Time passed slowly in the villa. Between being stuffed with Qian's mother's good cooking and Lucifer's nonstop chatting with anyone, all Noboru could do was drift in and out of sleep. Sometimes Euthymia would help, humming a soft lullaby. By now, she had made herself comfortable next to him on the couch, giving him some freedom to walk around at leisure.
Eventually, the commotion outside alerted the Tengu.
"It seems we have visitors from the Pride pack," Lucifer exclaimed. She was elated that things were finally moving forward. Toshi and Aodhan had kept her company by playing a few card games. They got up with her, relief written across their faces.
Euthymia instinctively stretched out her arms into the open. Without giving things another thought, Noboru lifted her off the couch to meet the newcomers.
