"You remembered..." Adrien murmurs gently, holding his new book close to his chest. "I can't believe you remembered..."

Shiloh smiles warmly at him. "Of course, you're my brother after all."

Adrien picks off the last bit of wrapping paper before gazing at the book with interest and yearning. He looks at the books the same way I do. He brushes its leather cover before setting it in his lap. He catches my gaze before scowling at me. "Silence yourself, no one asked you."

I stiffen but relax knowing he won't hurt me anymore. Such an odd thought now, but natural.

"My turn!" Gideon shouts trying to grab his present from Shiloh. Shiloh yelps but slaps his hand away. "Wait!"

Gideon slumps back against the wall with a pouting face. "No fun," he sticks his tongue out acting like a child.

I can't help but giggle at the sight. "Have patience," I chaste with a soft smile remembering all the kids I've babysat. It's a phrase I had to use often. "Your turn is coming."

Gideon brightens at the sight of my smile before returning it. "Only for you, little Eve."

Shiloh clears his throat loudly and spreads his arms apart for dramatic effect. "The second present of the evening will be given to Sir Brave Gideon!"

Gideon eyes the present with sparkling golden eyes.

Shiloh laughs before handing it to him. "Here, I think you'll like it."

Gideon grins widely as he rips open the paper in large movements. I smile warmly as I wonder how he'll react. I lean back on the mountain of pillows with my legs propped up on the curved couch bench. I am wearing Tressa's dress again since my other clothes are ruined. And this time, it was Adrien who asked if I could wear it. I couldn't say no.

He opens the box before pausing. His eyes widening with excitement before it is quickly replaced with fear. He glances up nervously at me before trying to hide the box. He flashes Shiloh a grateful smile, "Uh thanks."

"What is it?" Adrien asks distantly, already fingering through the book with wide eyes. He sits criss-cross on the floor surrounded by heaps of blankets. His mug of warm spices and sugar sits at his side, still steaming from the hot milk.

"Um," Gideon hesitates before putting on a grand smile, "a new knife sharpener! It's really nice, thanks Shy!"

Adrien slowly looks up from his book before raising an eyebrow. "That's all?"

Gideon flashes him a pleading look before smiling at me. "Such a nice present, right?"

Adrien watches him blankly before slowly nodding. "Uh yeah... sure..." He gives Shiloh a confused look.

Shiloh only shrugs.

"Thanks though," Gideon repeats before reaching over to pat Shiloh's shoulder. Shiloh smiles at him before nodding. "You're welcome."

Gideon must feel embarrassed about his stuffed animal gift because of me. Shiloh said he didn't want to tell me that he collected them but I think it's really sweet. It's as if Gideon never grew up.

Shiloh turns to me with warm eyes. "And the final gift goes to Eve."

My eyes widen in surprise. "Really?"

Adrien and Gideon exchange a confused look before looking at Shiloh. "You got her a present too?" Adrien asks curiously.

"Oo nice!" Gideon cheers with a curious look.

"Yeah, after all..." Shiloh turns to me with a kind look. "She helped me realize something."

My heart lifts with sudden excitement. Is he talking about earlier? About... his feelings? I scold myself for thinking such air-headed thoughts. I have to stay strong. He's a friend. Just a friend.

"She helped me realize that... we're a family," Shiloh continues in a gentle voice. "All of us. We all matter to each other and we'll do anything to protect each other. She... helped us discover a new light and helped us move on. She is leading us into a new adventure and helping us get over our fears and worries. So..." He reaches into his back pocket before pulling out a small black box.

I watch in wonder as he holds it out to me. Shiloh's onyx eyes soften with sincerity as he opens the top. My breath is caught in my throat as I stare at the jewel inside.

"I had the responsibility of deciding whether Eve could stay with us and I've made my decision. I think Eve is part of our family now meaning she is part of our group. She is a Silencer, just like us. We will always fight to protect her as she will for us. She took a knife for Adrien out of the kindness of her heart. She faced a Masser for us. She has proven herself to be one of us." Shiloh smiles softly as he pulls the golden chained necklace from the box.

My heart skips a beat. Dangling from his fingers is a golden necklace with a strange charm at the end of it. It is made of gold and twisted into a symbol of a monster's disfigured face. It's the same necklace I saw Shiloh wearing when we first met. It's the symbol of their group. They're accepting me as one of their own.

