Elian opened his eyes with a gasp, his chest rising and falling in rapid breaths as his surroundings slowly came into focus. The dim light of the pavilion's candles flickered in the quiet room, casting dancing shadows on the walls.
For a brief moment, the memory of the alley and the Bastard Elian clung to him, and he could still feel Buddy's warm body resting on his lap. But as reality pressed in, Elian realized where he was, back in the Velvet Moon Pavilion.
He inhaled deeply, his heart still pounding, but for the first time in what seemed like forever, Elian felt a weight lift off his chest. It was as if the conversation with the Bastard Elian had freed him from a burden he hadn't known he was carrying.
