Selena smoothed out her jacket, checking herself in the mirror one last time. She was satisfied with her appearance – professional, yet understated. Her task was complete, and now it was time to leave.
As she turned to grab her things, the door swung open and Kevin walked in, his eyes locking onto hers. "Selena, I see you're getting ready to leave," he said, his tone casual, but his gaze intense.
Selena nodded, her expression neutral. "Yes, my task is complete"
Kevin's eyes narrowed slightly, his jaw clenched. He knew what her task entailed, and he wasn't happy about it. "Do you really have to leave?" he asked, his voice low and even.
Selena raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise sparking within her. She hadn't expected Kevin to ask her to stay. "Yes, I do. I need to make sure Josh wasn't lying and there're a few other things I needed to sort out" she replied, her voice firm but polite.
Kevin's gaze lingered on hers, as if searching for something. Then, he nodded curtly. "Very well. Be careful, Selena."
Selena's eyes locked onto Kevin's, a spark of tension between them. She nodded, then turned to leave, her heels clicking softly on the floor as she walked out the door.
Selena walked into the Hunter's HQ, her heels clicking on the marble floor. The soft hum of the headquarters' atmosphere enveloped her, a mixture of murmured conversations. As she approached the entrance, Ken looked up from his post, a hint of surprise on his face.
"Selena, you're back," he said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I didn't expect you to return so soon. How did it go?" His gaze lingered on hers, searching for something beneath the surface.
Selena's expression remained neutral, but a flicker of tension danced in her eyes. "It went smoothly," she said, her voice measured. "The target was eliminated, and I gathered all the necessary intel." She paused, her eyes locked onto Ken's. "But there were… complications."
Ken's eyebrows shot up, his interest piqued. "Complications?" he repeated, his tone inviting her to elaborate.
Selena's gaze drifted away, her eyes scanning the room as if searching for an escape. "Let's just say the situation was more volatile than we anticipated," she said finally, her voice low. "I had to adapt and make some tough calls."
Ken nodded thoughtfully, his eyes never leaving hers. "I see," he said. "Well, you've certainly proven yourself to be resourceful."
As they stood there, the air seemed to thicken, heavy with unspoken words. Selena's eyes flashed with a hint of defiance, before she nodded curtly and turned to leave.
"I'll go debrief with Shane now," she said over her shoulder, her voice firm.
Ken hovered outside the break room, fidgeting with his hands. He'd been wanting to talk to Selena all day, but he hadn't mustered the courage.
Finally, he took a deep breath and stepped inside. Selena was sitting at a table, sipping a cup of coffee. She looked up, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in Ken's awkward stance.
"Hey," Ken muttered, shuffling over to the coffee machine.
Selena watched him, her expression unreadable. "Hey," she replied, her voice neutral.
Ken fumbled with the coffee cups, his hands shaking slightly. "So, uh, how's it going?" he asked, trying to sound casual.
Selena shrugged, her eyes flashing with annoyance. "It's going."
Ken winced, realizing he'd inadvertently pushed her buttons. "Sorry," he muttered, backing off.
But to his surprise, Selena spoke up. "It's not you, Ken. I'm just…tired."
Ken's eyes met hers, and for a moment, they just looked at each other. Ken felt a pang of…something. He wasn't sure what.
"Okay," he said finally, breaking the silence. "Well, I'll leave you alone."
Selena nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Thanks, Ken."
As Ken beat a hasty retreat, he couldn't shake the feeling that he'd almost…connected with Selena. Maybe.
The past few days had been a blur of debriefings and paperwork for Selena, she has been trying to verify all Josh had told her in secret but she's yet to get any tangible results. The Hunter's HQ had been buzzing with activity, and rumors of a new, high-stakes mission had been circulating among the agents.
Selena had guessed this might be the right opportunity to find some answers but the sense of unease lingered. And now, as she stood outside Director Shane's office, waiting for her meeting with Ken, she couldn't help but wonder if her instincts were about to prove correct.
Ken and Selena stood outside Director Shane's office, exchanging a wary glance. What could the director want with both of them?
"Enter," Shane's voice called out.
They stepped inside, Shane's piercing gaze greeting them. "Ah, Ken, Selena. Thanks for coming."
"What's this about, Shane?" Ken asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Shane leaned back in his chair, blowing out a smoke. "I have a new mission for the two of you. You'll be working together."
