The elf held onto the other, gently caressing the back of his head.
⠀⠀❝ It's okay... No need to thank me. I'm just doing the right thing. Though the three of us need to talk about our next steps. And... I suggest Illario tells Lucanis. I...really can't relay such a big message to him.❞
It was bothering her so much. To think that Lucanis could still care for his own abuser...guess it's just different when it comes from your own blood. Would she have been in the same situation if her abuser had been family? Luce shuddered at the thought.
This whole situation had been quite a lot to digest. She wasn't still fine with Illario's faux pas causing Lucanis and Spite a whole year of torment, though it was easy to recognise, at the very least, that none of it would've happened if Caterina Dellamorte hadn't pushed the man.
that's when I'll make sure to remind her why they call me Viago's mad dog. She's got a lot to answer for... But first, I will deal with Zara Renata... So, don't despair. I'm here. You're safe. Illario, Lucanis and Spite too. All of you are safe now...❞
She had a Venatori bitch to cut open and an old bag to put in her place.
⠀⠀❝ Though I don't think Lucanis will allow me to kill Caterina. I can still make sure she doesn't touch anyone ever again. Plus, neither Lucanis or Illario need to become the First Talon. And if she goes against their wishes
--against her shoulder. Then she hushed him gently.
⠀⠀❝ It's okay, don't be upset. I'll fix it. Nobody will hurt you four ever again. I'll kill them all.❞
It didn't matter how many she'd have to stab, poison or burn to ashes. She wouldn't allow any of this to continue.
Even if it meant becoming a much more horrific monster than the ones she eradicated. But even a creature of murder had a soft spot. Well, at least this one did. Luce's hand reached out for Envy, gently pressing against the back of his head. She then coaxed him to rest his forehead--
Perhaps she mistook her blood's original purpose for the need for "justice", when in reality she was made to soothe those who were in pain. And sometimes to soothe, one needs to get rid of the cause of that pain. Hence why this woman always turned into a ferocious beast ready to destroy evil.
Spirits were wired differently from mortals, that was what her father taught her. The denizens of the Fade were made of pure, raw emotions and were purpose-driven creatures who functioned mostly to enact that goal. Well, Luce wasn't so different.
The more she heard, the harder it was for the elf to keep herself in check. Especially when the first instinct was to seek retribution and to ensure innocent people's safety. It always felt so difficult to push back the need for blood when she witnessed the results firsthand.
Perhaps at this time, Luce realised just how much she cared for the coffee addicted senior Crow. Envy had her full attention now that the truth was coming out.
⠀⠀❝ I see... tell me more. What did she do?❞
Someone might already be planning a murder.
All before the Spirit could perceive pure, barely contained rage emanating off the elf before his eyes. The bloodlust oozed out her petite silhouette, making the air around her so heavy it was hard to breathe. Caterina hurt Lucanis too... Her brain had shut down as the reality of things hit her.
⠀⠀❝ Viago used to intimate me as well, but I promise he's actually a big softie underneath that faça-- huh?❞
Luce caught herself mid-sentence when Envy began blurting out just the tip of the iceberg regarding the two cousins' past. She froze, staring at him with an unreadable expression.
A silent apology for being so gloomy perhaps?
⠀⠀❝ I hope you like it.❞
There it was again, that hopeful glint in her eyes peeking from the emotional detachment she imposed on herself.
When she turned around his mug was ready, it had one big bear face shaped marshmallow poking from the surface of the hot chocolate. It was the very last one, because Luce's mug contained three plain mini marshmallows. Nothing fancy like his own. Look at her, spoiling him.
Monsters deserved no mercy. And for that reason she wouldn't open up. The young Crow tightly sealed the doors to her heart to spare him the pain and to keep her taint from reaching him. He didn't deserve to be sullied by her. Not him. Not this sweet man who didn't do anything wrong.
She wouldn't fault him for not knowing what to say, for this wretched broken soul expected no kindness from the world. Not that she didn't believe people capable of gentleness. She knew there was such a warm man underneath the aloof and broody veneer. Luce simply found herself unworthy.
⠀⠀❝ The cioccolata is almost ready...❞
She murmured dryly whilst adding the finishing touches. Then she began pouring it in two mugs.
⠀⠀❝ Do...you want marshmallows in it...?❞
I know she'd be proud of you. That's a fact. You didn't lose yourself, Lucanis... Many do.❞
She pulled away and turned to face the stove again, her silhouette slouching a bit. She did. She lost herself and was keenly aware of it. How her parents would be horrified by what she had become.
Most people would've broken under the pressure. You are still standing tall. And you still live to make your own decisions and strive to build a life you can call yours. I know that's what every parent would want for their child. And knowing you're this strong?
--the younger Crow took a few steps closer. Her index tilted his chin up for a moment, then her hand retracted.
⠀⠀❝ With all you've been put through, the mere fact you're still here, able to hold that gaze whilst thinking about your parents? That's already more than most would achieve.
The reaction was measured, which made Luce pause and look back at Lucanis. Something was off, like the energy around him shifted. High emotional perception, one quality her father always said the people in her family had. A small frown touched the mid section of her brows, all whilst--
colouring the tips in deep crimson.
⠀⠀❝ I... I mean...❞
Quickly she turned away, now stirring vigorously.
⠀⠀❝ She'd be proud of you. You're skilled, dutiful, reliable... You're a good man, Lucanis.❞
...no. She shouldn't. It wasn't professional. And yet, here she was, getting distracted, staring with a lost expression, almost dazed.
⠀⠀❝ Who wouldn't adore a son like that?❞
Blurted out, words she couldn't take back. Embarrassment rushed to her long, pointy ears,
The same eyes she wanted to look at right now to see the fondness... And Luce did take a little peek, a fugacious glance to witness the expressiveness in those eyes that Lucanis couldn't really hide even if he wanted to. The mirror to his soul, those chocolate hues she found...
The stirring paused but her gaze didn't lift from the pot. Not now, not yet. Instead she closed her eyes, trying to imagine what that woman would look like. Her smile, the warmth in her eyes, the same eyes she found herself staring at across the dining table every night.
Remember the song my heart sings for you.
⠀⠀❝ What kind of person was she...? If I'm not being tactless by asking--❞
--her special roasted spices mix she used solely for that hot chocolate. With masterful and graceful gestures, Luce began preparing the drink for him.
⠀⠀❝ Your mother had amazing taste.❞
She hummed whilst keeping her eyes fixed on the pot whilst she stirred.
Right on cue, Luce perked up, not even bothering to hide the excitement. Granted, it only showed through how her eyes were glistening with a newfound light. She was still as composed as ever. All the ingredients were gathered, a pot on the stove, milk, high quality cocoa powder, honey, sugar and--
