The days preceding the dance were thick with anticipation and grudges against final exams. Cecilia found no problem focusing on studies, the impending dance was pushed to the far corners of her mind only to be reveled in during her moments alone. She felt it was best not to disturb Luki right away. There was something pressing him as well. She could tell that something horrible was haunting him. Then there was news of the assassin being sighted at the library. They all avoided the library and kept tabs on each other.

However, tabs were kept at quite a distance. Antoine and Sebastien did not speak to each other at all. They rarely were together. Brianna kept her distance from Sebastien as well. Cecilia was the only one out of the loop, along with Liz. Everyone but Cecilia was growing depressed. It bothered her, because usually she was the one feeling down.

“How are your final exams going?” Cecilia asked Brianna over dinner.

Brianna looked up from her untouched meal.

“Fine, I guess. I don’t have anything too hard until tomorrow.”

“Need help studying?”

“I’ll be all right.”

“I’m going to be studying with my tutor after dinner since tomorrow is the big math exam.”

“Yeah, okay.”

“Brianna, is something wrong? You aren’t eating and acting all depressed.”

“I am depressed. Things…are just going wrong that’s all.”

Cecilia scooted her chair closer and rested her hand on Brianna’s back.

“I’m sorry to hear that. Still going to the dance right?”

“I don’t know. Maybe it’s not a good idea at all. I mean if the assassin is going to be there and that’s when he’ll strike, maybe we best not go and take the risk,” Brianna bit back tears.

Cecilia was slightly stunned at Brianna suggestion, especially since it came from Brianna. Her friend had waited her whole academic career for this night. This one night that would mean everything for her. Cecilia wanted her friend to be happy, but the idea did make sense. In the frenzy and excitement they had overlooked the obvious option.

What about Luki? He had promised to escort her. He might have bought that suit just for this night. How could she tell him she changed her mind and would not go? Cecilia would not go without Brianna. She could not leave her friend behind on this. If she needed to pay Luki back for the suit, so be it. Brianna came first.

“I think you’re right. But, are you sure? You’ve wanted to go so badly for years and years.”

“I wasn’t expecting to have to worry about an assassin, Ceese. It’s not worth getting killed over.”

Cecilia offered Brianna a tissue for her tears. As grim as it sounded and despite the heart-ache, this would be the best plan.

“I will tell the knights and Luki that we will not go to the dance,” Cecilia stated with a hint of reluctance.

“No,” Brianna cried out. “No, you should go. The assassin doesn’t know who you are, you’re in no danger. Go with your date. Go for me.”

Cecilia wavered. She hated to see Brianna like this. Going for her might be the best thing.

“Are you sure Sebastien will be okay with this?”

“Yes…yes he’ll understand.”

“Okay…I’ll go tell them.”

“What?” Antoine exclaimed at Cecilia’s news.

“Yeah. She thought it might be best and to be honest it would be wise.”

“She is a smart woman,” Sebastien commented softly.

“But…but what about Liz and all those preparations,” Antoine complained.

“I’m sorry, but…” Cecilia was finding it incredibly difficult to argue with Antoine. It was like discussing something with a child. He wanted to go badly, probably just as badly as Brianna. Antoine did have a point about Liz though.

“You’ll have to talk to her,” Cecilia shrugged. She glanced at Sebastien for support.

“What about you and your date? Hm?” Antoine pressed.

“I’m going for Brianna,” Cecilia said, trying to sound disgusted by the idea.

“So you’ll get to go, but not us. Hardly seems fair with everything we’ve done. What about our deal? Our repayment?”

“Antoine. When we made that deal we did not know about the assassin and it was a foolish mistake,” Sebastien cut in.

“This is ridiculous.”

“You’re being ridiculous, Antoine,” Sebastien shouted.

“Is something the matter, boys?” said a cool, smooth voice.

Cecilia’s heart jumped at the sound of it. Luki stood behind her, hands in his pockets, gazing down at the twins.

Sebastien’s face lost all color and Antoine looked equally sick.

“Luki? What are you doing here?”

“I was going to meet you down here for our final study session. Are these your friends, Antoine and Sebastien?” he asked with a friendly smile.

“Oh, oh yes. Yes. Excuse me. Seb, Twon, this is my tutor and escort Luki. Luki, my friends,” she introduced quickly.

“Charmed,” Luki replied extending a hand to them. The two of them stared dumbly at him.

“Lucifer?” Sebastien whispered.

