---

---

My dad seems to be interested as he looks through the photos Cass has. "What do you think dad; a Wu son and father tattoo?"

Thinking, he nods slowly. "As long as it's my future daughter-in-law doing it, I'm in. Now excuse me, I have to go over just a couple more things with the feng shui master. Thank you both again for being here." I watch him for a moment before I turn to Caden and Cass, grinning.

"Well, that's taken care of now." I tell them happily and then notice that my friend Jane has arrived now. "Let me know if either of you need anything." I say before walking away to greet others.

---

---

---

---

I smile, shaking my head when I get called the daughter-in-law again. I put my phone away, double checking it's on silent, when Mr. Wu and Nic excuses themselves.

I hold onto Caden's arm again, looking over the venue. I'm glad the flowers turned out so well. They really helped bring everything together. I smile and nudge Caden to walk forward. I glance back, looking for Nic. I find him hugging, smiling, and laughing with another girl. I stop suddenly, yanking Caden to a stand still beside me.

---

---

---

---

I’m not really paying attention when all of a sudden I'm yanked back. I clear my throat and adjust myself. I look at Cassiopeia, frowning. She's staring intently in one direction, and I follow her gaze to see Nic with some of his friends. I see Cassie's problem and smirk.

”Should we head inside?”

”Yes, yes,” she says but we don't move. My smirk broadens into a grin and I lean down.

”Want me to tell you what they are saying?”

Cassi snaps her focus back to me. Her face flushes and she looks away, watching Nic again. ”What? No… no of course not.”

I chuckle lightly and pat her arm. ”Come along.” I pull her inside, so we can find seats for the service.

---

---

I pull away from Jane's hug and we hold hands for a second while we talk. "Did you see the photo I posted to Instagram?" I ask, grinning evilly. Jane snatches one of her hands back to smack me on the chest. I laugh freely,a snatching the hand so she can't do it again. "I'll take that as a yes. Where's Kat?" I ask her, peering over her to see if I can spot her girlfriend.

"She's working right now but told me to give you a hug." She fought off my hands so she could hug me again and I hold her there for a minute as I try not to cry. Jane had been with me since pre-med and while she's continued on to become a doctor, we still supported each other and managed to work at the same hospital together. If anyone was the reason I could still go on after Kiki, it would be Jane. I rub her back a little before patting it and she steps back. She isn't able to hold back her tears. I try to pull her back in a hug but she smacks my hands away. "I'm going to get makeup all over your shirt and then your mom's gonna back to haunt me." It isn't meant in a rude way - her sense of humor has always been a bit dark, and in this moment it makes me laugh.

In a teasing tone, I respond, "I'm telling Kat about that comment."

"No! Now her mom is gonna haunt me too!|" Despite her effort to swat me away, I put an arm around Jane anyway as I walk her inside, both of us laughing. She would be sitting with us in the row reserved for family.

---

---

---

---

I try not to fidget in my seat. I pull a mint out of my bag and offer one to Caden. I pop mine into my mouth and roll it around and around to keep me busy. I smile as people walk by or join us, making small talk — until Nic walks in.

I had seen him and the girl he was holding hands with and been rather flirty. She was even there to comfort him, and now they were walking in together and she was sitting up front with Nic and the rest of the family. She was clearly important. I knew when Nic kissed me it had meant nothing… It was just his way of saying thank you. Both Nic and his father were flirty like that.

---

---

---

---

I tap my fingers on Cassi’s leg while we wait for the service to start. I check my watch. It's only been an a little over an hour, but I already miss Nero. It's strange for me, but I have become quite fond of them.

Cassi's energy shifts beside me and I look at her. She's staring ahead intently, her eyes moving as they track Nic walking with his friend to the front of the hall. I pat Cassi’s leg.

”Down girl.”

She smacks my arm and then smiles apologetically at the people beside us who look over alarmed. ”I just don't know why he didn't say anything about her,” she whispers in anger.

”Probably because it's just a friend. Like we are,” I remind her.

She snorts and rolls her eyes. ”What do you know?” she grumbles.

