Chapter 9: 6

CHAPTER 6

EYES CAN'T LIE

No one's POV

"Are you sure we're going to do this?"

"Yes" Skyler answered emotionlessly and entered the Araneta Coliseum.

Elowen followed closely behind her, feeling a flutter of nervousness.

As they moved through the bustling crowd, the energy in the air was palpable.

Fans were cheering and chanting, eager for the highly anticipated basketball game to start.

The two women scanned the sea of spectators and found a pair of seats with a good view of the court.

They settled in, taking in the sight of the excited crowd.

Skyler's eyes were sharp and focused, continuously sweeping across the arena as if she were on high alert.

Despite the throng of people, the women managed to position themselves near the players' bleachers.

Skyler handed Elowen a seat with a commanding gesture.

"Here, take this side," Skyler said, directing Elowen to sit first. After Elowen sat down, Skyler removed her blazer and draped it over Elowen's legs, which were exposed due to her short shorts.

The simple act was meant to shield Elowen from prying eyes, but it also carried a silent message of protectiveness and care.

Elowen's heart skipped a beat at the gesture.

She looked up at Skyler with a soft expression, feeling both gratitude and affection.

"Thank you" Elowen whispered, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush.

Skyler, however, was too engrossed in scanning the crowd to hear her.

Skyler's intense gaze roamed the stands, searching for something or someone.

She sat down next to Elowen with a heavy sigh, her jaw clenched and fists tight.

Elowen sensed the tension radiating from Skyler and felt a pang of worry.

The two women waited quietly until the basketball players finally entered the court, causing the arena to erupt with excitement.

The focus of Skyler's attention was a single player wearing a yellow jersey, with the name "Alcantara 23" emblazoned on it.

It was Liam Alcantara, the famous Lakers basketball player.

Elowen smiled at the sight, knowing that the number 23 was her sister's birth date.

"You know what to do, right?" Skyler asked, her eyes still fixed on Liam.

Elowen, though nervous and unsure about their plan, nodded.

She loved the detective and would do anything for her.

"I know... Just enjoy the game," Elowen replied, trying to reassure Skyler.

She reached out to hold Skyler's hand, but the detective pulled away and clasped her own hands together instead.

Elowen's touch lingered in the air, a small moment of tenderness that was left unreciprocated.

As the players settled into their bleachers, Liam noticed Elowen immediately.

"Elowen, nandito ka Pala!" he exclaimed happily, a wide smile spreading across his face.

"Ate Azara sent me. I'm her substitute watcher to make sure you don't flirt with other girls," Elowen lied effortlessly, giving Liam a peck on the cheek.

Her casual demeanor hid the underlying tension of their mission.

Liam laughed and easily believed her, knowing how possessive Azara Cameron could be.

"Me, look for other girls? No way, I'm lucky to have her," Liam said with a wide grin.

"Yeah, I know. Good luck with the game," Elowen responded, her voice cheerful.

Their conversation was cut short as the game was about to begin.

The game started with intense action.

Skyler kept taking photos of Alcantara, her camera capturing his every move.

When she gave Elowen a signal, they initiated their plan.

"Coach Ricky?" Elowen tapped the Lakers' coach on the shoulder.

The man turned around with a grumpy expression, but his face lit up upon seeing Elowen.

"Ms. Cameron, I didn't expect you to be here," Coach Ricky said, delighted.

Elowen smiled and removed the blazer covering her legs, causing the coach to glance down.

Skyler observed the coach's shifting demeanor with a critical eye.

"Men are really such creeps," Skyler muttered to herself, watching as Elowen subtly charmed him with her body language and soft-spoken words.

"I heard Player 23 uses a rubber ball to sharpen his jawline. Can you do me a favor and take it out of his bag? I want a sharp jaw too," Elowen asked softly, licking and biting her bottom lip.

She leaned closer to the coach, her voice a low, persuasive purr.

"I-I can't, they'll think I'm stealing," the coach stammered, clearly flustered.

"Pretty please," Elowen said in an even softer voice, her eyes pleading.

Skyler watched as the coach easily gave in, his resistance crumbling under Elowen's charm.

He discreetly approached Liam's bag, took out the rubber ball, and handed it to Elowen.

"Thank you so much, Coach Ricky," Elowen said, blowing him a kiss, which made Skyler grit her teeth in irritation.