Luki seemed confused and withdrew his hand.

“Have I said something wrong? Or is it my eyes?” he accused darkly.

“You’re the assassin,” Sebastien hissed.

“The what?”

“Don’t play dumb. You’re Lucifer Lux, personal guard to the Baron Peregrine,” Sebastien continued, growing in confidence but still frightened.

“Sebastien!” Cecilia snapped. “He’s Mr. Luke Felix. He’s not the assassin. Wh-why do you think someone is out to kill you? Seriously!”

Cecilia remembered suddenly that Luki knew nothing of this assassin thing.

“Clearly…you two have seen too many movies,” Luki grumbled.

“Yeah, Seb, he can’t be Lucifer. His ears are too small,” Antoine reasoned.

Cecilia for once was thankful Antoine opened his mouth.

“So it would seem. My mistake sir,” Sebastien nodded his apology, but still seemed unconvinced.

“Great, I think we’re done here. See you guys around, okay?” Cecilia waved and walked away. Luki paused and raised an eyebrow at the two.

“You might think about switching to decaf,” he said before following Cecilia.

Sebastien slammed the table, “We have to find Brianna. Cecilia’s date is the assassin.”

“Seb, you sound like a raving lunatic,” Antoine muttered. “He’s probably one of Lucifer’s ancestors or something.”

“Doesn’t it bother you how much time she spends alone with that…man?” Sebastien pushed, debating the proper noun to describe Luki.

“He’s a tutor,” Antoine shrugged.

“Do you honestly think they’re just studying math when she comes out of tutoring with a date?”

Antoine froze in consideration, “That is kind of weird I guess. But Cecilia’s not like other girls. She’d emasculate him before letting anyone touch her. I’ve heard stories.”

Sebastien rolled his eyes, “Either way, I don’t trust that Luki. We should go to the dance to keep an eye on her.”

“What’s this? So eager to protect a lady? Am I becoming a bad influence on you?”

“Stop joking for just two seconds and be serious. The situation has changed. Cecilia’s probably the bait. Let’s talk to Brianna.”

“You sound so eager to talk to her.”

“Antoine, I mean it. Cut that out, it’s not helping,” Sebastien snapped.

“All right, sorry. Didn’t think you were that sensitive.”

During the study session, Cecilia felt awful. How could they accuse Luki like that? He was not an elf. He was a tormented soul. How they had blatantly insulted him was unforgivable. She would not betray Luki.

“Don’t worry about what happened over dinner. Just finish the problems. You’re doing so well.”

Cecilia blushed at the compliment. His praise was everything.

“I really wish they weren’t so rude to you,” she admitted.

“I should be used to it by now,” Luki sighed. ”Although, I am confused as to why they would think I’m an assassin. Who are they?”

Cecilia shook her head.

“Escaped mental patients for sure,” she joked. “They’re from another country and I think they’re afraid of Americans.”

Luki nodded slightly, “They seem very unreasonable, I can understand your frustration with them. You seem to handle the situation very well though. It was very mature of you.”

Her cheeks flushed again and she tried to refocus on her problem sheet.

“Thanks. I better finish this.”

“Of course,” Luki agreed and remained silent.

“Look how lovely the moon looks,” he exclaimed after a moment.

Luki motioned for Cecilia to join him. Shyly, she joined him by the window, giving him plenty of space. Cecilia looked up at the glowing moon with a bright halo around it. The sun was still setting but as soon as it was gone the moon would be more brilliant.

“Don’t be afraid, come closer,” Luki eagerly insisted.

Cecilia stiffened as she obeyed. The close proximity to Luki made her heart race and her mind whirl. It was uncomfortable. If he tried anything he would be sorry, she thought.

“Take my hand, it’s all right,” he continued to persuade her close.

Trembling, she found his hand and wrapped her fingers around it. It was soft and delicate, almost like a lady’s hand save for the toughened texture. She chuckled nervously.

“If you look uncomfortable with me, people will get suspicious. Your friends would be concerned. You know I won’t hurt you,” Luki spoke in a low, tender voice that made Cecilia shiver.

She released his hand and took a step back.

“Sorry, I’m not used to this,” she confessed, staring at her shoes. “It’s too much.”

Luki guided her to a desk and sat her down. His eyes became gentle and fatherly as he picked up both her hands.

“You are a brave woman, Cecilia. Wise beyond your years. You keep your guard up where most girls would let it drop. I don’t want to change that. I don’t want you to feel threatened or scared. I know I could not have you even if I wanted to,” he said.

