After everyone had settled down, Eustace poured tea for everyone. “So, what is the visit for? I mean, I’m honored to see you all.” His gaze lingered on Mahou for what felt like forever. “But something tells me it’s about more than a friendly visit. It was a long trip here.”

Eustace sat in his chair, crossing his legs and sipping his tea, “what are you here for?”

Mahou sighed, running a hand through his hair., “Do you remember what I told you about Tshering?”

Eustace nodded, “Yes, I remember.”

“They finally contacted us. Well, they appeared in front of my children.” Mahou was putting up a front, he was scared of what could happen. 

Eustace noticed what was wrong. A father’s fear for his children. “So, am I involved?”

Mahou nodded, “Yes, you have extensive knowledge on this world that they could use. And we need to find Amethyst.”

Eustace nearly spit his tea out when he heard Amethyst’s name.

Mahou handed him a handkerchief. “Are you alright?”

Eustace coughed a few times before he spoke. “Yes I’m fine, I just haven’t seen Amethyst since—well, since I last saw you all.”

Mahou nodded slightly “I see. Any idea where he could be?”

Eustace shrugged “I don’t know.”

Indigo occupied himself with a book, in order to keep himself from revealing he had seen amethyst earlier in.

Mahou noticed. He moved closer. “Spill it.”

Indigo closed the book and let out a quiet sigh “I saw Amethyst in the town we just left.”

Eustace’s eyes widened. “You saw him? Is he alright?”

Indigo scoffed. “He’s a total jerk! I told him about our mission, that we needed him, I begged and he said no. Then he just… left.”

Eustace nodded. “That sounds accurate.”

Rose frowned. “he abandoned you.”

Indigo nodded. “Yeah, big surprise. He doesn’t care about me, Rose. So just let it be. it’s fine.” He crossed his arms and leaned his head back.

Rose went quiet.

Eustace sat up. “Well if Amethyst made his decision, then we can’t do anything about it. I, however, can help you find whoever else you need to find.”

Mahou nodded. “Right. Sakura, can you show Eustace the list?”

Sakura pulled out a rolled up piece of parchment and showed it to Eustace. “I wrote the list in the order Tshering arranged them. You and Amethyst were first.”

Eustace read over the list before looking up. “I know this Everest on the list, I met him several years ago. Couldn’t forget a vampire who saved a pack of wolves.”

“Do you know how to find him?” Indigo leaned forward. 

Eustace nodded. “He lives close by. I can write him a letter.”

Indigo got up. “Do you have anything with his scent on it? Clothes? Anything?”

“Yes, he left this here.” Eustace pulled out a small box with a pendant inside, and handed it to Indigo.

Indigo sniffed it then walked out, leaving the box in the library.

Mahou sighed, “he’s going through something, and he won’t tell anyone what.”

Eustace nodded. “I understand. If you all want, you can stay here. Free of charge.”

Mahou smiled softly and nodded, “thank you Eustace. I really appreciate it.”

Eustace smiled. “Of course. It has been awhile since anyone else stayed here, plus I enjoy the company.” His eyes sparkled while he looked at Mahou.

Mahou nodded then turned to Sakura “you can’t force Rose to room with Oscar this time. We are staying here longer. You and her will share a room.”

Sakura sighed. “Fine.”

Oscar looked around, “where is Rosie?”

“Aren’t you attached to her hip? How did you not notice her disappearing?” Sakura sighed and shook her head. “She probably went after indigo, she’s fine.”

Oscar huffed and mumbled to himself “I am not attached.” He got up and went upstairs.

“I’m gonna go look around the town. I’ll be back later, dad.” Sakura smiled before walking out, leaving Mahou and Eustace alone.

As the heavy wooden doors closed behind Sakura silence settled over the library, thick and familiar. The soft flicker of enchanted lanterns cast gentle shadows against the towering bookshelves, their glow tracing the edges of Eustace’s worn expression.

Mahou exhaled, dragging a hand through his hair before dropping into the nearest chair. He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, fingers laced tight, as though the gesture alone could keep him steady.

“She’s growing up fast,” Eustace murmured, watching him carefully.

Mahou gave a small chuckle, but it held no real humor. “Yeah. Faster than I’d like.”

Eustace didn’t press—he never did. He just waited.

And eventually, Mahou spoke.

“I keep telling myself I’m over it,” his voice was low, controlled, but there was an edge beneath it. “That I’ve moved past it. But it doesn’t go away, Eustace. The way she—” He stopped himself, exhaling sharply. “She wrecked everything I built, every part of me. And even now, when I know she’s gone, when I know my kids are safe, I still feel it—this weight, this pull, like it’s never really over.”

Eustace sat beside him, the space between them barely there. He was quiet for a moment before reaching out, resting a hand on Mahou’s arm; solid, grounding, warm despite the cold that should come with his nature.

