Chapter 56:

  The Price You Pay

  (Elizabeth's POV)

  It just had to be this life that a deviation like this would happen. It's not like Elizabeth didn't predict this, but rather...she had simply hoped it wouldn't. That's the funny thing about hope. It was always so fragile. So easily shook. A harsh reminder.

  The moment she felt like things were finally going her way...a Critical Dungeon appeared several months ahead of time. At most, the margin of error for a Critical Dungeon was a month. Not four.

  Critical Dungeons could change the face of the world...much like the first appearance of Gates did. On top of that, she felt it. Another fragment.

  It was like fate was mocking her. Lucas's life was in her hands, and she was being teased with a fragment of her power. She was confident that she'd be able to beat a Critical Dungeon, but besides her...there were maybe a handful of individuals capable of doing so. It wasn't enough.

  Sure, she might be able to grow stronger, but at what cost? If the world wasn't ready...would she have to fight alone again? Just how far would she have to push herself? She knew the call would be coming, informing Maya about it beforehand.

  She wanted to try and ease the tension by teasing Lucas a little, but...in the end, she couldn't win against him. Seeing him dejected tore at her heart. Of course, she had no pns of leaving him behind. Now that a Critical Dungeon appeared...she had to be even more vigint than before.

  She tried to py it off. She tried to act as if she had everything under control, but a lifetime of memories rose to the surface. Predominantly, those of all the times she's failed. The times she had to fight alone...and never returned to Lucas, who was always waiting for her with a gentle smile and warm embrace.

  Her comrades, the Zero Squad and Aegis, all y dead at her feet. A mountain of corpses for those who had given their lives for her. Would she once again see the tragedy unfold? The thought terrified her. Shook her hardened resolve to its core. Sure, things have gone her way so far, but...the slightest change could make all the difference.

  From this change, there could come others. Her mind raced with all the possibilities. Were the people ready? The answer was obvious. No.

  They were still recovering from the First Wave. Sure, she mitigated a lot of it, but the world wasn't so easily healed. She couldn't heal their hearts, and there was only one cure for hers...that those she cared for were safe. That he was safe.

  The tears came unbidden, but she couldn't help it. She didn't want to fight alone. To burn herself out and leave him all by himself. He had people around him, but was it so selfish to also want to be by his side? To live a life finally in peace?

  This answer, as well, was obvious. No.

  It wasn't selfish. It was a perfectly normal thing to want after so many lives...after so much pain. It had become so normal that she didn't understand any other way to live. Her one and only goal was to make this world safe for the life she desired.

  His embrace was welcome more than ever. She knew that in his arms, she could be selfish. She could be childish. She could let out all of her emotions...and he'd never begrudge her. He'd be waiting with that damn smile of his, and it was for that smile that she would save this world.

  "We will be nding shortly," the pilot's voice came on over the intercom, "Please secure yourselves for nding. Thank you."

  Elizabeth opened her eyes to find herself in Lucas's p, a slow smile crept across her face as she nestled into him happily. His hand was affectionately pced on the top of her head, casually stroking it.

  "Ah, did I wake you?" he asked sweetly, "Sorry."

  "Nuhuh," Elizabeth shook her head, her smile growing warmer, "Just time for me to wake up."

  "Well, I for one, would like to sleep a little longer," he teased, perhaps to encourage her, "I like this dream."

  Elizabeth's heart ached at his words. So painfully beautiful they were. Yes, it reminded her of all that she had been through, but grounded her in this reality.

  "I agree," she reached up to cup his face, caressing it lovingly, "Perhaps I'm still sleeping, then."

  "So long as you wake up with me," he grabbed her hand gently, kissing her palm as he smiled into it, "By all means, sleep to your hearts content."

  "I'm more awake than ever," she told him as the pne began to descend, "I'll make this dream eternal. Watch me."

  "I'd love to," he smirked, desire in his eyes, "You're quite the sight to see. I could watch you all day."

  "Is that so?" Elizabeth's smile turned devious, "Then perhaps I'll give you a show."

  As they stared into each other's eyes, the passion building...

  "As interesting as that would be..." Maya's voice cut through it as she cleared her throat, "We've almost nded. If you could make yourselves presentable."

  Elizabeth blushed as she turned sheepishly towards Maya.

  "H-How long have you been there?" Elizabeth inquired, noticing that Maya was standing at the door to the room.