As the coach turned back to the game, Skyler shot Elowen a look of annoyance.

Elowen, now looking lovingly at Skyler, gingerly held the rubber ball between her fingers.

She felt a pang of guilt, seeing how much the ruse had affected Skyler.

Skyler wrapped the ball in a ziplock bag and secretly tucked it into her trouser pocket.

She then placed her blazer back over Elowen's legs and focused on the game, her heavy breathing indicating her irritation.

Though she wouldn't admit it, she was jealous of what had transpired.

However, she couldn't blame Elowen since it was their plan, and Elowen had simply followed her lead.

Before the game ended, Skyler decided to leave.

"We should go," she said curtly, standing up.

Elowen wanted to stay but followed because they had come in one car.

In the parking lot, Skyler took Elowen's car keys and moodily got into the driver's seat.

Elowen frowned but got into the passenger seat. Noticing Skyler's irritated expression, she spoke up.

"Is there a problem?" Elowen asked, seeing Skyler put on her badge and ID.

Skyler shook her head, not looking at her.

"I feel like we have a problem. You're not in your usual mood, and I can feel it. Let's talk about it; I don't want my favorite artwork to be unhappy," Elowen said sweetly, turning to face Skyler, who ignored her.

"There's nothing to talk about, Elowen," Skyler said, sighing.

Elowen disliked the sigh, knowing it meant Skyler was very annoyed.

Elowen bravely moved closer, holding Skyler's face and gently turning it towards her.

"Tell me what's wrong, Skyler. You're obviously not in the mood," she said softly, smiling.

Skyler scanned Elowen's face, feeling her warm breath due to their close proximity.

In the confined space of the Lamborghini, an unexpected tension built between them.

Skyler felt a temptation but controlled herself.

"Nothing, I'm just happy we completed our mission. Now, let's head to the hospital." Skyler said, forcing a smile.

She lowered Elowen's hand, adjusted her seat, and started the car.

Elowen felt sad but hid it, understanding that Skyler's demeanor was because of their plan.

"Why do you even need Liam's DNA anyway?" She asked, looking away from the Detective.

"Para patunayang anak siya ni Red Bull"

"Paano kung anak nga siya ng psychopath na 'yon? What would you do?"

"Kill him. If he turns out to be that Psychopath bitch's son, I'll kill him. Because a psychopath will always have a psychopath child. Nasa genetics nila iyon."

"I understand you, but what if he's not really the killer? What evidence do you have to suspect him right away?" Elowen asked again as Skyler began to drive toward the Infinitech Center.

"All the signs point to him. 6'5, those huge shoe prints, the deep voice, and let me remind you that he attended your celebration event for Seyren even though he wasn't invited. I covered for him and lied to my team because I wasn't sure if he was the killer. But once I get enough evidence, I'll blow his head off," Skyler said, gripping the steering wheel so tightly her knuckles turned white.

Elowen could feel the intensity radiating from Skyler.

She knew how focused and relentless Skyler could be when she was on a case.

Her passion for justice was one of the things that drew Elowen to her, but it was also what worried her the most.

"Look. Psychopath's genetics are strong, Elowen. Alam mo naman na siguro ang History ni Red Bull. He's the son of the psycho killer back in world war 2, nag-anak siya ng isa ring Psychopath and the history repeats again. My mother was one of his victim, okay? Sana maintindihan mo kung anong pinanggagalingan ko." Saad ni Skyler na para bang nagpapaawa.

"I understand you," Elowen said, taking Skyler's hand again.

This time, Skyler didn't let go; instead, she tightened her grip, feeling a warm sense of reassurance.

As she drove, she couldn't help but smile. In Skyler's mind, she had once again managed to convince Elowen to see things from her perspective.

Skyler loved moments like this. She didn't just want understanding from people; she wanted their support, their allegiance.

When they arrived at the Infinitech Center, Skyler handed over the DNA samples she had collected.

Two ziplock bags: one containing the rubber ball and the other holding a blood sample from the jail.

As she was speaking to a staff member, her phone buzzed with a message from her fellow detective.

From: Detective Valencia

Detective Skyler, we have a bad news. We've found the bodies of a priest and a nun in an old church in Laguna. The killer left behind a finger and a ring, and the DNA matches Mr. Kim and Mr. Alvarez. We need you back at headquarters. The media is swarming outside.

Skyler's expression darkened as she read the message.

