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"The situation defused and statements were taken. Although it killed me to lie I followed Lucy's lead and down played the situation because I didn't want to upset her further. We were sent home and Garrett was informed on the phone." Agent Smith comments after a brief pause.

"Rape accusations won't be taken lightly, and I'm not saying it didn't happen but we have to have concrete proof." I knew where this was going and it was just like that man had said earlier, the cameras were not recording and it was his words against mine... except...

"I recorded the whole thing." The silence hung in the air for a while so I explained it further. "Right when we were first bullied along by Chris and Tyler I turned the camera in my pocket on. I recorded Lucy's technical review but I really wanted to get video of books from the library to make it safer to research. I had footage for a while but after I got punched in the stomach the camera shifted in my pocket. It still recorded the audio but the video goes dark."

"Now that we can work with. Do you have the video? I'd like to review the footage before moving on." I had to swallow the slight unease. I didn't know if I could trust them but so far they hadn't crossed me and I really needed help.

"It's at home..." Agent Delaine speaks up addressing agent Smith.

"We should retrieve the camera. Andrew where in the Covack Manor is the camera so we can send agent Smith?" My stomach is rolling. They must have seen the look on my muzzle because they paused and waited.

"I...It's just..." I take a deep breath and slowly let it out. They both waited patiently. "This is the only proof I have... I want to trust you...but..." I trailed off and agent Delaine must have understood because she softly addresses me.

"It's okay, I understand." She straightens up and speaks firmly and clearly. "Agent Smith as a witness, I will be suspending the interrogation and escorting Andrew Suman to retrieve the evidence at his home. The interrogation will continue upon returning. I will be removing the suppression bands for teleportation. Authorization 3 1 9 9 4 6."

"Agent Smith, confirmation 1 2 9 4 6 7, interrogation suspended until return." Agent Smith turns off the recorder and walks out of the room. I don't know what to make of the situation so I just wait. Agent Delaine relaxes further now that she is 'off the clock'. She grabs her mug of coffee before addressing me.

"Okay Andrew, I'll take you back home and you can carry the camera. I know it's hard to trust people right now but I hope I've made enough effort to earn at least little bit." I take a minute to breathe and digest the information. "I'm going to unlock the bands, okay Andrew?" I apprehensively nod as she channels a small amount of energy in each band and the latches unclasp. "We never teleport with someone in suppression bands if we can help it; although we have never had a problem we want as little interference as we can have." I feel a huge weight lifted off my back as the last band is unlocked. If I was going to trust anyone I guess my best bet would be agent Delaine. We walked a short distance down a couple of corridors to a large chamber. The doors opened and we stepped inside. The chamber came to life and I was in awe at the complex circuits and lights along the walls. I recall a small word of warning and suddenly the air shifted. The doors cracked open and the environment I saw looking out was vastly different. We were at the travel hub a few blocks from the outskirts of the city... we had just jumped miles away... that kind of information had my head spinning.... Agent Delaine gives me a worried look as I stumble to the wall to steady myself. "Andrew are you alright?"

"If the room would stop spinning I would be better." Much more of this and I would lose whatever was left in my stomach.

"Oh, that wasn't your first jump was it?" I merely nod my head and groan. "I'm so sorry... that happens on your first few times. I should have asked... I would have given you medicine..." The worst of the feeling had faded and my head was clearing through the middle of her talking. A few moments past that and I breathe a sigh of relief.

"I think I'm alright."

"I figured that you would have jumped before seeing as you work for the Covack's... I know Garrett jumps all the time. I'm glad this was a short jump at least." My legs were still unsteady but I was otherwise back to normal if not a little nauseous.

"I never went on any trips with him. I would mostly stay at the manor." Agent Delaine seemed to relax a little more now that I was standing up straight. She requested a vehicle and we waited a short while for one to be brought around. After we buckled in she set off for the manor.

"It's a shame he never took you along. I know he travelled all over."

"He is gone quite a lot and I'll usually hear about the trip when he gets back. Lucy always loves to hear of the places he's gone." The car lapse into silence for a half minute. I can tell the agent has a question burning away at her as she works up the nerve to ask.

"I'm just wondering..." She leaves the sentence hanging for a while. "I hear Lucy getting brought up quite a bit..." My ears snap up and my eyes widen, breath held and panic firing through me. I can only look straight forward and pray it's not the questions I think it is. "You've been quite protective of her..." My body is rigid but my head is running at Mach 5. I keep telling myself 'think of a convincing lie' over and over again but that's all that I can do. Nothing to divert the situation comes to me. "Not that there's anything wrong with it..." 'Think of a convincing lie....think of a convincing lie....think of a convincing lie...' "But it seems to me that there is something more between you two." I flat line...figuratively. Literally I'm opening and closing my mouth while stammering little syllables. She must have thought I was embarrassed because she giggles. "That's just so cute!" My heart is pounding... a darkening ring forming in my vision. I'm hyperventilating and she's laughing! I clutch at my chest where my heart is hammering against my rib cage painfully. Somewhere in my clouded mind her voice rings out and I latch on. Even though she's still talking I remember 'not that there's anything wrong with it" and it slowly sinks in. I snap my head towards her as she's about to unbuckle herself; apparently we had pulled over at some point. I focus on what she's saying now that my attention is on her. "Breathe Andrew. It's okay... it's okay... just breathe." She keeps repeating herself as I calm down and my vision clears.

I find my throat to be quite parched but that doesn't matter. "What did you say...?" She lowers her voice to more normal levels.

"Good Andrew, just breathe; it's okay." I can feel my breathing leveling off but my pulse is still racing. I have to know if I heard her correctly.

"What did you just say?" My voice is cracking slightly but agent Delaine just takes a deep breath before shaking her head lightly.

"Good lord Andrew... this was supposed to be a nice relaxing trip to get out of that room for a while." I'm getting irritated that she won't answer my question so I raise my voice close to a shout.

"What did you say Delaine!?" She looks surprised by the volume while she replies with a meek voice.

"About what Andrew?" These mind games are ripping me apart. I bury my head in my paws and reply with a muffled voice.

"What else could I be talking about...?"

"About Lucy?" I nod my head while it's held between my paws. "I only said you would be a cute couple... if I read the situation wrong then I'm sorry."

"Cute...?" My mind feels like quicksand. What should be easy to understand just bogs down almost immediately.

"Well of course. If you don't like each other that's fine... I just thought... it really doesn't matter. Forget I said anything... I shouldn't have." The gears finally starting to turn again.

"You wouldn't... care?" A hopeful lilt added to the end and I peak at her from the corner of my eye.

