Azumi's gentle yet protective demeanor brought a comforting warmth to the sterile hospital room. Mana's heart swelled with gratitude, feeling the unexpected embrace of a family she hadn't known she needed. The sound of the door closing behind Misaki and Evangeline echoed in the room, leaving a serene silence that allowed Mana to truly take in the kindness before her.
Azumi's eyes, though stern moments before, now softened as she looked at Mana. "You know," she began, her voice gentle, "Evangeline has always had a way of drawing people to her, but she's never been this attached to anyone. You must be very special."
Mana blushed slightly, the warmth spreading across her cheeks. "I think she's the special one," she murmured, her fingers tracing the edge of the blanket nervously. "She saved me. I don't know how to explain it, but when I'm with her, everything feels right."
Azumi nodded, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "That's how love should feel. Just promise me you'll both take care of each other."
Mana nodded earnestly. "I promise."
The door creaked open, and Evangeline and Misaki returned, carrying trays laden with food. The aroma of freshly baked bread, rich soups, and delicate pastries filled the room, a stark contrast to the antiseptic smell of the hospital.
"Look what we found," Evangeline announced, her eyes bright with excitement. "We brought a bit of everything. I wasn't sure what you'd want, so we got it all."
Mana's eyes widened at the spread before her. "This is amazing," she said, her stomach growling in appreciation.
As they settled in, the room was filled with the comforting sounds of laughter and conversation. Evangeline recounted a particularly amusing tale of her and Misaki's frantic search for the perfect pastries, embellishing details that had Mana in stitches.
Misaki, her initial reluctance fading, joined in with her own anecdotes, painting a picture of life in the castle that was both enchanting and endearing. Azumi listened with a fond smile, her eyes never straying far from Mana, ensuring she was comfortable and included.
The meal stretched on, the four of them basking in the simple joy of shared moments. It was a glimpse into a future Mana hadn't dared to dream of—a future filled with love, laughter, and belonging.
As the plates were cleared away, Azumi leaned back, a satisfied sigh escaping her lips. "I think that was the best meal I've had in a long time," she said, her eyes twinkling.
Mana nodded in agreement. "It was wonderful. Thank you so much for bringing all this."
Evangeline winked at Mana. "Anything for you."
Misaki chuckled, shaking her head. "Always the flirt, aren't you?"
Evangeline shrugged, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Can't help it if it's true."
The room fell into a comfortable silence, the kind that only comes with the contentment of full stomachs and happy hearts. Azumi glanced at the clock on the wall, noting the time.
"It's getting late," she said, her tone gentle but firm. "Mana needs her rest."
Evangeline pouted playfully but nodded. "Alright, alright. We'll go. But I'm coming back first thing in the morning."
Mana smiled, her heart swelling with affection. "I'll be waiting."
As Azumi and Misaki gathered their things, Evangeline leaned down, her lips brushing against Mana's forehead in a tender kiss. "Sleep well," she whispered.
Mana closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of the kiss. "Goodnight, Evangeline."
With one last look, Evangeline followed her mothers out of the room, leaving Mana alone with her thoughts. She lay back against the pillows, a contented sigh escaping her lips. The events of the day played through her mind, each moment with Evangeline and her family filling her with a sense of hope and belonging.
She closed her eyes, the soft hum of the hospital's nighttime sounds lulling her into a peaceful sleep. For the first time in a long time, Mana felt truly safe.
Night had settled over the castle, its towering spires silhouetted against the moonlit sky. The corridors were silent, save for the distant echo of footsteps as Evangeline made her way to her chambers. Her mind buzzed with the events of the day, each moment with Mana replaying like a treasured memory.
Pushing open the heavy wooden door to her room, Evangeline was surprised to find Seiko already there, lounging on the velvet chaise by the window. His amber eyes glinted in the low light, reflecting a mix of concern and frustration.
"Evangeline," he greeted, his tone sharp, "we need to talk."
Evangeline sighed, closing the door behind her. She knew this conversation was inevitable. Seiko had always been protective, and his suspicions about Mana had been clear from the start. She walked over to her vanity, unfastening her cloak and laying it neatly on the back of a chair.
"What is it, Seiko?" she asked, trying to keep her voice calm.
Seiko rose from the chaise, his posture tense. "You know exactly what this is about. Mana. I don't trust her, and I don't understand why you're so insistent on bringing her into our home."
Evangeline turned to face him, her expression resolute. "Mana is not a threat. She's been through so much, and she needs us. She needs me."
Seiko's eyes narrowed. "And how can you be so sure? How do you know she's not still under the master's influence? You're putting all of us at risk."
"Because I believe in her!" Evangeline's voice rose, the frustration she had been holding back spilling out. "I've seen her struggle, seen her fight against what was done to her. She's not our enemy, Seiko."
Seiko growled low in his throat, the sound reverberating through the room. "Your emotions are clouding your judgment. You're letting your feelings for her blind you to the danger she could pose."
Evangeline's eyes flashed with anger. "And you're letting your distrust blind you to the person she really is. She's kind, and brave, and she's trying to rebuild her life after everything she's been through. Can't you see that?"
Seiko's gaze softened slightly, but his resolve remained. "I see you're in love with her. But love doesn't make her any less of a risk."
Evangeline took a step closer, her voice low but firm. "I love her, yes. And I'll protect her with everything I have. But that doesn't mean I'm ignoring the risks. We'll be careful. But I won't turn my back on her."
Seiko shook his head, frustration evident in his posture. "You're playing a dangerous game, Evangeline. And it's not just your life at stake. It's all of ours."
"I know," she said, her voice softening. "I know what's at stake. But I also know that Mana is worth the risk. She deserves a chance, Seiko."
He turned away, his tail flicking in agitation. "I hope you're right. For all our sakes."
Evangeline watched him for a moment, her heart aching with the weight of their disagreement. She walked over to the window, looking out at the moonlit garden below. "Seiko, I need you to trust me. I need you to believe that I'm doing what's best."
Seiko sighed, the sound heavy with resignation. "I do trust you, Evangeline. I always have. But this... this feels different."
She turned to him, her eyes pleading. "Then trust me now. Trust that I know what I'm doing."
Seiko met her gaze, the conflict clear in his eyes. Finally, he nodded. "Alright. But if she shows any signs of turning, if there's even a hint of danger—"
"I know," Evangeline interrupted, her tone serious. "We'll deal with it. Together."
Seiko sighed again, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Just be careful. I don't want to see you hurt."