#tri3tri

Rook is your shadow—another set of eyes that see what you cannot. Eyes that witness the true intent that you just can’t seem to comprehend. Like that flustered underclassman who confessed to you the other day. Or that guy who returned the book he borrowed from you with creased pages. Or the group of friends you surround yourself with. He sees it all and he isn’t afraid to keep track of names.

He listens well; he is a perfect hunter, always watching and waiting from afar. He keeps tabs on those he finds interesting and loves to study how they go about their daily lives. Perhaps it would be considered innocent people-watching if not for the creepy ways he goes about watching them. It’s no secret that he does these things. But it’s not like it’s alarming. This is just Rook, after all. Classic Rook. It’s fine, albeit unnerving, but harmless for the most part. Right?

Rook picks up on everything that surrounds you: the people you talk to, the foods you eat, the expressions you make, the sounds you utter. He stores all of this information away for later use. It’s good to have when profiling his target.

You’re really too cute. He can’t help but want to stare at you, committing your every breath to memory. The way your chest rises and falls with every single breath, the way your eyes flit from person to person, the way you try to make yourself smaller when you’re anxious—all of it is just so cute. He really could eat you up, you know that? He might just have to if you keep interacting with other people. That’s not very fair of you. Prey needs to be successfully isolated before it’s captured. If you stick to your groups, how is he ever meant to catch you? You’re really making this difficult, but it’s not like he isn’t up for the challenge. This is just a test—one he’ll certainly overcome.

It’s not a simple fascination—far from it, in fact. It’s an obsession, dark and twisted, and it will only continue to fester the more he watches you. Rook could very easily approach you—and he does and he lavishes you with praise and compliments and all sorts of unique pet names in French—but he finds that stalking you is far better. There’s something about you in your natural, undisturbed habitat that has him hooked.

Perhaps it’s even better when you catch him. Who is he to hide his motives? Of course he was admiring you. You’re a beauty, after all. The finest portrait he’s ever seen, and he’ll continue to think so for as long as he watches you.

- - -

Deuce is a sweetheart, really. He wants what’s best for you, even when you’re not quite sure what the best is. He’s there for you when you’re in need. Always. No matter what. When some students are picking on you, he’s doing everything he can to chase them away without reacting too violently. After all, he doesn’t want you to see the delinquent side of him—a side he’s tried to keep hidden as he works towards self-improvement. He’s no longer a delinquent, but with the way those guys were treating you… As soon as you’re no longer around them, having been led away, he’s turning back to face them, a dark look in his eyes as he cracks his knuckles. If they can say those hurtful things to you, they better be prepared to say them to Deuce and his fists.

He wants to be helpful in any way he can. Ace makes fun of him for having a crush and therefore being the first to volunteer to do anything and everything for your sake, but Deuce doesn’t mind. It’s annoying when his feelings are so obviously pointed out and he’ll bicker about it with Ace. But the moment he sees you all negativity vanishes and he’s left with a fuzzy feeling in his chest. He smiles bashfully and tries his hardest not to be so awkward around you. It’s sweet; he’s a caring friend and you’re happy to have met him.

Deuce’s fate may just be the friend zone if he continues to dedicate himself to the role of your little helper. He doesn’t seem to think much about the romantic implications. Sure, holding hands and kissing are nice and he’s definitely blushing when he imagines it, but he wants to be there for you before any of that. A kiss won’t get rid of the bullies. A hug won’t solve big problems you’re facing. You need adequate protection from every bad thing in your life. He could be your protection.

Deuce would rather deal with all of the negativity himself. You don’t need to see what goes on behind closed doors. What would you think of him if you knew he was responsible for the terrible bruises that now decorate your bullies’ faces? Why are people careful when they approach you? Why do they choose their words as if they’re actors in a play? You doubt Deuce is to be blame for this tension. He’s just your friend. Sure, he might be a little overprotective sometimes and he’s way too eager to do the simplest of tasks in your stead. But you know he means well and he’d never hurt anyone.

“Thinking you can get away you stupid bitch?”