"Fucking hell"

---

Seyren's POV

"Breaking news! Naalarma ang buong tao sa Laguna nang makatagpo ng dalawang bangkay ng isang Pari at Nun sa lumang simbahan. Natagpuan nila itong sunog ang katawan at nakapwesto sa mismong altar. Ayon sa pulisya ay natagpuan rin nila ang singsing na pag-mamay-ari raw di umano ng biktimang si Mr Kim Legazpi at daliri na nawawala raw kay Mr Alvarez. Matatandaang mayroong sumukong kriminal at umaming siya ang pumatay sa nasabing si Mr Kim-" my head throbs at the sight.

I looked to my side and saw Neome holding a remote and a bowl of strawberries with Nutella. She must have been the one who turned off the TV, and I was immensely grateful because I couldn't afford to have a headache tonight.

I went to her place after my shift. I had told Ate Elowen that I would be staying over at my friend's house.

"Why are you even watching that? It's only going to stress you out more," Neome's voice was filled with concern. She sat next to me and offered me a strawberry. I took one and bit into it.

I rested my head on her shoulder, trying to calm myself.

"This is so insane. We thought we had solved Mr. Legazpi's case, but the killer just proved how foolish we were to believe a man who claimed to be the criminal." My voice was sad, enough to convey how I felt.

"You're not fools, okay? It's just that people like that are hard to deal with." I shook my head at Neome's words.

"I feel useless. I haven't been able to help at all since I became a detective. I haven't solved a single case because this is my first one." I sighed deeply.

I straightened up and faced Neome.

"What if I just quit? I'll retire early; I can't stomach attending another victim's funeral." I said.

Neome shook her head, placed the bowl on the glass table, and cupped my cheeks.

She stared into my eyes, and I could see the empathy she felt for me. Her pupils even dilated.

"Get it together, Seyren. Just because it's hard doesn't mean you should quit your job. This is your dream, right? You worked hard to get here, and now that you have it, you should cherish it." My shoulders slumped.

"How can I cherish it when I can't even do my job properly?" I replied.

"This is just a challenge, Seyren. You'll solve it. Trust yourself like I trust you," she said softly and smiled warmly.

"You trust me?" My eyes roamed her face, reading her body language. Neome nodded, and I smiled.

"Thank you... Thank you for your trust." She rolled her eyes at me and adjusted her position.

"Why wouldn't I trust you? You're my best friend. I trust you the most. Now, let's just watch a movie on Netflix." She suggested.

My face lit up, and I also adjusted my position.

Neome decided to watch a movie about a psycho killer.

It was a horror film, and the main character was played by none other than Azara.

I read not only the actress's body language but also the subtitles at the bottom, even though I understood English.

When it got to the sad part, I started crying, and Neome laughed at me.

"Come on, you're a detective but you're such a crybaby," she teased, handing me a handkerchief. I wiped the tears that continued to fall onto my lap.

"How can you not cry when she killed the dog? I'm a fur mommy, after all," I said, stuffing a strawberry into my mouth.

"You have such a soft heart," she remarked, and I shook my head.

"No, I just feel bad for the dog," I hiccuped, which made Neome laugh even harder.

She almost fell off the couch from laughing so much. I glared at her and pouted.

"Why are you laughing at me?"

"You're just so into it; it's just a movie. Hold on, I'll get you some water. Stop crying already." She laughed as she left the living room.

I kept my eyes on the TV while wiping away my tears.

Bakit kasi pinatay iyong aso?

Sino bang director niyan?

"Oh tubig, palamig ka muna"

Neome quickly returned with a glass of water. I drank half of it, feeling slightly better.

"Tsk, you don't even know how to wipe your tears properly. Give it here," she said, sounding irritated as she took the handkerchief from my hand and gently wiped my tears away.

I let her do it because I was starting to feel exhausted.

"Don't be too soft-hearted, Seyren. People can take advantage of you if you're like this. Don't show them or let them know you're soft," she said, her voice firm. I frowned at her words.

"What do you mean?" I asked, genuinely confused.

"What I mean is, sometimes you have to harden your heart. Wrap it in ice if you must. There are a lot of people out there who will try to deceive you."

I mulled over her words, trying to understand the deeper meaning.

"Neome, do you really think I'm too soft?" I asked.

She sighed and sat down beside me, her expression softening.

