"Welcome home, father,"
"Welcome home dada!"
My brothers and I greeted father who just stepped out of his carriage. He seemed surprised to see all of us standing outside late at night with other servants. A servant grabbed father's coat and hat, then father walked toward us.
He didn't say anything, then his eyes are landed on me.
A warm but thin smile arose on his face.
"Thank you,"
All of us smiled at him.
"Where's aunt Amanda?"
The smiles on our faces quickly subside. Edgar cleared his throat, and grow his smile back.
"She's a bit ill,"
"Ill?" Father blinked.
"Overworked," Juno added.
"Ah,"
Father must've thought of checking up on her.
"Alright, everyone gets inside. It's cold,"
After he said that, he picked me off from the ground and carry me on his hands. I wrapped my arms around his neck and let him carry me back inside the house. My brothers followed from behind.
I mumbled Io's name and he appeared behind my brothers, floating like usual.
"Yes, little master?"
It's easy to summon him now.
I called him because I want him to follow father if he went to Amanda's bedroom. If she's going to pull anything suspicious, Io has to do something.
I secretly pointed at father with my short finger. Io stared at me for a little. My brothers looked at each other confusingly. Then I pointed my finger up. As in upstairs where Amanda's room is at.
Io mouthed "Ooh," and smirked. He disappeared again.
I shot a smile at my brothers. They understood and smiled back.
This plan is a huge success.
It's already way past dinner time. Father said he ate before going back home. All of us already ate as well, so after a short chat, we all went to our rooms.
Edgar and Juno told me to report to them if anything is up. I agreed and they let me rest.
I crawled up to my bed, sighing while looking up to the ceiling.
Ugh, my eyes are so heavy. I need to stay up to wait for Io's report.
I waited, and waited. My eyes are getting dry. Until I hear a knock on the window.
I jumped off from my bed and walked up to the window.
"M-Mother?!" I yelped when I saw mother with angel wings, flying in front of my window. But she's not like her beautiful self. Her skin is slightly purple, like when she's poisoned.
She knocked on the window again while smiling at me. Then she mouthed,
"Wake up,"
"!"
I blinked.
The first thing I saw was Io's eyes that reminded me of the volcanic moon. Did I just fell asleep?
"Wake up little master," Io snickered. "What are you dreaming about?"
"Ugh," I frowned and changed my position to sit. "I fell asleep... anyway, how is it?"
"She stayed quiet,"
"Good," I smirked. Io smiled while twirling a strand of his hair with his index finger.
"Heh, this is what I've been waiting for,"
"Hm?"
"You broke the seal, little master,"
"..."
I already guessed it. The thing with the black steam, the veins, I assumed it's because the seal that Io mentioned broke. I blinked when Io floated to the bed, sitting in front of me with his legs crossed. He bowed his head, then lift them again. His usual hollow eyes that don't have any light in them suddenly sparkled under the moonlight. A sincere smile appeared. I was so mesmerized by the sight, that I'm starting to doubt the fact that Io is a demon.
"I am your shield and sword, my master, Ezra Conover,"