Ken's expression turned skeptical. "Shane, I can handle this one alone. I don't need—"
Selena's eyes flashed with annoyance. "Oh, so you think I'm not capable of handling it?" she cut in, her voice icy.
Ken's face flushed. "That's not what I meant."
"Really?" Selena's tone dripped with sarcasm. "Because it sounds like you think I'm weak."
Shane's expression turned stern. "That's enough, both of you. This isn't a debate. You'll work together, and that's final."
The tension between Ken and Selena was palpable. Shane's gaze flicked between them, his annoyance growing.
"I expect you both to be ready in two days. You'll receive your mission briefing then. Dismissed."
Ken and Selena exchanged a heated glance before turning to leave. As they stepped out of the office, Ken muttered under his breath, "Great. Just what I needed. A babysitting job."
Selena's eyes narrowed. "You have no idea what you're getting yourself into."
The door closed behind them, leaving Shane to wonder if he'd just made a huge mistake.
Ken and Selena walked out of Shane's office in silence, the tension between them still palpable. They didn't exchange a word until they reached the elevator.
They stepped out of the elevator, the silence between them thick and heavy. Selena's eyes narrowed as she watched Ken quicken his pace, his shoulders hunched in a defensive posture.
"Hey, what's your problem?" Selena asked, her voice low and even, as she easily kept up with Ken's stride.
Ken's eyes darted sideways, his jaw clenched. "Nothing's wrong."
Selena's gaze lingered on his profile, her expression skeptical. "Save it, Ken."
As they turned a corner, Ken's hands slipped into his pockets, his fingers drumming a restless rhythm against his thighs. Selena's eyes flicked to his hands, her lips compressing into a thin line.
The tension between them was palpable, a living, breathing thing that pulsed with every step.
"Look, can we just drop it?" Ken muttered, his eyes fixed on the floor.
Selena's response was a curt nod, her eyes flashing with annoyance. They parted ways at the end of the hall, Ken disappearing into the training rooms and Selena vanishing into the crowd.
The day passed and both of them avoided each other, Selena feeling she might have overreacted and Ken feeling he might have stepped out of line. But neither said a thing to the other. They waited for who would talk first and without knowing the day of briefing reached and they sit next to each other.
Ken and Selena walked into the briefing room, the fluorescent lights overhead casting an unforgiving glare. The air was thick with tension, the weight of their upcoming mission settling heavy on their shoulders.
Shane, Director of The Hunters, stood at the front of the room, his eyes fixed intently on the holographic display projecting the mission details. Ken's gaze flicked to Selena, her expression guarded, before returning to Shane. Something about the director's demeanor seemed off, but Ken couldn't quite put his finger on it.
Ken and Selena sat side by side in the briefing room, their eyes fixed on the holographic display projecting the mission details. Occasionally, they would steal a glance from each other while maintaining a cool composure.
"Your objective," Shane explained, "is to infiltrate the enemy's HQ and obtain a valuable artifact."
Selena's eyes narrowed. "What's the catch, Director?"
Shane's smile was reassuring. "There's no catch, Selena. Just get in, get the artifact, and get out."
Ken exchanged a skeptical glance with Selena. Something didn't feel right.
As they geared up and headed out, Ken fell into step beside Selena. "You think Shane's telling us everything?" he asked quietly.
Selena's eyes flicked to his, a hint of surprise there. "What makes you ask that?"
Ken shrugged. "Just a feeling."
Selena's expression turned thoughtful, but she didn't respond.
As they approached the enemy's HQ, Ken's senses went on high alert. Something was off.
Little did they know, their mission was about to take an unexpected turn.
Ken and Selena stood outside the enemy's HQ, their eyes scanning the perimeter fence. They had been briefed on the layout, the guards' patrol routes, and the security systems. But nothing could truly prepare them for the unknown dangers lurking inside.
Selena adjusted herself. Ken watched her, his mind focused on the mission ahead. But for a fleeting moment, he noticed the way the moonlight danced across Selena's features, illuminating the sharp lines of her face and the soft curve of her lips. He looked away, shaking off the distraction. They had a job to do.
Ken and Selena crouched on the rooftop, their eyes locked on the enemy's HQ. The city lights cast a golden glow over the landscape, but their focus was on the mission.
"Alright, here's the plan," Ken whispered, his voice low and husky. Selena's gaze flicked to his lips, and for a moment, she felt a flutter in her chest.
"We infiltrate through the ventilation shaft, make our way to the room where Eclipse is stored, and extract it," Ken continued, his eyes never leaving Selena's face.
