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As he waited for the water temperature to rise, Ciel thought about what to make for breakfast. He came back home late yesterday and didn’t do any grocery shopping. 

“Two eggs, fried in a brushing of olive oil, lightly salted… Vegetables are definitely fresh, but sausages, do I have any left?” He muttered.

Ciel enjoyed cooking. During his younger days he’d often sneak into the kitchen during the night. He’d try to reach their old, worn out cookbook that mother used to put on an upper shelf, and get reprimanded the next day for reading it during the night under the frail fire. Candles were far from cheap, and their life was far from a lavish one. But the boy didn’t really have time during the day, as every morning he’d go together with his mother and sister out of the city. They’d leave no stone unturned, when looking for volcanic water, metal scraps, or anything worth something, so that his father could sell them at the market. As the days went by he became the sole source of income in their tiny home, he had to come up with his own recipes. It may sound like a difficult period in his life, but it wasn’t the worst. He still remembers the joy he felt during their meal time, as his sickly sister never failed to smile when she tasted his cooking. 

“Maybe some wine?” His tolerance was high, so it shouldn’t be a problem, right? He’s been eating well lately, and his new job wasn’t that strict. Wine was good for digestion too… The more he considered it, the more he wanted to indulge himself. 

Right, his mornings are much more normal compared to his days as a hitman. Ciel turned off the water and left the shower. There was a star-shaped mark on his chest, one that was exceptionally hard to miss. He put on a pair of boxers and a bathrobe on top. His long blue hair twisted in a towel on top of his head, making his unusual, pointy ears stand out. While rinsing his mouth, he could feel the sensation of water scrubbing against his newly grown fangs. He lost count of how many times he accidentally bit the inside of his mouth by now.

He headed to the kitchen in his white, cotton slippers and took in the sight of his expensive interior. It was spacious. The kitchen, living room and bedroom were separated by folding dividers only. He owned every new magical gadget that was available in Lanox, from a box with shelves that keeps food cold, to an instrument with a needle following a groove on a rotating disc to play music. The boy he used to be didn’t even know such things existed, yet now he could buy a few copies of them without having any financial problems. After leaving his eggs to fry, Ciel took his favourite mug and poured the white wine into it. He grabbed a magazine with a half-finished crossword puzzle from the counter and headed towards the sofa, while taking a sip of his drink. He didn’t even make it halfway, when his heart rate quickened and the bone chilling sensation of being pressured by something heavy overcame him. He merely blinked, sweat forming on his temple and found himself in the middle of a dark basement. His eyes needed a bit to adjust. Ciel was standing in the middle of a pentagram, five torches stood at the corner of each leg of the ominous star, their blue flame casting a frosty hue on the view. There were herbs scattered across the floor to alleviate the burning smell. He didn't even have time to change his slippers before the sudden phenomena happened.

“Lu, why are you up so early?” Usually, he had more time before clocking in, as Lu slept until noon.

She was sitting on the ground in front of him. Her head hung low as her hand was touching the ground in an attempt to support her body. Ciel put aside the items in his hands and kneeled on one knee. Her cheeks were flushed, gaze dazed as sweat formed on her forehead.

“Ciel, I think, I’ve–I’ve been poisoned.” She breathed out.

“After I left, did anyone come? Did you eat anything not made by me?” He put his hand on her scorching forehead as his face turned serious.

She pursed her lips while in thought, softly shaking her head. “Poisonous gas, maybe?”

He sighed as he picked her up. “It looks like a fever, Lu.”

Lu’s face scrunched as she threw him a glare. “Fever? That’s for the weak!” Her shout triggered a coughing fit and her disgusted expression distorted.

“You are weak now.” He stated as he navigated their way out of the hidden basement. Lu didn’t respond and Ciel carefully carried her into the master bedroom. He laid her on the bed gently as the wind grazed his skin. “You left the balcony open during the night?”

She grumbled as she ducked under the covers. Ciel closed it and covered all the windows with heavy curtains. He asked as he rekindled the fire in a marble fireplace. “Why didn’t you summon me earlier? The toll on your body from using space magic isn’t a joke. The moment you felt something wrong you should have summoned me.”

“Don’t nag.” A weak voice came from the demoness. Ciel, minding that she wasn’t in the state to listen, decided to spare his lecture for later. He went into the adjacent room for servants and brought back a wet towel. A cool touch of the fabric made her shiver, before her body relaxed.

