***

Noah remained still. The crows shrieked from afar, creating an eerie atmosphere. While Emily stood before Noah, his index finger was picking at his thumb. He tensed up his aquiline nose. In response to the increasing gloomy mood, the crows began shrieking louder. Now, worry replaced the handsome boy's charming smile. Noah knew he had to speak up and explain himself. Despite opening his mouth to speak, he shut it thereafter. Noah had nothing to say.

Shit, I'm such an idiot! How the hell should she respond to that? Maybe I can pass it off as a joke like I always do? No, it's too late for that. But I have to try…

Noah devised a quick plan and put it to the test. A manic laugh erupted from him. He held his stomach, tears formed in the corner of his eyes as he looked up. The laughter stopped. Her expression was serene, something he hadn't seen before. She curled up her blank mouth into a frightening smile. Almost mumbling to herself, she spoke in a hushed voice. Yet, Noah heard it loud and clear.

“Do you have anything to say?” Her eyes turned into crescent moons. With a bone chilling glint, her narrow slit eyes stared at Noah. He gulped at the sight of it.

The fool said, “I-I'm sorry. It was one of my worst jokes. I really apologize.” Noah's expression was pitiful. With both hands clasped in forgiveness, he bowed down. It was unclear how Emily looked, but he was certain it wasn't something he wanted to see.

Shit, shit, shit. I really hope she forgives me. Wait, I'm not in the wrong! That guy is dangerous. I just know it! Yeah, let's just say it was a warning.

He looked up, only to see her horrid smile grow wider, staring down at him. In an instant, his head lowered even further.

Forget it, I'll be lucky if I even get out of here alive.

Just as Noah was about to flop down on the ground, he heard a long sigh. Her pity was evident in her expression when he turned to look at her once again. Her voice returned to normal.

“Alright, alright. As long as you know, that wasn't cool. Let's get out of here.” Hearing that, Noah sprang up with his usual grin.

“Sure, let me walk you.” They strolled back down the path. Noah breathed a sigh of relief as he smiled like an idiot. That was close. I almost blew my chances. I'll try to tell-

After a few moments, Emily spoke in a calm voice. Nevertheless, The words that came out shook Noah to his core.

“Hey, you were serious, right?” Noah turned to his side. Emily was a head shorter than him, so from his angle, he could only see her golden bangs which covered her eyes. It was even more so in the dark of the night.

With two large strides, he turned to face Emily. The blue eyes that mesmerized him the first time he met her were visible through the small gaps in her soft hair. Once again, he wore a stern expression.

“Yes, I was. I'm not sure whether he killed someone, but I know he's dangerous. I'm not telling you to stay away, just watch out.” Noah patted her head. Although his movements were slow, Emily did not shy away from him. She broke away after two pats and began walking away. Noah shook his head before walking alongside her.

On the way back, they were silent. It was quiet, but not uncomfortable. Emily's house was soon in sight. While Noah was still mulling over what to say, Emily spoke up.

“You know how I told you my dream job is to become a lawyer to help my mom? Well, that's not the only reason. I want to find Bryan's dad. He walked out, leaving my mom without any support. I want him and others like him to pay the price. Yet, he's still Bryan's dad. I don't know if Bryan will stop me. If he does, what do I do? I grew up with him, and I don't want to grow further apart than we already are.” As she spoke, her voice cracked. She looked up at the sky.

Noah looked up as well. A moonless night greeted them. While Emily spoke, he remained silent. His trademark smile accompanied his approach to Emily.

“Didn't his dad leave him as well? I'm sure Bryan won't have a problem. In fact, I think he might help. Besides, that's far in the future. You'll cross that bridge when you get there.” Emily looked up at Noah for a few moments before smiling. As she approached the door, she swiveled around to face Noah once more, her ponytail following right behind. Her casual movement gripped his heart tight.

“I had a lot of fun today, we should go again with everyone else.” Emily gave a final wave before entering. After she left, Noah gave a wry smile. He headed back to his house.

With everyone else, huh?

Noah looked up once again, facing the north star that shone with vigor in the blackened sky.

I hope not.

***

***

Emily stepped into the living room. A fresh smile adorned her porcelain face. Lily was sitting on the couch, reading a book. The glasses she wore added to her elegance. Noticing Emily, she looked up and gave a warm smile.

“Hey Emily. How was your day out?” She closed her book and took off her glasses.

“It was great! What about you?” She took off her shoes and sat down on the couch as well.

“Mhm, it was fine. Work was as usual.” Lily massaged her neck a little with her dainty hands. Emily noticed this and spoke in a light tone.

