The Bookkeeper

Whoever sent Aeris was generous enough to provide her with a spare key to the storeroom, though, like everyone else in the palace, they remained blissfully unaware of which book she truly sought.

And now, her entire fate rested in the hands of Raiden. The same man who refused to sign a contract with her because he intended to kill her eventually. Without question.

Aeris lay on the living room sofa, hands tied behind her back and legs firmly bound. Raiden sat with his tea while Levi and Freya trekked through the forest, heading for Coast City to find a temporary slave choker.

Speed and his twin sister, Soul, remained outside the house practicing mana control while Leo crouched beside Aeris, gently wiping her face with a damp cloth and ensuring she was well enough to stand soon.

Raiden sat with one leg crossed over the other when a voice echoed in his head.

[Papa...] Ash said, her voice somewhat raw.

Raiden turned to her with a smile, set down his cup, and wrapped her in his embrace. "Are you willing to tell me what’s going on now, Ash?"

Ash remained silent, flapping her baby wings with a faint smile as she nudged Raiden. He watched her for a moment, sighed and smiled, and then placed her on his shoulder.

He didn’t know what was causing Ash’s random long sleeps, but he couldn’t feel any fear within her heart, and she seemed peaceful whenever she woke up. He decided to simply trust that she knew what she was doing.

But then Aeris began coughing, drawing Raiden’s attention to her. His smile widened as he saw Aeris open her eyes slightly and drag her fingers through her blonde hair.

"Are you okay, Aeris?" Leo asked, concern evident in his voice.