Lucas was known as the Shadow King. A being of darkness with a name of light. This always bothered him, but for the first time, none of it mattered. He only cared about her, the girl with a heart of light and a name of dark.

Seeing her became a part of his daily routine. Whenever he would finish his list, he would go see in his hidden form. It was his way of watching over her. Of course, he kept his distance and remained within neutral bounds. He only stayed to learn more about her and to admire her from afar. Lucas didn’t know what the pain his chest was, but he knew he was drawn to Raven. So, he continued his talks with her in the morning and watching her throughout the day. His favorite part of the day was talking to her. Her voice was the highlight of his day. Her smile so bright, yet so warm.

Fall soon left and the cold winter descended upon the human world, bringing Lucas to focus only on his duty as Shadow King. From his realm, he saw Raven waiting for him at the corner where they first met. Although it was also her bus stop, her face showed disappoint as every morning she could not find the young boy whom she had befriended. The two had only met a few times and barely know each other, but Lucas felt a large pain in his chest. It was as if her sadness had pierced his heart once more.

Tomi noticed his master’s behavior and worry filled his thoughts. He decided to help his master, even if he refused. “Master,” Tomi said, knocking on Lucas’s bedroom door.

“Who is it?” Lucas asked.

“It’s Tomi. May I come in?”

“Yes.”

Tomi entered his master’s room and approached him with both worry and caution. Lucas was putting on his clothes when Tomi walked in. “What is it?” the Shadow King asked bluntly.

“Are you alright, Master?” questioned Tomi.

“What do you mean?”

“You’ve been acting strangely and…please do not be angry, but I spied on you while you were in the human world.”

Lucas stopped and turned around to see Tomi with his head down as he bowed. “You what?!” his master shouted.

“I know it was wrong of me, but I had no choice. You wouldn’t tell me what was going on. I had to find out! I am your loyal servant and as such I must protect you!”

Lucas sighed as he put on his shirt. Then sat on the bed with his fingers massaging his forehead. “How much do you know?”

“Pretty much everything,” Tomi answered. “About the girl and that she’s the reason why you’ve been going to the human world so often.”

“I see.”

“Master,” Tomi addressed respectfully. “I have no objections to you seeing this girl, but I feel I must warn you of the consequences. You have a lot of enemies, who would do anything to find a weakness. And with Miss Raven—”

“I know,” Lucas interrupted. “They’ll use her to get to me.”

The Shadow King buried his face in his hands then slid them down his face. “Then what do you suggest, Tomi?” he groaned.

“You must leave her, master. And erase her memory of ever meeting you, it’s the only way to keep her safe.”

“But must I forget about her? Do I not have the right to be happy?”

“Of course, you do master!” Tomi replied. “All living beings have the right to be happy but there are things that try to take away that right. I’m afraid that this is one of those times.”

Lucas stood and turned to Tomi. “Tomi, although you are my servant, you are my closest friend, and I know you only want what is best for me. So, I will do as you say. But may I please have one last day with her?” he begged. “Then I will erase her memory and leave the next day.”

Tomi smiled. “Of course, Lucas.”