Selena nodded, her ponytail bobbing behind her. "I'll take point, clear the path. You cover me with your handgun."
As they slid into the ventilation shaft, their bodies touched, sending a spark of electricity through Selena's veins. Ken's eyes met hers, a flicker of awareness dancing in their depths.
They moved swiftly through the ductwork, their breathing synchronized. Selena's Shadow energy swirled around her, protecting them from detection. Ken's gaze kept drifting to her, his eyes drawn to the way her Shadow energy seemed to pulse with her heartbeat.
Finally, they reached the room. Ken took position, his handgun trained on the door. Selena summoned a Shadow clone of herself, sending it to scout out the room.
As they waited for the clone to return, Ken's shoulder brushed against Selena's. The touch sent shivers down her spine. She felt Ken's gaze on her, but she didn't dare meet his eyes.
The clone returned, and Selena dispatched the guards with deadly precision. Ken slipped into the room, his eyes fixed on the display case. Selena followed, her Shadow energy swirling around her.
As Ken worked to disable the security locks, Selena found herself drawn to him. She admired the way his hands moved with precision, the way his eyes narrowed in concentration.
When Ken finally lifted Eclipse out of its resting place, the room erupted into chaos. Alarms blared, and the lights flickered wildly. Selena's Shadow energy surged, responding to the sudden threat.
"We've got company!" Ken yelled, his handgun at the ready.
Within seconds, they were surrounded by enemies. Selena's Shadow energy swirled around her, protecting her from the hail of bullets. Ken laid down cover fire, his handgun precise and deadly.
"We need to get out of here, now!" Selena shouted, her eyes locked on the door.
Ken nodded, his gaze flicking to Eclipse. "We can't let them have this!"
With the artifact clutched tightly in Ken's hand, they fought their way out of the room, surrounded by enemies and with the alarms still blaring.
Ken and Selena burst through the door, Eclipse clutched tightly in Ken's hand. The hallway was a blur of chaos, enemies closing in from all sides.
Selena's Shadow energy surged, creating a dark, swirling vortex around them. Bullets ricocheted off the walls, inches from their heads.
"Keep moving!" Ken yelled, his handgun firing precise, controlled bursts.
Selena nodded, her eyes fixed on the stairwell. "We need to get to the roof!"
They fought their way down the hallway, their movements fluid and synchronized. Ken laid down cover fire while Selena dispatched enemies with her Shadow-infused kicks and punches.
As they reached the stairwell, Selena's Shadow energy pulsed wildly, responding to the increasing threat. Ken's eyes met hers, a flicker of concern dancing in their depths.
"Selena, can you keep this up?" Ken shouted, his voice barely audible over the din of gunfire.
Selena's gaze locked on his, her eyes burning with determination. "I've got this!"
With renewed ferocity, Selena unleashed her Shadow energy, clearing a path through the enemies. Ken followed close behind, Eclipse clutched tightly in his hand.
They burst through the rooftop door, the cool night air a welcome respite from the chaos below. Selena's Shadow energy dissipated, leaving her gasping for breath.
Ken's eyes scanned the rooftop, his handgun at the ready. "We're not clear yet!"
Selena nodded, her chest heaving. "I'll get us out of here!"
With a swift motion, Selena summoned a Shadowy tendril, anchoring it to a nearby rooftop. Ken's eyes widened as Selena grasped his arm, pulling him toward the tendril.
"Trust me!" Selena shouted, her eyes locked on his.
Without hesitation, Ken leapt into the unknown, Selena by his side.
Ken's stomach dropped as Selena pulled him toward the Shadowy tendril. He felt a rush of adrenaline, his heart pounding in his chest.
"Selena, what are you—"
"Jump!" Selena shouted, her eyes blazing with determination.
Without hesitation, Ken leapt off the rooftop, the city lights blurring beneath him. Selena's grip on his arm tightened, her Shadow energy surging around them.
The tendril stretched, a dark, ethereal bridge between the rooftops. Ken felt a jolt of fear, his mind reeling with the impossibility of their escape.
But Selena's Shadow energy held strong, guiding them across the chasm. They landed hard on the adjacent rooftop, Ken's knees buckling beneath him.
Selena's grip on his arm remained firm, her eyes locked on his. "You okay?" she shouted, her voice barely audible over the rush of wind.
Ken nodded, his chest heaving. "Yeah… thanks to you."
For a moment, they just stared at each other, the tension between them palpable. Then Selena's gaze dropped, her expression neutral once more.