"I just worry about you, Seyren. Your kindness is one of your best qualities, but in this world with brimming uncertainty and cruelty, it can also be a weakness. You need to protect yourself." I nodded.

"Protect from people who will deceive me?"

"Yes. Dahil maraming tao ang hindi mo mapapagkatiwalaan ngayon."

She's right.

"But only protect yourself when you're not with me. Kapag kasama mo ako, I'll protect you and this heart of yours" she pointed at my heart, looking at me with her eyes softened.

I just smiled as she slowly poke my chest. Gently holding her hand and pressing it right where she could feel my heart.

"Protect it then." I smiled as I spoke, and she met my gaze again, our eyes locking in a silent exchange of emotions.

There was a mix of longing, softness, and anticipation in her eyes.

She faced me directly and even knelt on the couch, closing the distance between us.

She approached me slowly, the tension in the air palpable, as if the temperature around us was rising.

Her movements were deliberate, and I felt a charge in the atmosphere, a sense of heat and urgency.

She kept coming closer, her eyes darting between my eyes and my lips, each glance intensifying the electric connection between us.

When our faces were almost touching, she closed her eyes, as if reaching out to claim my lips in a kiss.

I stood up abruptly, evading whatever she had intended.

The sudden movement was driven by a mix of instinct and confusion, a need to distance myself from the emotional precipice we were teetering on.

"I need to go to sleep. I have an early start tomorrow," I said, glancing over my shoulder.

I saw her looking up at me with a mix of surprise and disappointment, her expression a mirror of the confusion I felt.

"Goodnight, Neome," I added softly, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head before walking towards the guest room, my heart pounding with a mix of regret and relief.

The next morning, I woke up early, preparing for the day ahead.

I made sure Neome wouldn't be left without breakfast, so I picked up a meal from Jollibee: chicken, rice, and fries.

I also left a note explaining my departure, a small gesture to soften the abrupt end to our previous night.

Upon arriving at headquarters, the usual chaos greeted me.

I approached my desk while Detective Skyler was already addressing the team.

Her voice was authoritative, cutting through the noise of the office.

"We have a missing person case and three murder cases. We're swamped, so I need everyone to pull together. Some will stay behind to handle reports and other paperwork, while the rest will be working outside, searching the entire country if necessary." Her tone was firm, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

She continued with additional instructions before dismissing the meeting.

Detective Skyler then called Detective Guerrero into her office.

Despite the prohibition against eavesdropping, I couldn't help but listen.

The two detectives often worked closely on cases like this, and their dynamic was one I was curious to observe, especially given their current struggle.

"I suggest we involve Detective Valencia in our mission to ensure we have additional support. Clearly, this is the work of a psychopath. The more alliances we have, the better," Detective Skyler proposed.

Her words caused me to frown in concern.

When Detective Skyler mentioned wanting to call me in, I quickly returned to my desk, pretending to be absorbed in my work.

I felt a mixture of anxiety and curiosity about what was to come.

"Detective Valencia, please come over here," Detective Guerrero's voice was cold, though it was subtle enough not to be immediately noticeable.

My keen senses picked up on the slight tension.

I stood up and entered their office.

Detective Guerrero shut the door behind me, locking it with a deliberate click.

"What can I do for you?" I asked with a tone of respect, trying to mask my apprehension.

"Sit down, Seyren," Detective Guerrero instructed.

The use of my first name made me uneasy. I settled onto the couch, keeping my hands firmly on my knees.

Both detectives stood before me, their expressions a blend of concern and determination.

Their combined presence was imposing, adding weight to the conversation that was about to unfold.

"How do I put this... Uhm... Do you enjoy watching basketball games?" Detective Guerrero's question seemed oddly casual amidst the seriousness of the moment.

I shook my head, unsure of its relevance.

"Let me be direct, Seyren. Do you remember our discussion about the psychopath I mentioned?" Detective Skyler's tone was serious as she looked me in the eye.

I nodded, bracing myself for what was to come.

"Didn't I tell you that such individuals live in a world devoid of emotion and can blend in with people seamlessly, appearing perfectly normal?" Detective Skyler continued.

I nodded again, the gravity of her words sinking in.

"Well... I think you've just encountered a psychopath. It's still just a suspicion for now," Detective Skyler revealed.

My eyes widened in shock, and I instinctively covered my mouth, struggling to process the revelation.

"What?!" My voice rose, the shock rendering me momentarily breathless.

