Selena’s gaze was radiant, too resplendent for the little shade to bear. Subconsciously, he turned away with a cough, his voice a little embarrassed.

  “Nothing.”

  She didn’t give his abnormal reaction too much thought, much to the seer’s relief.

  Indeed, despite all his experience, interacting with the likes of Selena was extremely difficult, and he was quite awkward to say the least. Fortunately, this wasn’t Selena's first rodeo, and she was quite used to it. As a matter of fact, it only added to the authenticity of their interaction; something she’d greatly appreciate.

  The therapist session might have alleviated her troubled thoughts and experience, but they are people paid by the service. It was different receiving that treatment from a genuine friend.

  In that moment, Selena closed her eyes, enjoying the mellow sound of rain thrashing against her window. Ulrich did the same, though he appreciated it for a different reason. Either way, every road leads to the same destination, and all water eventually converges at the sea.

  After what felt like an eternity, the young girl spoke again.

  “I think I will quit being a librarian.” She said, her face hesitated as she gripped onto her fabric, before letting it go.

  Ulrich almost blurted out why, but looking at her, he nodded. “Okay.”

  She half expected him to ask why, but he didn’t, only offering his immediate support. And that surprised her. Like how Ulrich was shocked when she agreed so easily, Selena too, had to take a moment to process that swift response. In the end, her lip blossomed into a brilliant smile, a white lily standing strong amidst the gloomy rain.

  “What will you do now?” Ulrich was partly curious. For the duration of their friendship, he’d only seen her as a librarian, a nerd of some sort, who still worked a down-to-earth job. Well, this was all despite her noble status. Yes, noble status.

  Selena admitted. “I haven’t that thought… that far.” She paused, her eyes subconsciously finding their way toward the exquisite painting resting on her dark blue wall.

  “How about painting?” He said, tossing the idea in the air. “You know, the thing with the brush and paints on a paper?”

  “Ulrich, I know what painting is!” She rolled her eyes, almost throwing him a jab on his shoulder, but didn’t. And that made him chuckle a little.

  Her positive attitude and reciprocation lightened the guilt in his heart, easing the burden from his shoulders. No doubt, seeing his friend looking better provided more satisfaction than having killed that Great Fallen Night in the Shadow Realm. Though, he kept all those thoughts to himself.

  Ignoring her friend’s playful behavior, she tilted her head, thinking really hard on the topic. Clearly, his suggestion garnered her attention. In that moment, Ulrich found her appearance rather amusing. Selena reminded him of a young little chick, and it didn’t help that she had golden hair either.

  Stay serious! He said in his heart, trying to lock in.

  “Maybe I’ll give painting a try,” She said, elated at the prospect of changing her career. He knew that Selena didn’t have to work a day in her life and could live off her family’s wealth, yet she still put in some effort. That only made him appreciate her all the more.

  “I believe it fits you well, my lady.” He said affectionately, his voice so soft that Victor would vomit at the sight, though Selena knew it was just him teasing her again. Had it been anyone else, she’d find it repulsive and would have frowned, but not Ulrich.

  Normally, he was too awkward, yet his manner of speech while messing with her was impeccable: Every. Single. Time. Weren’t they the same age? Or at least gapped by one year? How was it that Ulrich could perform his role so well?

  “If you say so,” She rolled her eyes.

  With that said, the duo continues to discuss various topics, namely the recent events that occurred in Belham. The most recent one is the offshore bans, which were lifted; thus, quelling the uprising and unease from the resident in the coast. It wasn’t surprising.

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  The exchange of weaponry has reached its conclusion, having been confiscated by the officials of the Union after an anonymous tip-off. No doubt that man from the Shelby Family must be dealing with a headache right now. Either way, this was probably the best outcome; the destruction capability of such weapons was best left to the officials, not some other greasy hands.

  Selena didn’t seem too interested in this subject, quickly moving toward the next topic.