He couldn’t see the expression on his face from his vantage point further down the corridor in the shadows, but the fear in her eyes was enough for him to imagine the deranged smile he was directing at her. He was Savanaclaw, brutishly strong and faster than her. She was in trouble, being isolated in this place was normally a good thing, but now she was probably cursing her decision, while having other around her would be useful, besides himself of course, there was no guarantee that any other student would help her and they certainly didn’t feel shame in harming someone in front of other people, but at the least they would likely pick a fight with the student pinning her, giving her a chance to slip away.

But she didn’t still didn’t give up, grabbing the hand wrapped around her upper arm, trying to pry it off. His fingers didn’t budge at her tugging, instead tightening to the point he could see the skin whiten and cave under his hand, lifting her off the ground by the limb, leaving her dangling in his grasp for a moment before levering his hand upwards and bringing it down harshly, throwing her upwards before she was suddenly thrown forward with immense strength. Her body went crashing forward, unable to correct herself, her body slamming into the stone of the floor. He could come to her aid no doubt, but he simply didn’t want to, her expressions of pain and desperation too beautiful for him to cut short, no, he would let this play out.

He continued to watch as she lifted her head from the floor with unclear eyes. Dazed, she shook her head, but before she could try and catch the breath that had been forced out of her, but unknown the her, the student behind her lifted his foot into the air before violently smashing it down into her back just below her ribs, knocking the little air she had out of her lung in a pain filled wheeze.

“You’ve been a pain in the ass sneaking around like a rat. Think you’re smarter than us? A smug bitch like you needs to be put in your place, you’re nothing!” His foot hooked under her waist, rolling her over with it before smashing his foot down on her again, and then she was struggling to breathe. Panic started to set into her features, her legs kicking out as her hands came up to grasp at his shin, her nails digging into and raking across his jeans, trying to press them into the solid muscle of his leg to get him to get off, but he didn’t budge, just looking down at her with a sadistic smirk as she thrashed under his foot.

“Eh, does the little rat want to get away? Too bad, you’ve pissed me off with all your running around, I’m sick of seeing your pathetic tries to hide. Maybe caving your face in’ll be enough to calm me down.” He grinned, balling his hand into a fist and bringing it up next to his head. “We’ll just have to see, won’t we?”

She sucked in all the breath she could before clamping her eyes shut, and at that point he’d seen enough. He was an observer normally, he enjoyed watching her struggle and thrash and struggle to survive, there was beauty in her desperation to survive, but there was something in the idea of her dying to the brutality of a no name Savanaclaw student that simply didn’t appeal to him. Was it that her body would be mutilated and torn to shreds, that she wouldn’t remain beautiful in such a death? But his reasoning didn’t matter, nocking an arrow, he pulled back the bowstring, feeling the familiar tension before releasing. With her eyes still closed, she wouldn’t see as the arrow flew forwards, cutting through the air with terrifying precision before it sliced through its target, lodging itself through the fist of her perpetrator, the unexpected pain blew his eyes wide as a scream left him. The pain heightening his senses, adrenaline pumping through his veins sending tremors through his muscles as he jumped to the side, scanning the hallway with the fierce eyes of an injured animal that made his blood run warm, his hand grasped around his injured wrist where the arrow locked his palm and some of his fingers together in a fist.

“Who the fuck did that?!” He had to hold in his laugh and the ferocity of his tone, enjoying the moment of watching a scared, cornered animal try to figure out how a situation they had believed to be under their control went so wrong.

“Ah, my apologies monsieur! That would be me.” His footsteps from his side of the hallway rung clear, but his accent would give him away before he stepped into the light.

“Rook Hunt.” The student snarled, his hand circled around the wrist of his damaged hand as he glared at him tighter as the blood began to drop to the floor. But when he began to twitch his hand, he could only laugh.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you monsieur, if you try to tear that arrow out, you’ll rip off at least one of your fingers and damage at least one more beyond repair.” His eyes narrowed. “I would suggest getting yourself to the infirmary, an injured predator becomes prey quickly, non?”

The student snarled again, but after a moment he slunk past the two of them with a harsh glare before walking down the hall.

“Thank you.” He looked towards her, taking in her rare disheveled appearance, her shirt untucked, rumpled, and stained with the debris from the bottom of the student’s boot, hair ruffled and unkempt, skin paler than normal, shaking even as she tried to sit up and support herself, how lovely she looked, even like this.