“I’ll make you something to eat, so focus on resting.” 

Lu gave a short hum as Ciel brushed a few strands of hair from her face. She was asleep by the time he reached the kitchen. This spacious, royal kitchen used to have many hands working on her highness’s meals. Her gigantic limestone fortress must have been a marvellous sight to see when there were servants to maintain it. But now? It was cold, dark, draughty, damp, smoky and terribly unkempt. There was a limit to what Ciel alone could do, so there are only a few places Lu ordered him to keep clean. She also had an aversion to meat developed during her military days, so the dishes he cooked her were always vegan.  He searched around in the pantry and took out peek-a-boo onions, garlic, celery, bulky carrots, and a few herbs meant to help with healing. His sister hated drinking the bitter medicine whenever she had a fever, so Ciel always added prescribed herbs into a soup instead, making sure that the delicious taste would help to alleviate her discomfort. 

His hands, unlike in the past, were pale to the point one could notice his healthy, bluish veins, with no traces of his past left. His fingers were long and smooth, perfect for playing piano, yet despite the physical changes those same hands still preferred the company of a weapon, showcasing their precision as Ciel swiftly chopped the vegetables. First, he let the onion, garlic and celery into a pot and let it saut é until they turned gently tan, before adding the rest, together with a vegetable broth. He stirred it and brought it to a boil then left it to simmer as he went to his quarters. The towel on his head has been long left behind, however Ciel still wore a pair of boxers and a bathrobe that loosened as he worked and revealed his well-defined physique. He hurried to change into proper attire. Indigo pants with a matching shirt, and on top he wore a lapis coloured vest with golden buttons. His hair tied with a white ribbon. A pair of gloves was left on the cupboard as they would get in the way of his cooking.

When the soup was done, Ciel woke up Lu and unfolded the legs of the tray, putting it right in front of her. The consistency was thin as he made sure it was easily drinkable. “I can feed you, if you’re-”

“I can eat on my own.” She sneered, scooping the soup. A bit of her temper coming back after a short rest.

Silence hung between them as Ciel took a sip of wine from his mug. “Lu, I know it’s hard to get used to being weak, but your body is even weaker than that of an adult human. You’re just a child now. Having some magic left doesn’t change that you’re fragile. You can’t keep ignoring this and living the same way you did as a Steel Queen.”

“Shut up.” She snapped, voice taking on a deadly tone. “I know I’m not the same as I was in my past. I am reminded of it everyday as I wake up and see the scanty state my own bedroom is in.” Her tone dripped with bitterness. “Everything that was valuable was either sold or stolen, dust and dirt is accumulating faster than one servant can handle, and the only valuable things left are my gauntlets and that tapestry of my coronation mocking how low I have fallen. So don’t you dare nag me while I eat.” She spat the last words.

“I’m sorry.” He bowed his head. He watched as she carefully brought the spoon closer to her lips, flushed cheeks plumping up as she blew on the hot soup to cool it. “I was just worried.”

“As if.” She mocked as her lips twisted into a half-smile.  “I’m someone who intentionally waited for you to be in a critical condition to make sure you wouldn’t be able to read the contract, yet you worry about me?”

“Yes.” He stared right into her unfocused eyes, a thought that it would be hard for him to believe that either crossed him as he said, “I was angry. And I did feel scammed, but that was before I got to know you better.”

“That’s…” 

“You didn’t really make my life harder with this contract, actually, my life was harder before I met you.” Ciel wasn’t lying. Although she targeted him from the beginning, it didn’t change the fact that he would have died that day. A mundane yet brutal consequence of the life he used to lead. “So Lu, you don’t have to concern yourself with this anymore. I forgave you.”

Lu let her bangs cover her eyes as a shaky laughter escaped from her lips. Ciel waited patiently for her answer, taking quiet sips from his mug. “You really…” She sniffled and said, “Just so you know. If you’re going to be my servant then you should learn how to properly hold a grudge.”

“Of course, your highness.” He nodded as his eyes softened. He wasn’t a person who couldn’t hold a grudge, they both knew that.

Lu soon finished the soup and laid back on her bed. “Leave me to rest, I can’t stand being awake in this state.” Ciel bowed and took the empty utensil with the tray. Her eyes opened abruptly as she added, “And who drinks wine from a mug? Utterly inelegant.”

