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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