While we began circling one another, Mom set up a barrier to keep the others safe from the after effects of the attacks.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAPggFwx88ZU
Ecluna, with her Ecliptic energy, makes herself a weapon, before dashing towards me.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAzCJihgvxMA
With my spear, I managed to block the first attack, before dodging another. Ecluna continues to giggle as she continues to attack. Finally, I landed a stunning blow on Ecluna. I could feel the Eclipse grow weaker.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAKtV4HzoYRz
I glance towards Arelin, Jake and the others. I felt a warm feeling when I saw the turned become more normal.
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Ecluna suddenly throws herself onto me, landing blow after blow right into my stomach.
167Please respect copyright.PENANA97xNHN2NiW
I feel the pain burn within my entire body as her attacks grow stronger.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAmpNtTX3R28
Pushing her away, I return with my own barrage of attacks. I painfully get up with steady legs, but I just couldn't help but to make sure the others were okay.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAcSGtXSXkdC
"Iris, don't tell me you're holding back to make sure your friends are okay..."
167Please respect copyright.PENANA5p4ehU8WRh
Despite her large decrease in power, Ecluna's grip around my throat was tight.
167Please respect copyright.PENANA4OOJ73YumE
"What's the matter? Have you already given up on fighting back?"
167Please respect copyright.PENANAlra71NgZz2
"T-That's e-enough.. Ecluna.." Arelin says through clenched teeth.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAMhixftFfAf
"Hmm? Did you say something Arelin?"
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She floats closer towards him.
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"D-don't...hurt her.."
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"...Jeez, I'll need to be quick if I wanna keep you."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAQYTMxU6rut
Then, she turns back to me.
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"Hopefully I can kill you before he changes back.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANACLb2VFURyV
She charges up another magic to attack me with, but I didn't move, because I was trying to help Arelin snap out of it.
Arelin was switching back and forth through forms, as if..this nightmare was finally coming to an end.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAyQXTnmezP6
The last sliver of the Eclipse had to be charged up in it's final form.
167Please respect copyright.PENANA48r2gOrQu9
"Consider this a final message. If I can't kill you..."
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She immediately points the attack towards the others.
"Then I'll just kill them, and kill you from the inside!"
167Please respect copyright.PENANADd4PpUkESo
The attack fired, the maroon beam of Eclipsian magic tearing straight into the area where they were.
167Please respect copyright.PENANA6cAp68kyI3
Ecluna didn't change her expression, her eyes never moved off of the area until the dust clouds cleared.
167Please respect copyright.PENANA5BkomuBqlO
...A familiar, ancient aura became apparent.
167Please respect copyright.PENANA3Pco4YPB7n
When I looked behind me, I noticed someone was standing next to Mom while she held a pendant in the air.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAvez0Wv0Ua5
"...Iset. It has been too long..." she says under her breath.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAhCdio5siUY
"Now is not the time for salutations. You have summoned me to aid you in battle..."
The woman returns, hovering only slightly off of the ground.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAHDta3wmuZS
They were safe, luckily, the barrier that shielded them had barely a scratch.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAKrq41qNxCm
"Do not fret, Iris. She is weakened enough to where she can be subdued."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAW7lgdeU2eI
"Subdue me? When she's barely touched me?"
Ecluna taunts again. "If you want her to die so bad, I'll always make it quick.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAx6P3Ras9DB
A scythe appears in her hand, as she brandishes it towards the bright red sky.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAF6QnnoVUl6
Slowly, I can feel my own form become more distant. Had my power begun to run out too?
167Please respect copyright.PENANAxZGfWXSOhK
I put up my own weapon, but suddenly I dropped it, and shook my head.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAWghhTYZGRd
"Again...your funeral.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANA8VyC7cLpMk
Ecluna dashes straight for my chest, but once again, someone saves me.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAIBVaMrmj65
"...Rest now. You've done your task, Araginee."
Ciaran calmly says, cradling me. I let my true Darken form disappear. A great weight had been lifted from my chest as I grew tired.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAPsB9CkYS08
However, that sense of tranquility was short lived, as suddenly Ciaran was shot out of the air with a sudden beam of energy.
167Please respect copyright.PENANADni6wRd4HG
"Of course you try to take my kill away from me, Ciaran!"
Ecluna says angrily.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAi124az8VNQ
"I cherish her enough to put myself in danger."
167Please respect copyright.PENANABs9Go6x0gG
"...Okay then, one last deal..."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAb4e2Fkio1L
Ciaran preciously plants another kiss upon my head and handing me to a confused Arelin, and by this point, I had already started to close my eyes.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAx28uqmaFGE
"I-Iris...you have to stay awake."