"Thank you," I whisper in shock. "I-I don't know what else to say, I-"

"Don't say anything," Shiloh offers with an adorable smile. "Don't you know when to silence yourself, Eve?"

I let out a laugh and nod quickly. "Yes."

Gideon breaks into an excited grin. "Welcome to the family, Eve!" He cheers before giving me a quick hug. I laugh louder and hug him awkwardly with one arm. "Thanks... Giddy."

Gideon pulls back in surprise before smiling wider than before. "Little Eve, you're so cute," he coos before rubbing his thumb against my cheek.

"It seems appropriate..." Adrien comments stiffly. "After all, she has risked her life for us..."

"Stop being so formal," Gideon groans giving him a playful look. "Let loose and give Eve a hug." Gideon pulls back and gestures to me. "Go on."

I stiffen and smile weakly. "Uhh he doesn't have to if he doesn't want to..."

"Silence yourself," Adrien scolds before standing up. He walks over to me causing me to slightly lean back against the wall in shock. He kneels down in front of me before staring into my eyes. I blink in surprise as I slowly blush from his closeness. Adrien sighs loudly before opening his arms with a condescending look. "Come on, then." He clears his throat awkwardly before nodding. "Give me a hug."

Gideon howls with laughter in the background.

I smile apologetically, "You don't have to-"

"I said give me a hug," he repeats, sternly. He raises an eyebrow at me before slightly leaning forward. "We're family. So come on."

I take a deep breath feeling a pressure build in my chest. I lean forward and give Adrien a light hug. Immediately, I can feel the edges of his bones. Being so close I can smell the spices he was drinking and the wetness of his burning red hair. To my surprise, Adrien's arms tighten around me before he whispers. "Don't leave us like Tressa did. Stay with us, okay?"

My heart crumbles and I nod. "Okay. I promise."

Adrien rests his head on my shoulder, remaining still for a moment. In the corner of my eye, I watch him close his eyes and inhale deeply. A deep longing etched on his face along with grief.

Gideon stops laughing.

"Uh guys?" Shiloh asks amusedly. "You can let go now..."

Adrien hums softly before glancing back at his friends. "Why?"

Gideon frowns with disapproval. "Are you guys not telling us something?"

Adrien only smirks with a smug look in his sharp eyes. "Jealous, Giddy?"

Gideon scoffs before crossing his arms. "Never."

"Fine, then you wouldn't mind me..." Adrien quickly turns his head and kisses me on the cheek.

I nearly yelped. I caught myself but still. I blush fiercely as Adrien pulls back with a sly look.

Gideon looked rageful for a moment before glaring at him. "What the heck?! Why did you do that?!"

"Just testing," Adrien teases as he stands up. He looks down at me with an amused look. "Think nothing of it, Eve. I'm just motivating them."

I stare up at him in shock. My cheek still slightly wet from his lips. I blink a few times trying to snap out of it. It was just a peck on the cheek. No big deal. Right?

Gideon proceeds to yell at Adrien and Shiloh has to jump in to calm him down. But in the end, it ended in joking and playful slapping. I smile to myself as I hold the necklace Shiloh gave me. I study the strange design with soft eyes feeling an odd sense of love for these boys. It isn't sympathy anymore. Nor protectiveness. I'm part of their family now. I am honored.

I begin to think to what Mom is doing. My heart falls when I remember I've been missing for three full days now. She must be heartbroken, all alone in the house. I also hope she was able to escape the Masser's wrath, hopefully, we distracted it from going after the town. She has already lost her husband to the forest, now she believes she lost her daughter as well. And to spend Christmas Eve alone... I hope I can comfort her when I come back. I hope she isn't mad.

I have to explain everything to her, including the boys. I won't even bother lying to her. She'll understand. It's the forest after all. Anything is possible. Including this. I just hope she isn't too upset when I come back...

〰✷〰

Shortly after the boys end their slow-motion slapping game, Shiloh announced it is time to feast in honor of Christmas. We headed into the kitchen and began to cook. I ended up sitting on the stool again since I couldn't cook with one arm and I had no idea what I was doing. Adrien manned the stove, of course, and barked orders to Shiloh and Gideon. Gideon chopped vegetables and various ingredients while Shiloh worked on kneading bread.

