Alexandria's Keeper - Lord Of The Mysteries Fanfiction

-2- Failed Interrogation

"Well, Mister 'I'll protect my girlfriend at all costs,' if you could, in fact, be a little bit kinder, I'd greatly appreciate it," Irina said, her tone laced with sarcasm. "Especially since I'm not insulting your sweet and gorgeous girlfriend. Thank you!"

Dunn blinked, taken aback. "I'm sorry, what?"

Nice reaction, I like it. A solid 10/10, Irina thought, trying to suppress a grin. Maybe next time I'll refer to her as his wife instead of girlfriend. That could be even better.

From across the room, Madam Daly laughed heartily. "Oh, she's hilarious! I like her!"

Dunn looks like he's dying inside. He's speechless, Irina noted, her inner amusement growing. But Madam Daly's loving this. I can't help but smile. They deserve a happy ending together. This world is far too cruel.

"Don't give me that deer-in-headlights look, Captain," Irina said, her smile widening. "With the way you were defending her, it's obvious you two are a couple."

"I didn't— She's not— We're just partners, nothing else," Dunn stammered, visibly flustered.

"Wrong!" Irina chimed, wagging a playful finger. "You wouldn't feel so attacked if she wasn't special to you. And why are you panicking? If she were just your partner, there wouldn't be a reason for this much stress."

Dunn's jaw clenched, his voice tight. "Madam Daly, Miss Irina, please. We were discussing something important."

I need to get him to stop treating me like some kind of criminal, Irina thought, her smile fading slightly. I want to work with him, not against him. The 'girlfriend' comment was a little below the belt, but hey, maybe I can make that come true!

Daly tilted her head, a smirk playing on her lips. "She's right, you know. You're being much colder than usual, Dunn."

Dunn muttered under his breath, "I wonder why..."

Did I hear him right? Why can't he whisper any louder...

Daly narrowed her eyes. "What was that?"

The previous night, the only conscious Nighthawk left standing, Dunn Smith, raised a frying pan and swiftly brought it down on the back of the girl's head. She crumpled to the ground, unconscious, just like Leonard.

Dunn checked her pulse to make sure she was fully out before turning to Leonard. As he approached, a low groan escaped his partner.

"Ugh... my head... Did someone hit me? Or did someone hit both of us?" Leonard muttered, slowly stirring. "And, Captain... are you seriously not going to offer me a hand? How cruel..."

Dunn felt a wave of relief wash over him, comforted by Leonard's usual sarcastic banter.

"It's good to know you're still yourself," Dunn said, a rare hint of a smile breaking through his otherwise stoic demeanor.

Leonard blinked, confused. "What do you mean by that?"

"What's the last thing you remember?" Dunn asked, watching as Leonard tried to stand.

Leonard frowned in concentration. "Hmm... Oh wait, I touched that mirror, didn't I? And... uh... I... hugged... her...?"

Dunn's brow furrowed. He looks as confused as he sounds. What exactly does that pocket mirror do?

"That's right. Do you remember anything else? Something specific? Did you hear anything?" Dunn pressed.

That old man tried warning me but he was too late... The poet recalled his words.