"Oh no, Andrew, I wouldn't care. You can date whoever you want. It's not like its illegal or anything." My face must have been super obvious. "No Andrew, sweetie," She had taken on a motherly tone, "You can be with whoever you want." I found that her hand had reached across and was lightly rubbing my shoulder and I leaned into it with a heavy sigh. I found myself laughing after a few moments. I felt good; free yet my body was just coming down off the adrenaline. I knew the crash was coming for me.

"How do you keep doing this?"

"Doing what Andrew?"

"How do you keep dragging me through my deepest fears and then cheerily disbanding them as if they were nothing?" She looked uncomfortable at the question and doesn't reply so I jokingly say. "We don't care you have magic, date who you want, next thing you're going to tell me is I'm allowed to sit on the couch during movie nights." She looks mortified as though she believed Garrett would make me sit on the floor. "I'm joking." I breathe deeply and revel in the information I was just given and Delaine looks equal parts happy and mortified. The rest of the car ride was light hearted and joyous but she did warn me that although she wouldn't mind that not everyone was as accepting. That didn't matter until she mentioned I would have to talk with Garrett and I silently dreaded how that might go. Once the filter was off I'm pretty sure I overwhelmed her with questions. Since it was no longer illegal, or taboo for me to use magic I sought answers to every question I could think of. I ran out of new questions about the time that we returned to the travel station after retrieving the camera. I'll say the jump back was much easier and I only felt sick for a couple seconds before settling down. We are back in the room with agent Smith and our little recording device. The agents said their code phrase again and I was asked to re-identify myself for the record. Agent Delaine was once again in professional mode. "The film has been reviewed and substantial evidence recorded and filed. A full investigation will be undertaken at the conclusion of this interrogation. Would you please continue where we left off?" I was in high spirits; the agents were on my side.

"After we left the school, Claire drove us home and there was nothing of interest that night."

"What happened on the 25th?"

"First off I wasn't allowed to go to school with Lucy that day which was equal parts the school and equal parts Garrett's request. Garrett was away for work so he had Claire tell me. For nearly all of the day I was working around the house. The fact that they got off the hook after what they had done had me on edge. There was no telling how much they could actually get away with so I was worried for Lucy. She finally returned home that day while I was in the gym. I was trying to burn off my nervous energy and keep my mind from running rampant." I took another drink of water before continuing. "I was glad to see Lucy walking through the doors but noticed the frown on her face. Garrett had come home and picked her up from school. I can only imagine the conversation on the ride home..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Covack manor personal gym~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was running on the treadmill when Lucy pushed open the doors. I powered down the machine and was going to go ask about her day but the look on her face shut me up. I realized quickly why when Garrett walked through the door after her. He had an interesting smell about him. Outwardly he looked pissed but his scent spoke a different cocktail. He was pissed there was no mistaking that but he was worried, probably just as much as I am. I had just stepped off the treadmill when I was given a very direct order.

"Andrew, Lucy, follow me." He didn't hesitate to walk through the set of doors leading to the training ground. Lucy gives me a pleading look and follows quickly behind her father, tailed a few paces behind by me. I don't think I could lie to Garrett, especially not with how serious he seems. We step past the doors and Garrett closes them and engages the nullification panels on the wall. A moment of panic races through my body with the thought of a punishment involving the use of magic. "Lucy, go practice your light spells they were your worst score. I will call you over when I need you."

"But dad, I don't think that's," she was cut off by a curt but calm voice.

"Go practice." Her posture wilts and she excuses herself and sulks away. I swallow the lump in my throat. I can feel the tremble in my legs as he brings his gaze to rest on me and breathes a deep sigh. "Andrew."

"Y-yes sir?" I curse the shakiness of my voice.

"I want the truth and since my daughter intends to lie blatantly to my face I'm going hear it from you." Lucy pleads from across the room.

"Dad... Please..." Garrett never turns his attention away from me.

"Practice Lucy. Not another word." My mind blanks, I've forgotten even what the lie was with such an imposing stare. Lucy will probably hate me after this... The moment brings forth a new feeling. I'm reminded of how terrified she was. These feelings turn darker as I remember the cackling of Matthew and his twisted smile. I know my hackles are fully raised and I can hear the growl in my throat. Even though my teeth were bared Garrett stood his ground and narrowed his eyes at me. I realized that keeping this secret would only hurt us and I really wanted to hurt them instead. I kept my voice steady despite the turmoil that was inside me but I didn't shake off the growl.

"If Matthew McDougal so much as looks at Lucy again I'll..." I left the sentence hanging but Garrett understood the meaning. A complex range of emotion crossed his face but settled back on stern and I wilted. Garrett was an imposing man when he's angry and my body language turns submissive standing in front of him.

"Why." It wasn't a question but a demand.

"Andrew... Please..." Lucy was staring at us with tears running down her face but Garrett was still bearing down on me. I couldn't look either of them in the eyes and took a small step backwards. My heart couldn't decide anymore after hearing her voice. How could I break a promise to her...?

"Why!" My tail hung limp, ears splayed to the side.

"B-because they were g-going to..." I couldn't say it when I finally looked back up to his face. My nerves steeled just enough. "He was... and when he touched her...I wanted to kill him." He slowly understood and paled while a whine left my throat and I looked away. He slowly turned his head to his daughter as she bolted for the door crying. His voice was soft as she reached the door.

"Lucy..." She hesitates briefly to look back and the look she gives me breaks my heart. I couldn't prepare for the look of betrayal... of hate. I knew she would hate me for this but to actually experience it was like lead blankets were draped over my back; slowly adding more weight until I collapse and am crushed into dust. A startled gasp from the door she left through and seeing her slow back pedal into the room re-centered me. Walking into the room were 5 men I had never seen before and 2 who I recognized. Strolling in the room was Richard McDougal and his son Matthew. Lucy quickly turned and ran to Garrett and stood behind him. Garrett tenses his body and sets his face into a scowl, voice level despite what emotions I knew were raging inside. "Richard McDougal... I don't recall inviting you over to visit." The 5 other men fan out around the room as Garrett shuffles Lucy back toward the corner of the room.

"I've never received an invitation to visit Garrett, even though we're friends. So I thought I would just pop by and see how things are going." They were fully in the corner now while I was standing a few paces to the side. The 5 men stop advancing and formed a line across the rest of the room, surrounding us.

"Friends? Since when did that happen? Why are you here?" Richard's joyful expression turns into a grimace.

"Well it seems the mutt has told some stories that would greatly impact my public image. I feel that he should be muzzled and taught when it's appropriate to speak." I didn't try to stop the growl that rumbles in my throat. "Seems he should be neutered as well, would do wonders for that attitude problem." I gnash my jaws at him. Garrett carries on without sparing a glance.

