#presenting:

Spite’s dog-like sniff startled Lucanis. Ugh! Smells. Like. Sweat. And. Spoiled milk! Don't ruin this, Spite. The spirit grumbled, wandering around the room like an hyperactive child. Not fair! I. Left. Like. You. Asked! Fine. Just…be nice. Let Elina sleep. You know she can sense our annoyance. You did good. Rook is calm. And warm inside. Spite. Don’t. You're not supposed to talk about this. WHY. NOT?! Her glow changes again. She shines in pretty colors. Is that not good? Yes, Spite. Yes, it is. Just, please, keep it to yourself this time. No telling Emmrich – or Manfred – anything. You said you wouldn’t embarrass Elina again. “What's wrong with Spite?” Of course she’d notice it. Lucanis could swear that woman slept with one eye open, resting one side of her brain per time, just like a bird. Tonight, however, nothing in her voice or body language screamed – alert! Elina was moved by simple curiosity; her sluggish, unfazed words were profferred while affectionately stroking his hair. “Nothing.” Her placidness easily washed his tension away. “He's just complaining we stink…and, he says you are…shining with pretty colors.” “Aww, that's sweet. Thank you, Spite. And thank you for borrowing Lucanis as well.” How was it possible for her to irradiate contemption like that? He. Is. Ours. Spite shrugged dismissively, but Lucanis could sense the spirit’s pride at receiving Elina’s praise. “I didn't agree to that!” “What?” She mused. “Spite says the two of you own me!” “Ha! No way! I own the two of you. I'm just polite about it.” Neither boy nor spirit disagreed on the matter. Raven’s pleased smile clung to her lips as she drifted to sleep. All three Demons of Antiva rested soundly that night.

The tiny buttons started sliding open, one by one – Lucanis' slender fingers were still meticulously efficient, even when working with only one hand. "Did they teach you how to do that in Crow class?" He snorted, amused: "What? No! Can you imagine Caterina teaching me how to unbutton a lady's chemise?!" "Ewwww, gross." "You asked!"