As he reduced the heat to medium, Ciel added tofu and sauce to the wok filled with vegetables. A sweet aroma of a bell pepper drifted in the air and he breathed it in with a smile. He stirred until the sauce thickened just enough to make anyone’s taste buds spellbound and then removed it from the pale blue fire. As if on cue, a well-rested Lu entered the kitchen with a yawn, dragging an adult sized robe behind her. “Is it done?”

Ciel divided the dish into two servings with rice, sprinkling green onion and sweet star potato seeds on top. With a satisfied nod he took the plates towards the little kitchen table where Lu was already fiddling with her clothing and frowned. “Why are you barefoot?” 

She rolled her eyes. “I couldn’t find my shoes and my stomach wasn’t that patient.”

She dug in as soon as the food was placed. Her eyes widened in surprise. “What is this? I don’t think I ever ate something like this.”

“Lanoxian sweet chilli with tofu. Is it good?” 

“Mhmm.” She beamed as she savoured its taste.

“Does it make you happy?” 

She stopped and stared at him. “Yes, why?”

“I thought about our previous conversation.” He put a hand on his heart. “I know how hard it is for you right now, Lu. It feels like you're unable to feel anything positive in your life and you're constantly hurt, empty, angry, or all of those other nasty feelings, but- Life can be good. You-”

“Okay stop, stop.” She put up her palm and laughed. “Who said my life can’t be good? It’s obvious that the fever got into my head.” Lu shook her head, her white hair falling in front of her face, and she tucked it behind her ear, annoyed. “You really have guts. I may have been dethroned and weakened, but even my worst enemies still watch their words around me. No one is as disrespectful as you.”

“Our souls are connected.” He replied. 

“I know that. And I still think it’s just you.” Her voice filled with a teasing tone. “When I first saw you, strolling amidst those bandits as if it was a promenade, I just knew it wouldn’t be long before you’d land in some serious trouble. Heck, even I felt like punching you once you opened your mouth. But your strength was decent and it’s not like I had a lot of options” 

“Oh.” His face grimaced in a thoughtful expression. “Did I really look so ridiculous?”

Lu giggled before bursting out into a full-blown laugh. “You really didn’t know?”

“I didn’t.” He couldn’t help but smile, as her hilarity proved to be contagious. Yes, this is how it should be. A warm kitchen, good food, and even better company. Their situation wasn’t ideal, but he was happy.

The strands of blue hair fell to his eyes as carefully poured the boiling water to his brand new, gold edged cup. Not quite the same expensive ceramics he was used to, but it was good enough for a town’s flea market. A few minutes later he covered his legs with a blanket, steam rising above the cup that stood on top of the carefully carved tea table. One of the few furniture pieces he managed to get from the Ebalon mansion before it was confiscated. His new place, albeit not big, was cozy enough for one person. Near a fireplace cracked, sending warmth around the house, while beyond the window one could see the bare Magnolia tree. Its branches steadily holding up the falling snow. Sometimes, he’d remember his brother teasing him about being a little old man and let out a bitter laugh. He missed his brother dearly, but life must go on. And this time, he was ready to welcome the New Year with a house of his own!

And it was then, in the midst of giving himself a pat on the back for his efforts, knocking came to his front door. Noah didn’t expect any guests. Was it Clamor taking pity on him and visiting him? He thought so, as he made his way towards the door. But the person whom he greeted upon opening was not his teacher. There, with hair as white as the snowy landscape around, and crimson eyes, stood an expressionless man. He had a sword on his back flickering in the moonlight, mere glance hinting at its sharpness.

“Umm, do you need anything?” Noah couldn’t stop the shakiness in his voice. Confidence can give you a lot when dealing with strangers and Noah knew his first impression was detrimental. But he rarely spoke, and his throat wasn’t used to much effort.

“Meeting place.” The man said, his face the perfect image of neutrality. He seemed to think his words were enough to explain everything.

“Huh?” But Noah didn’t get to question him more, as the young man brushed past him and entered the house, leaving a trail of wet footsteps. “No wait, what meeting place? This is my house.”

Noah hurriedly followed him in. But the man merely glanced at the humble living room, one that Noah was proud of just minutes ago, and leaned on the wall in a corner. Silent, unassuming. One could mistake him for part of decor, if not that he was breathing.