  "Since 'Did I wake you'," she gnced at Lucas with a pyful smirk, "Honestly, Sir. To forget that I was even here..."

  "I...I didn't forget, per se..." Lucas flustered, scratching his cheek, "I just...got lost in the moment."

  He reached out a hand towards her, beckoning for her to approach.

  "I'd never forget you, Maya," he assured her, his words sincere, "I promise you that."

  "Mhm," she replied coyly, stepping forward to take his hand, "You better not. It's your fault I'm like this now."

  Elizabeth moved to sit up as Lucas pulled Maya into his p, wrapping an arm around her waist. At the same time, Elizabeth monopolized his other arm, snuggling into him.

  "Really?" he asked just as coyly, gazing into Maya's eyes, "My fault, huh?"

  "Mhm," she nodded firmly with a cat-like smirk, "So, you better take responsibility."

  "Hey, now, that's not fair..." he pouted, but Elizabeth simply chuckled.

  "I don't know, my love," Elizabeth practically purred, "Sounds pretty reasonable to me."

  Lucas gred at her with feigned betrayal. Maya pced a hand on his chest, leaning towards him.

  "I don't think I'm asking for much, Sir~" Maya pyfully called him, causing his face to turn an adorable shade of red.

  "What happened to calling me Luke?" he replied, turning his gre on Maya with an added sulk.

  "Oh, you like it," she teased, though tilted her head with a devilish expression, "But...what are you going to do about it...Luke~."

  Even Elizabeth felt the passion in the word. The obsession. The...threat. It was one that Lucas would react to, and Elizabeth's heart skipped several beats as he did.

  "You..." he growled, hand tightening on her lower back as he pulled Maya in, "I'll just shut that mouth of yours."

  Elizabeth watched in heated desire as he kissed Maya deeply, taking her breath for himself. Of course, Elizabeth wasn't about to be left out. Grabbing his face, she turned it towards her. The sweetness of his breath...the taste of his lips. It was enough to induce euphoria just as the pne nded.

  The three of them caught their breaths, staring with a heavy desire at one another. There would be a time and a pce that such desires would erupt, but now wasn't that time. Composing herself first, Maya cleared her throat and stood reluctantly from Lucas's embrace.

  "That was...certainly effective," she mumbled, a light blush to her face.

  "Mmm, it sure was," Elizabeth agreed, touching her lips lightly in contentment, "Now, perhaps we should...Luke?"

  Elizabeth titled her head curious as she saw him straining to remain composed.

  "Is everything...okay?" Maya asked as she noticed him shifting around as well.

  "Mhm, yep..." he took a deep breath before shaking his head, "Nope. Where's the bathroom?"

  "We just nded, why do you..." Elizabeth began before she realized that for the st several hours...he hadn't moved, "O-Oh."

  Elizabeth and Maya both understood, raising their hands slowly towards a door nearby. In a fsh, Lucas stood and rushed towards it, disappearing inside. Maya and Elizabeth shared a most amused look, with Elizabeth palming her face in disbelief.

  "Honestly, that man..." Elizabeth muttered, trying not to ugh, "If he needed to go that badly..."

  "That's just like him, though," Maya mused, also trying not to ugh, "I also am at fault. For a while, his shoulder was quite comfortable..."

  The two of them just shook their heads, both amused and wondering what they were going to do with him. He was someone who'd sacrifice comfort for others. They'd have to teach him to be a little selfish himself.

  -----

  (Lucas's POV)

  I stood in the bathroom, hands on the sink to steady myself as I stared into the mirror. The sound of the facet running helped drown out all other sounds. My head was spinning. A dizziness that threatened to drop me. Was it the altitude, perhaps?

  "No...that's not it," I took a deep breath, leaning down to spsh some water in my face. It was refreshing and cool, helping to focus myself in the moment. Looking back in the mirror, I felt like I was in a sort of daze.

  Everything was fine until I finished using the bathroom. The moment I was done washing my hands, the world spun violently. My vision grew dim as I had to brace myself on the sink. I didn't know what was going on, but it was like my mind was going bnk.

  Running a hand through my hair, I found myself staring at the silver streak in it. There was something about it in this moment that drew my attention, but quickly I lost focus as another bout of dizziness hit me. Truth be told, this wasn't the first time it's happened.