"Stories? I'm actually quite short on time. I need to have a meeting with a few people before it gets too late. Maybe we could actually schedule a time to talk and not show up uninvited?" I could sense the buildup of energy in the room from both sides.

"Oh no, I think we should definitely talk now." All at once a flurry of action occurred. A shield formed in front of the three of us and several different spells splashed against it harmlessly. Garrett reaches over and slaps the panic button on the wall but nothing happens. I can see the color drain from his face. "I don't think anyone will be coming to help, Garrett... who do you think designed this room and emergency response? And since I can't trust you not to talk... I think there's going to be an unfortunate accident..." The rain of spells continued against the shield, a huge array of colors that would dazzle the eye if in any other situation. This was my fault. I should have listened. Lucy is cowering in the corner and Garrett looks numb; a sense of dread filling the room yet above the pounding of energy on the shield we could still hear Richard. "How sad the headlines will be. War hero commits suicide after killing only daughter. Of course I'll attend the funeral. Mourning a longtime friend will be great PR." Garrett is mouthing no over and over again but I'm trembling from the roiling emotions inside me. This wasn't my fault and I'll be damned if I let this continue without a fight. My eyes are drawn to Garrett and I finally bring the storm of emotions to a crescendo.

With a scowl I storm over to Garrett and get in his face; the same face that had me whimpering like a pup a few moments ago. Only now does he notice me when I grab a paw full of his shirt and pull him down to meet me eye to eye. "Can you protect her?" My voice is ice cold and barely loud enough to hear. I don't get a response so I thump him in the shoulder with my free paw and further tighten my grip on his shirt. I can feel the fabric tearing but he finally looks focused. I repeat my question. "Can you protect her? Or are all those stories nothing but lies Iron?" I release my grip on his shirt and prod him in the chest with my claw. "Can... you... protect... her?" Each word followed by another jab. I see his jaw finally set, he narrows his eyes dangerously but doesn't say anything more. I turn back around and approach the shield. "Separate us," my fur stands on end. "Don't you dare let anything touch her," sparks are leaping across the hairs on my back. I look back at Garrett over my shoulder and give him a feral grin. "And let me out of my cage." I pat the shield for emphasis. The buildup of energy is immense and after a few moments a barrier that I couldn't see through separated us. I thought I smelled something I couldn't quite put my claw on before that shield formed but quickly dismissed it. Before the forward shield dissipated I rang out our hunting call. Although I had only been part of a couple hunts before, I had heard the call plenty. Usually the call gains strength from everyone's voice together but today mine alone was enough. The spells quickly coming to a halt as the haunting sound bounces around the room. The barrier comes down and as the smoke clears I crouch low to the ground, muscles bunching in anticipation. The smell of fear is intoxicating. I lock eyes with Matthew and he stumbles over himself trying to back pedal.

"Just kill him already you fucking babies!" Everyone looks at Richard for a split second from the outburst. With that distraction I burst forward, aided by the energy coursing through my limbs, and reach my first victim before anyone notices. I plant my paw beside his foot and slam my palm into his chest, transferring all of my momentum to him and giving him a little extra juice as well. The force lifts him off his feet and sends him flying back 10 feet before he crashes back down and tumbles the additional 20 feet to the back wall. Immediately I'm charging the guy furthest to the left and put him down with a haymaker to the side of his jaw. The movement felt... natural. My body felt like it was on a knifes edge as I found my 3rd target. I was running on instinct alone and reveling in the energy coursing through me. I was able to drop the 3rd guy before they could react and fight back and was quickly heading for my 4thtarget. With each strike my grin grew wider.

Although the 4th was better, his aim was hasty and the beam of light passed by my head by a few feet. He didn't get the chance to cast another before he was convulsing on the ground as well. I felt a compulsion as I took a split second to stand over his fallen body. Before I could even piece together what that feeling meant I was sprinting to the side barely past a blade of air that cut through where I was just standing. I faced off with the last of them and found I had 2 opponents to fight. Richard and this last guy stood close together to coordinate attacks. This new guy proved to be stronger than the other 4 which had me wishing I would have taken him out first... The spells were coming at me quicker and every time I moved in to strike I would be pushed back by the other. Without the knowledge to block spells put me at a huge disadvantage which kept me on the run. I barely sidestep 2 arcs of lightning that erupted from Richards's hands, the smell of burnt fur hitting my nose, but I see an opening. With both spells cast Richard would need time to channel new ones and I explode into motion towards him. I didn't notice the trap in time and find a wall of light blocking both my path to Richard and one for my exit; I couldn't move anymore. I could sense the buildup of magic from Richard and come to only one possible course of action. "Any last words mutt?" I grit my teeth and snarl. I _will_protect my family.

"Bite me." He laughs coldly.

"Oh no, I don't touch trash." I brace myself as a ball of fire pierces through the wall in front of me. The attack is bigger than I am which causes me to flinch away slightly. I pulled my energy to my arms and head and braced myself as best I thought I could. I was engulfed in the heat yet I found it interesting that it felt barely any hotter than a shower. I didn't feel any substantial pain from the attack either so I guess I lucked out with his poor choice of element. I thought I would have to fight through the pain but I simply waited for the ball of fire to dissipate before pushing through and connecting my fist with side of the 5th guy's temple; the cocky bastard thought it was over and dropped the walls. That only left 2 standing; Richard and Matthew. I advance slowly toward Richard with the smoke from his attack rising off of me menacingly. My grin returns now that the fight is once again in my favor. He's fumbling with his phone when I reach him and I smack it out of his hand. I charge power into both paws and grab his right hand and shoulder. The energy rockets along his nerves from one of my paws to the other. His arm hangs limp when I finally let go and his yell of pain is intoxicating. He stumbles backward and tries to strike out with his left arm which quickly receives the same treatment. Again the smell of fear clouds my senses and pulls at something deep inside me.

I realize with terrifying certainty that despite the situation I was enjoying this. I knew I should be appalled at myself but seeing them cower and shake before my eyes was deeply satisfying. A carnal urge to play with them dances along my conscious. They weren't people anymore... I can't quite place what they felt like to me but I felt no remorse as the ideas of torture flitted along my brain. The other five still had my paw hesitating before each strike but I didn't feel that same hang up as I walked... as I prowled towards them. My poster was slightly hunched and I felt a urge to crouch low and stalk them. Before I could actually reach them again I feel a spike in energy and an audible thump. There, a few feet away, stood the head master of the school. A complex range of emotions rushed through me; immediately I was surprised which evolved into happiness but ultimately ended with a bitter anger. With him here I wouldn't be able to continue with Richard and Matthew. My flare in anger turned cold and panicked a moment later.