“There’s no need to thank me, mon chéri, is it not the duty of a gentleman to protect a lady? Speaking of which-“ she looked at him in confused wonder as he nocked another arrow, turning to face the way the student had begun to walk. By the time he had released the arrow and he turned back to face her, her look of wonder turned to one of shock, morphing into fear as a heavy thump sounded from further down the corridor. “Are you alright?”

“Did...Did you kill him?” Her voice was small and weak, her overall appearance more akin to a delicate baby bird than a human, he could only smile as she winced back from the hand he offered her, so he drew it back to his chin.

“Ah, mon chéri, you are still so innocent! Do you think he would’ve let you go? Such a beast would never let his prey escape him, he would’ve hunted you once more as soon as he could. There’s only one way to stop such a brute.”

“I could hide, there must be some other way!” He shook his head with a dramatic sigh.

“Could you truly do so forever my dear? You have experienced it yourself, you know the ugly reality of this place, do you not? Such a delicate maiden is easy prey here, for you it is the most dangerous.”

“But-“

“You do not wish to kill?” He smiled. “You don’t need to fear! I too would prefer for your hands to not be stained with red! If that is the case, why do we not work together?”

“What do you mean?”

“Come to me. I can be your shield, I can protect you so you never feel such fear and brutality again, your hands can remain clean at my side.”

“But what do I give you?” He knelt to her level, taking her hand in his and laying a kiss to the back of it.

“The pleasure of your company is enough of a gift, mon chéri, for you are the only one in this place that is still untainted, simply staying with me is payment enough. I ask for nothing more, I swear upon my honour.”

The two remained in silence for a moment, it seemed that she was thinking over the offer, her frazzled mind likely trying to compare the pros and cons of the deal offered to her. But the two of them knew as well as the other did that she wasn’t strong enough to survive in NRC alone, so looking up at him, she reluctantly nodded.

“Alright.”

“ Ah, magnifique! The two of us shall have a most splendid time, I promise you! But first I believe we should take you to the infirmary, you look quite shaken mon chéri.”

“Oh, no. There’s no need-“

Searching through the hallways, you attempted to locate the wayward Lilia to ask him about the latest reports of Lucien’s studies in magic. 

Out of the corner of your eye, you spotted Lucien hiding behind the wall. You turned to the hiding boy and bent down with a smile on your face. “What are you doing hiding over there? I’m not that scary am I?” 

Lucien ducks further behind the wall, uncertain if this was a trick or not. You frown internally at his hesitancy to approach you. Usually Lucien would come running into your arms as soon as he spotted you. Drawing slightly closer, you whisper to him, “Are you playing hide and seek with Lilia? Is that why you’re hiding?”

Lucien blinked and glanced behind himself to see if you were talking to someone behind him but there wasn’t anyone there. He didn’t know what to do about this development. You were smiling at him. You were speaking to him playfully. There was a warmth to your eyes looking at him that was never present before. But if you were speaking to him, he knew he should answer before the opportunity was lost. He quickly shook his head.

“In that case, can I get my good morning hug now?” You spread your arms and he bounded over to you as fast as possible. Little arms wrapped around you in a tight hug, face burrowed in your chest and hands fisting the fabric of the back of your dress. You set your arms around his trembling form, soothing whispers leaving your lips. “Did you have another nightmare last night?” 

Lucien shook his head against you and burrowed deeper into your embrace. This. This was the contact that he had been craving so much from you.  

You readjusted your grip in order to scoop him up so that you could carry him. You rest him against your hip before running your fingers through his hair. You placed a kiss to his forehead and his horns before gently lifting his face to look at yours. 

Lucien had tears running down his eyes and he sniffled when you had him pull away. 

“What’s the matter, my little dragon prince? What do you need?”

Lucien ducked his head down and bit his lip. What if you turn cold again if he asks for you to do this? If he risks your anger, would you notice him more? He quickly glances up at you again to see patient eyes and a smile still on your face. Lucien pulled at the fabric that remained in his grip and tugged you back into the embrace. “Can you hug me more?”

“Of course, my little prince. Always…” you replied to him. You begin to rock side to side, bouncing him a little within your arms. You begin humming a little song as you card your fingers through his hair again. 