  Ever since the incident with The Ptinum Lotus, I've had episodes like this, but...this might just be the worst yet. I kept it hidden, not wanting to worry anyone, but I knew I couldn't hide it forever. Especially when I felt it before I saw it. A streak of warm crimson slowly running from my nose.

  "Damn it..." I mumbled, licking some of the blood up before wiping it off with my hand.

  Leaning down again, I washed the blood off and held some toilet paper up to my nose. Tilting my head forward, I leaned over the sink as I felt my head pounding. Like something knocking at a door that wouldn't open. No...it couldn't open.

  "...Lucas?" Elizabeth's tone was as concerned as the knock on the door.

  "Shit..." I mumbled, still trying to take care of my bloody nose, "Yeah, one moment."

  Well, so much for keeping it hidden. I knew she'd find out eventually, but...what else could I do? We had nded and everyone was waiting. Reaching for the door, I unlocked it to allow her inside. As the door opened, she stood there with that look of worry I knew she'd have. Gentle eyes, furrowed brow. Standing there as beautiful as ever in a dark business suit, jacket unbuttoned.

  "I knew it..." she spoke gently with a kind smile, "How long?"

  She stepped into the bathroom with me, closing the door before taking the toilet paper away to look at my nose.

  "Since the Ptinum Lotus stuff," I answered, being sat down on the seat of the toilet, "Sorry, I should have told you. Just didn't want to worry you."

  "That's what I'm here for," she replied lovingly, taking my head in her hands carefully as she wiped the rest of the blood from my face, "Here, take this and tell me what's going on."

  She reached into her inventory and pulled out a small vial of glittering red liquid. I didn't even question it, drinking it immediately. It had a slight fruit taste and went down smooth. The pounding in my head started to subside and my vision finally focused.

  "Dizzy, loss of vision..." I listed off everything I could think of, "Headaches. Nosebleeds."

  "Hmm," Elizabeth leaned against the counter, watching me pensively.

  "What is it, Ellie?" I asked, knowing she knew something about this.

  Crossing her arms, Elizabeth shifted slightly. It wasn't defensive. She was simply worried.

  "I was a little worried..." she began hesitantly, "When you first told me about those dreams you had, I was happy, but...wary. The first time you ever remembered anything, even so abstractly."

  Her gaze grew distant as I watched her. I wondered what she was thinking, but found myself distracted. I was rather in awe of her in this moment. There was a presence of calm that washed over her, enveloping me in a sense of safety.

  "I've been reticent to say too much, for fear of worsening things, but..." she took a deep breath before looking at me with the softest eyes I've ever seen, "This might be the only time I can. If this is happening, it means you almost awakened. Your memories tried to return."

  I blinked in confusion as I tried to process this information, unsure what that had to do with anything.

  "I don't understand," my mouth felt dry as I spoke.

  "Then, let me expin," she spoke just as warmly as her smile was, "I'll begin by saying this, Lucas. You...gave me everything."

  I felt my heart skip several beats as the love in her voice was overwhelming. I found myself enraptured with the way she looked at me.

  "In exchange, you..." she grew a little somber, looking away as if in guilt, "You gave up everything. Powers. Memories. All of it. Even...your life."

  This revetion struck a chord so deep inside of me that I felt the world had stopped. A lot of things began to make sense in my mind. Puzzle piece after puzzle piece falling into pce.

  "You've always had headaches," she continued, "As you know, they have to do with your memories, but it's more than that. There's a reason beyond just the pressures of saving this world that affected me with the early appearance of a Critical Dungeon..."

  She pushed off from the counter, embracing me affectionately against her. I could feel the warmth of her. I could hear the soothing beating of her heart, but more than that was the desperation in her touch, and the reinvigorated determination.

  "The cost of your life," she whispered solemnly, "The price that is paid for my regression. For every chance I have to make things right...you must die."

  I leaned into her, baffled by this revetion, but it...made sense. I simply held onto her, listening as she expined.

  "In the lives that I died before you..." she continued, stroking my hair, "I've waited in a cold, lonely abyss until your life fueled mine and I opened my eyes again. As much as it isn't ideal, all of that would be fine, if not for one thing."

  "What's that?" I asked quietly, partly afraid of the answer.

  "Remember what I said, my love?" she inquired, answering her own question, "You gave me everything. Including your life. Whether you intended it or not...every life we live, you slowly die. Danger tends to find you."