"We're not clear yet," she said, her voice crisp and professional. "We need to get out of here, now."
Ken nodded, his mind racing with the implications of their escape. He glanced at Eclipse, still clutched in his hand.
Selena led the way, her eyes scanning the rooftop for any signs of danger. Ken followed close behind, Eclipse still clutched in his hand.
As they reached the rooftop's edge, Selena summoned another Shadowy tendril, anchoring it to a nearby rooftop. Ken's eyes widened as he realized they'd have to jump again.
"Hold on," Selena shouted, grasping Ken's arm.
They leapt off the rooftop, the city lights blurring beneath them. Ken felt a rush of adrenaline, his heart pounding in his chest.
As they landed on the adjacent rooftop, Ken's gaze flicked to Selena. "That was too close," he said, his voice low and even.
Selena nodded, her eyes scanning the rooftop. "We need to keep moving."
Ken's gaze drifted back to the rooftop they'd just left. "You notice anything weird back there?" he asked, his brow furrowed.
Selena's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
Ken's expression turned thoughtful. "It looked like they were waiting for us. Like they knew we were coming."
Selena's gaze locked on his, a flicker of concern dancing in her eyes. But she didn't respond, her expression neutral once more.
"Let's keep moving," she said, her voice crisp and professional.
Ken nodded, his mind racing with the implications. Had they been set up? And if so, by whom?
As they continued their rooftop escape, Ken couldn't shake the feeling that they were being herded toward some unknown destination.
They stumbled upon one of Hunter's abandoned safe houses, its door hanging crookedly on hinges, a clear sign of forced entry. The interior was in disarray, furniture overturned, and equipment smashed. It was evident that the safe house had been ransacked, likely by enemy forces who had compromised its location.
The organization had set up numerous safe houses across the world as emergency fallbacks, but some, like this one, had been abandoned after their secrecy was breached.
They sat on the bare floor, the woods creaking loudly under their weight, their chests heaving as they caught their breath.
For a moment, they just stared at each other, the adrenaline of their escape still coursing through their veins. Then Ken's gaze narrowed, his eyes locked on Selena's.
"What just happened back there?" Selena demanded, her voice low and even.
Ken's eyes dropped, his expression guarded. "I don't know. It looked like they were waiting for us."
His jaw clenched, his mind racing with the implications. "I've been investigating Shane," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Selena's gaze snapped back to his, a flicker of surprise dancing in her eyes. "What do you mean?"
Ken's eyes blazed with intensity. "I think he's been playing us. Using us for his own agenda."
Selena's expression turned neutral, but Ken saw a flicker of something else in her eyes. Something that looked almost like… guilt.
Ken's fists clenched, his arms rigid at his sides. "Tell me the truth, Selena. What's going on?"
Selena's gaze dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "Shane isn't who you think he is."
Ken's eyes narrowed, his voice dropping to a deadly whisper. "What do you mean?"
Selena's gaze snapped back to his, a look of determination in her eyes. "Shane is working for Steve."
The words hung in the air like a challenge. Ken's face twisted in a snarl, his fists shaking with rage.
"You knew," Ken spat, his voice venomous. "You knew and you didn't tell me."
Selena's eyes flashed with defensiveness. "I thought you knew," she said, her voice firm. "I thought you were… working with them."
Ken's eyes widened, his face pale with shock. "What are you talking about?"
Selena's gaze locked on his, a hint of wariness in her eyes. "I thought you were part of their operation. That's why I didn't tell you about Shane."
Ken's laughter was cold and mirthless. "You thought I was working with them?" he repeated, his voice incredulous.
Selena nodded, her expression guarded. "I had to be careful. I didn't know who to trust."
The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken accusations. Ken's eyes blazed with anger and hurt, but Selena stood her ground, her gaze never wavering.
"I'm sorry," Selena said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I should have trusted you."
Ken's expression twisted, his jaw clenched. "You should have," he repeated, his voice cold and deadly.
The safe house was a small, nondescript cabin on the outskirts of town. Ken and Selena huddled together, trying to warm themselves up after their ordeal.
As night began to fall, the temperature plummeted. Selena shivered, her teeth chattering uncontrollably.
"Hey, you okay?" Ken asked, his voice low and concerned.
Selena nodded, her eyes fixed on the cold, dark stove. "Just… cold."
Ken's gaze followed hers, and he nodded. "I'll get a fire going."