They joked and laughed, including me in most of the conversation. I could smile easily, feeling relaxed with them by my side. Something clicked earlier. Something which made me trust them completely. They would keep me safe and wouldn't let anyone hurt me. It was strange to think that I thought they were going to kill me earlier. I was safe with them.

I understood them, I loved their flaws, and promised to protect them.

Looking back, I realize these are the symptoms of Stockholm Syndrome. I welcomed them with open arms after fighting for so long. Though they weren't acting dangerous or rude at the time, I seemed to forget their horrible deeds of murdering for fun. I forgot their dark glares and threats. For that moment, I was perfectly happy in the kitchen with them.

I had joined them in their dark forest of pain and became their light.

It was a moment of bliss before the attack. Before I would release a terrible creature on a confused boy. A lonely boy with no other choice but to retaliate out of fear. If I could go back in time, I'd change what we did and choose another route. If only life gave second chances.

I would not allow the Masser to attack Alexius. I would approach him calmly and try helping him. Together, as a united family, we could help him see the light. A peaceful route. A route we never had the true option of taking.

Even so, I still regret our decision.

Adrien was blinded by revenge and grief while Gideon feared what would happen if they didn't attack Alexius. Shiloh wanted to go home so badly he agreed to their plan to attack. I was too afraid to speak out against them. If things were different, our lives would be drastically different.

〰✷〰

I walk up the steps to the washing room with a bundle of new clothes in hand. I drag one hand along the railing as I look down at the levels below. The odd set-up of the home appears more natural, comfortable. The amber lighting creates a warm feeling in the open space. I pause in front of the closed door, worried someone might be inside. I lightly knock on the door and slowly push it open.

"Uh hello...?" I ask nervously.

The door opens revealing Adrien, shirtless, standing at the sink, facing the mirror. He glances over his shoulder with a bored look. "Oh, hi Eve."

I scan over his bare skin feeling a twinge of worry for his health. His bones jut out from his back and his spine sticks out uncomfortably. His face seems hollow rather than sharp in this lighting. I blink a few times, "Hi. Um, are you okay?"

"Okay with what?"

"You're... are you eating enough?" I ask tentatively, taking a slow step into the room.

"Of course," Adrien answers obviously, "didn't you see me eat today?"

I nod. "Yeah but..."

"But what?"

"I just... am a little worried." I flash him a worried look, "You look like you're underweight... like you're starving."

"I always looked like this," Adrien answers, not as sharply as I expected him to. He turns back to face the mirror with tired eyes. "My servants made sure of that. This is the result of surgeries, they made it so my body can't take on fat, no matter how much I eat."

My eyes soften with sympathy. "Oh... I'm sorry."

"You weren't a servant, don't apologize."

"I just feel bad..."

"Don't. It's just wasting emotions on things that can't be changed. Don't worry about it."

He turns to face me with level eyes. "I assume you want to change in here?"
"Yes, but I can wait if you need me to-"

"Always the polite one," he cuts me off with a slow smile. "One thing you and Tressa had in common."

I swallow nervously before nodding at him. Adrien pulls back from the sink before tugging his hair out of its ponytail. His burning red hair falls in front of his face before he brushes it back. He walks past me in the door and walks up the winding stairs.

"Adrien?" I ask hesitantly. He stops and looks down at me with curiosity. I take a deep breath before nodding at him. "Thank you for helping me. My shoulder hardly hurts now."

Adrien scowls at me. "You don't need to say thank you either. It was my fault you got stabbed."

I shake my head. "No, it was mine. I made the decision to push you out of the way. You helped me afterward and I'm grateful for that."

Adrien studies my face for a moment before his eyes drop to Tressa's dress. "It's only natural that I do... I won't let another one of my family members die."

"You know, I think you're really sweet," I continue softly, "you care."

A flash of discomfort crossed his face before he slowly nodded. "Okay." He turns and begins to walk up the steps again before calling, "Lustice ren, Eve."

"Lustice ren," I repeat quietly, watching him go.

I sigh softly before walking into the washing room and closing the door behind me.