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I open my eyes again. "Why?"
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He stops to think for a moment.
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"I'm n-not sure why but... just stay awake... it's b-better if you stay awake.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAK8yNNFbrNz
I nod. "Alright... I'll try.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAmCaSfm2psg
I listen to the conversation between Ciaran and Ecluna.
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"Well, what is this deal of yours?"
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"Easy. Iris' safety in return of you."
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"You want to kill me in return for Iris' life? I am usually not very greedy, but I have a lot to live for.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAmrSEzsYXji
"No no, I meant..." Ecluna pulls another transforming orb. "I get to keep you."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAEhkJRUVW3c
"...That is something...interesting.."
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"So, deal or no deal?"
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Ciaran steps forward and removes his cape.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAsLzfUSc0fy
"I will accept. Only if Arelin and Jake are released from your grasp.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAy8kOJ31XVX
"Less fun, but a deal's a deal.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANALvHW3R0D7J
Ecluna calls on the powers of the eclipse, as Arelin and Jake dropped to the ground, but their appearance had changed back to normal.
167Please respect copyright.PENANA8zMKu5is1p
The two orbs used to transform them was brought into one, and Ecluna held it as it flared brilliantly.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAhU0NKWqj3H
"This is where I will say farewell for now."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAWX8gQIPxql
Ecluna pushes the orb into his chest. I almost felt like puking as Ciaran's eyes began to blur. The transformation began to happen again..
167Please respect copyright.PENANAPzY3O1mqzk
Ciaran stood up, examining himself.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAqX3PePmAuB
"Isn't that a little better?"
167Please respect copyright.PENANAwZKi9C7Euk
"It is...exhilarating."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAQdlgkZ5IpD
"Good good. How about we give that power a little test run, shall we?"
167Please respect copyright.PENANA0S0uhlyLVP
"With pleasure..."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAORLhcYrA8Q
Ciaran direction went straight to me. With no more of my energy readily available, I let him pull me from the ground with both of my wrists in his hands. He leans closer to my face and then...
167Please respect copyright.PENANAU4SFj3P6bu
He starts to laugh. His laughing becomes so hysterical, I almost couldn't help but laugh with him. But... what was so funny?
167Please respect copyright.PENANAjktBAYSG0S
"Ecluna, Ecluna, Ecluna...you poor soul. It seems you have misunderstood..."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAZalUO6LuKH
He lets me go, turning back into his original form.
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"I have no bloodline. I made out of the essence of darkness itself. I cannot be Eclipsian by any means.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAeu79mb1AbS
"...Well, I guess that's it then..."
She shrugs. "I have no more power to throw at you.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAH1ziNp7lgI
The eclipse disappears from the sky, leaving dawn in it's place. Ecluna returns back to normal, with the small change of red tips at the ends of Ecluna's hair. Ecluna blinks, as if everything that has happened... disappeared from her mind without a trace.
167Please respect copyright.PENANA5NvP2iceGE
"W-what happened?"
167Please respect copyright.PENANAVnU222xxWS
"...Take a look for yourself." Jake says, dusting himself off.
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Ecluna looks around. "D-did I do this?! What did I-..."
167Please respect copyright.PENANA9xnj1OGNnc
The injuries she has sustained during the battle came as she started to cough up large amounts of blood. I was so worried about her, I had forgotten about my own blood running down my face.
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I stumbled towards her.
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"Iris, stop! D-don't hurt yourself more!"
She cried.
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"I have to make sure you're okay too.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAmKxBtgIpuN
"Don't worry about me, I'm fine-..."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAP9iTxqZnt1
More blood spills from her mouth. "I'm okay, just...stay where you are.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAsjDCQIJF74
"We have to get both of you to a hospital."
Arelin states. "The severity of your injuries could be fatal if they aren't treated."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAFaTf0gHWWv
Arelin scoops Ecluna from the ground, while Ciaran does the same for me. That was the last thing I remember before finally giving into my tiredness.
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***
I see everyone else staring back at me. I was back at home, snuggled under my quilt on my bed.
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"Hello everyone..." I croak.
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Everyone lets out a sigh of relief.
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"Thank goodness you're alright." My mom says.
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"...How long has it been?"
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Jake gives my head a pat.
"A good four days. Ms. Ikura patched you up pretty good though..."
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I jump up, only to be met with discomfort and dizziness. I had to stumble back into a sitting position.
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"...Is Ecluna okay?"
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"She's disappeared, we have no idea where she could've gone..." Soluna says somberly.
"She was asleep at one point, and then the next...she wasn't there..."
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Mom rubs her shoulder, comforting her.