He moved swiftly, gathering wood and kindling from the broken furnitures laying around. Selena watched, mesmerized, as he expertly built a fire.
As the flames crackled to life, Selena felt a wave of warmth wash over her. She smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude toward Ken.
"Thanks," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ken's gaze met hers, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Anytime."
The fire cast a warm, golden glow over the small cabin. Selena felt herself relaxing, her muscles unwinding as the warmth seeped into her bones.
"Ken?" she said, her voice soft.
"Yeah?" he replied, his eyes locked on hers.
"Are you… still angry with me?" Selena asked, her eyes searching his face.
Ken's expression softened, his eyes filled with a deep regret. "I'm sorry, Selena. I was out of line earlier. I understand why you didn't tell me about Shane."
Selena's gaze dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was new to the organization and so I couldn't trust anyone…."
Ken's hand reached out, his fingers brushing against hers. "I know. It's alright."
The touch sent shivers down Selena's spine. She felt a spark of electricity, a sense of connection that went beyond mere gratitude.
As they sat there, hands touching, the fire crackling between them, Selena felt a sense of intimacy wash over her. It was as if the entire world had melted away, leaving only the two of them.
Ken's eyes locked on hers, a deep intensity burning in their depths. Selena felt her heart skip a beat, her pulse racing with anticipation.
For a moment, they just sat there, hands touching, the fire crackling between them. The tension between them was palpable, a sense of possibility hanging in the air like a promise.
Then, without a word, Ken leaned in, his lips brushing against Selena's.
The kiss was soft, gentle, a whispered promise of something more. Selena's heart soared, her senses coming alive as she felt Ken's lips on hers.
As they pulled back, gasping for air, Selena felt a sense of wonder wash over her. She had never felt this way before, this sense of connection, of belonging.
Ken's eyes locked on hers, a deep intensity burning in their depths. Selena felt her heart skip a beat, her pulse racing with anticipation.
"I've wanted to do that for a long time," Ken said, his voice low and husky.
Selena smiled, her heart soaring. "I've wanted you to," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
As they sat there, hands touching, the fire crackling between them, Selena felt a sense of possibility wash over her. She knew that nothing would ever be the same again.
The next morning, Selena's eyes blazed with determination as she stood before Ken. "We need to take down the Hunters organization," she said, her voice firm.
Ken's expression turned grim. "I'm with you. But where do we start?"
Selena's gaze narrowed. "We start with Shane."
Ken's eyes flashed with anger. "I'm in."
Selena's expression turned resolute. "I need to go see my mother. Explain things to her."
Ken's brow furrowed. "Is that safe?"
Selena nodded. "I need to tell her what's going on. And I need to keep the Eclipse safe."
Ken's gaze flicked to the artifact. "Where will you keep it?"
Selena's smile was wry. "Her school. My mother runs a school. It's the last place they'd think to look."
Ken's eyes narrowed. "You're sure your mother will be okay with this?"
Selena's expression turned confident. "My mother can handle herself. And I need to make sure no one evil can get their hands on the artifact"
Ken nodded. "Alright. But be careful."
Selena's gaze locked on his. "I will. And once I'm back, we take down the Hunters organization."
Ken's eyes flashed with determination. "Together."
Selena's smile was fierce. "Together."
Selena's eyes locked on Ken's, a fierce determination burning in their depths. "I'll be back soon," she said, her voice low and even.
Ken nodded, his expression grim. "Be careful."
Selena's gaze flicked to the Eclipse, still clutched in her hand. She nodded, tucking the artifact into her jacket.
With a swift motion, Selena raised her hand, her fingers weaving intricate patterns in the air. The shadows around her seemed to coalesce, darkening into a swirling vortex.
Ken's eyes widened as he stepped back, his gaze fixed on the shadowy portal. "What is that?" he breathed.
Selena's smile was enigmatic. "A shortcut."
With a confident stride, Selena stepped into the portal. The shadows seemed to swallow her whole, leaving Ken staring at the empty space where she'd stood.
The portal dissipated, leaving Ken alone in the safe house. He took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing as he waited for Selena's return.
On the other side of the portal, Selena emerged into the familiar surroundings of her mother's school. She stood in the doorway of her mother's office, the Eclipse still clutched in her hand.
Her mother, the school's headmistress, looked up from her desk, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "Selena, what's going on?" she asked, her voice firm but concerned.
Selena's gaze locked on her mother's, a determined glint in her eye. "It's time I told you the truth, Mother," she said, her voice low and even.