Cecilia felt tears come unbidden.

“Luki…it’s not like that. Not at all. I like you a lot and you have been kinder to me than any guy has ever had. I just naturally don’t trust men because…because I was given a reason to mistrust them long ago.”

Luki pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to Cecilia. She blew her nose and tried to settle down. She hated crying in front of people. She hated being vulnerable.

Suddenly she found her head cradled against Luki’s shoulder. He was shushing her with his voice, willing her to calm down. The sound of his steady heart-beat soothed her.

“You should get your rest. I’m sorry to have upset you right before your big test.”

“I’ll be all right. Thank you,” Cecilia sniffled. The room felt icy cold when he released her from the embrace.

“I will escort you from the lounge on Friday evening,” Luki said.

Cecilia nodded in consent, gathered her books and slipped away to find rest.

She was putty in his hand. This was too good. He had the knights just where he wanted them. They knew he was here, but were still debating whether or not he was the assassin. Poor, poor Cecilia. Her spirit would break and life would become unbearable. He would have to do her the favor of making it bearable again by ending it. Although she was admirable, she was foolish.

Cecilia was pleased with how her math final had gone. The rest of the week was free until the dance. And those days were filled with interrogations from Antoine and Sebastien about Luki. She was slightly flattered by their concern. It was too late now though.

“Just consider for a second if he was the assassin. Just hear me out and try to understand. He will kill you,” Sebastien explained earnestly. “And our death will be your fault.”

“Thanks for the side serving of guilt,” Cecilia remarked in annoyance.

“Did I ever tell you what the assassin looked like?” Sebastien argued further.

“No, that would have been helpful. But you were too busy fretting to bother to tell us what we were looking for,” Cecilia replied sarcastically smacking her own forehead.

Sebastien grumbled, “He’s a tall, pale elf with long white hair. One eye is blue and the other is gold.”

“You also said, he’s an elf. And according to Antoine, elves have long ears,” she said motioning around her own ears.

“He could have hid them in his pony tail,” Sebastien pressed. “Luki fits the description. If he’s innocent then it’s just unfortunate and I’m sorry. But I can’t afford to take chances. I am a prince.”

“Why don’t you tell me more about this Lucifer fellow and I can better help you,” Cecilia suggested, pulling up a chair for Sebastien.

Sebastien sat down and began.

Friday came sooner than expected. Brianna was caught up in the excitement again. Sebastien and Antoine seemed to have settled their argument. They had agreed on something and when that happened they got along just fine. Cecilia was a little worried that Antoine or Sebastien might try to do something to Luki at the dance.

The bathroom and showers were a mess. Brianna and Cecilia did their best to wake up early for a shower, before the rush. Cecilia prepared her hair for the evening and helped Brianna with hers.

“So, you and Sebastien have made up?” Cecilia asked, pinning Brianna’s hair back.

“What? Oh, yeah. We didn’t have a fight or anything. It’s fine,” Brianna replied skittishly.

Cecilia shrugged. After a time, Liz stopped by to join in the preparations. Conversation became light and frivolous, it was hard to remember that there was still an assassin to worry about.

The day transpired quickly and evening drew near. Gaggles of girls paraded down in prom dresses and skirts to the common area to meet their dates. Liz seemed neutral about the situation, but Brianna and Cecilia had difficulty hiding excitement.

Brianna gasped and sighed at the sight of the knights all trimmed and fitted. She was not going to lie to herself, Sebastien looked handsome. He had even cut his hair like she had suggested. Brianna had forgotten her previous depression as she took her place beside him. Lightly she kissed him on the cheek, not wanting to promote more feelings. Sebastien brushed the kiss aside and offered her his arm.

Antoine and Liz casually greeted each other with a hand-shake, before laughing. Antoine lightly kissed her hand and offered a flower for her dress. Liz took it from him and pinned it on herself. She offered him her arm just as he offered his, so they laughed and walked elbow to elbow.

Cecilia scanned around for Luki. He would not be hard to spot or so she thought. Brianna made Sebastien wait politely for Cecilia and her date. Sebastien bristled apprehensively. Soon he appeared, tall and arrayed in white with a brightly colored violet vest. Delicately he placed a yellow rose in Cecilia’s hair, took her hands and kissed her forehead. Cecilia chuckled and tried to act indifferent towards his affections. The two approached the others confidently and unashamed.

