They were subjected to repeated inspections when leaving the city, and entering it was no easier. Moreover, because the Church was searching every street in the entire city, the nearest route home was impassable. The carriage took a long detour before bringing Shade and the maid back to Saint Derain Square in the quiet night.
The glow of the gas lamps illuminated the empty square. By now, night had fallen, and only a flock of doves remained in the square, perhaps wondering why no one had fed them today.
Miss Tifa Servit did not leave the carriage. Shade went upstairs to retrieve the fang.
The gas lamp shades at home probably needed cleaning. The light on the stairs was somewhat dim, but to the Outlander, it was the glow of home.
After hurrying upstairs, he saw that Miss Bayes had already arrived:
"Oh, Shade! Good evening!"
She sat on the sofa with a teacup in hand, happily waving to say hello to Shade. A bottle of red wine sat on the tea table before her. Shade had not yet awakened when she left, so she was naturally delighted to see him safe and sound now.
"Good evening."
Shade was also happy to be home. He picked up the orange cat that came running over, then told Miss Bayes and Luvia, who was standing by the window looking at the carriage below, about the vampire fang. Only then did he take the relic and head downstairs with the cat in his arms.
Back in the carriage, the maid merely glanced at the fang Shade had placed in a paper wrapper, then set it aside. She had complete faith in Shade's credibility.
Eager to return home, Shade wanted to say goodbye, but the maid stopped him again.
She brushed back a loose