"We've sent your father and uncle to find her, Iris. The best thing you can do is rest.."
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"And you better rest too.." Aluise added.
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I nod. "Okay.."
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I begin to shuffle back into bed, resting my head against the frame.
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"You're heading back to bed?" Jake says, sitting back in a chair.
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I nod my head again.
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"You're not even gonna eat first?"
167Please respect copyright.PENANAh8yqd3rErB
"I am...a little hungry..."
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"I think Arelin is making something..said he was waiting for you to wake up."
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"Could you call him here for a minute then?"
167Please respect copyright.PENANABZya3cT2dK
"... Alright." he gets back up from the chair with a slight limp and leaves. In a few seconds, Arelin was in the doorframe.
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"...I'm sorry if I distracted you.."
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"It's fine. It's just about done right now."
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"Ah, alright then.."
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"...Ciaran was asleep behind you earlier, but I'm not sure where he could've went.."
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I pull back the quilt again, where Ciaran was sleeping comfortably underneath.
167Please respect copyright.PENANA20hBi2JQJS
"I found him.." I say, pulling him towards me.
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Ciaran wakes up when I do this, but promptly shuffles even closer.
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"This is the calmest I've ever seen him..."
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"...I'll be right back. You must be hungry..."
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"I'm starving! Bring back something really good okay?"
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A smirk appears on his face.
"Alright.."
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As soon as he leaves, Ciaran wakes up.
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"You are...awake..."
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"Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere. I just needed to rest a bit.."
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Arelin comes back with a steaming plate.
"It's not much, but it should be enough with some bread.."
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He places the plate in front of me, before sitting on the bed beside me. I slowly pick up the fork and start eating.
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Afterwards, the sleepiness started to come back. I yawned as my body starts to slide underneath the quilt more and more.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAK5RnB5GFLl
"You're going back to sleep?"
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"Mhm...I want to be up bright and early tomorrow."
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Arelin gets up, taking the empty dish from my almost unresponsive hands.
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"I will...check on you in the morning then.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAUgr2jxLWpM
He turns off the lights and shuts the door. I slowly closed my eyes, and I drifted off to sleep.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAIzrnXnePFq
The next morning, I felt refreshed. Getting up from bed, I stretch and walk to my mirror.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAsxCUKKMbNB
A sudden weight almost pulled me off my feet. As I struggled to stand up, I look at the mirror to see...
167Please respect copyright.PENANAReCOGQu1Dh
"Good morning, Araginee..."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAMYZhxi8poo
"Ciaran!"
167Please respect copyright.PENANAHov78i1wNt
Ciaran held onto my shoulders and tried his best to hold on to my back while I tried to remove him.
167Please respect copyright.PENANACv5pswMvOI
"Get off of me! You're too heavy!"
167Please respect copyright.PENANA3xX7lenqU5
"You seem to be holding me just fine.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAEgwkXLXOu3
I sighed heavily. "I don't want to carry you around!"
167Please respect copyright.PENANAKjCkNZwUjx
We have a wrestle for a bit. Eventually, I gave into his ways and let him stay there.
167Please respect copyright.PENANANQikqIKAAA
"How was your sleep?" he asked.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAXyvEiBx50F
I stumble to the hallway. "It was fine. You were taking up all the bed space though.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANA5ozdZqLnCp
I go into the kitchen, where Uncle Damien was asleep on the couch, and Mom and Dad sitting and drinking a cup of coffee together while Arelin made breakfast.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAhKuwUOUUtA
"Good morning, Iris." Mom greeted, before giving Ciaran an untrusting, mean glare. "And Ciaran..."
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Ciaran responds. "Good morning to you too.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAK1Z2EYdi2t
Uncle Damien woke up in an attacking stance. I couldn't help but snicker a little at his expression, but I also had to feel a little sympathetic.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAtcWEtWBl9R
"Did you have a nightmare, Uncle Damien?"
167Please respect copyright.PENANAiSFMHkCKK7
Walking over to him, I give him a grin. "If you keep thinking about stressful stuff, you'll never get any sleep.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAZFdbJsFlop
He responds by tiredly turning around while mumbling and returning to sleep.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAsq3JK9QwuU
"That grumpy older brother of mine won't even smile a little for his only niece.."
Mom smirked and shook her head.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAd6ZdfpxWJP
"Arelin! Iris!"
167Please respect copyright.PENANA5KeL7HTD5z
Someone comes running into my arms, but quickly, from the long, almost midnight colored hair, I immediately knew who it was.
167Please respect copyright.PENANArbAjhdZ5DB
"Hey, Alena!"