Noah felt unreal. Why was there a stranger in his house, spewing something cryptic, only to stand in his living room. Just what was he, as the owner supposed to do about this man, with a very dangerous weapon. Noah didn’t have anything he could defend himself, all of his tools were borrowed and already given away. Although he did think of getting himself a weapon, he didn’t have enough money yet, not after scraping all his ED for a place he could call home.

He had no choice but to reason with this man. “Sir, I live here. I think you might have come to the wrong place. Although it’s a bit desolate, it’s still the outskirts of the nearby village. If you continue heading south, you should see the homesteads. And there’s also an inn.”

But the man didn’t answer. His eyes, hidden behind the unkept hair didn’t even spare Noah a glance.

“I didn’t make any New Year plans, you must have come to the wrong place.” He continued, becoming increasingly annoyed, yet trying to keep his expression from showing it.

Finally, the man responded. “Noah?”

“Yes?”

The man nodded. “The right place.”

Noah was baffled. He didn’t even realise he forgot to introduce himself, yet the men knew his name anyway. So, was this man really here for him? As if on cue, knocking came on his door. Again. Suppressing the unwillingness to believe it, Noah excused himself and went to the door. But the outside wind didn’t refresh his turbulent mind, instead it felt like a cold slap to the face. In front of him stood another stranger, this time a woman.

She asked him with a polite smile. “Hello, are you Noah, perhaps?”

“Yes…”

“Great! My name’s Aisha. Nice to meet you.” She waved her hand, while her ponytail swayed. Noah couldn’t help but notice the blackish and unnatural colour of her hands. “Oh, that? Don’t worry, it's not a disease, it’s not going to transmit.”

“Oh… And you’re here for the meeting.” It was more of a statement than a question.

“Yes, but can we talk about this inside? It’s snowing really badly and I don’t want my clothes to get wet.”

“Ah, sure.” He stepped aside to let her in, while holding in a sigh. At least this person was willing to have a conversation. Maybe now he’ll finally understand what exact misunderstanding led to strangers flocking to his humble abode. “You know my name already, however I don’t remember my name being that well known.”

“Hmm, no. I was told to come here by a fellow wizard. A topic like that, it’s indeed unwise to talk about around seven towers, or some backwater bar. You never know who is listening.” She made herself cozy at the sofa in front of the fireplace, bringing her hands closer to the flickering embers as she turned her head towards the silent man. “Elsword! You’re done already with Feita’s golems? Here I thought you wouldn’t make it on time.”

“...”

“What shortcut did you take exactly? Don’t tell me you swam down the river to cut on time?”

“...”

“Elsword, are you doing this specifically to anger me? How many times did I tell you to stick to proper paths?”

“Uhh…” Noah furrowed his brows. The man named Elsword wasn’t responding, not even moving a muscle. How was she conversing with him exactly? “He’s… talking right now?” Maybe telepathy?

“Oh, sorry for this, It’s rude of us to just ignore you. Elsword and I have known each other for a long time. When you know someone for as long as we do, you’re bound to understand their quirks.” She smiled warmly at him before gradually turning and giving Elsword a smile lacking warmth.“We will talk about this later.”

“Okay then, can you tell me which wizard told you to come here? I don’t remember being told anything about this, if I’m being honest.” A curious thing, a wizard that creates appointments in someone’s house, without informing them about it!

“I reckon he said you’re his pupil? So, you should know him.”

“My mentor? My- so it’s him!” If there weren’t guests present he would be ripping his hair off right now. Teacher did worry about him being alone during holidays, but did he seriously think inviting a bunch of strangers was a good idea?! “Just what is he thinking?”

“Once he arrives you can ask him yourself. Until then, I can give you my stress reducing potion.” She took a vial from her coat and presented it to him. “Nothing works better than this when under pressure. I use it when- hey don’t look at me like this, I’m not a shady person.”

Noah returned to a neutral expression, chastising himself for letting his thoughts show on his face. One comfort was that, at least, his voice was no longer acting up.

The door was knocked on again, saving him from the awkwardness. “I’ll get it.”

The snow outside grew even more intense, and the newly arrived guest outside was fully covered by a fluffy coat. Only a set of large ears and a head full of green locks were visible. He may have found others to be complete strangers, but this person, Noah knew them. ”Are you Miss Rena? The singer?”