"What a mess Richard... couldn't even handle the Covack's... He's a defensive mage for crying out loud! Unless you bunch lost to little Lucy..." I had started to back pedal as the head master looked around the room. "What a disgrace... Do I have to do everything around here?" The head master channels energy into his palm and releases it at Richard dismissively. With both of his arms paralyzed he eats the full force of the hit and is sent back a couple feet into the wall. This only helped to alarm me further with how quick and easy that had been. The head master merely shakes his head. "At least defend yourself... how worthless are you?" Richard wasn't getting back up so he looks to Matthew cowering on the floor by the wall. "Stand up boy. You're not weak like your father I hope?" Matthew rises up on shaky legs and stumbles out.

"N-no sir."

"Good, now tell me where the Covack's have run off to." He points his shaky finger to the corner at Lucy and Garrett and I gnash my teeth at that on reflex. Scared out of his mind he pulls his arm hastily back and knocks himself off balance. "You really are your father's son... don't be so terrified because he cocked you in the eye!" He laughs heartily while Matthew stumbles on his syllables. "Quit your mumbling. You can play with your pet when I've finished what your father so clearly could not." Despite the insult my body was proving unresponsive even if I had a retort. He started walking towards the corner but I was glued on the spot. I noticed after a few harrowed breaths that he was going to completely ignore me and walk right by. 'Stop him' the thought bounced around in my head as he slowly approached but my body felt sluggish. With each step he took... 'Stop him'. He had just about reached me and my heart is screaming in my chest 'STOP HIM!' The world slows down and a dark ring closes in around my eye sight. I flash back 5 years ago again. I can see the spear sailing in slow motion. I hear the flutter of the feathers attached at the point and the air being cut by the tip. I see my arm stretched out in front of me trying to stop it. I hear the thud of the tip finding purchase through cloth then fur and then flesh. The next moment I'm there beside her, grabbing her paw. Her lips are moving and her soft voice reaches my ears... 'protect her'.

When I snap back to the present he hadn't moved but a step. The head master is talking over his shoulder at Matthew, leaving an opening. My head and heart finally resounding in unison and force my limbs into motion. The power that flooded my paw was beyond what I thought I was capable of; a twisting combination of fire and lightning condensing in my palm. By the time he noticed the buildup it was too late; my paw was already heading for his ribcage without any conscious thought from me. It was satisfying when I felt it connect and nearly deafening from the eruption of energy. He was engulfed and sent flying to the wall in a brilliant streak of fire with bolts of electricity connecting randomly to the floor and ceiling the whole way. I was slightly alarmed to find myself out of breath but recovering quickly. The room had a different look to it with everything appearing a little sharper. A small instant of panic rose up when the remaining fire was cast away from the headmaster. I knew I had landed a solid hit but he was still standing if a little staggered.

"You worthless little whelp. Why didn't you tell me the mutt had power?!" Matthew couldn't speak and stammered heavily. "I'll deal with you after I remove him from existence!" I saw the buildup in his hand but found that I wasn't concerned; I was ready to fight and I noticed more details than I normally would. 3 blue arrows formed around his outstretched arm and fired off at terrifying speed but my eyes kept pace with them without trouble. The first arrow I dodged with a quick flick of my head. The last 2 I destroyed with the energy in both of my palms. Anyone of those 3 arrows held enough power to incapacitate me yet I reflexively caught them in my palms... 'Protect her,' my mind refocused on what was in front of me. I slowly started to advance on him with a strange confidence. Each attack he made was met by my own or was outright dodged. "ENOUGH!" A huge gust of wind halted my approach when I was 10 paces away. I feel an immense spike in power from him and get knocked back several feet by the intensified gale. The vortex ended roughly 25 feet away from him which is where I stood ready. The very ground shook and the lights flickered as stones upheaved themselves from the floor destroying the absorptive pads in the process. I found myself dodging stones the size of my fist until the numbers were too much to handle. Hundreds of rocks cascaded around me and encased me in cocoon.

The sound of stones grinding was deafening and the pressure squeezing down on me intense. 'Protect her' echoed with every heartbeat and labored breath. I expanded the massive energy in my core to force the stones away. I had to redouble my efforts when the pressure on my body increased in response. With a labored yell I pushed with all my might. The stones slowly broke apart and turned to sand until I fell back to the floor. I pulled the remaining energy back to my core and was left panting on the ground. My heart stopped when I looked up to make sure another attack wasn't about to finish me off. Alongside the head master was a woman, standing tensely in a dark gray suit. She had a fierce energy that easily rivaled what was already present in the room. "I have everything under control agent Delaine. This is none of your business." I winced as I stood back up finding my body pummeled from the earlier barrage.

"You made it my business Burkley." The two were bickering while not taking an eye off me. That was okay for now since I was trying to catch my breath and ease the pains; I really needed the break.

"You will address me properly agent..." She chose to ignore him which visibly irked him.

"Tell me what happened." The air was heavy with magic just waiting to be released. He visibly fumed but calmed down quickly. I noticed a tickle of liquid slowly moving down the back of my head and slowly bring my paw up to feel it. It proved to be blood but luckily not an alarming amount. The woman took a slightly more aggressive stance at my movements so I calmly returned my paws to my side.

"I feel that should be pretty obvious for you." She spared him a glance but quickly retrained her eyes on me.

"Cut the crap, I don't make assumptions, so talk." I finally noticed that her stance and body language put her able to defend or attack either one of us. Was she not with him?

"Obviously the mutt decided to attack this family. The Covack's are cowering in the corner... he's dangerous so don't let your guard down. Just look at all the people he's hurt." Her focus shifted as she appraised what he had said. She addresses me with a level of coldness that sent a shiver down my spine.

"What happened here?" I found my throat quite dry from the panting but spoke as calmly as I could muster given the situation.

"I defended my home from invaders which includes the head master." She couldn't get a word in before the head master added his two cents.

"You can't believe him! I came to help when Mr. McDougal sent out a distress call. I barely made it in time as..." He was cut off by the agent mid-sentence.

"Shut it Burkley." I had started backing away as the hostility in the room increased. I was brought to a halt by a firm commanding voice. "Stop moving and put your hands on your head." I felt compelled to listen but quickly shook off that feeling with a confused growl. She tenses up to face off with me having come to a conclusion in her head. She's trying to address me but I notice something concerning. Her attention is all on me and a dark energy is forming in the head masters hand. I hadn't felt any energy quite so evil and it sent a shiver to my very core but she didn't seem to notice. I had to make a split second decision. He leveled his arm at her and she would be defenseless to stop it; it would kill her... but I didn't know who she was.

