I always wanted something from life. After I lost my brother my life was miserable, and I hoped that the world will look kindly upon me and repay me for the loss. However, fate is deceitful and I thought Natalie was that payment. Instead, she was just another cruel joke from the world.

It has been three weeks since I faced that stone cold bitch. After Arlene took me back I went to my little house and locked myself off. I had to handle myself first before I could go out again. Sitting alone in the darkness did little to help me gather myself but at least I could cry myself out without a care in the world.

As I opened my eyes to - yet another - miserable day I heard a knocking. No one came by since I returned. I think Arlene told Rick, Jenna and Belle what has happened. Since normally they would be on my case 24/7.

As I grunted I staggered to get the doors. I didn’t want to deal with guests, I didn’t want to talk to anyone, I didn’t want to see anyone. I just wanted to go back to bed and stare at the ceiling of my room. I sighed as I grabbed the handle and did a mental check that whoever is standing behind it won't see me too broken. Then I opened the doors and confusion came over me.

“Leon? Camellia? What are you doing here?” I asked looking around to find Rick in hiding, which would be absolutely possible with him.

Leon answered, “Dad told us you are upset so we came over to see you.” I couldn’t help the small smile on my face, those two could really be precious.

“I got you some cookies, uncle.” Camellia handed me the basket she was carrying and I crouched to their eye level, my worries slightly forgotten.

“Did your dad sent you?”

Leon shook his head “No, he and mum don’t know anything. They told us not to bother you and that you will come over sooner or later. But you didn't so...”

My shoulders slumped and I felt like crying again. While Camellia came over and clung to me saying “We missed you, uncle.” I patted her head. This place really was for restoration. Those two alone are enough to turn anything bad into good.

I sighed saying “All right. Come on in but only for a bit. Your parents will worry.”

Leon grinned and stepped into my house like it was his own while Camellia followed behind me quietly.

As always when I saw those two Leon would proudly say how much he improved in strength since last time, and what adventures he had. While Camellia quietly sat just smiling to herself. The only one missing was Simon, the baby angel.

Before I knew it it was a late afternoon. As I looked out the window I sighed not too happy about it “All right you two troublemakers, go home now. Your dad is probably looking all over for you.”

Camellia nodded while Leon frowned saying stubbornly “Only if you promise something.” I tilted my head and he demanded “Pinky promise.” I chuckled amused by the little kid, and gave him my pinky while he said: “You come to visit tomorrow.”

I grimaced. I didn’t feel like going out yet but I will admit those two cheered me up a lot. So I nodded “All right. I promise. now off you go, you two.” I lead them to the doors while asking “Do you need me to walk you back?”

Camellia shook her head “No uncle. We know our way back, and lady Arlene is protecting us.” I nodded remembering what Belle told me once.

As the two walked out of my sight I sighed feeling down once again. I started to convince myself that seeing them tomorrow will do me some good. As I was about to close the doors a voice stopped me “So you finally decided to go out?”

I turned to the pleasant sound of a female voice and I didn’t know if I should be angry, sad, happy or surprised. Maybe all at once?

“And I see that you are stubborn as always,” I mumbled remembering when she used to try to check on me when I first arrived.

She shook her head “I worry about all my humans. That includes you, Darren. Remember I am a dragon, and dragons take care of their possessions and treasures.”

I snorted “I wonder which category I belong in.”

Arlene approached me measuring me with her jade eyes. “It is entirely up to you.”

I sighed and invited her in knowing she won't back down.

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