“W-WHY ARE YOU COOKING?!”

Luz was surprised to see Selena already in the kitchen.

Selena seemed fine though her bandage is still on her head. There’s a stitch within it and Luz knew though her injuries were more on cuts and bruises it can still be painful for Selena to move around. Selena also wore a high ponytail, stretchable jeans and sleeveless blouse. Her overall look is different from before because this time she is prepared for anything that could happen. 

“I’m fine, Luz. I can do the cooking for today. But I want you to run an errand for me before we eat our brunch. Please remove all the seals we placed last night.”

Luz was shocked.

“But you said demons can come here anytime now that Johann is no longer wearing–”

“Yes. But I need to know how far I can protect him.” 

Selena is firmed with her decision.

“I understand,” Luz said.

Moments later, Johann went down to the dining area to join Luz and Selena. He was still yawning as he greeted them. He still feels sleepy and tired despite sleeping for eight hours. 

“Good morning!”

Johann’s mother sat on the dining table where brunch is served by Luzviminda. The surroundings are filled with natural light. It seemed like a normal day.

“As soon as we’re done eating, we’ll buy some clothes for your big day tomorrow,” Selena said while smiling at her son. “This time Luzviminda will be with us.”

Johann feels awkward. Despite the smile and warm tone, he knew their issue about what he did to Cassian is still up for debate. Johann sat next to her and simply agreed.

“Okay.”

“I also think you need to buy new leather shoes.”

“Okay.”

I didn’t know I’m inside a parrot, Cassian commented as he heard the conversation between the two.

Don’t start with me. Can’t you see that I’m being grounded right now?

His mother will not yell at him once she decided on certain things because she expected Johann to follow. Whenever Johann made a mistake and his mother was not happy about it, Selena would tell him what they will be doing for the next few days to come. It was an unspoken rule to follow someone’s command, especially when you knew you were the one who made the mistake.

When dishes were served Johann could not help but eat more than usual. Was it stress? Or he was just starving and he did not know it?

“Can I have more, please?”

Selena and Luz could not help but stare.

“Johann, do you realize you’re eating for two?” Selena asked.

“What am I? A pregnant guy?” Johann asked dryly.

 “No. I mean… the two of you share the same body and energy. So I want you to prove that I should no longer worry about you. Remember what I taught you about demons? You can defeat them if you do not hesitate.”

“Eh?” Johann reacted when he sensed something was coming from outside.

“Luz has already removed all of my seals. Will you be able to protect yourself—”

Selena was still speaking when a flying demon approached their house through the glass window. Johann was the first to see it since his mother was sitting in front of him and had her back in the window area.

The flying demon looked like a mixed breed of animals but with bat wings. It flew straight to the dining area. It was like a ghost that came through the wall and window without shattering anything. It aims at Johann. It was screeching.

A demon came in already? Selena thought. It was faster than she anticipated.

Johann tries to dodge so he falls from his chair.

I hate to break this to you but your mother is crazy, Cassian flatly said while watching from within Johann.

No. She’s not. This is part of her test. She wanted to know if I am relying on you.

Cassian was instantly amused. Oh…? Prove it then. Let me see what you can do.

Selena seemed relaxed while Luzviminda stood beside her. While Johann was surprised that the demon looked at them as if choosing its target. When the demon picked his mother, he then decided to fight. His hands burned with green light.

“Luz, step away from me for a minute,” Selena said while preparing to dodge an attack.

But Johann grabbed and dragged the demon hard before it even reached his mother. He yanked him on the floor so hard it instantly dissolved into thin air.

“Well, game over. I won,” Johann said casually. “As you can see, I am still in control of my body.”

Johann looks at his mother with green eyes signifying Cassian did not help him out. Selena seemed disappointed that she can no longer have full control over her son but she accepted defeat. 

“Fine. You’re no longer grounded. It seems the demons will no longer be attracted to you because they can now sense what’s inside you. But I still don’t trust him. Just don’t make me regret this. Okay?”

“Yes!” Johann said while smiling widely.

I guess you’re only confident at beating petty demons. They weren’t a threat anyway.

I should really find a spell to make you stop talking, Johann responded to Cassian.

If I were to defeat that demon, I would not even use this amount of energy— Cassian said while emphasizing his point by making a gesture at how small his effort would be. But Johann cuts him off.

I don’t think you understand. 

Johann sounded sincere. But he is about to state the harsh truth.

I didn’t trap you to ask for help. I trap you because you’re our biggest threat. I have no use for you.

Cassian has this smile as if he was not offended.

Is that so?