I made up my mind and prepared myself. I would get only one chance and I gathered as much energy as I could in my palm with the time I had. The agent also condensed the energy around her in response. I brought it from my palm to the tip of my claw and willed the arc to connect. A large bolt of electricity shot from my claw and barely connected with his elbow. The surge of electricity caused his muscles to contract and pulled the beam of deathly energy up toward the ceiling. The ceiling gauged deeply, a full foot, but I had only a moment to rejoice before an icy chill wraps around my body and ethereal chains bind my right side. The agent immediately faces the threat that had nearly ended her and throws a coin to the ground in front of her. The coin stands on its edge and vibrates fiercely before a barrier erupts and separates her from another nasty attack. I freeze up seeing an attack leveled at me from the head master but my legs wouldn't move. These attacks were much faster forming than anything I had seen before and each one held dangerous amounts of energy.

"Night night." My blood runs cold and I'm sure the color drained from my face as the attack takes shape. I felt a hard pull as the spell leaves his hand. I'm flung across the room and land behind the agent. After I shake off the dizziness I see the ghostly chain connecting me to her. She had just saved my life as I had saved hers but she keeps me bound up tight. I shudder feeling an immense power from both of them which makes my fur stand on end. The spell she's invoking is forming over her shoulder; the head of a dragon taking shape out of crystal. The light was reflecting off the surface in a spectrum of color. "I guess I'll just remove both of you at once." The energy swirling between both of his hands was terrifying. As he raised it above his head a mass that looked like bubbling tar with pitch black smoke took form. Before the agent was ready the roiling mass was unleashed in a gush at us; a torrent of oil and black smoke hammering against the shield. I could see the concrete pitting wherever it made contact from splashing and the smell was rancid and vile.

The coin on the ground glows red hot and I knew it wasn't going to last much longer. This was it. I was going to die here and then he was going to kill Lucy and Garrett. I'm not strong enough... 'Protect her' my leg takes a step forward toward the shield. This is my fault... 'Protect her' another step forward, my body was acting on instinct alone. I was only a couple steps behind the agent now and I look up. Behind the head master a dark hazy figure loomed with eyes burning like coal. 'Protect her' my legs stopped moving and fear gripped me like a vise. This unholy entity striking terror unlike anything I have felt before. I felt like an ant staring at the raised foot of an elephant. I couldn't look away. These burning red eyes are the only thing in focus as the world drains away and the seconds tick by.

"Stay behind me!" I snap my head back toward the agent and take a gasping breath. I suddenly felt the terror dissipating and regain control of my body. I fall to my knees and brace arms out in front of me to catch my fall. I took this moment to realize the chains around me were gone. Looking up the shield had noticeable cracks and the dragon looked to be nearly complete but I didn't know if it would be ready in time. Her left arm began glowing softly and wisps of soft yellow light slowly rose in front of her. She thrust her arm forward just as the shield collapsed and a ray of light collides with the incoming stream of tar; the beam of light forming a cone and directed the attack around us to the left and right. I was slightly awed by her. She was still channeling energy into the dragon while actively deflecting a powerful spell. My mind cries out to help but I can't figure out how. My ears pick up a faint shuffling sound and I realize that she is being pushed backwards by the force of the attack. She was nearly pushed back to me when she sent the crystalline dragon out; its neck lengthening as it twists its way past the stream of black. It was going to hit! Before the teeth could rip him in half a shadowy arm intercepts and the teeth sink into seemingly thin air but the force of the impact can be felt which proves how solid the arm is. I hear a grunt from the agent as a bright streak of light leaves her hand and is fed into the stretched neck of the dragon. The energy rockets along rapidly before erupting out of the open mouth of the dragon. A second arm intercepts since the attack seemed to have cut the first arm off. Her attack was working!

She stumbled backward on shaky legs and I was forced to brace her to keep her upright. The moment I supported her with my paws I could feel it. I could feel her exhaustion. I could feel the two paths of energy leading to each arm and how different each spell was; the defensive spell steady and rhythmic while the offensive spell was fast and erratic at times but it felt more familiar than the defensive one. I realized that if I focused I could trace the path, like connecting dots, all the way to the head of the dragon. My breath caught in my throat. The offensive path had suddenly grown dim as more effort was used to defend. That attack was the only chance we had but she didn't have the strength to push through. 'Protect her' resounded through me like I was tuning fork that had just been struck. 'Protect her', a thought forming in my head; if she couldn't attack then I would.