“You gave so much,” Eustace murmured, his voice softer now. “To someone who never saw it. Never deserved it.”

Mahou swallowed hard, glancing at him, at the way Eustace spoke like he understood completely, because he did.

“I don’t know how to let it go,” Mahou admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Eustace shifted slightly, closing what little space remained between them. Instinctive, familiar, like they’d done it a thousand times before. He rested his forehead against Mahou’s, their breaths mingling, tension melting under the weight of something that had always been there.

“You don’t have to do it alone,” Eustace murmured.

Mahou exhaled, letting himself lean into the touch, allowing the moment to ground him. Eustace was so close—his warmth, his presence, everything Mahou had relied on for centuries.  

And then, without thinking, Mahou tilted his head slightly, closing the last bit of space between them, his breath hitching. He could feel Eustace’s breath against his lips, the quiet tension between them threatening to pull them together entirely.  

But just as his lips barely brushed Eustace’s—he froze.  

A cold, creeping fear wrapped around his chest. It wasn’t just hesitation, wasn’t just nerves—it was something deeper, something ancient. The weight of Tshering’s expectations sat heavy on his shoulders, unspoken but absolute.  

Would he be punished for this? For wanting something so simple?  

Mahou’s throat tightened, his gaze locked onto Eustace’s—full of longing, of desire, of everything he wanted but couldn’t reach. And Eustace knew. He could see it in Mahou’s eyes, the way his body had stiffened, the way his breath had gone shallow.  

Eustace didn’t pull away, didn’t demand an answer. He just stayed, waiting, patient as ever, as if telling Mahou he would never force this—that Mahou had to be ready.

Mahou swallowed hard, his fingers twitching at his side, aching to move but unable to.  

Maybe one day.  

But not tonight.  

Slowly, painfully, he leaned back, exhaling a shaky breath, forcing himself to look away.  

Eustace didn’t speak. He just gave him the space he needed.  

And Mahou—still longing, still afraid—couldn’t bring himself to leave.  

“I’m sorry, Eustace.” 

“You don’t have to apologize. I understand. And like I said, I’m here. If you’d like you could stay in my room with me. If it would help at all. I know you have nightmares.” Eustace smiled softly. 

Mahou nodded. “That’d be nice but… you don’t sleep, how would you withstand that?”

Eustace shrugged. “If it stops your pain I will do anything. I’m here for you.”

“Thank you.” Mahou smiled

The wooden door creaked as it was pushed open, forcing Mahou and Eustace to instinctively pull away from each other.  

Eustace straightened, smoothing the tension from his expression as he turned toward the newcomer. Clearing his throat, he spoke with quiet authority. “Welcome to The Obsidian Athenaeum. Within these walls, knowledge lingers like whispers in the dark—waiting for those who dare to listen. Tread carefully, seek wisely, and let the past guide your steps.”  

The tall man standing in the doorway was strikingly familiar. He scanned the room with a casual curiosity before offering a cheerful greeting. “Ah, hello! Have you seen my brother?”  

Eustace exchanged a glance with Mahou before narrowing his eyes at the stranger. “You look exactly like Oscar.”  

The man grinned. “Yeah, we’re twins. I’m Maki Vanderbilt.”  

A sudden blur cut through the moment—Oscar barreled down the staircase, nearly knocking Maki aside in his rush. “Where have you been?! I haven’t seen you for a year, Maki!” He landed a firm smack on Maki’s arm, frustration evident.  

Maki winced, rubbing his arm with a sheepish chuckle. “I know, I know. I’ve been helping someone who was injured. He finally recovered.” He hesitated, glancing toward Eustace. “I’d bring him in, but I’m not sure what Mr. Squire’s rule is about animals…”  

Eustace offered a small, amused smile. “He can come in.”  

Relieved, Maki nodded and whistled.  

A small, greyish-blue wolf trotted into the library, his form strikingly petite for a full-grown animal. He moved with quiet confidence, immediately pressing against Maki’s leg in a gesture of familiarity.  

Oscar crouched down, extending a hand toward the creature. “Is that a wolf? Cool! What’s his name?”  

The wolf tilted his head before cautiously stepping forward, sniffing Oscar’s outstretched fingers.  

Maki shrugged. “His name’s Farren. But he’s not just any wolf. I’ve been talking to him through his thoughts, and he keeps saying he’s stuck like this. Won’t tell me anything else, though. He won’t leave me either. Stubborn thing.”  

Farren let out a low growl, not of hostility, but of exasperation, before nudging Oscar’s hand in quiet acceptance.  

Mahou watched the exchange in silence, eyes lingering on the wolf before flicking back to Eustace. There were still lingering thoughts unspoken between them—questions, fears, and everything Mahou had held back. 

As the library filled with quiet conversation and the presence of an unexpected guest, Mahou allowed himself a brief breath of relief.