“Shall we go to dinner, sirs?” Luki asked with a slight note of distain.

Antoine nodded with a grin and lead the way. Sebastien followed Luki with an untrusting eye. Luki had braided back his hair and revealed his normal, round ears. Luki smirked.

The atmosphere for dinner was relaxing and amiable. Sebastien remained tense, but he was the only one. Brianna laughed and joked with Luki as comfortably as Cecilia. Antoine made a comment or two. Liz seemed enthralled with Luki’s unique appearance and asked all sorts of pressing questions.

The lights grew dim, signaling the commencement of the dance. Antoine seemed at ease with everything. Sebastien gave his brother reproofing glances as he escorted Brianna. This would be the test. If he was right about Luki, then things were going to get bloody. Sebastien patted the side of his pants where he had slipped in a knife. Antoine had a hidden dagger as well. Although, against Lucifer, they probably would not do much good.

Luki made no open threat nor suggestion that he was interested in being anywhere near the knights. He kept Cecilia away from them as the music played, guiding her across the floor. It would look like a sudden heart-attack had taken them. No one would be the wiser. The difficult part would be not to laugh victoriously and reveal himself.

“Are you feeling all right? Your face keeps twitching,” Cecilia asked over the sound of the song.

“I’m fine. It’s just been so long since I’ve been to a dance. And I keep expecting your friends to do something,” he admitted.

“They won’t”.

“Then why do they both have knives in their pockets? Hm?”

“They what? No way!”

“I saw them,” Luki admitted, looking slightly nervous.

“Why don’t we sit out for awhile?” she suggested, feeling sorry for him.

Luki nodded, “Let’s walk outside. I need some air.”

Cecilia agreed.

Sebastien watched Luki warily, which often caused him to tread on Brianna’s toes.

“Ow!”

“Oh sorry.”

“You don’t have to keep watching them, sheesh. Cecilia’s fine. She’s having a great time. I’ve never seen her so happy.”

Sebastien grunted with dissatisfaction. Brianna tapped his nose.

“Stop being nosey. It’s rude.”

“Let’s stop dancing for a minute. I’m sure your feet hurt by now.”

“Thanks to you,” Brianna giggled. That giggle was melodious.

They sat on the chairs provided at a small table. Brianna sighed and watched couples dance. Sebastien kept an eye on his brother and the other on…Luki! He was gone. Cecilia too. Where were they?

“Where’d Cecilia go?” he asked, just in case he missed her in the crowd.

“I don’t see her,” Brianna admitted.

“I’m going to see how Twon’s doing. I’ll be right back,” Sebastien said and left quickly.

Antoine and Liz had stopped to get drinks. They were not hard to find.

“Have you two seen Cecilia or Luki?”

“No. I wasn’t watching for them.”

“Why not? You-know-who has yet to strike,” Sebastien said through gritted teeth.

“I’ve been careful. Hey, have you seen Father Andy?”

“No. Why?”

“He was going to tell us when our ride was ready,” Antoine said with a wink.

“Oh…oh right! We go home tonight…maybe. We better look for Cecilia, I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”

“Her date is kinda weird,” Liz admitted. “But she could take him out. No sweat. Ceese ain’t dumb and she’s tough as nails. Probably enjoy beating him up.”

Antoine grinned, “See. No worries, Seb. Keep an eye on Brianna okay.”

“Could you dance with her a minute? I’ll be right back. Men’s room,” Sebastien mentioned before walking off.

“Well…hope you don’t mind if I ditch you for a song,” Antoine grinned apologetically.

“I’m good. My ankle’s hurting anyway.”

“Thank you. I shall return soon,” Antoine promised.

“Hey Twon, where’s Seb? Did he find Ceese?”

“Seb’s in the little girl’s room. Haven’t seen Ceese in awhile. Want to dance?”

“Sure, just a song.”

Antoine lead Brianna along, secretly please he stole her from his brother for a moment.

“Don’t you find it weird we haven’t seen the assassin at all?” Brianna asked.

“Not terribly. It’s a rough trip and Sebastien almost died. Lucifer is mortal too, it could have killed him. Or he may not have ended up here at all. Might have gotten lost or something.”

“Do you think Cecilia is safe?”

“Liz was just telling me how she could take out her date if need be,” Antoine reassured.

Brianna smiled beautifully and rested gratefully against Antoine’s chest. His heart fluttered and he rested his cheek against her head.

“The moon is out again. So, bright and lovely,” Luki sighed, Cecilia still clinging to him.