“Ah yes, I- Achoo!” She barely uncovered her mouth to talk before she covered it again. A snort came out of her nose. Her voice muffled from behind the coat. “Sorry, I took some medicine for my throat earlier, but ended up with an itchy nose instead. Can we come in?”

“Of course!” He said, a little too excited. It’s not everyday that a celebrity visits your house.”But, what do you mean ‘we’?”

“Me and Raven, he’s sulking under that tree.” She pointed with her thumb behind her, before sneezing.

And there, under the magnolia tree, the same one that could be glimpsed from his window, was a shadow thick enough to hide a man. It was baffling, because how did a tree with no leaves, or thick branches even create such an irregularity? But the chill that enveloped Noah, one much colder than this windless, snowy night, proved that it could. The shadow took shape and from within it came a man. His steps crunched, and the closer he got the clearer he could be seen. Raven, as he was called, did not even have a head. Only dark was underneath his hood. “Hello.” The headless man muttered in a voice which no human could possess. One that sounded like an echo from far away rather than from a man right in front. The floating cape gave him a nod and entered the house, leaving him and Rena still standing at the door.

“He prefers not to talk much. It scares people.”

“I see. Please enter.” He was afraid, but he didn't want to acknowledge it. After waiting for Rena to step in completely, Noah shut the door and wiped his sweaty palms on his trousers. Noah had never actually travelled or seen the world outside of his mansion, at least not until he became the last Ebalon remaining. He had no idea that Elrios was home to such monsters. Of course, the bestiary did not include them.

Noah took a big breath of air and entered the living room. Aisha was talking to Rena, who sat at his armchair and sipped on the tea. The tea he made himself minutes ago and became forgotten. His tea.

Teacher did say it’s better to not meet your idols.

“Ah, really?! Those backyard alchemists shouldn’t be trusted.” Aisha exclaimed. “I left my tools at the inn, but I could make something in the kitchen that could help. It wouldn’t completely remove the itching in your nose, but you wouldn’t feel it as much.”

“No need, it’s been steadily getting better for a while now. And, achoo! I feel like the smoke from the kitchen fire would just make it worse.”

Noah chipped in. “I use the magical stove, there shouldn’t be any smoke from that.”

Rena smiled his way, before explaining. “I meant a different fire.”

“...”

Aisha scoffed. “It happened one time Rena. I’m not a complete kitchen disaster like Elesis. I was just trying to speed up the cooking process a little and I learned my lesson already.”

“Still, you’re at someone’s house. It’s better not to take any chances with that.” She said as she sipped. Noah really wanted to say something about that tea and how that’s also rude to do in someone’s house, but decided against it. She was an elf, they might have different customs.

“Excuse me everyone, can you tell me how many people my teacher invited exactly? I fear I might not have enough space in my house.” He asked, then glanced at the grandfather clock. It was getting really late, yet his teacher still wasn’t nowhere to be seen.

“Achoo, uh I think Rose was supposed to come, but had to stay and work on the portal?”

“Priest.” Raven added, with that inhumane voice of his.

Noah nearly jumped from startle, but held it in. “I see. In that case I’ll bring more chairs.” Those in his magazine were only a few, so if his teacher invited even more people, he’ll have to pray for them to hug the wall like that silent guy who's been pretending to be part of the furniture this whole time. Now that Noah thought about it, Elsword seemed to be the least worrisome of them all.

After arranging the chairs and fetching some refreshments from the kitchen, his door was knocked on. But this time, when he opened it, he saw no one. The only thing outside was the snow, which covered the road in a lovely layer of white.

He looked around some more, then attempted to close the door when a voice called out to him.“Be patient.” It was a voice that spoke directly to his mind, and Noah knew his next guest wasn’t going to be normal either.

No longer than that crossed his mind when a flash of light blinded his eyes. “Aghh!” He couldn’t help but scream out.

“Be not afraid.” The source of light said. But Noah was too busy covering his stinging eyes.

“Ain, tone it down a bit!” Rena, like a divine saviour, arrived to help with a hand shielding her eyes. The tea no longer mattered to him.

“I see, miss elf.” The light diminished, and Noah could see a tall man's shape through his half-closed eyes. He had long, vibrant blue hair and a matching stare. Noah believed this was the priest based on his attire. Even though he didn't want to, what could he do except allow him in?