“Lucien?” you eventually say.

Lucien stiffened in your arms, waiting for the evitable moment that you’d let go, waiting for the coldness of your tone and face to make its reappearance. But it never came. Instead…

“Would you like to help me make some ice cream for your father? He’s been incredibly busy lately and I think this would be a nice surprise for him. What do you think?”

Lucien’s head shoots up from your chest, nearly knocking into your chin if not for your built reflexes from all the times you’ve dodged his head before. 

“Yes, please!” Lucien practically shaking from the possibility of helping you with anything. Not to mention, you were talking about father! You were talking about making a gift for him! 

You giggle at Lucien’s bright eyes and newfound energy. Often, you would have to distract your son from nightmares/memories of them and one of the best ways was to cook or bake something. Lilia would have to be kept from the kitchen though. Before anything else, you needed to locate the bat first. 

Shifting Lucien for a better grip, you found yourself nearly colliding with Sebek. “Your majesty!” Sebek immediately launched back before you two could make contact.

“Oh good! Sebek! Would you happen to know where Lilia is? I would like to have a word with him.” You smile at Sebek’s sputtering. It reminded you of all the times he would first get shocked from how casually you addressed Malleus. You waited for his sputtering to slow before addressing him again.  

“Can you please tell Lilia to meet us in the dining room? I would like to speak to him for a moment.” Heaving Lucien up into a better grip, you head off to the dining room. Along the way, you could hear the whispers of the passing servants wherever you went. It was no secret that the servants would love to gossip but it seemed that they were in more of a buzz than usual. You’ve since learned to tune out the chatter of the crowd. 

Soon, you were met with the smiling face of Lilia, himself. He eyes your hold over Lucien before facing your beaming face. 

“Good morning Lilia,” you greeted. “Can you please keep Malleus busy for me? I would like to surprise him with some homemade ice cream and…” you bend to conspiratorially to whisper in Lilia’s ear, “I believe it would be a great way to distract Lucien from his nightmares. I think he’s having some again.”

Lilia’s smile grew wider at your plans. If you were acknowledging your son and making Malleus a gift, this surely needed to be nurtured. Best to let you do as you pleased. Lilia could sense there was something different about you. A sort of magic that made you seem brighter than before. Making a mental note of it, Lilia only bowed and teased, “I’ll be sure to keep the King occupied, your majesty.” 

A nod of your head towards Lilia and you headed straight for the kitchen. While you had to let Lucien down, this was easier said than done. Lucien would not let go of you so you were stuck with a clingy dragon prince latched to your dress and face burrowed into your neck. 

“Lucien? Sweetie, I need to set you down now. We have to make Papa’s ice cream.” 

Lucien whimpered. You held longer than any other time he’s ever interacted with you and he was frightened that you’d never touch him again if he lets you go now. He’s had a taste of your warmth and affection and he was not going to lose it now. So, he takes what you’ve said about nightmares and uses it to his advantage. 

“Mama, I’m scared. You might go away like in the dreams…” Tears roll down his eyes and soak your dress once more. 

“My precious boy. You don’t ever have to worry. I’m here. I’m right here.” You stroked his head and kissed the top of it, right between his horns. “Mama is here. Mama loves you. So much. Daddy loves you too. We will never leave you.”

You set him on the counter before gently patting his cheeks with a handkerchief. Lucien’s hand still holding onto the sleeve of your gown.  

With tears still running down his face, you kissed his cheeks and wiped away the tears as best you could. “No matter what happens, Mama and Papa will always love you, okay?” You kiss his forehead and his cheeks before resting your forehead against his. 

Eventually, you had to pull away. Lucien let go. He knew if he pushed too hard, you might not hug him again. With a smile and another kiss to his forehead, you patted his cheeks with the handkerchief once more. You promised you’d be right back and Lucien released his hold on you. 

Flitting around the kitchen, you located all the ingredients and equipment necessary for the construction of the frozen treat. Everything laid out behind Lucien, you approached him once more and urged him to scoot closer to the ingredients. 

“It’s high time we made something new. Do you want to make mint chocolate chip ice cream for your father?” You grinned at Lucien as he nodded his head as fast as possible. 