I chuckle and shake my head. Poor Nic. He was certainly going to have his hands full. Perhaps I should have given him better warning.

---

---

Using the small of her back, I usher Jane into our row and my dad gives her a big hug and it's not long before the three of us are all blubbering. We try to keep things light and joke with each other, but we end up with tears streaming down our faces and weird smiles. The service is starting, my dad and I are ushered to our places as incense is lit.

The service goes well, anyone who spoke tried to keep it lighthearted, something my mother would have loved to see. Since the chapel is on grounds, we are already at the cemetery. We're led to a small hill where my sister had been buried in 2015. Jane is already sobbing before we make it to the grave site and I'm holding her, trying to console her and ignore that I want to start sobbing too. This was the hard part for Kiki's funeral and I'm sure it hasn't gotten easier in the last 9 years. Kiki's small gravestone is decorated with fresh flowers, matching the rest that Cass had gotten for the service. There are a few more words said before we're directed to turn our backs to the grave site as my mom is lowered.

I loose it then, after we turn away, and a clamp my hand over my mouth as each sob wracks me. I almost trip turning my back, my dad and Jane have to catch me to keep me from falling. I can tell Jane wants to console me somehow, but she knows I prefer not bringing attention to myself in these moments. Instead, I look down, staring at an acorn that just just inches from my foot. Jane and my dad have to pat me to let me know that the service had ended.

---

---

---

---

The service was beautiful but difficult. I didn't know Mrs. Wu. I never had the chance to meet her, but when you are in a room full of sadness and emotion, it's hard not to be moved by it. I dab at my tears as we make our way from the hall to the cemetery. The Feng Shui Master leads the group to the area they picked for the burial.

I scan the nearby gravestones and my eyes settle on one next to Mrs. Wu's. The flowers I ordered cover this grave as well, indicating a family member already on the other side. Nic mentioned his sister briefly during the reading, but I never asked anything about it. My eyes shift from the grave to stare at the back of his head. All this loss he suffered with, and yet he had the most infectious smile. We slowly turn our backs but I shift my attention behind me. I tightened my grip on Caden to keep from going to Nic. It wasn't my place.

As the service concludes, the group slowly breaks up. Caden and I turn, and I see Nic get stopped from falling by the woman and his father. I was glad he had people there for him. I was glad we were able to save Mr. Wu.

I notice the same acorn Nic does and I smile. The acorn stems from the mighty oak tree. The tree itself is a symbol of strength and endurance while the acorn is rebirth, new beginnings, and growth. It is the cycle of life and death in one beautiful small package. Due to it being my natural magic, it takes no effort for me to lift my hand and twist a circle. Green oak leaves sprout from the acorn. The picture of a new start.

---

---

Something catches my eye and when I look down again, my eyes widen in wonder. Not missing a beat, I look up and find Cass almost immediately. "Thank you." I mouth to her before Jane gains my attention, asking who Cass and Caden are.

"Oh, those are the two that managed to save- find my dad for me." I say at the same time as my dad saying "My future daughter-in-law." The moment breaks the tension and the three of us chuckle.

Jane uses on of her free arms to wrap around my waist as we walk. "You should introduce us soon - I have to officially approve." I shake my head and roll my eyes for Jane and put an arm around each of them as the crowds starts to disperse. With a short glance, I see Caden and Cass aren't far behind us- it takes considerable effort not to turn and stare at Cass or break free from my group.

"Are you coming by my place later?" I ask Jane as we walk towards the venue's parking lot instead.

---

---

---

---

I smile softly and nod, glad I could at least do something for him. However, the moment is short lived. The woman with him, wraps an arm around him and I have to look away. Curse my need to want to help others feel better.

”Let's go,” I tell Caden.

”Are you sure?”

”Yes. We're just in the way if we linger awkwardly. I should go to the shop anyway. It's been a couple of days.”

---

---

---

---

I glance back at Nic with his family. I know it's different but Cassi can't see it. It's one of the only reasons why I know she actually cares about Nic.

”Okay. I'll take you to your shop,” I say. We walk over to the car and I help her inside.

