Outlander, you have returned to the present time.
To "her" gentle voice, Shade stepped back out from the study door and saw the lit study of his home, the night view of Tobesk beyond the window, and of course, the Red-haired Duchess waiting for his return.
A peaceful home always eased Shade's taut nerves, and the gentle embrace the Witch gave him allowed his slightly weary self to truly feel at ease. Though forty minutes of adventure did not sound long, and the Tree Father had healed all his injuries, he had nevertheless escaped from an ancient evil. That had been more dangerous and difficult than any battle.
Though Miss Galina did not know what Shade had just experienced, she could tell from his expression that he needed a hug.
The Outlander did not say a word, merely taking deep breaths, while Little Mia had already jumped onto the desk and watched the two of them embrace tightly. Her perfume always made Shade feel safe, and sensing him breathing in her scent, the Witch smiled:
"Would you like something to eat? I'll have Tifa and the others prepare it."
She asked considerately, and Shade nodded:
"All right, then let's have a late-night snack. What happened just now really was... I have a feeling that my story with that stone statue in the deep sea is far from over."
He did not speak the evil creature's name at home, because it would be terribly unlucky.
Miss Galina therefore did not question him immediately. Instead, while the maids prepared the late-night snack, she pulled him over to sit in the dining room. On one hand, they were waiting for hot food; on the other, she hoped the atmosphere of so many people moving about the house would make Shade feel better.
The