“Yes, please!” 

You both set on your mission to make ice cream for Malleus. 

Throughout the entire process, you constantly looked over to Lucien and did your best to make him laugh. Tickling him, telling jokes, making funny faces, smearing some butter onto his face. Whatever it took to bring out that smile you loved. 

Lucien couldn’t believe the luck he had. His mother’s entire attention was on him and only him. Your focus and little actions of affection was everything. There wasn’t any other thing that could make this moment any better unless it was his father being there with them. 

Speaking of his father, Malleus had heard from Lilia of an unprecedented sight. 

Obviously, the king had to see for himself what Lilia had reported to him.

His wife, the constantly indifferent queen, was smiling and holding Lucien in her arms as if she’d been doing it her entire life. 

Having heard the squeals of delight and the unabashed laughter ringing through the halls, Malleus felt his entire being tremble from the sound. 

A sound that you haven’t made since your days at NRC. 

Malleus’s stealth was something to be desired at this time. His entire focus on that sweet sound he always wished to hear. It mattered not how long it had been, he will forever savor the chance to hear you happy once more. 

Peeking his head through the open doorway, he was greeted with the sight of his beloved with his son, smiling. There was no trace of the usual blankness that would typically paint your face. You were back, his bright light. 

Lucien spotted him first. Putting a finger to his lips, Malleus tiptoed his way to you. Your back was turned to the door as you continue to pour chocolate chips into your latest mixture. You were enchanting Lucien with tales of your youth so the sound covered Malleus’s approach. 

Malleus wrapped his arms around your waist and dropped a kiss on your neck. Brushing your ear with his cheek, he leaned over you to wink at his son. 

“Malleus!” You smiled and swatted at his arms with playful indignation. “You weren’t supposed to come down here yet. We were going to surprise you.”

“How could I not join? You were so beautiful and happy.” Malleus breathed in your scent, content in this moment in time. You weren’t squirming away nor leaning as far as possible without being impolite. On the contrary, you were leaning into his embrace. Going as far to caress his cheek with your smooth hands. 

Malleus melts at your loving touch. It draws out the deep, possessive purr from deep within his soul. 

With your smile at Lucien and your affection for Malleus saturating the air, he knew he would do whatever it took to keep you here. In this moment, in his hold, you would remain. However, it seems as if you’ve accepted your place by his side. 

And you, completely oblivious to the danger that surrounded you, hummed as you danced to grab the first batch of ice cream chilled in the freezer. 

Giving Malleus a kiss on the cheek and blowing a raspberry into Lucien’s, you set down the mint chocolate chip ice cream and produced three spoons. Father and son battling to be the first to spoon to dip into the luscious treat. Made by your hands, it was the best dessert ever. 

You giggle before scooping up some of the fruits of your labor yourself, unaware of the eyes that followed your every movement. 

And the years had transformed the Queen’s domain into a catacomb. The rumpled beds, the toys littered in Princess Sherrie’s bedroom, the Queen’s favourite book on her study table - everything is left untouched with layered of dust and cobwebs covering every inch of the surfaces. 

Every evening, the King would stalk the empty halls and bedrooms like a ghost; constantly yearning to feel the memories that embedded on the walls. Once he did his duties as the King and beget the male heir that the court had been pushing, Malleus has been living in regret ever since. 

He should have known that his beautiful wife would attempt to escape during the night of his second wedding. He should have tightened the security not on his concubine, but to the Queen and their Princesses. He should have assured Renata and Sherrie that only their mother holds his heart and that Bellatrix is just a means to an end. 

He should have told them that he loves them. 

Regret and guilt are terrible poisons. It festered under your skin and twist your heart painfully. They plague your mind with ‘what if’s’ and ‘should have’s’ and Malleus have been carrying them ever since that night. 

Tonight, he lost hours inside Renata’s bedroom, just staring at her favourite doll that he bought for her. He still remembers how her eyes lit up and how sweet her smile was when he presented the doll to her; how she was so happy that she clings on him and the doll that day. Deeply amused, he humoured her and carried her in her arms the whole day. Malleus even brought her to his court session, regardless how it broke propriety. 