  …

  It was well past noon when Ulrich left Selena’s home, making his way toward the Sanctuary. Having lightened her mood, his mind felt much better. Indeed, for Weavers, social isolation was damning, a curse that can deteriorate one’s mind closer to madness. He’d heard of it from Rosaline and from Father Lorel, but having experienced the weight of its subtle effects, the seer was a little startled.

  Had he been an ordinary human, a deteriorating mind would result in depression at most, but for Weavers, it bears the risk of becoming an abomination. And now, it was time for business. The past couple of days have been peaceful and quiet, enough that it made his bones itchy for a fight or see some mayhem.

  As much as he'd like to descend on the Shadow Realm once more, Selena required his attention at the moment, so that matter will be delayed for now.

  “Welcome in!” Rosaline greeted, her forehead peeking over the tall counter. This sight never fails to make him chuckle.

  “You should get a higher counter stool or a new desk.” He said, hiding the urge to laugh out loud.

  Rosaline furrowed her brows, though Ulrich couldn’t see it from here. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  For a moment, he’d imagine her raising her fist to threaten him. But once again, Ulrich couldn’t see it due to the height difference as he lowered the umbrella, folding it back into its compact form.

  “Nothing.” He smiled, shaking his head.

  Rosaline lowered her hand, a grin forming on her face. From the look of it, Captain Ottis was wise. Ulrich sounded and looked much better than his previous self. For this, Rosaline had to give him the deserved praise.

  “You’re ready to come back?” She asked with a light cough. Ulrich had noticed her condition, reminding him of that Rosaline in the repository.

  He nodded. “I am.”

  The captain had given him a ‘vacation’ away from official business. Well, the statements in the book were different. Officially, Ulrich Constantine was on a field mission: observe and monitor Selena Morris' condition. Who’s better to do this than Ulrich?

  It’s procedural for the Ministry to observe their target, or victims, who are involved in any supernatural events after the event itself. In that sense, assigning Ulrich to this task was killing two birds with one stone.

  Firstly, Ottis Owen hoped that this watchman could ease his mind, especially after the recent events. Admittedly, Ulrich had helped them greatly ever since his arrival to the Ministry ranks, from helping Victor during that encounter, thrashing the Twilight Order, or rescuing Selena. All was not possible without their junior seer’s persuasion and intuition.

  On the other hand, Selena Morris was more likely to open up to Ulrich, allowing them to examine her mind and thoughts more closely, thus expediting their process. Not to mention, Ulrich was a seer, a true seer. To a seer, ordinary people's lies and truth are almost transparent, clear as glass.

  “I see.” Rosaline nodded, not questioning it.

  If he said he was ready, then he was ready. As the Keeper, and as his teammate, she didn’t question it. Honestly, she respected Ulrich Constantine and his determination, as well as his many achievements thus far. No watchman in the past decade has risen to prominence as much as him, not in such a short time frame.

  “Captain Ottis should be in his office,” She said, rolling her eyes, then brought up Victor. “And that blob has been waiting for you as well. He wanted to thank you. And especially…” She paused, her eyes trailing away from his own.

  “That friend you mentioned.”

  Friend?

  It didn’t take long to know who she was referring to. Indeed, he had much to thank Anna Castella for, not just for Victor, but himself as well. And that dinner date… Why did he even brought it up? Just thinking about it made him shivered.

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” He smiled dryly.

  With that said, Ulrich made his way down to the Sanctuary, passed the secret passage, welcoming a familiar crystal tunnel. The sight here never fails to astonish him, though the golden Odetree in the shadow triumphs its glory by a large margin.

  As he stepped down the narrow corridor, he spotted Victor. He stood in front of the care-ward, leaning his back against the heavy stone door. Upon noticing Ulrich’s approach, he looked up, a rather awkward smile growing on his face.

  “Howdy,” Victor greeted, looking at Ulrich.

  The black charred marks were gone, and his skin had recovered to its normal, taupe color. Ulrich wasn’t used to it, Victor's fixated gaze with those big, brown eyes; it was like a mascot staring at him.

  “I like it better when you’re blind.” He murmured under his breath.

  “What?”

  The seer coughed, clearing his throat. “Congratulations, you got your sight back!”