After I got dressed in black pants and a white dress shirt, borrowed from Gideon, I went upstairs into the room to find Adrien already sleeping on his books. Gideon is laid out on his bed with a dirty smile as he watched me. I begin to blush as I walk toward the bed feeling a flash of fear as I approach him. Shiloh warned me that Gideon had feelings for me. I have to be careful not to hurt him.

"Grets Eve," he perks up, "you look good."

I blush and sit on the edge of the bed. You only like it because it's yours and you can see through the shirt.... "Uh thanks."

Gideon pats his big stomach with a bright smile. "I do love it when we feast." He sighs before flopping onto his back with a peaceful look. "Adrien's cooking is absolutely wonderful, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is," I agree wholeheartedly. The food they made was amazing and tasted better than a fancy restaurant. It was a perfect feast for Christmas Eve. But I couldn't help but feel horrible for leaving Mom alone. Hopefully she will understand when I come home.

"Ah, so, are you ready for tomorrow?" Gideon asks curiously. He tangles his fingers in his long golden brown hair. His copper eyes soft and filled with little worry.

"I think so..." I answer, beginning to feel nervous. "I just feel bad..."

"Why?"

"Alexius," I reply sadly, "he... I feel bad for him."

"Don't," Gideon answered simply. "He made himself into that. It was his choice."

"Just as you kill," I argue quietly, "but it wasn't all his fault either."

Gideon sits up with a frown. "Why all the gloominess and sympathy for Alexius? You aren't going to switch sides, are you?"

"Of course not," I retort quickly, "but I feel like he's..."

"Like us?" Gideon asks, defeatedly.

I slowly nod.

Gideon sighs loudly before shaking his head. "Adrien could never face him like that. It's too painful for him."

"But what if we helped him get closure-"

"Leaving here is his closure," Gideon interrupts seriously. "Leaving this world behind... he is letting go of his anger and grief and moving on. We've worked hard to get to this point, it's best not to change it."

"But Alexus will only be angrier," I argue gently. "I understand this is Adrien's way of coping but we're only dooming Alexius-"

"Alexius is another problem for another day," Gideon cuts me off in a tired voice. "Shiloh said the same thing, you know. Hate inspires more hate. Anger creates more anger. It's just going to keep growing until someone stops."

"So you have considered trying to talk to Alexius." I watch Gideon in shock, not expecting this.

Gideon sighs as he rubs his eyes. "More like, we already tried."

"Really?"

"Yes. A while ago." He pauses before shaking his head. "Four days ago. It's why we were so close to the border in the first place. Shiloh and I were trying to contact Alexius through the Guard. We snuck out knowing Adrien would be against but... he ended up following us and before we could try talking to the Guard, Adrien attacked and all hell broke loose. It's when Shiloh fell through to the other side. Because he slipped."

I stare at him in shock. "I had no idea..."

"You can't tell Adrien," Gideon says seriously. "He'd be furious if he found out."

"Okay," I promise, realizing how delicate this is. And how much Gideon and Shiloh care about Adrien.

Gideon shakes his head before smiling at me. "But enough about that. It's for another day. Let's just worry about getting to the other side."

"Right," I agree with a nod. "I just hope it goes well..."

"It will," Gideon reassures me, resting his hand on my good shoulder. His hand is soft and very warm as he begins to massage my shoulder. "We're family now. We protect each other."

"Thank you for accepting me into your family," I say with a soft smile. "I... am really honored..."

"No worries," he draws out with a wider smile. "You're so cute, little Eve. Just go with it, okay?"

I laugh quietly before shaking my head. "I've always had problems with that. I can't seem to relax, even back at home."

Gideon chuckles before pulling closer to me. He gently adjusts himself to be facing me. He lowers his head before looking up at me with a heart racing smile, showing off small dimples. I suddenly remember just how handsome these boys are. They... aren't even human but they...

"I'll help you relax," he offers gently. "You'll never feel scared or stressed with me by your side. Eve..." he takes my hand with sincerity in his eyes. "I'll always be here. Waiting for you."

I take a shaky breath, fear flashing through my heart. I don't want to hurt you. I blink a few times as his words sink in. Is he... is he saying what I think he's saying? My mind begins to run wild with sudden imaginations of what Gideon and I could be. They clash with my previous revelations and remember my fear of him. I remember the blood on his face, the darkness in his eyes, and the passion he radiated when he vowed to kill. I remember his kiss and how much I... Does he