  The pieces of the puzzle were coming into view now, and despite how terrifying it was...I felt calm. Perhaps it was because Elizabeth was with me, but I was at peace with this information.

  "Your prone to accidents, and gates break around you," she told me with a pained tone, "The world is trying to kill you. An anomaly. The appearance of a Critical Dungeon so early means...that your life is coming to an end soon."

  I felt her tone shift as her hold on me tightened.

  "I refuse to accept that," she stated firmly, "You are mine, and I will not give you up. Not this time. Not again."

  "So, what about me awakening?" I inquired, "What was that about?"

  "Your proximity to The Great Sea," Elizabeth answered calmly, "I don't regret giving it to you, as they will keep you safe. However, in the attempt to awaken...it was like a key trying to go into a lock that no longer exists, and that key turned into a hammer. Trying to knock down the door."

  "Expins the pounding," I chuckled, to which she simply shook her head in amusement.

  "Yes, that does expin the pounding," she said with a light ugh of her own, "Leave it to you to make light of a serious situation."

  I wasn't being nonchant because I wasn't scared. I was terrified of dying, but knowing that I had someone like Elizabeth in my life, as well as Maya and everyone else who were trying their best...I simply felt content and safe. I trusted them, and I didn't regret my past self's sacrifice

  In fact, I was proud of my choice. The only regret came from how much Elizabeth had been through. She deserved a better, happier life. One that would st.

  "Sorry..." I replied sheepishly.

  "Don't be," she reassured me, "It's fine. You always lighten the mood. I love that about you. But on a serious note, let's just say that what's happening to you is like a tumor which will only get worse, but don't worry...I have a cure."

  "Really?" I looked up at her in slight surprise, "So, I won't just keel over randomly?"

  "Heh, no," she shook her head, rolling her eyes at my bse approach to this information, "Did you really think I'd allow that?"

  "Well...no," I replied coyly, "Not exactly. Is that what the pills are?"

  "Sort of," she nodded at my understanding, "It's a preventative until I can find the materials to make the cure, but those only come from Material Dungeons and Critical Dungeons that have yet to appear, so..."

  She took my head in her hands, looking at me with grim intensity.

  "If it gets worse, tell me," she ordered, and I nodded, "Good. I can't help if you don't say anything. I know you, but that doesn't mean I'm completely omniscient."

  "I won't apologize, as much as I want to," I stood slowly, grabbing her by the waist, "You'll just tell me not to, so...how about this for my answer?"

  I smiled, pulling her in to kiss her deeply. She pressed herself against me, taking my breath in blissful euphoria. As she pulled away, her eyes held that familiar obsessive glint.

  "A perfect answer," she whispered, composing herself as she offered me her hand, "The others are waiting, shall we?"

  "Of course," I nodded, entwining my hand with hers, "By the way...you won't tell Maya about this, will you?"

  She gnced down at me with that look you get from asking a stupid question.

  "Right..." I looked away nervously, "You already told her, didn't you?"

  She simply smirked as the door opened to reveal Maya waiting for us. She stood there with a grim expression of her own before pcing her hands on her hips. Before I could open my mouth to say anything, she simply sighed and shook her head.

  "Honestly, what are we to do with you?" she grumbled before her expression softened, "You need to trust us, Luke."

  "You know I do," I replied, feeling a little sheepish, "I just don't want to worry you too much."

  "We've been over this," she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around my free one, "That's what we do for those we love."

  "Well, now I just feel silly," I blushed, to which Maya and Elizabeth shared a mutual gnce of appreciation.

  "As you should," Maya huffed, "Now, if you two are done...there are people waiting for us."

  I nodded, and the three of us met up with Denny and Hannah before exiting the pne.

  -----

  (Lucas's POV, Cont.)

  Italy. A beautiful country with a deep, rich history. Its food is sought after all over the world and has become a league of its own. With vineyards all over the country, its wine has also become very well known, but...all of that is in the past.

  Not that Italy isn't as beautiful as it once was, or its culture is gone. No, its nd, like much of the world, has changed drastically. No longer is it a peninsu, but an archipego.

  When the First Gates appeared, there weren't just monsters that threatened this world. Earthquakes. Floods. Eruptions. It was a full scale worldwide natural disaster.

  For Italy, it suffered from all of it. Waves crashed on their shores, tearing at the rock which cracked under massive earthquakes, submerging much of the nd. Eruptions from volcanoes thought were long inactive covered the nd in fire and ash. Some of the va even created new areas of nd that became surprising fertile.