I channeled everything I had left in me to that first point along the path. The energy pooled in that node before rocketing to the next. I felt spent by the time it reached the base of the dragon. With lidded eyes I saw 2 heads burst forth in brilliant red scale. I was able to smile seeing the twin dragons engulf the area including the head master in flames before slamming into him from both sides.

~~~~~~~~~~~ Interrogation room~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"The world faded to black right after that and when I woke up I was in that hospital bed." It had taken me 10 minutes to recap the events. The air hung heavy for a long time until agent Delaine cleared her throat. Agent Smith addresses her.

"Did he really recast your spell... through you?" Agent Delaine obviously didn't know how to respond because she stumbled slightly.

"I...don't know. With how tense the fight was I didn't really notice anything out of the ordinary until the fight was over. I honestly had my eyes closed..."

"Damn... if that's true we'll have to watch out for him. He could be agent material." Delaine taps the recorder still rolling on the table.

"Agent Smith..." He shrinks in a bit and looks scolded.

"Sorry. Where were we then?" He asks while stretching out his back in the chair.

"I believe the last thing to cover is your reaction in the hospital." I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks and ears and quickly fill them in on why I reacted so brashly. Agent Delaine seemed torn as she explained what was likely to come. "I'm not going to sugar coat this. Ms. Freemont will probably press charges for how she was treated. We can try to get the rest of the charges dropped but that one would be up to her to take up." My ears wilted having not even considered that until now.

"I... wish I hadn't. I'm not surprised though. She didn't deserve any of that." I had to fight back the tears before clearing my throat. "I... thank you for helping me." Her smile was small and withered as she spoke to me again.

"Is there anything else you would like to add Andrew?" I shake my head but quickly add "No ma'am" for the sake of the recording. She shuffles a couple papers around into her briefcase. "Then that concludes our primary interrogation." She pushes the stop button on the recorder and the room relaxes a little bit. "I think we escalate this straight to the chief. He'll want to be involved sooner rather than later."

"That's probably a good idea. You want me to take care of that? You could probably use the break." The look of relief that washed over her face was entertaining. She nods her head enthusiastically which puts a smile on agent Smith's face.

"I owe you big time."

"Hey, no problem. You'd do the same for me. Get some rest ya hear?"

"Thanks, keep me posted?"

"Sure thing." And agent Smith was gone leaving me and agent Delaine alone. She turns back to me with a soft smile.

"How do you feel?"

"Drained... in more ways than one, nervous about the future, and glad to have a... friend... that I can turn to." I stood up unsure what to do now that they were no longer questioning me. Her voice was gentle and sincere.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that... No one should have to experience that."

"Thanks... I'm glad I was able to spare Lucy from at least some of that."

"Good men are hard to find... if only you were older..." She ends with a sigh and has me blushing beneath my fur at the compliment. She puts her finger to her temple and channels a quick spell. "Lucy and Garrett are resting in an empty room. I think you should probably join them." My tail slowly wags and I follow her out door.

"What did you do just now?" She looks over, smiles and taps her head.

"Telepathy. It's a very useful spell." Before I could think of another question we stopped outside of a door. Suddenly I felt extremely nervous... like it was my first time going hunting again.

"What if she still hates me?" I whisper to myself.

"She might need you Andrew and I don't know if you remember but she stuck up for you pretty vehemently when you woke up." That helped steel my nerves as I reach for the handle. I can see them in the corner away from the door. Lucy is wrapped up in a blanket and Garrett is holding her while rubbing her back. Garrett stops rubbing her back and looks up to make eye contact with me. The cold stare I got stopped me in my tracks. That soft buzz of magic tickled my senses and it must be Garrett speaking with Delaine. I was about to turn around and close the door when his features softened. Lucy was asleep and Garrett didn't look much more awake but he beckoned me over. He had nudged Lucy awake by the time my timid steps made it across the room. Her head emerged from the covers and her eyes locked on mine after she glanced around the room a bit. The silence hung in the air for an uncomfortable amount of time. I could still picture the look she gave me when I broke our promise and told Garrett.

An arm snuck its way out from the blanket and hooked onto my shirt pulling me closer. I soon had an arm around my back and the weight of Lucy's shoulder leaning against me. I hesitantly put my arms around her and crumble when she squeezes me tighter. I cried, poured my soul out, finally coming to terms with how close I was to losing my 2nd family. When I was able to recompose myself it was apparent that Garrett and Lucy had also been in a similar state. When I looked back Agent Delaine had left and the door was closed. The room elapsed into sniffles and silence. There was so much I wanted to say but couldn't make the words come out. The silence was finally broken by Garrett.

"Andrew... I'm glad you're okay... but there are so many questions..." I felt liberated; my mind finally relaxed after such a traumatic 2 days that I wasn't scared of the questions. I was here with my family and not locked in some room.

"Dad... I don't think now is the best time..." Lucy's soft voice was muffled by the blanket still wrapped around her.

"It's okay Lucy, you both deserve answers." I prepared myself by taking a deep breath and slowly releasing it.

"How long have you known about your magic?"

"Since I was 4." That seems to surprise him but he just nods and continues. He wouldn't look me in the eye as he rattles off his next one.

"Who taught you how to control it?"

"My mother taught me." That seemed to take him even more by surprise and gave him a minute of pause.

"Only your mother? Not your father?" I shake my head which gives him even more pause and requires prompting to continue.

"Why does that matter Dad? I know plenty of kids with only one mage parent." Garrett smiles and kisses the top of her head.

"I never said it mattered I just find it odd is all." He levels his gaze at me as if questioning something, looking closely at my face. "Sanaach Jeerack Suumahn. (Saw-naw-shh)" He knew my father's name which sent a chill down my spine.

"H-how do you know his name?" Both me and Lucy are staring intently at Garrett.

"I met your father during the war 8 years ago..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Platoon 43, Enemy border patrol~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Move quickly and keep your head down. There are 'Luts' all around us..." Our squad moved cautiously through belly high grass lands. We were desperate to get out of the open but hasty movements will get you killed. To keep our cover we were running with 0 shields. A simple mine could rip our squad apart but we couldn't risk the enemy noticing the energy signals. We had been separated from our platoon. Faulty information had us walking into an ambush and only blind luck had us prepared and hidden. Seeing the screen fill with red dots after Samson rebooted his scanner was just about enough to give me a heart attack. Commander Sovak made a decision and half a second later our squad went cold. He ordered us to disconnect from the network entirely. Our whole squad, 20 men, buried themselves in the grass and every link we had to our platoon was severed moments before the attack happened. 20 long minutes of hearing friends and soldiers die was an experience that will haunt me until I die... assuming that's not simply later today. There simply would have been nothing we could have done against their numbers. We waited in that tall grass for 9 hours, no one so much as moving until night fall. Everyone was feeling fatigued; stiff joints from staying motionless for hours; parched and starving because no one was going to be the one to alert the enemy in any way.

It took 3 more hours to reach even the most basic of cover; a small wooded area. Now that we had taller cover we were able to move faster than our military crawl. It would still be quite some time before we found someplace safe enough to reconnect and figure out a path for extraction. We travelled deep into the woods until the trees became too dense to easily walk through. We bedded down in a low ditch to get some rest. An internal alarm fired 3 hours later while I was on watch. I was registering motion from my proximity alarm I cast out; there was someone approaching at a slow pace. They were methodical and steady and it raised a lot of flags yet something was off. It took me only a moment to realize that they were coming from the opposite direction that we had come. They were approaching from much deeper in the woods. I was about to go back and wake everyone but they stopped and stood for a while before moving on in a different direction. I breathed a sigh of relief when I no longer could feel them in the sensor grid.