His every waking moments now drift to MC and their daughters. Where are they? Why couldn’t he find them no matter how many soldiers he dispatched across Twisted Wonderland, no matter how far his magic blanket the lands? Are his daughters healthy, happy? What are they currently doing now? Are they safe? Have they forgotten about him - 

The mirror on the vanity table shattered. Malleus releases the doll in his grip and struggle to calm himself down; his body curl inwards and his breaths erratic. The thought of his wife and children far away and happy from him nearly drove him crazy if it weren’t for Lilia’s quick and careful words of consolation.

“They can’t hide forever, Malleus. Don’t ever give up, you hear me? And once we’ll find them, we’ll make sure her little escape routines are put to a stop. Permanently.”  

Lilia’s words are enough to ground him. For now. 

Malleus failed to assured his wife and daughters his love towards them, failed to show just how deep his convictions towards them are. The moment he finds any threads of their whereabouts, he’ll make sure to rectify that. 

And as the night made way for morning, Malleus forces himself to leave his daughter’s abandoned bedroom to prepare for another long, monotonous day. The only reason why he hasn’t delegate his duties to Lilia was because of his grandmother. His grandmother had come to visit on the eve of his second wedding and stayed when a frantic Silver announced MC and their children’s disappearance. If it weren’t for her, Malleus would’ve burned away his suit and transform into a dragon to search for them. While Lilia organise a search team with Silver and Sebek, his grandmother made sure he understood his duties as King once more. 

That was the first and last time he slept with Bellatrix before his thoughts and desire are consumed with the need to find his family. At that point, neither Lilia nor his grandmother could’ve stop him. 

The castle staffs and guards know to scattered when they see him step out of the Queen’s wing. The moment they heard the door creaked open, the room is empty. 

All but for one individual. 

“Good morning, Father!” 

Malleus stop his track. He tilts his head towards his heir, expressionless. Victor refused to be deterred by his Father’s gloomy aura yet he’s smart enough to carefully approach him. 

The king is stoic on the best days, frightening on his worst. 

“Will you be joining us for breakfast later? I heard from Grandfather Lilia that the kitchen staffs are planning to cook your favourites.” 

“I’ll be taking my meals in my office as usual.” Malleus reply and starts to walk away. 

Victor’s smile drop a little but he pressed on, jogging behind his father. In a rare burst of courage, the Prince grab Malleus’ hand. Surprisingly, Malleus stops walking. He stares at his hand before narrowing his eyes at Victor. 

“W-Would Father like a report of my recent academic progress? My tutors said that I’ve been doing well in my magic classes! O-Oh! I’ve also been diligently keeping up with my etiquette lessons.” Victor stutters out after he immediately let go of his Father’s hand. Feeling like he just committed a grave crime. 

“No need. Your tutors have been sending letters of your progress, daily.” 

“Oh... then would Father be willing to... to train me - ”

“I’m busy. Ask Lilia or any of your tutors.” And with that, Malleus refused to linger any longer, leaving Victor in the empty room. 

Crestfallen, Victor watch his Father go. Knowing that if he bothers him even more, it will just upset him and another storm would loom over the castle for the next few days. His expression immediately morph into a combination of anger and sadness as he stomps away before the staffs could return, not wanting them to see him vulnerable. 

As usual, Victor desperately hopes that one day his Father would finally acknowledge him as a son, not as his Prince. 

-

Time tend to leave its mark differently on each species.

For creatures with a set of years as flimsy as a lit candle’s flame, humans are creatures who bear the passing of time with a passionate vigor. Time is likened to fireworks; beautiful, bright but only for a short moment. 

For Ace, however, time is a constant remainder that he had failed his best friend. Being vulnerable in Night Raven College is a sure way to be taken advantage off and Ace is never known as anything but his brutal honestly, mischievous streaks and habits of getting himself (and others) into trouble. 

But when the headmaster announced that he couldn’t find MC anywhere the day after their senior’s graduation, was the moment that he, Deuce and Grim completely lose their composure. Deuce was too shocked to say anything while Ace couldn’t stop screaming alongside Grim. 

She couldn’t have just vanish! People don’t work like that! 

And even if she finally somehow found a way back to her world, she wouldn’t just leave without saying goodbye! 