Her eyes narrowed as she regarded her daughter. "What truth, Selena?" she asked, her voice firm but wary.
"Steve was the one that created the organization…" Selena began.
Helen's eyes widened in shock. "What? But Shane… I thought he created the organization."
Selena's expression turned grim. "He's actually Steve's lapdog. Steve put him in charge and gives him instructions on how to run the organization. He reports to Steve monthly."
Helen's face paled, her eyes flashing with anger. "Damn it! He seems to be ahead of us at every step."
Tears dropped down from Helen's cheeks, her voice cracking with emotion. Selena's eyes widened in concern.
"Is everything okay, Mama?" Selena asked, her voice soft.
Helen's gaze dropped, her shoulders shaking with sobs. "I guess you haven't heard… Sage Henri is dead."
Selena's eyes widened in shock, her face pale with horror. "What? No… that can't be."
"Steve killed him when he evaded the Shadow Realm," Helen said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Selena's eyes widened in horror. "Poor Shadow Realm. Everyone back home must be really frightened."
Helen nodded, her expression grim. "Yes. Sophia came a while back to convince me to become the Guardian, but I refused."
Selena's gaze narrowed. "You refused?"
"Yes, I did. I can't afford to risk the lives of this kids"
Selena's gaze softened "That's true though…"
Helen sighed. "Now I'm trying to convince Liam."
Selena's eyes widened in surprise. "Liam is here!?"
Helen nodded. "Yes. Before Sage died, he wanted Liam to stay here, so he can socialize with kids his age. Maybe he'll change."
Selena's expression turned skeptical. "That will never happen."
"Don't be too sure," Helen said, a hint of optimism in her voice. "I have seen miracles happen within these walls…"
Selena's expression turned skeptical. "Nothing will make that bloodlust-driven bastard let go of his thirst for vengeance."
Helen's eyes locked on Selena's, a gentle plea in her voice. "I want you to talk to him. He seems to blame himself for the Sage's death."
Selena's gaze narrowed, her voice dripping with disdain. "He doesn't blame himself when Papa died, but he knows it's his fault Sage Henri died… that bastard. I'm never talking to him. I have more pressing matters."
Helen's expression turned persuasive. "Please, Selena."
Selena's gaze softened, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Fine. But only because you asked nicely." She chuckled, a warm, husky sound that filled the room.
"The pressing matters you mentioned, is it about Steve and the organization?" Helen inquired, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Selena nodded, a confident smile spreading across her face. "I plan on taking down the Hunters with a friend."
Helen's gaze turned skeptical. "Who's this friend of yours? Is he also a part of the organization?"
Selena's expression remained confident. "His name is Ken Dante."
Helen's eyes narrowed further. "What makes you think he's not part of them?"
Selena's retort was swift. "He's not, Mama. He's my partner."
Helen's gaze turned piercing. "Partner? Do you have feelings for this boy?"
Selena's cheeks flushed slightly, but she tried to brush off the question. "I don't know. Maybe. That's not important—"
Helen's voice cut her off. "Of course it's important, Selena. Your life depends on it. Erase your foolish emotions."
Selena's expression turned defensive. "He's not like that, Mama. After we put down Shane, I would like for him to stay here."
Helen's face turned incredulous. "That's not happening, Selena. Have you lost your mind?"
Selena's gaze turned pleading. "Please, Mama. I accepted to talk to stupid Liam for you, didn't I?"
Helen's expression softened slightly at Selena's words. "Fine, I'll consider it," she said. "But you need to be careful, Selena. We can't trust anyone right now."
Selena nodded, a small smile on her face. "I know, Mama. I'll be careful."
Helen's gaze turned serious. "I want to meet this Ken Dante. I need to know I can trust him."
Selena's eyes widened slightly. "Okay, Mama."
Helen stood up, smoothing out her dress. Selena looked up at her, curious.
"Are you heading out?" Selena asked.
Helen nodded. "I'm going to the Demon Realm."
Selena's eyes widened slightly. "Why are you going there?"
Helen sighed, a hint of exasperation in her voice. "To get my new student. This semester is probably going to make me lose weight."
Selena chuckled, a warm, husky sound. "I know you can handle it."
Helen smiled, a small, wry smile. "I'd better."
Selena stood up, her expression serious. "I have to go now."
Helen's gaze turned stern. "Don't forget to see Liam."
Selena nodded, a hint of reluctance in her expression. "I won't, Mama."
******