The night carried on for a few more minutes in peace... until I felt the cold of steel pressed against my neck. The pressure was firm enough to keep me quiet but light enough to not cut the skin. The whispered growl in my ear had my stomach drop. I slowly raised my hands but couldn't understand what he was saying. The pressure on my neck increased enough to draw blood when I heard a gruff command, "stand". I could do nothing but comply at this point and was led away from my squad by this unknown Lycan. We had walked probably 200 yards from where I was standing guard when he told me to stop. I felt the knife leave my throat and saw him take cautious steps around me. My first response was to put a barrier between us but something was itching the back of my brain. I still had my hands up and I kept them there. We stood tense until he slowly sheathed his knife in a pouch on his side. He took a few steps back before turning away telling me to leave.

"Wait..." I reached out with my mind to establish a telepathy spell. I was mildly alarmed when I felt a connection at my side instead of the wolf in front of me. I had to take a calming breath before addressing the wolf that had turned and started growling. Across the link I had made I spoke to him. "_Thank you... for letting us go." _ The growling had stop but his posture was still tense. I heard him respond in my head.

"Do not linger. My tribe will not be as gracious." I nodded my head but slowly reached behind my neck. I removed the chain necklace around my neck and placed it on the ground and backed away from it.

"We will leave soon. That is for sparing my life. Should we ever meet again and you need help, I will do everything in my power to help. My name is Garrett Covack."

_ "Sanaach Jeerack Suumahn. Should we ever meet again Garrett." _ I wasted no time backpedaling before turning around and walking back to camp. I felt his eyes on me until I settled back into my lookout... I wasn't going to get any sleep tonight...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Interrogation facility~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Your father spared our lives. I promised him a great debt that day. I didn't think that debt could be repaid... but then I found you... or rather you found me and I merely had to glimpse that necklace." I felt the coin that was hanging from my neck. My father had given that to me when I first started hunting together.

"You knew my father?" He made a complicated gesture that used both a shrug and a head shake.

"No, I didn't know your father. We didn't have time to really talk but I met him. He was a mage; that I know for sure." That didn't really make sense. For 13 years my father kept that a secret? I pondered that for a while in silence. I couldn't come up with a single reason for that to be kept secret so I could only start doubting Garrett. "You look just like him aside from the scar across his cheek." He goes silent and I'm lost. My father did have a scar across his muzzle. Why didn't he tell me? Did he fear I couldn't keep it a secret? Garrett's grief brought me out of my thoughts. I could only smell the pain that radiates off of him because outwardly he was just sullen and quiet. A broken man sits in front of me but only I could see the heartache.

"Garrett? Is everything okay?" His posture sags and he lets out a large sigh. It took him a few tries but he clears his throat and looks me in the eyes.

"He reminds me of the war... even though he helped us... I can't help but remember..." He falls silent again with a slight tremble. It had started to piece together in my head when he confirmed my thoughts. "You look just like him, even when you were younger. It dug up so many memories." Lucy's soft timid voice is barely heard.

"He reminds you of mom doesn't he?" Hearing that made my stomach drop. I was the reason that Garrett suffered constantly those first years I worked for him. I had started to back away while Garrett wrapped Lucy in a hug. He lied to her.

"No sweety, those were just tough years..." Both Lucy and I could easily tell he was hiding it and Lucy called him on it.

"Don't... I can't help if you keep me in the dark. If I can help I will... just let me try..." I hear an uneasy chuckle from Garrett.

"When did you stop being my little Lucy? You're so much more mature than I was at your age... I'm sorry..." I had stopped backing up but I felt torn. I don't know where I belonged anymore. "I did struggle. I stayed away more than I should have but it's not your fault Andrew..." I found my voice had more heat behind it.

"Not my fault? That doesn't make it better! I'm the reason you were away so much... I'm the reason you broke down every time you came home. Even if I didn't know, that doesn't make it okay." My voice was cracking at the end.

"Andrew, listen." His voice was stern again. "I should have sought help even before you came along. That was my fault. I didn't want to admit it and show weakness. I'm honestly glad Lucy had someone to talk to because I knew she was hurting and I wasn't there for her..." Lucy's voice was a whisper.

"I don't want to see you hurt anymore dad. Please let me help..."

"I know sweet heart... I couldn't ask for a better daughter." He pulls her away and removes the blanket from her head. "Hey, how about you go find agent Delaine and see if we can get some hot cocoa? I think that would be just what everyone needs." She smiles sheepishly and nods her head. The blanket falls away from her shoulders and she stands up with a stretch.

"Okay dad, I'll be right back then." The door closes behind her and I hear I long drawn out sigh before he steels his nerves.

"Mary... my wife, is in a coma... she has been since the end of the war." My eyes widen and ears lay back. "I know what the articles in the news said... but..." He trails off before clearing his throat and continuing. "They don't know what's wrong and no one can help yet... so they ran a fake story. Lucy knows... she thinks she can figure out what to do by studying; that's the main reason she went to Shelling at all. She doesn't like that school, that's easy enough to see. That's the reason I let you keep going with her... to make her happy. I don't want to put any of this on her shoulders but she's determined. You know how she gets..." His face turns somber. "I doubted everything I thought I knew about you today. Even though you fought for us when I couldn't... I didn't know what to think anymore. After 4 years that you've been in my house I haven't heard a single peep about magic and yet you could stand in front of 7 adult mages... I didn't see what happened... I don't think I want to see what happened..." He stands up and closes the distance that I had backed away. Standing in front of me with arms crossed had my throat going dry. "Why did you keep that a secret from me?" I had already explained this to the agents so I found it easier to talk about this time but I still couldn't meet his gaze.

"My tribe and every tribe I know will kill me if they knew I was able to use magic. To them all magic is evil. The only experience they have is with the war and the mishaps of our own so long ago; all of that is learned through stories around the campfire. There are stories of tribes with mage chieftains that went to war. Both tribes and the surrounding forest burned to nothing... They fear magic. I didn't think humans would be any different...at least not with my kind... not after..." My voice quivers. If he would tell me something close to his heart then I would repay in kind but that didn't make it any easier to talk about. "M-my mother... the day I ran away... she was k...killed... in front of me." I had to take a few seconds. "I couldn't have stopped the spear... I wasn't there in time. She was in my arms... she was only trying to help... I thought... she was only helping and they killed her..." I couldn't continue any further but found myself wrapped in a hug from Garret. I couldn't do anything but tremble and lean against him.

"It's okay Andrew." He lightly rubbed my back with one of his arms and kept repeating what he said. I slowly calmed down a few minutes later and backed away from him. I still didn't know how to react around him so it was awkward being in his embrace.

"I haven't told anyone about that... not even Lucy." A sad smile graces his features.

"I'm sorry I doubted you and thank you for watching out for my daughter." I smile in return.

"Are you kidding...? I couldn't let anything happen to her." His smile deepens and he breaks the silence with a light chuckle. I found myself once again in a light hug that didn't feel as awkward. Lucy walked back into the room with agent Delaine following; both of them had a cup in each hand.

"Is everything ok?" I step away from Garrett and nod to Lucy. The feeling of relief washing over me is wonderful. We both get handed our mugs and are invited to sit at the table with Delaine. I couldn't stop the cavernous yawn that erupts from my maw and am reminded of what time it actually is.