  By the time it was all said and done, Italy became separated into several new ndmasses. Now, it was more of an Isnd Nation. Many believed it to be the wrath of the old gods, or God himself for those with strong Christian beliefs. I don't bme them, after all...as far as anyone knew, the world was coming to an end.

  Thankfully, the world didn't end, and we persevered to this day. Italy recovered for the most part, sectioning off its northern territory still connected to the rest of Europe. It was there that a Wild Zone had been created, but if the Critical Dungeon, Gorgon's Maze, wasn't cleared...the whole of Italy would become another, more dangerous, Wild Zone.

  "Is that them?"

  "No way..."

  "Orchid and Hades..."

  "What about the two following?"

  "They're nice, but I don't recognize them."

  "Who's that guy?

  "Lucky bastard."

  "He doesn't seem that impressive..."

  I could hear the whispers as we approached a group of individuals waiting for us on the tarmac. They weren't as subtle as they thought, but I wasn't really bothered. Though, I couldn't say the same for Maya and Elizabeth whom I felt a slight pressure from.

  "Hey...rex," I whispered to them, squeezing Elizabeth's hand and tightening my arm around Maya's, "It's fine."

  Maya pouted slightly by turning her head away as if she didn't hear me. Elizabeth simply sighed, squeezing my hand in return as her acceptance of me request. Much to my appreciation, the pressure I felt quickly went away and was I able to enjoy the rest of the walk.

  It was a retively cloudy day, yet the rays of the te afternoon sun shone through in various pces with a gentle warmth. A stoic individual stood at the head of a group of about twenty others. They were an older gentleman with peppered hair swept back and a well-kept beard. He wore a pristine dark grey suit.

  Upon his pel was a golden emblem in the shape of a shield with a wreath before it. The name "LEGION" embzoned below it. Everyone there was wearing one.

  "Legion..." a simple name, but one that was steeped in history for Italy. The Roman Legions once conquered most of the known world, and legion has always meant a great many people, often who come together to fight or defend their nation. Thus, Legion was the biggest guild of Italy and officially sanctioned by its government, but not owned by it. Even so, Legion was Italy's defenders.

  "Greetings, Miss Falcrest," the man in front pced a hand over his chest and bowed respectfully, "It's a pleasure to meet you in person. My name is Lorenzo, representative of Legion. On behalf of both Italy and the guild, I thank you for your assistance."

  His soft brown eyes looked to be genuine as he then offered his hand to Elizabeth in order to shake it. She took it firmly, nodding her head in return.

  "Of course," she replied simply with a kind smile, "In order to survive, we must help one another, and I hear this Gate has proven...troublesome."

  Lorenzo's eyes saddened as his expression grew grim.

  "Yes," he nodded, taking his hand back as he motioned for us to follow, "It appeared two days ago in the middle of the old Roman Colosseum."

  He held out his hand to one of the members of Legion who then passed him a tablet. He swiped a few times before handing it to Elizabeth. From where I was, I was able to get a look at it as well.

  It dispyed the structure as I've seen in pictures, videos, and even games. A familiar sight to most, but in the center was something quite...intriguing. I've seen Gates before. Usually, they were like portals. Swirling masses of energy not really contained by anything that one could walk through, but this...

  Two stone pilrs, like jagged horns, rose from the ground to curve towards each other where their tips then touched. Within was a swirling mass of smoke. Looking at it sent a chill down my spine. It was...unnerving. Like staring into an abyss.

  "As it's one of the few structures that survived the destruction of Rome..." Lorenzo expined solemnly, "The appearance of a Gate within it has caused unrest in the people who have looked to it as a sign of strength. We tried to measure its rank, but..."

  He gave a concerned, wary look at Elizabeth who met his with an understanding nod.

  "You weren't able to," Elizabeth spoke softly, and he nodded.

  "Yes, it's the first time that's ever happened," Lorenzo, for the first time, looked quite shaken, "We're looking into improving our equipment to properly measure it, but have yet to be successful."

  "I heard you sent a team in?" Elizabeth's tone was solemn, "Have they returned?"

  "...No," Lorenzo replied, though appeared hopeful, "However, we don't think they're dead."

  "Why's that?" Elizabeth inquired, handing the tablet back, "If they've not returned, the chance is high. Unless...are their monitors still going strong?"

