Douglas sat on the hillside overlooking the entirety of Townsend.
From his position, with the help of his enhanced sight, it was easy for him to watch the villagers as they awoke from what was otherwise a most traumatic experience.
Of course, no one would remember what happened.
It would all be like a nightmare that everyone somehow experienced at the same time.
However, the losses incurred would surely remain with them for a long time.
Douglas wondered if it would be best to wipe their memories as well.
Sighing heavily, he looked down at Emily sleeping soundly in his arms.
"You look terrible," Mirren remarked as she walked up to him.
Douglas revealed a wry smile. "... I feel terrible."
"You must love her."
"I did… I do. But… just like those villagers down there, I have to allow her to live a normal life."
"But even then, it's not certain that she would be safe."
"... It's better than my past being the reason for her life to be in danger."
"Alright then. It's your call." Mirren shrugged it away before coming down to lie beside him.
Together, they watched the oblivious villagers.
Just then, the space behind them opened, and out stepped Victoria with a solemn expression.
"Master," Douglas remarked as he carefully placed Emily on the ground before turning to face Victoria.
Looking at him, she asked. "How is she?"
"She?"
"Your sister."
"That… she's fine," Douglas replied, albeit confused by Victoria's care.
Normally, he'd expect her to be mad at him, considering he ran away from her castle to be here.
"That's good." Victoria nodded. "Take her with us, we'll be heading back to the castle."
"Master?"
"Is there a problem?"
"No, it's just that… you want me to bring Emily along?"
"I don't believe I stuttered."
"This…" Douglas was left speechless.
Was this truly his master?
She was acting quite strange.
Mirren also had a confused expression on her face but after putting two and two together, she came up with a hypothesis.
'Could it be…' she didn't dare say more for fear of being found out.
After taking a full minute to calm himself, Douglas spoke up. "Thank you master for this but…"
"But?"
"... I apologize. I would like Emily to return to BoneHaven."
"Hmm, why?" Victoria raised a brow.
Swallowing some saliva, Douglas replied. "... I want her to live a normal life as a normal teenage girl."
"She can do so in the castle."
"No." Douglas shook his head. "Away from the supernatural and everything related to it. You may punish me however you please but…accept this request of mine."
Victoria pursed her lips.
She felt offended but considering that a certain great figure handed her a most daunting task, Victoria had no choice but to take things in stride.
"Are you sure you won't regret this?"
"No," Douglas said. "... I don't think I will."
"Then fine. Do what you feel is right."
"Thank you, master." Douglas quickly bowed his head.
Victoria wasn't interested in his actions however as she turned while asking in her heart.
'Did I do good, master?'
All Victoria wished for was to gain Alex's goodwill and become a loyal servant of his.
Ever since discovering he was the Dark Lord, she had already decided to give her all for his sake.
It was only right, after all, he was the hope of all Creatures of the Night.
Taking a deep breath, she ordered. "Let's go."
***
It all happened so suddenly.
Morris would have never believed a day would come when BoneHaven would face such destruction.
As darkness descended on the city, heralding the beginning of the end, Morris felt pain about a lot of things but felt joy at the fact that he would at least face the end with his loved ones.
Holding his wife and daughter tightly, he hoped death would come and go quickly.
He didn't want any of them to suffer.
"Daddy," Mildred called out in a shaky tone, her head buried in her father's stomach.
"Yes, dear?"
"What's going to happen to us?"
"Don't worry… nothing will happen."
"But you are shaking. Are you lying, Daddy?"
Morris bit his lower lip as he glanced at Matilda's face.
With tears in her eyes, she tried to give the best smile she could muster to give Morris the strength he needed.
Nodding gently, Morris said. "Daddy's not lying. I promise… everything is going to be okay."
"...alright."
Flash
Red light flashed above and slowly descended.
Noticing the crimson wave, Mildred had an excited smile as she asked. "Daddy, are they shooting fireworks?"
Morris slowly raised his head and upon seeing the pillar of red energy rushing toward the city, he replied.
"Of course."
Closing his eyes, he placed his hand on Mildred's head and the other on Matilda's.
This was the end.
However, Mildred still had an excited look on her face as she watched the crimson wave when suddenly, black fog with flashing white lights enveloped them.
She blinked a few times at the strange sight before realizing something.
"Oh no, what's happening to the fireworks?" Mildred remarked with a pout.
Morris furrowed his brows at her strange question and upon opening his eyes, understood what she was talking about.
"Is this… the Afterlife?"
Unsure of what to make of the scenery, Morris stared in silence.
Suddenly, a loud snap echoed across the entire city and the next moment, Morris found that himself as well as Matilda and Mildred had been transported out of BoneHaven and were currently on the outskirts, several meters away.
"This…" blinking in shock, Morris slowly looked around to discover that not only his family but everyone in BoneHaven, from the nobles, to the Royal Blues, to the factory workers…
Just like him, everyone was confused by what was happening, and for a moment, no one knew what to say or do, all watching in silence at the location they once called home.
Taking a moment to understand what was happening, Morris muttered in utter disbelief.
"We… we are saved?"