"I just want to check in on you before I head out for the night. Is there any other questions you have for me?" The cocoa is still too hot to drink but the warmth and smell are calming. I did have a few questions but I didn't want to ask it out loud.

"Is there someplace we can go to talk privately?" She simply puts her hand to her head and I hear her voice in my head.

"Will this be okay Andrew?" I'm not sure how to respond so I just try to think about talking without actually saying it.

"How am I supposed to do this?" I hear both her giggle in my head and in my ear as well.

"You're already doing it. Just think about what you want to say."

"Oh, um... Hi... um... sorry this is just so weird!" I can feel the heat in my face from embarrassment. She waits for me to talk. "My question... about the guys that showed up... I've never had to use my power against anyone..." She must have known where I was going with it because she cut me off.

"I don't know much detail yet but you didn't do anything wrong."

"No one... died... did they?" That thought had been weighing on me for a while. She took a moment to reply. She took on a serious, professional, demeanor when she 'spoke' next.

"Head master Burkley and 2 others were pronounced dead at the scene. Richard McDougal was in critical condition but stable and Matthew McDougal suffered minor injury. The 2 others that were pronounced dead were from the head master's attacks not yours. I haven't heard anything on the other 3." That unsettled me.

"But I... killed the head master..." My stomach was in knots. "I killed someone..." She interrupted my destructive train of thought.

"_No Andrew...He wasn't a person anymore. He sold himself in a contract for power. You removed a blight that would have killed hundreds..." _ My body trembled at the thought.

"So there really was a... demon behind him...? I thought I saw it...but..."

_ "Yes Andrew. Demons exist and we try to prevent attacks but some people are sick in the head. You stopped his first attack. I wouldn't be here if not for that... I... thank you. I know it's easier said than done but try not to dwell on this. You're a good kid with a mostly level head._" Her jab had the desired affect and lightened the mood slightly.

"I wish it were that easy but I'll try."

"_Just take it one day at a time. Never forget that you have others that can help. I'll be there if I can and you have Garrett and Lucy to lean on as well." _ That did cheer me up but there were still a few lingering concerns I had.

"What will happen with Matthew?"

"At the conclusion of the investigation there will be a trial. The trial will probably be held off until Richard recovers but you should expect to testify against them. After the trial I wouldn't think you would see him again in the foreseeable future."

"You'll be at the trial right?"

"Most definitely since I was involved in the case directly."

"Would you keep an eye on us? I don't know how Lucy and Garrett will react but I might need the nullifying bands... cause if I have to be in the same room as him... I'm sorry, but there are some things that can never be forgiven."

_ "I appreciate the honesty Andrew. You'll want to try and behave though because they will try to use anything and everything to spin the story in their favor. I have to ask though, if you feel this strongly then why was he practically unscathed?"_ I didn't want her to think less of me but I also didn't want to lie to her and I found it much easier to think it than to actually say it.

_ "I was saving him for last... partly because he was the least threatening and partly because I wanted to... take my time... I'm not bad like them... at least I don't think so... but I wanted to... savor it. He hurt Lucy more than she admits... She wouldn't say a word to me for the rest of the day and didn't come down for breakfast. She wasn't Lucy when I saw her leave for school... that was all before I told Garrett anything. I wanted to hurt him like he had hurt her."_

"That's... I won't say that's normal... but I understand the feeling. Don't try to fight your battles alone when you have others that can help."

"I... liked the feeling. They were scared and that drove me on. Does that make me... bad? I stopped seeing them as... people... I know that's wrong but they wanted to kill me... to kill Lucy and Garrett..." She stopped me before I could continue on.

_"Andrew... these feelings... these responses to that kind of threat... I understand. Talk to someone... I'll listen but I'm not a professional. It's not a weakness to seek help. I and everyone in my office have sought help for different cases. I'll probably talk with my therapist over this event as well. I'll tell you one thing that I've learned for myself that may apply. In the heat of the moment, especially in moments like this, you take care of what's important to you. You can't stop the feeling of wishing you had done more and even now I bet you feel that. Don't let that over shadow what you fought to protect. Everyone makes mistakes and as long as we work to better ourselves from these trials than we are doing the best we can." _ My head was swimming as I digested what had been said. A thought floated through my head as I thought it through.

"How did you know to show up? He wouldn't have called for help..."

"Oh, Burkley took off his restrictor ring to increase his power. The ring limits his ability to channel energy similar to the nullifying bands. We keep track of strong mages through those rings. The moment he took that off we were notified in case he needed back-up. It was just luck that I was the most ready to assist." _ Even though she had answered my questions I still had a lot to mule over. She severed the link between us. _ "I think you all should see a therapist. Talking with a professional will help mend any bridges and help you all recover. I'm not saying you need to, just that they are trained to help."

"I was going to recommend they talk with who I've been seeing."

"I think that would be best. You're free to return home. If you have any questions you know how to reach me. I'll be in touch as the investigation progresses and we'll need to set up a base line test for Andrew. I would recommend taking time off at home and call your lawyer Garrett. With how much pull he has I don't believe it will be a normal trial..." Agent Delaine said her goodbyes and exited the room. We stayed just long enough to finish the cocoa before we returned to the car. The 40 minute car ride was sat in relative silence. I had fallen asleep by the time we made it back to the manor. There were still police cruisers stationed around the perimeter which gave us a little piece of mind. Garrett excused himself shortly after we walked in to make a few phone calls. That left me and Lucy standing at the base of the stairs. Her bedroom was still upstairs, 3 doors on the right, but I was in the guest house. I didn't want to leave her side and she was lingering as well. All at once she turns and wraps her arms around me. I could barely hear what she was saying with her face pressed into my chest.

"You triggered the alarm yesterday didn't you?" She didn't wait for me to reply. "You stood up for me then... and you stood alone against those mages... you protected me and I never said thank you... I was so hateful and you didn't deserve that... I... Thank you..." I had a moment of absolute joy being wrapped in her arms. I gently coaxed her to step back so I could look into her eyes. I got lost in them for a few seconds before I cupped her cheek with my right palm.

"When I was alone, you stood by me. When I needed a friend, you talked with me. I heard you when I was lost...; you were there for me just as much." Her eyes were wide and teary when I brushed the hair out of her face. "Good night Lucy." I had turned around by the time she mumbles a good night back. My heart was soaring but my stomach twisted into knots. I didn't know how she would take that but her voice stops me from running away with my thought.

"Andrew?" I turn back around and her eyes are lowered and her hands are fretting with the hem of her shirt. My heart cried out with how vulnerable she seemed. "I... don't want to be alone right now... would you sit with me." There was no way that I would say no to her right now.

"Of course Lucy, let me get a blanket okay?" She nods her head and shuffles her way over to the living room. I kick myself as I walk to get the blanket. I really don't want to drag any memories back up... what was I thinking...? By the time I made it back she was curled up on the couch. I hesitated a second before gently sitting down beside her leaving a little gap and spreading the blanket out over both of us. My fears were dissolved when she wriggled her way against my side. I wrapped my arm around her when she finished settling against me. The sounds of her sniffling hit my ears. I didn't want her to cry, but I knew she would feel better afterwards. With a heavy heart, I rubbed her shoulder in silence. My eyes lids were so heavy but I needed to be strong for Lucy. I remember thinking how cute her little snores were before the weight of the day drove my head to slumping.