Ace hated himself as that moment. If only he texted them the night before. Why didn’t he? They usually send stupid texts to one another! If only he kept a closer eye on them. If only she kept Grim close to her. 

For once, the headmaster drop all pretence. For once, his guilt laden answer and heavy sags of his shoulders are genuine. 

MC is gone and he has no idea how or why. But the three of them refused to gave up just like that. Ever since that day, they would do their best to figure out or research about MC’s fate. Jack and Epel, after finding out what happened, did their best to help out too. But days passed without any leads and with heavy hearts, they accepted that their friend is lost to them. 

That was not a good day. 

After Ace and Epel managed to pull Deuce and Jack away from one another (Deuce had completely lost it when the wolf boy reluctantly admit that maybe it was best to stop their research), strangely enough, it was Sebek who finally interjects. 

They need to accept that MC is gone. Even if they could never gain the closure that they desperately want, it’ll be no good to carry this sort of horrible guilt with them forever. With a long sigh, Sebek told them to find peace with it, even if it’s hard. 

Easier said than done. Even now that he’s already an adult and have a son, Ace still couldn’t help but wonder what happened to his friend. He hopes that wherever she is, MC is safe and happy. Anything other than that Ace couldn’t bear to think. 

Ace takes out his phone and checks the calendar app. The anniversary of MC’s disappearance is coming. Usually, Ace would cook MC’s favourite food in honour of her memory and over the years, he has gotten pretty good at it. Good enough that it also becomes his son’s favourite dish. 

Just as Ace was about to put down his phone and get ready to go out for lunch with his older brother, it suddenly rings.  

The name on his phone surprises him. His son rarely calls him ever since he got accepted to Night Raven College. Something about wanting some independence from his old man that Ace retaliates by ruffling his hair because of his boy’s cheekiness. 

Ace press the accept button with a grin, knowing that this is going to be good. “What’s up, kiddo? Finally admit that you miss your old man?” 

He expects a scoff, maybe a reluctant admittance, hell even his son’s rare bout of innocent honesty. What Ace didn’t expect however, is hearing his son’s frightened shriek.

“Dad! You knew a MC/S before right!? Please tell me you know what to do when she went batshit insane!” 

“Whoa, whoa, slow down! What are you talking about? I can barely hear you!” 

Ace impatiently wait while pressing the phone close to his ear as he hear his son rapidly talking to someone, shouting apologies and heavy breaths as if he’s currently running. 

“Oh Sweet Seven, ok, I think we managed to hide from her.” His son panted. “Yeah, so, I might have, uh accidentally threw my food tray all over this girl and she immediately went supernova. We barely managed to dodge her fireballs!” 

Suddenly, Ace felt his heart drop. “Girl? What girl? Night Raven College is an all-boys’ school.” He heard himself reply. Absentmindedly, his mind brought up the memories of his Entrance Ceremony, years ago. Of a girl that looked so lost in her robes as she stood in front of the Mirror of Darkness. 

“Renata MC/S. She’s the only girl that ended up a student here. I remembered that you had a friend with that surname so I thought she might be related.” 

At that moment, Ace choose to believe it. It’s way too coincidental for it not be. A girl that shares his lost best friend’s surname who also just happend to be the only girl to be accepted in Night Raven College? 

But what Ace doesn’t understand is his son’s comment about the girl throwing fireballs. MC doesn’t have magic. So what’s going on? 

“Hmm, I usually gave her some space before I apologised to her. And a little bribery never failed too.” Ace advised, recalling how MC reluctantly accepts the candy that he offered after he upsets her. 

“That’s not a bad idea, Dad! Will report back the result if I’m not scorched to death.” Ace’s son dryly answer. Some rustling noises and hush whispers can be heard through the phone before his kid ended the call. 

Ace is already calling Deuce’s number. He needs to know about this. 

-

I hope I managed to did Malleus and Ace justice in writing them! I’ll get better with writing the rest of the boys once their children are introduce. Because Renata needed friends/allies against Malleus after all~ 

Speaking of Victor, I was really nervous when I was writing him. Here, he’s not all haughty because deep down, all he want is some praises and love from a Father who only see him as something to appease his court. Not a son. Hope I managed to portray that properly!