Ain wasn’t shy when inviting himself in. He casually strolled towards the sounds of conversations, as if it weren’t someone’s house he was entering, but a CoBo agency. Rena was the one to sigh and try to give some excuses for his rude behaviour. “You see, Ain isn’t really, all that humane. Not in a bad way, but he certainly doesn’t under- well, care for etiquette or social norms much. You’ll have to ignore it.”

“I’ll remember that.” From her words it seemed like he didn’t have much choice but to accept it.

As he blinked his eyes they reached the living room, now with one more occupant in it, standing in the middle. Not moving.

Noah offered him a chair. “Erm, there is still place to sit if you-”

“I will stand.” He stated. And that was the end of the conversation.

He wanted to stand, Noah didn’t mind. But did he have to do that in the middle of the room? The house wasn’t big and the sofa already took up a considerable amount of space. Rena had to dodge him when walking!

Noah really wanted to say anything, but before he could, knocking came again. ‘I- actually, whatever.”

Behind the doors he saw the cause of this problem; his teacher, and an angel. No, really. The young man had a head full of fluffy blonde hair, paw-printed eyes radiating good will, and a pair of translucent wings. Noah’s mind simply took off. In fact, he was convinced this was all a dream. While waiting for the new year, he dozed off on his chair and made this all up. He really wanted to believe it, yet the cold wind licking his face was undeniable.

The angel like youth spoke first. “You’re very pale. Do you need help?”

Noah quibbled. “No, no, really. It’s just that usually by this time I’m asleep. I have a very strict routine.”

“In that case I am so sorry for visiting so late.” Anyone would feel like a heartless mutt for making this angel sad.

“No, it’s fine. If someone’s at fault it would be my teacher.” Noah opposed, his bitter glare directed at Clamour, who simply looked away.

“Still, I’m really sorry.”

“No I’m really sorry for my teacher just planning this so poorly.”

“But that’s still-”

“I’m sure he’ll get better once we’re all inside.” Clamor interrupted, fearing that otherwise the conversation might not end.

“Ah! Of course. Look at me, forgetting myself like that.” The blonde chuckled.

Clamor stepped closer and cleared his throat. “This is Chung. With his skills, you’ll be seeking him out often for recovery.”

“Hello, I’m Noah.” He shook Chung’s hand, the most normal introduction of the day.

“Hello Noah, I heard about you before coming. It’s good to finally meet you.” He smiled.

“Chung, could I talk to Noah for a moment?” Clamor asked.

“Of course. I’m sure the others are waiting inside.”

Now there were just the two of them. The falling snow, and the endless night that made this charming part of woods seem desolate now. “What exactly is happening, teacher? Why did you invite those… people to my house?”

Clamor didn’t answer immediately. He took off his cape, letting his unkept brown hair spill with a mixed expression, then sighed. “Are you still unwilling to find your brother’s murderer?”

That question took a breath out of Noah’s lungs. His teacher knew how hard the topic was. How much it scraped his conscience. “Didn’t we already talk about this? I can’t, I… don’t have the means to.”

“Not alone. With the help of a team however?”

“The people you invited? But everyone who is tied to it disappeared to the demon world. Having a team is meaningless.” Noah scrunched his nose. Who doesn't want vengeance in this world? But how much does it cost? He knew that what awaited someone as weak as him was a meaningless death, which was not something his brother would wish for him.

“The expedition led by Lady Sieghart lost contact. The upper echelons of Elrianode decided a new team should be formed.” Clamor revealed with a lowered tone.

If a new expedition was being made, then it means he had a chance to find the one who did that to his family, to get revenge, to tie all the loose ends. Even his lack of power could be covered by competent teammates.

Noah realised then, “Teacher, you tied yourself to this mess for me?” Clamor was part of the Seven Towers. As messy as it is, to take a step forward in their game of power just to secure this chance for his pupil was the same as sticking a target to his back. “I’m sorry teacher, I was really mean to you before.”

A warm hand rested on Noah's head, removing snowflakes and dishevelling his hair. “Don’t thank me yet. The journey will be a dangerous one. I’m sure it’s a matter of time before you’ll be back to cursing me out for not letting you stay in that burrow of yours.”

Noah's lips curved into a faint smile. Before he could contradict Clamor's comments, the window overlooking the tree broke. A candle holder lay amidst the shards of broken glass. There was no sound coming from the living room. "My house!" Noah cried, as his teacher grimaced.