“Maybe you should take a break from work? We can go somewhere, just the two of us?” Lily looked up and smiled back.

“Sure, I can take a few days off work. What about Bryan?”

When his name was mentioned, the two grew quiet. After hearing what Noah said earlier, she decided it was the perfect time to bring it up.

“Hey Mom?” Emily looked apprehensive, speaking quieter than usual.

“Yes?” Lily opened her book once again, reading intently.

“Hasn't Bryan been a bit strange lately?” Lily stopped reading and looked up. She stared at Emily's worry-stricken face and chuckled. Her beautiful mature figure shifted itself upright.

“Since when did you worry about Bryan?” Emily's cheeks became red with embarrassment.

“I-it's not like that!”

Lily gave a knowing smile. Setting the silly escapades aside, she pondered her question seriously.

“Bryan has been acting strange. He seems more like a stranger now.” Lily rested her chin on her hand delicately. “Didn't he also leave on a trip and didn't even say where he was going? Why did you let him leave?” Emily stared at her mother, deciphering the slightest change in her expression. She remembered what happened the morning Bryan left. Lily felt embarrassed thinking about it. Their interaction was… strange to say the least. She thought for a moment before answering back. “I don't know. I want to trust him, but I know he's hiding something. I don't want to intrude on his privacy, so I didn't ask him. Did you notice anything lately?” Lily tucked a lock of her golden hair behind her ear, showing her snow-white nape. “Mhm. I feel he became a bit colder. I know I haven't been the nicest to him. Still, I just hate how he's irresponsible and can't stand up for himself. But he's so different now. I don't know whether he changed for the better or for worse.” Lily scooted closer to Emily and hugged her tight. She stroked her hair, giving rise to melodious humming. Lily spoke in a soothing, gentle voice that eased Emily even more. “When he comes back, how about we go on that trip with Bryan as well? I think it would be a good chance to find out what goes on in that thick head of his.” Emily giggled in response to her mother's words. As she fell asleep in her mother's embrace, she spoke in a low voice. “I wonder where Bryan is right now.” A light snore echoed in Lily's ears. She murmured a reply. “Somewhere safe, I hope.” *** Present Time. It was a nostalgic drive into town for Bryan. After a little more driving, he arrived at their destination under Old Jacob's directions. He hadn't seen much change in the town since he died. It was easy for him to find his way around the town. Despite this, he followed Old Jacob like a bewildered tourist to keep up appearances. Trying to remember where he was, Bryan surveyed his surroundings after getting out of the car. Though it was dark, he could still make out a few details. Both sides of the narrow road he drove on were lined with crude stone walls. Wooden structures, separated by a fair distance, were atop the walls. Pairs of young men stood in the structures with large guns resting on wooden ledges. Their movements indicated they were on patrol, as they switched every so often. Bryan stared at the large building in front of him. There was an branded symbol of a phoenix on the front door, which made it seem like it once belonged to the government. Over time, the symbol rusted, becoming copper in color. Maybe it was the city hall? I don't remember it, though. Actually, where am I? He couldn't recognize anything around him. As he reigned in his curiosity, he waited for Old Jacob. Old Jacob gave a faint smile to the guards, letting them know they were here. A patrol guard gave them the signal to approach the rusted door. Bryan opened the door in trepidation, taking a deep breath. Old Jacob smiled amiably, as if nothing worried him. The inside of the building caught Bryan's attention immediately. It looked like an old cathedral. The ceilings rose, with archways on all sides. A filthy marble floor covered the entire room. It hadn't been cleaned in years. There were rooms lined up side by side on both sides, as if they were living quarters. He was striding light, and yet the sound of his steps echoed through the hall. Two flights of stairs flanked the entrance to the main room. “This way.” Old Jacob led the way into the main room. Before entering after Old Jacob, Bryan glanced at the flight of stairs, noting its location. Bryan noticed a man in his mid-thirties. The spikes of his short gray hair defied gravity. Despite wearing a thick shirt, his muscular body bulged out. Several scars scattered across his face. One in particular, diagonally slashed across his face. In spite of his scars, his eyes had a predatory glimmer to them. He turned to face the front entrance. Seeing Old Jacob and Bryan, he gave a surprised look. Walking over, he hugged Old Jacob. His paws wrapped around the frail man's back, his bones creaking with indignation. Old Jacob rubbed his lower back, pointing towards Bryan. “John. A reporter who wanted to interview you. I know how you don't like them, but this guy's different.” After explaining, Old Jacob turned towards Bryan. “Bryan, this is John, the leader of the Blue Wolves.”