167Please respect copyright.PENANAwitErpOnXu
"I came as soon as I heard. Are you feeling alright?"
167Please respect copyright.PENANAWOpyoSeSIj
I assure her that I was feeling fine. "Yep! I'm doing really well!"
167Please respect copyright.PENANAwOKWTNS9R3
"Good!"
167Please respect copyright.PENANAuHTRuwbpIP
Alena then turns her attention to Ciaran, who I was still carrying.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAuu7eJYL7Qx
"Huh? Why is he here?"
167Please respect copyright.PENANAst1Ze3LS3E
"He decided it was a good idea to ride around with me today..."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAvOcHTLVMKT
Ciaran only snickered mischievously.
167Please respect copyright.PENANA7zXtFhA0dn
"I sadly haven't been able to remove him yet.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAKRNV0VjbzW
Alena playfully flicks his nose.
"I think he's cute. He's like a little baby."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAqDinQar6xz
"You compare me to a child?"
167Please respect copyright.PENANARFYk25Jlg2
"Admit it, you can't go anywhere without Iris."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAetdaD43ziJ
A weight was lifted from my back as Ciaran jumps off to lend Alena a stare.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAdA5Txf7hpl
"A-Ah! He's quick to anger!"
167Please respect copyright.PENANAXT9Q6Q4NKE
"Do not belittle me, Alena."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAIfXJIzXX0S
"Hehe, belittle." She punned. Arelin laughs as well.
167Please respect copyright.PENANA7LayWUvTDw
"Why you..."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAxC7eN1doRq
Before Ciaran could get a hold of her neck, I pull him back. "Alright Ciaran, no need to get all snippy."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAroeyRxdFmh
He slips back behind me.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAuPSSZimKOW
"That...girl..."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAMIBvd7VgLn
"Don't worry, she's just messing with you."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAgPFypQKEyt
"...Her presence now pesters me to no end.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANARwKlTUY6VB
I sigh. "You're a lot of work, you know that?"
167Please respect copyright.PENANAWMOb1astgq
He rests his chin on my shoulder.
"Am I?"
167Please respect copyright.PENANA9gPEG5ttWW
"...No, not really. Not anymore."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAwWOSuURktc
"Perfect. Then I will never leave your side."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAGutdbgXpMA
I immediately regretted the words I said earlier, as I realized he wasn't going to let me go.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAcRxKflimwP
I had to walk around with Ciaran all day, having small talk every other hour or so. Once the sky became a deep blue, I had found a comforting aura within the Darken as he slept.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAbq1k5hiac8
I took him to bed, and about to head there myself, when someone knocked on my room window.
167Please respect copyright.PENANApAc8nVI8T5
I quickly cover Ciaran up with the quilt and walk to the window. I slowly unlock and open it, where a piece of the night jumped into my room.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAqS8DukipPX
"Hey Iris..."
167Please respect copyright.PENANA9lwtRzHjR3
Ecluna was still wrapped up in the old bandages.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAjartaw4ao9
"Ecluna?! We've been looking for you! Where have you been?"
167Please respect copyright.PENANAiwmJtgaQpO
"I was only doing what I promised.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANArwYzEkeMuH
I lead her to the edge of the bed to sit, and rests her head on my shoulder.
167Please respect copyright.PENANADLLutQ36AG
"I didn't want you to leave. I just wanted my friend back. That's why I pushed as hard as I did."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAHbqcYL8hTD
"...I understand how destructive I can be under influence of the Eclipse."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAl1L9gSpjX1
"As do I with my new Darken forms.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAKDRNoeI3CR
She sadly chuckled. "...If only I had your mental strength.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANA4g4cILlwbX
"...It's getting late. Do you still want to leave?"
167Please respect copyright.PENANApJqPGdlhxw
Ecluna was weighing her options. After a confusing thought, finally, she came to a conclusion.
167Please respect copyright.PENANAaVrkQbScOj
"...I'll have to think about it."
167Please respect copyright.PENANA6n0duNM03V
"Then you can stay here for the night." I threw her a pillow and pointed towards the closet."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAuXGluWongR
"There's blankets and extra pillows in there. Help yourself to them."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAIAhIKHH2hm
"Thanks again for...forgiving me.."
167Please respect copyright.PENANAjfOi1q4eYG
"Of course. That's what I'm supposed to do, isn't it?"
167Please respect copyright.PENANAZkmZtsYomq
She slowly pulls a blanket from the closet, making a makeshift bed. I then turned off my bedside lamp and shuffled into bed.
167Please respect copyright.PENANA85texqb2Mm
I wonder what the morning will bring.
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167Please respect copyright.PENANAxRKuOnZgRK