She smiled at his genuine expression. He stared up in wide wonder as if seeing the moon for the first time. Luki looked so innocent and bright. The gentle light of the moon danced off his hair with an unnatural shimmer.

“Feeling better?” she asked.

“Oh yes…very much so. I have been waiting for this night a long time now.”

“Y-you have?” Cecilia asked in confusion.

“I have been preparing for a long time.”

“Y-yeah…we all have.”

“And it’s just turning out so perfectly.”

“It is going very well. Except for…”

“No, no! Don’t be silly. I do not mind your crazy friends. I have been eager to meet them ever since you mentioned them. Although it was a rough introduction, I do not mind in the least.”

Cecilia smiled appreciatively.

“You have been perfect as well,” Luki sighed. “I could not be happier.”

Cecilia was turning bright red.

“I…I’m not that great. I mean…y-you’re a great person too. You are the kindest man I’ve met in a long, long time. You have taught me so much.”

Luki smiled before it broke into laughter. It was an interesting sound. Cecilia felt a bit embarrassed at his reaction.

“Oh, oh dear, dear Cecilia you think too highly of me. It has touched my heart and I remember a time when I was happier. But then I also remember how it was taken away, unjustly and cruelly. You make me want to show you my true self. The one I’ve kept hidden for so long.”

Cecilia shuddered at his words as his voice sounded slightly desperate or drunk. This felt strange and the back of her mind told her to brace herself for a run. He glance at her softly and tilted his head to the side to look at her.

“You look so beautiful,” he said.

That was it. She was gone. Her heart felt ready to burst.

“You are very handsome yourself,” she replied giddily.

Luki glanced up at the moon again for a moment and grinned a cheshire grin. He approached her meaningfully and held out his hands to her. Her instincts were flaring, she became stiff and nervous. Luki held her by the shoulders and gazed down at her from his lofty height.

His eyes danced with an unearthly fire and his pupils had dilated. Cecilia stood slightly afraid.

“What are you doing?” she whispered.

Luki chuckled in reply and suddenly his face seemed to change. His hair came loose from its binding and cascaded about him. Cecilia froze in alarm at the sight of the long pointed ears. Sebastien had been right all along. Her eyes were wide with fright as Lucifer chuckled.

“I think you know what I am doing, Cecilia. Just…make sure you scream very loud,” he chuckled and seized her throat with one hand. In the other hand, he held up his elf-stone and started filling it with energy. With his one hand he hoisted Cecilia off the ground.

Cecilia struggled to breath and calm down. Prayers recited in her head as fast as she could think of them. The elf-stone became bright and Cecilia found her resolve. Her flailing kicks ceased. She seized his wrist and began twisting it so that she could breathe again.

He had lied to her. He had used her feelings and emotions against her. She had trusted him. She had accepted him. He was no different than any other man, elf though he may be. Cecilia gritted her teeth and her nostrils flared.

“Trying to fight, little one?” Lucifer mocked.

Cecilia ignored him, using her anger as her center. Lucifer’s stone grew bright and blinding. Cecilia shut her eyes but could still see the glow and feel its killing heat. With an aimless kick, Cecilia had knocked the stone out of his hand. Lucifer was caught off guard which was all Cecilia needed. He had unintentionally loosened his grip on her throat. She bit down on his hand until he release her completely.

Cecilia rolled on the ground and got to her feet before he could grab her again. Lucifer moved swiftly to seize her again.

“BACK OFF!” Cecilia bellowed with great volume. “GO AWAY! GO AWAY!”

Lucifer was met with an on-slaught of kicks and punches. Each one packed with spite and accompanied with the powerful shouts. He stumbled back and searched for his stone. Cecilia took that as her cue to escape. Lucifer growled like an animal and bolted after her. It was not hard to over-take her and pin her to the ground.

“Get off!” Cecilia pleaded gruffly, under his weight.

“CECILIA! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!” It was Brianna’s shrill voice.

“Well good, I’ll get to kill the lot of you,” Lucifer said keeping Cecilia pinned.

“Silvia would frown upon that wouldn’t she?” Cecilia coughed feeling extra spunky.

Lucifer only pressed her harder into the dirt.

“You won’t have time to plea for your life,” he growled, raising the stone to dash it against her skull.

A knife grazed his hand and the stone fell. Lucifer kept his ground on Cecilia letting the blood drip down the open back of her gown.

