That night, Shade did not return to Tobesk. Instead, he spent the night in Randall River Valley with Little Mia. As for preparing the paints for painting in the night curtain, he planned to ask Old John in Tobesk for help tomorrow.
Although the Golden Dawn Opera Troupe now used the Wilde Opera House as its base, Miss Benanis and Miss Lathers did not actually live there. They still resided in the manor in the eastern part of the city.
Upon hearing that Shade did not plan to go home that night, the witch invited Shade and Luvia to stay at her manor. Shade glanced at Luvia, and after she nodded, he agreed as well.
In any case, it was another exceptionally passionate and tender night. Since Shade had not spent the night in Randall River Valley for an entire week, while whispering with Luvia that evening, the girl leaning in his arms, her brown hair by her ear stuck to her sweat-dampened skin, quietly complained that perhaps she no longer held any attraction for him.
"I'm just not used to spending the night away from home. The nights at 6 Saint Derain Square are truly comforting."
Shade explained his reason. Luvia noticed the faint mark on his chest and softly said:
"I know. Iluna mentioned it before—'I love my home,' right? Oh, aren't you learning that difficult Thaumaturgy, Moon's Dream? I think what you lack is deep sleep. You always sleep so lightly. How about I guide you into a dream this time? Give it a try. Maybe you'll succeed next time, and then you can have a good dream too."
"Of course."
Shade nodded in agreement. Luvia then extended her fair arm, its skin still flushed, and took the Obsidian Pendulum from the bedside table. She swayed it,