---

---

"Oh, wait a second, I'll be right back." I say to my dad and Jane before I jog over the where Cass and Caden are getting ready to leave. I get there in time for Caden to still be next to Cass after helping her into the car. "Hey, I just wanted to thank you both again before you leave." I bow my head in sincerity to both of them before I look between them both. "Please get home safe, both of you." I say before I jog back to my dad and Jane.

---

---

---

---

After the shower with Caden, I curled up in his bed, deciding to try and sleep through the whole service until he returned. It doesn't work as well as cuddling with Caden though, so I'm just in a little ball under his sheets while holding a pillow that smells like him. Maybe I should get a new cellphone so I could actually text Caden to see how much longer he'll be.

---

---

---

---

Nic jogs over to thank us again and say goodbye. It's fairly brief and it's hard not to be bothered by it. I smile and nod.

”Of course. Have fun with your family,” I say. Caden agrees and waves goodbye.

I sigh and collapse into the front seat of the car. Caden pulls the car away and speeds off to my shop. I sit in the passenger seat, arms crossed, trying not to think.

Once we get to my shop, I kiss Caden's cheek and thank him before getting out. He waits until I'm inside before leaving. I lock the door behind me and lean against the door.

”You're so stupid, Cass. Always trust your instincts,” I berate myself. I shake off the self-pity and busy myself with cleaning up the shop before I unlock the door and turn the open sign on. I find a half sweater and pull it on to look a little more appropriate for work. After about twenty minutes, someone walks in off the street and my life gets back to normal.

---

---

---

---

Cassi is her own worst enemy, but I can't push her. I learned a long time ago that that just makes it worse. So, I leave her at her shop and make my way home. I have nothing left I need to do and no one has called from the station about any new cases. I knew the silence wouldn't last for long, but I'd take advantage of it while I could.

---

---

Jane stays to help us clean up and get everything home once everyone else leaves. Jane lets us know she'll come by later with Kat and we can play some card games over dinner. I send Cass a quick text to thank her again. I really don't know how to thank you for everything, but thank you... for everything We get home and I start putting some of the food away first, my dad going to the couch to look over everything else.

---

---

---

---

I get up for a moment and put on a shirt of Caden's while I grab the 13th century book and take it with me back to my hiding place under the covers. I slowly turn the pages until I find the place I left off. This next chapter talks about the different trials someone would endure to prove their innocence. The first was trial by jury, which is surprisingly like that of modern society. The next was by nobility and listed ordeals with the trials. My hand brushes over the Ordeal of Fire and I suddenly can't breathe as my left hand twitches, my brain barely processing the words I was reading. This body is dead, but somehow I'm hearing my heartbeat echoing.

---

---

---

---

My phone buzzes while I'm helping a customer, with a couple others in my store at the same time. Apparently they tried coming yesterday but I wasn't open, so I'm trying to help as best as I can.

I glance at my phone to see it's Nic. I'll message them after, I tell myself even though I already know I won't.

---

---

---

---

I pull up to my house and am greeted by Henry. ”Henry, Avery and the others will return after they see the Wu family get home. Once they do, send for me. Have they come down at all?” I ask after, referring to Nero of course.

“They haven't, sir.” I nod, handing Henry my keys.

”Come get me when Avery arrives.”

“Of course, sir.” I leave Henry and head up the stairs. I glance in the open rooms as I pass, hoping I'm not walking into another game of hide and seek.

”Don't tell me you went back to sleep, kleiner Kobold,” I called down the hallway. I reach my bedroom and open the doors.

---

---

After making sure all the food is put away, I join my dad on the couch. Since he's tall himself, we both are spread out with limbs crossing other limbs. We put on a show while we go through everything, but it doesn't take either of us long to pass out and both take a little cat nap.

---

---

---

---

Faintly, I can hear Caden speaking and walking into the room, but most of what I'm hearing is a high-pitched tone and I squeeze my eyes shut. My left hand feels like it's on fire and I'm replaying a scene in my head that's familiar, but also very old. A fist-sized molten bar is dropped into my hand and I let out a scream of pain, watching the flesh of my palm start to burn. I'm prodded to close my fist around the bar and I scream out louder.

