removed from the picture . That was the one secret I would go to great lengths to protect .
“ Shizuka ?” Viken ’ s voice came to my mind from a distance . “ Hey !”
“ Hm ? Sorry . What ?” I asked , pulling my mind back from my thoughts .
“ Are you ok ? You seem to have drifted out for a minute there .” Viken looked at me with deep concern . “ Maybe you should get some more rest .”
“ I think you ’ re right . I ’ m still worn out it seems .” I laid back down , covering up with the quilt again , its velvety texture a comfort to me .
Taking Pandim ’ s hand , Viken pulled her to her feet . “ Come on , let her rest now .”
“ But- ,” Pandim began .
“ Move it . No arguments young lady . Besides , you still have your studies to finish .”
Pandim reluctantly allowed herself to be pulled out of the room . Quietly , Viken slid the shōji closed as I drifted off into a fitful sleep .
The brick manor was an imposing figure during the day , but at night it seemed to take on a life of its own . The dark windows warned any who dared approach that
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