  "Exactly," Lorenzo nodded, "Those we sent inside was a team of twelve. Both our Guild Leader and Vice Leader are S Rank, and the others who went with are ten A Ranks."

  "Send the best when it's unknown, but..." Elizabeth cast a sharp eye upon him, "What about runners? Even a quick y of the nd is better than going in completely blind."

  I followed some of what they were saying. Monitors were just as it sounded. Devices used to watch the life signs of Pyers entering Gates. It helped to locate them if they were stuck or lost, as well as to retrieve the bodies of those who died...if a body remained.

  Runners...well, they were like scouts. Pyers with movement and stealth skills that usually enter a dungeon first to get the yout and return to describe the environment. This was often done in tandem with reading a Gates difficulty. Its difficulty would be determined by the measuring devices, then the appropriate Runners were chosen to enter and figure out the type of Dungeon.

  This was standard practice, however...

  "Don't tell me..." Elizabeth let out a heavy, disgruntled sigh, "Because you didn't know the difficulty, you didn't send the Runners, but wanted to reap the benefits before anyone heard about the Gate..."

  Lorenzo grimaced as it appeared that Elizabeth hit the nail on the head.

  "Now, you ask for help because your leaders are missing," Elizabeth continued, each word becoming heavier with accusations, "Honestly...so much for working together."

  "We know it was foolish," Lorenzo said, appearing quite ashamed of themselves, "It was a gate no one has seen before, and-"

  "All the more reason for caution," Elizabeth interrupted coolly, "Be lucky their monitors still show they're alive, but we won't survive these Gates if greed blinds you. I understand that Italy is hurting, but it'll hurt even more if you lose your best defenders to impatience."

  "...Yes," Lorenzo bowed his head, "It's been a rude awakening, and I know it's presumptuous of us to ask after we failed to follow procedure, but please..."

  Lorenzo grew serious for a moment, looking up at Elizabeth with desperation.

  "Please, Miss Falcrest..." he swallowed his pride, bowing before him, "Please save my wife and son!"

  "Wife...? Son?" I tilted my head, speaking for the first time, "Your family went into the Gate?"

  "Yes..." Lorenzo nodded, "Our Guild Leader...Charlotte, is my wife. The Vice Leader is Nico, our son. Charlotte tried to argue with the officials, but they were stubborn."

  "Of course they were," Elizabeth let out an annoyed huff, "I'd think after the Atntic incident, that they'd be a bit more cautious."

  "My dear Charlotte brought that up, but..." Lorenzo shrugged, letting out an exasperated sigh, "If we didn't send a team, the Government would force anyone willing to enter. In order to prevent this, Charlotte agreed. She...knew that help would come."

  "Hmm..." Elizabeth thought for a moment, "What were you thinking, Charlotte..."

  "Do you know her?" I inquired, and Elizabeth nodded.

  "I met her a couple times before," she replied, "A capable woman, if I say so myself. It does sound like her to rush in if others were going to be forced. The fact she's still alive speaks volumes."

  Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth straightened herself and pced a firm hand on Lorenzo's shoulder.

  "Don't worry, Lorenzo," Elizabeth assured him, "I'll see them home safely. This isn't on you or Legion. Charlotte was right. Help is here."

  "Thank you," Lorenzo breathed a sigh of relief, taking Elizabeth's hand in his as he constantly shook it, "Thank you, thank you!"

  I watched him closely, feeling a slight spike in my heart as I grew annoyed from how long he was holding Elizabeth's hand for. I knew it was ridiculous, but even so...I cleared my throat, looking away nonchantly.

  "Ah! Forgive me," Lorenzo released Elizabeth's hand, "I was just so pleased to hear the great Hades herself will help my wife and son. Now, then. Shall we see you to where you'll be staying?"

  "Please, do," Elizabeth nodded, gncing at me with that coy, devilish smirk of hers, "It's been a long flight, but once we've gathered ourselves and I've briefed my team, we'll enter right away."

  Lorenzo led us to a car that was waiting for us, and the entire way I felt Elizabeth's eyes burning a hole in my head as I tried to avoid looking at her. She knew that I had grown a little jealous, and couldn't wait to tease me about it. The worst part about it, is that she didn't say a single thing.

  She simply watched me with that mischievous look of hers the entire car ride to the hotel. Smiling like a pleased cat as my face burned from embarrassment.

  -----

  Nikushimi