---

---

---

---

I see a tiny ball curled up under the covers and I chuckle. I walk forward but freeze. Something feels, off. I look around the room and narrow my eyes. Then Nero screams.

I reach the bed in one stride and rip back all the blankets and sheets. They lay in the middle, squeezed tightly around themselves and the book. Nero found something.

I reach out to touch them but yank my hand back in surprise. They're hot. They're never warm. I go into the bathroom and soak a towel before I come back.

”Nero, Meine Liebe. Zeit aufzuwachen. Das ist nicht real. Nero, komm zurück zu mir, mein kleiner Kobold.” I place the cold towel on their body and brush back their hair. I don't dare to hold Nero, even though I desperately want to. I'm warmer than most and if they are experiencing their trauma again, being warm wouldn't help them. I continue to speak to them in soothing tones, hoping to bring them back. I don't bother to think of them lashing out to attack me. At this point, I don't care.

---

---

I'm forced to walk with my fist closed around the metal melting my skin. When it's finally peeled off my hand, I let out one more scream before the scenery around starts to fade. Panting and breathless, I recognize I'm in Caden's bed. I feel wet and I shver a tiny bit, suddenly feeling cold. Eyes blinking several times, I lift my left hand with shaking limbs and turn it over, expecting to see the burning flesh again. It looks normal though, or as normal as can be expected with the scar that takes up most of the palm.

I remember that I had heard Caden and I sit up, trying to locate him. "M-mein Drache?" I manage to call out before I find him. I feel moisture fall down my cheeks and I confusingly wipe my face, not sure what's happening. "Caden?" My eyes finally find him.

---

---

---

---

As soon as Nero makes eye contact, I crawl over to them and pull them into my arms, wet towel and all. I pull the book from their hands and throw it across the room like it’s the reason for all of Nero’s pain, and I hold him close.

”Yes, my little imp, I’m here,” I whisper and kiss their sweat-soaked head.

---

---

I shiver, feeling my whole body shake, but I'm not cold. "W-what," I swallow the hard lump in my throat and sob in Caden's arms, trying to gain control over my body. I wrap my arms around Caden, my hands clutching his shirt. "I-I-" I can't get the words out, my whole body convulsing with each sob that attacks me. There's only one explanation that I can think of - that was a human memory and it definitely was not a pleasant one. Why did this have to be the first one?

---

---

---

---

”Shh, don’t talk, love. Breathe, one deep breath in, slow exhale out. Again.” I coaxed and started to rub their back. They were in shock clearly, shivering even though they were still sweating. I continue to rub their back. ”Just focus on breathing and listening to my voice.” I kissed the top of Nero’s head again before speaking.

”The service was lovely. However, Cassiopeia experienced a bout of jealousy. She’s rather funny, that friend of mine. I’m reasonably sure Nic’s female friend is not remotely interested in them, but Cassi has a pretty wicked jealous streak. Speaking of, Nic kissed me. You’ll have to defend my honour,” I tease gently. I keep talking until the shivering slows, and I can remove the wet towel from Nero’s body.

---

---

By the last part of Caden's sentence, I can breathe normally and the tears have slowed. I let out a weak laugh. "I'll kill him." I joke, my voice hoarse and unfamiliar to my ears. I bury my face in the crook of Caden's neck, sniffling despite myself. "Es tut mir leid." I realize not just my tears had made Caden's shirt soaked and the shirt he's wearing is also completely drenched. A towel is between us and I try to wiggle free of it, feeling bad. "Es tut mir leid." I repeat, but I don't pull away from him still, afraid if I do, the memories will start again.

---

---

---

---

I smile softly, still rubbing their back in a slow and rhythmic motion. Nero apologies and I shake my head. ”Entschuldige dich nicht, kleiner Kobold.” I pull the towel away from Nero and move to a dryer side of the bed. I hold them in my arms, resting my chin on their head. ”Hier bist du in Sicherheit. Bei mir bist du in Sicherheit. Was in der Vergangenheit passiert ist, kann Ihnen nicht noch einmal schaden.”