I cast a hard look at Icarus and Esilea, before slipping into Maximón's office.

As soon as I leave, I hear them shouting again. Sorry Wikolia, but someone has to make sure Esilea doesn't snap the inventor's neck, and make sure Naiomi doesn't do anything stupid. That's something I never thought I'd say to myself.

"Ah, Namonai. I see you completed your task." I turn to Maximón, who is sitting at his desk. His lamps flicker in the darkness, which cannot be good for his eyes. He gestures for me to take a seat.

"I'm good, thanks." I say, holding up my hands. He shrugs and finishes signing a paper. In my experience, you can't flee a room as quickly if you're in a seat—I tend to do a lot of fleeing.

A loud crash sounds from outside, and Maximón raises his eyebrow. He turns to Chin with a small smile. "Would you mind keeping our guests entertained? And also get Baer and Ghelly ready to move back to Naiomi's bar?" Chin beams, kissing Maximón's forehead.

"Oki! You sure you can handle this?" He gestures to the room. Wait, what is there to handle? Besides the money I might be receiving.

"As long as you deal with that," Maximón waves to the club outside his door. Chin nods, and Maximón smacks the small man's tight ass. Chin lets out a little yelp, carrying a pleased grin on his way out. The Immortal then turns his attention to me. There's a different gleam in his eyes than just a moment before.

"You don't need to worry about that," I say, jerking my thumb outside. "I told the Wyvern to watch them, but I guess she took me literally. She kinda...does that," I look down at my boots, then up at the Immortal. "But she'll take care of it."

"Night stalkers tend to be literal." Is his only response.

"How do you know that?" He adjusts his glasses and tie, pouring a drink.

"Want one?" I shake my head and he shrugs, taking a sip. "I'm the main competition to Benson Wolf. You've heard of him, I presume?"

"He's Naiomi's landlord," I respond.

"Interesting," Maximón scribbles something down on a piece of paper. "I was told by Xian that you and your group should meet her employer." He sets a hair pin down on the desk. So they do work. "Which means they should probably be in here for this." The door opens and in wheels Icarus, followed by a disgruntled Esilea, and an expressionless Wikolia.

"Anything else you need, sugar?" Chin asks. My eyes flick from the cuts on Icarus and Esilea's cheeks, to the bruises and blood on Chin's knuckles. Why are the small ones always the scariest?

"This is perfect. Thank you."

"Of course."

"Hey," Chin stops closing the door and peeks his head back in at Maximón's words. "Love you," The Immortal says with a smirk.

"Love you too." Chin blows him a kiss and clicks the door shut.

"I thought I told you to watch them," I whisper to Wikolia.

"I'm wearing a blindfold," she responds, turning to me.

"I know but...wait, you can't see?" She shakes her head. What the...okay. Another question for another time.

"Do you have to take me so literally?"

"No," She straightens, turning her head to the wall behind Maximón. "It's just more fun that way." Despite her neutral expression, I think I heard a smile in her voice.

"Aw, that's cute. You four are adorable." A woman slips out of the darkness behind Maximón's desk, her skin nearly as dark as the shadows. She carries two single-hand swords on her hips underneath her blood red coat. "It's a pleasure to meet you all," She grins, and walks around the Immortal's desk, eyeing us all the while. "My name is Vioda, and I lead The Last Brigade."