It felt as if the oxygen had been knocked out of my lungs.

"Calm down. It's only a suspicion at this stage, okay? But if I manage to gather proof, I need you to observe him closely," Detective Skyler said, trying to reassure me.

"Him?! Who are you referring to?" My eyes widened even further, a mixture of fear and confusion overtaking me.

Detective Skyler pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration, while Detective Guerrero looked at her with a pleading expression, silently asking her to be gentle with me.

"Hold on, Detective Skyler. Remember, Seyren has a weak heart," Detective Guerrero said, his voice tinged with concern.

He was right, both in the literal and metaphorical sense.

My heart is unusually weak, beating slower than that of an average person, making the situation even more overwhelming.

"No, just tell me. I can handle it," I insisted, trying to steady myself and appear ready for whatever was coming next.

"Are you sure you can handle it?"

"Yes."

"I suspect that Liam Alcantara is the son of Red Bull. Do you know who Red Bull is? It's Verick Lim Jeon," Detective Skyler stated.

The name hit me like a thunderbolt, and my mind went blank.

"V-Verick J-Jeon? The Korean actor from the 90s?" I stuttered, and both detectives nodded in confirmation.

"I-I've been idolizing a psychopath?" The realization was overwhelming.

My shoulders slumped, and I felt as if all the air had been sucked out of my lungs.

"Why wasn't he introduced to the public? People still idolize him to this day."

"To protect his relatives in Korea who are unaware of his true nature," Detective Guerrero explained.

I nodded, absorbing the gravity of this information.

Detective Skyler continued to elaborate on her findings, explaining how she came to suspect Liam was also connected to the psychopath.

The pieces of the puzzle I had collected about the killer began to align, revealing a clearer picture of the dangerous individual we were dealing with.

"Psychopaths tend to proliferate when they have children. There is a 99.9% probability that the child of a psychopath will also become a psychopath. So if I can provide proof that Liam is indeed a psychopath, I want you to keep him under close observation," Detective Skyler said.

I nodded as she spoke, absorbing the gravity of her words.

She continued explaining in detail, and I strained to fully grasp everything she was saying.

The information was overwhelming, and by the end of her explanation, I felt drained and disoriented.

I sat in stunned silence on the couch for several minutes, trying to process the enormity of what I had just learned.

My mind was racing, and the weight of the situation left me feeling emotionally exhausted.

Eventually, I pulled myself together and returned to my work, the reality of the task ahead settling heavily on my shoulders.

That evening, I got home earlier than usual.

I made a conscious effort to adjust my demeanor, trying to mask the stress that had accumulated from the day's work.

My goal was to ensure that Elowen wouldn't pick up on my anxiety.

As I approached the house, I noticed Liam's car parked outside, which immediately brought Detective Skyler's words back to the forefront of my mind.

The memory of her stern warning about psychopaths echoed vividly in my thoughts.

"Psychopaths don't have any real emotions; they can mimic them, but their eyes are always hollow, like a void," her voice resonated ominously in my head.

When I stepped into the living room, the sight that greeted me was unsettling.

Azara was perched on Liam's lap, feeding him strawberries with an intimate familiarity.

The scene was jarring, a stark contrast to the tension I had been feeling.

As soon as our eyes met, Azara's gaze locked with mine.

We held eye contact for a few seconds that felt much longer, a silent standoff filled with unspoken words.

Azara quickly composed herself, standing up and adjusting her posture as if to assert her space.

Liam looked confused but followed suit, shifting his position slightly.

"Good evening," Liam greeted, his voice carrying a note of warmth.

His smile was genuine, but I couldn't help but notice a hint of unease in his eyes as he tried to bridge the awkwardness.

I returned his smile, trying to mirror his friendliness.

As our eyes met, however, I found myself scrutinizing his expression more closely.

The smile that had been there began to wane, replaced by a shared understanding of discomfort.

"Stop staring at my boyfriend, creep," Azara interjected sharply, breaking the moment.

I blinked in surprise, feeling a sudden, soft yet painful impact on my forehead.

I realized that Azara had thrown a strawberry at me.

My initial reaction was one of disbelief, but as I looked at her, she averted her gaze quickly, avoiding any further confrontation.

"Aw, are you jealous now? She's not doing anything. Selos ka naman agad e." Liam said, trying to downplay the situation.

He reached out to embrace Azara, but she recoiled and pushed him away, her actions clearly demonstrating her irritation.

