Finally!
Riku wanted to leave immediately, but held back for some reason. Something told him that things might not go as smoothly. He had to take precautions.
He watched Lila and Elara chatting by the window, sharing a piece of fruit, their laughter filling the small, dusty room.
A profound sense of protectiveness washed over him, but it was coupled with a practical thought. This rundown inn, a place of shadows and secrets, had served its purpose. They deserved better. And more importantly, their expanding operation required a more suitable base.
Internally, however, a cold fear still gnawed at him. The laboratory, Malakor… I can't let them anywhere near that. If something happened to them… I wouldn't be able to control myself.
Just the thought was terrifying.
"Lila, Elara," he began, a warm smile on his face, "I've been thinking. We've been through a lot, and this inn, while cozy, isn't exactly a place for long-term recovery. How about a change of scenery?"
