of his words. What are we agreeing upon? I did not say anything…
"Oh, did I say that out loud…?" I dread.
His hearty chuckle gives away his answer, "Yes. I believe you did."

"Oh…"
The true smile returns as his hold tightens marginally around me. I sink against him involuntarily. It seems my body has a mind of its own when it comes to its encounters with Sora's. Only now do I comprehend my current position. Perched upon his lap, thigh-to-thigh, hip-to-hip.

Holy crow…

…

A day free of chores. For the first time in lord knows how long.

Back in the village, I had filled my days with work. Anything to keep myself and my mind busy. It became the norm for me. Sleep, eat, work, and read. And repeat. I filled what little time I had to myself with the tales written in the books my mother and I had collected through the years. The collection I continued to add to.

Now, the only thing I can think to do with my time now is roam. What insignificant view of the gardens I had seen during my time outdoors left me wanting.

Head tilted back, I enjoy the sun as it warms my skin. A gentle breeze serves to cool me.
Julian whinnies from his stables, butting his door with the force of his leg. Restless as ever I suppose. I make my way towards him and smile in greeting.

"Do you wish to join me, Julian?" I asked.
He lowers his head over the door, levelling with my eyes. I reach up and stroke down along his cheek, loving this stallion.
"You have been cooped up for far too long. You want to go for a run, aye boy?" I concurred. He stretches further, brushing his muzzle from my jaw before nipping the ends of my hair.
"I shall take that as a 'yes'."
Reaching back to heave his saddle from its stand, I unlock the door, slipping inside. Julian waits patiently through his groom and fitting.

Lastly; his bridle. Careful with his ears, I ease the bit between his teeth and rest the reigns down the back of his neck – ready. Pushing the door further out, I hook my foot into the stirrup of the saddle before swinging myself up and onto his back. 'Lady-like' be damned.
I wait a moment for Julian to settle before flicking the reigns forward, turning outwards and onto the gravel path. Taking a look back toward the mansion, I make sure I am riding away – free of watchful eyes. Certain that I am, I nudge Julian's sides and loosen the reigns, allowing him to surge forth onto the grassy planes and trees. I am pulled through the rush of speed.

What a joy – to be such a magnificent creature. Your legs can carry you blindingly fast through the bush. The grassland bows beneath the power of your hooves. The fine hair of your mane and tail is combed by the wind.

You must feel that you could run free for miles. Hours. Days. Just to prolong this rush. This feeling.

I envy him this feeling. That I may only experience it as a bystander. A guest upon his back. After an age, I feel Julian begin to slow. His gallop gradually becoming a trot, bouncing me along upon his saddle. The trees begin to thin and the light grows more intense than the shadows. I dip my head to brace myself against the brightness as we surface within an encircled terrain.

Purple loosestrife flowers decorate the flush grassland, bathed in golden light through the trees. With each pad of Julian's hoof into the green and purple, a burst of fragrance tickles my nose as I inhale greedily.

Julian comes to a stop, lowering his head round to the muscle of his shoulder, butting my saddled shoe. I take his lead and dismount, losing the length of my leg to the knee-high field. Drawing through the sea of purple and green, I brush my fingertips along the flowers, hearing Julian trot off on his own path.

No doubt he has found himself a nice grazing spot, I gathered as he leaves me to my own exploration. Trees of pine fence the meadow, supplying the area with a symphony of hushing whispers through their leaves. A pleasant, quite place. I wonder if Julian has ever crossed this way with Sora upon his back. Maybe it was Sora who found it originally. A special place away from the shadows of towns and mansions. Away from the likes of human population.

Heartless flock to numbers. Where selfishness thrives. The widespread panic can make it easier in their pickings when every human is fighting for their own survival. Only a select few will stop to pick up a fallen man or woman. My family was a part of those same few...
It is said; that it is children that hold the Heartless at bay. It is with light that our world cannot be overthrown. The power of their pure light and innocence repel the contamination of shadows. Yet...if Sora's past is anything to go by...

Children are not so powerful or protected as the world strives to believe. They are vulnerable.

Over the hush of leaves, I hear the song of a bird carry across the meadow. A song with an impressive range of whistles, trills, and gurgles. It takes me a while but I finally spot the source perched upon a tree branch, not too far away. A plain brown body with a pale cream bodice and throat stands out against the pale green. Its tail flashes reddish brown in the sunlight as it sings. A nightingale. It is rare to hear one sing during the day. Ever rarer still is the fact that he seems to be singing to no other. I do not hear or see any other birds occupying the trees. He calls for a mate, yet there be none to answer his call.

Poor lil thing... I thought as I listen to him sing, undeterred in his cause.

Gradually, the thump of Julian's hooves grows more consistent and closer. I turn from the nightingale's perch to see him prancing through the area, tossing his head and mane every which way. Rearing up onto his two back legs, thighs trembling with strength, he tosses his forelegs forth as he whinnies in delight. I cannot but reflect his merriment. Dropping into a gallop, he dancing around the railing of trees, making a focal point out of me as his circuit grows smaller and smaller.

Julian finally comes to a short halt, breathing heavily as he tosses his head to clear the mane from his eyes. Flaring nostril nose the air. My smile collapses as he begins to grunt with his ears pulled back. I take a step towards him only to fall back as he screeches, striking the ground with his hooves. I run to his side, throwing my hands up, palms forward.

"Hey! Hey - come on boy." I try to soothe him as he thrashes around wildly, tossing his head to the sky. "What is it, Julian? What's wrong?"
He calms minutely, settling enough to stand his ground and butt his head against the side of my ribs and tossing his head upwards in a frenzied cycle.

I finally understand and lift my eyes to follow the direction for which he is tossing his head. My heart stumbles in its frantic beat. Julian had smelt it before he had seen it. He had every reason to panic.

...Smoke...

It rises, miles away, clouding the sky with darkness. The flames rise far higher than any tree. They, instead, envelope the structure of a mansion.

Julian finally ceases his screaming, sensing the change in me as he takes a stance in front of me, flicking his reigns at me. I hesitate no longer, shoving myself onto the saddle and grasping the reigns in a chokehold as he wastes no time in racing towards home. To Sora.

Please, lord, let him be okay.