Azara threw a glance in my direction, but I chose to look away.

Their presence was uncomfortable, and I found myself wanting to distance myself from the scene.

I walked away, heading up the stairs with a sense of urgency.

Before I could reach the second floor, I glanced back over my shoulder, my gaze inadvertently meeting those piercing ocean-blue eyes once more.

The intensity of her stare added to my unease, making me question the unsettling reality of the situation.

I finally reached my room and closed the door behind me.

The day's events had left me feeling disoriented and emotionally drained.

I need to take a bath.

---

No one's POV

"I'm going to the bathroom, don't you dare follow me." Azara warned her boyfriend before she walked away and left Liam alone.

Unbeknownst to them, a pair of brown eyes watched them from a distance, concealed behind the shadows.

Elowen had been observing their movements ever since Seyren arrived home.

"Liam... Liam... Liam," she whispered the name repeatedly, her voice soft and contemplative, like an angel calling out to a fellow celestial being.

From her hidden vantage point behind a wall, Elowen watched her sister ascend the stairs to the second floor.

Her gaze lingered on Azara for a moment, then shifted back to the young man left alone in the living room.

"Who really are you, Liam?" Elowen mumbled, having her suspicion.

It was clear that Liam was uneasy being by himself.

His eyes darted around the room nervously, constantly glancing toward the stairs as if expecting someone to come down at any moment.

Feeling the tension, Liam stood up and moved hesitantly toward the staircase, his steps tentative.

He seemed to be debating whether to go up or stay put.

After a moment of indecision, he decided to remain in his seat, though his restlessness was palpable.

Several minutes passed, feeling like an eternity to both Liam and Elowen, before Seyren finally reappeared.

She was dressed in a fitted shirt and black sweatpants, her usual choice of pajamas.

The outfit accentuated her small waist, broad chest, muscular arms, and broad shoulders.

Her wet, tousled hair added to her appeal, making her look even more attractive.

The young maids couldn't help but steal glances at her as she walked by, their admiration evident in their eyes.

What puzzled Elowen, however, was the way Seyren walked with a slight limp, holding her waist as she moved.

It was unusual and immediately caught her attention.

As Seyren passed by the doorway to the dining room, her eyes met Elowen's.

There was a moment of silent communication between the siblings, a mix of concern and curiosity in their gaze.

"Anong ginagawa mo dito?" Seyren asked her sister, her voice tinged with mild surprise.

"Nothing much. Why do you look like you're struggling to walk?" Elowen inquired, noticing the discomfort in her gait and the way she favored her side.

Seyren smiled, though it was a shy, embarrassed smile.

"I slipped in the bathroom," she explained, her cheeks flushing slightly.

Elowen chuckled softly at her younger sibling's explanation, her eyes catching the sight of her reddened elbow.

The bruising confirmed her story, making her laugh a little more genuine.

"Put some ice on your elbow," Elowen advised, her tone caring yet slightly amused.

Seyren nodded appreciatively and headed straight to the kitchen to follow her advice.

Elowen turned her attention back to the living room, where Liam still sat.

Her eyes widened in surprise as she saw Azara descending the stairs.

Azara had changed her clothes and removed all her makeup, presenting a rare, bare-faced look.

"She took off her makeup? Is she that comfortable with Liam now?" Elowen thought incredulously.

She knew her sister well.

Azara was meticulous about her appearance and never showed her bare face to anyone, not even to her closest friends.

It was shocking to see her sister without any makeup on, and it raised questions in Elowen's mind about the depth of Azara's relationship with Liam.

Azara's behavior seemed to signal a level of trust and intimacy that was unusual for her.

Azara returned to Liam's side. Without a hint of shame, she sat on his lap and began to kiss him aggressively.

They shared a heated make-out session that Elowen couldn't bear to watch.

She left the living room and went to the kitchen, where she found Seyren staring silently into space while sipping her favorite drink.

"Let me do that," Elowen volunteered, approaching her younger sister and gently applying ice to Seyren's bruised elbow.

"You're so clumsy, and still so innocent. Are you sure you were really a police officer once?" Elowen teased.

"Of course. You even saw me patrolling at night before" Seyren pouted and nodded.

Elowen gazed into Seyren's eyes, scrutinizing them.

"I love your charcoal eyes."

"Why? Because it's hollow like a void?"

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