“Sebastien, so good to see you. And look your pet brother too,” Lucifer sneered.

“Get away from her,” Antoine roared.

“A royal command. Are you going to try to kill me?” Lucifer teased.

Antoine grew riled and charged forward disregarding his brother’s pleas.

Cecilia somehow had managed to get some sort of leverage and throw Lucifer off her back before Antoine reached them. So he tripped over the bodies.

“Dammit!” Cecilia swore as Antoine unintentionally kicked her in the ribs. She got to her feet and searched for the stone. She found it quickly and ran off with it.

“Chapel! Chapel!” she shouted.

Sebastien understood and raced after her. Antoine followed along with Brianna, giving Lucifer a kick for good measure.

Breathlessly they burst into the empty church and stumbled into pews.

“Okay…so…it’s Lucifer,” Antoine forced a laugh. “We’re dead. We are so dead. Won’t be anything to bury.”

Cecilia choked on a sob and continued staggering on.

“Father Andy!” she wailed.

“Father Andy, Father Andy,” came Lucifer’s mocking voice.

Sebastien stepped in front of Brianna protectively and Antoine braced himself for an attack.

“I had this so well planned. Now they’re ruined. And that makes me angry. Very, very angry,” he growled in a voice that did not match him. Steam curled off his bare arms and his eyes darken. His laugh echoed hollow in defiance of the powers within the church.

Antoine was shaking as he gripped his small knife.

“Get Bree out of her, I’ll hold him,” he muttered to Sebastien.

Sebastien was about to protest but Antoine had steeled himself.

“I wanted to kill you first anyway,” Lucifer said, cracking his knuckles. “I want your brother to hear your screams.”

Sebastien backed Brianna away. There was a chance to go through the door, but at the cost of Antoine’s life. Brianna sobbed helplessly behind him. Lucifer met with Antoine in a struggle. It would not last long, so Sebastien herded Brianna away to find somewhere to hide her. Where was Cecilia again?

Spots danced before Antoine’s eyes as Lucifer’s illuminated form cut off his air supply. He struggled desperately under the elf’s weight. Lucifer’s knee was pressed firmly into his ribs, slowly and painfully crushing them. Every bone in his body felt like glass, cracking under an enormous pressure. He was going to be shattered completely. Antoine squawked a few times which brought a round of harsh insults and laughter from Lucifer.

God…keep my brother safe, Antoine silently prayed. And if it’s not too much trouble…I could use some help.

As if on cue, air returned to his lungs and the screams he heard were not his own. A bright light stood over him, bright as the sun. Lucifer was crying out threateningly to another figure. The dark figure spoke in a language Antoine did not recognize. The light faded and the figure became Father Andrew clutching the elf-stone. The priest sighed as if tired and wiped his brow.

“It is all right now. You are safe and can go home now,” he smiled, offering a hand to help Antoine up.

Antoine looked desperately about him and found Lucifer collapsed against the church doors, with red and blue light splashed on him from the stained-glass.

“You killed him!” Antoine gasped. “You’re a priest!”

“He’s not dead,” Father Andrew said, patting Antoine’s back assuredly. “It will be awhile before he wakes though. Might as well send him back with you two.”

“What! Are you devoid of reason? He tried to kill us.”

“Lucifer…the one I remember was a peaceful, loving elf who would rather hurt himself than hurt another,” Father Andrew replied. “Cecilia caught him. He was an elf possessed. I can’t believe she noticed that he was suffering torment from a demon. What a missionary she would make!”

“You’re joking. You’re just going to let him go after he attempted to assassinate us.”

“I think you will find that when he wakes again, he will be more amiable towards you and offer to help your kingdom. He will never forgive himself for this, I know. Poor Silvia will be glad to see him back though. Come on, Antoine. Help me out here, the bloke is not that light.”

“You think for an “Elf of Light” he would be,” Antoine smirked and bent to help.

“To the baptismal font,” Father Andrew ordered.

The others were there waiting for them. Cecilia looked wilted and messy. Her face was smeared with mud, dirt and blood. Antoine thought she looked like a soldier returned from the battlefield. Her eyes were empty and ashamed.

“This is it,” Father Andrew sighed, setting the unconscious elf down.

“We’re going home,” Sebastien smiled for the first time in a long while.

“Then, it’s time to say good-bye,” Brianna moped.

“I’ll give you four a minute alone,” Father Andrew said. “And don’t worry. I doubt Lucifer will be up for a couple of hours or days even.”

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