X: Valet

(16) I decided to stay and help (if earlier - 12)

Nothing has changed in Letha's room. And why would it? I don't know what I was waiting for. I walked around the chairs and the table, next to the fireplace, past the window. And then I finally stopped by the bed. I stood there and stared at the bloodstained clothes that were lying there. Hunter probably changed Letha into clean clothes before burying her. And certainly not without Magic's help.

I touched Letha's shirt. Uncertainly. My hands were shaking. I didn't know if I had the right to do that. I was afraid that someone would come in, but on the other hand, I didn't care at all – because it wouldn't be her. And I'd give anything to have Letha there yelling at me for touching her stuff. But I also knew that she would never do that.

I grabbed the cloth somehow roughly. I literally crumpled it between my fingers. Then I lifted it up and used both arms. I ruffled this shirt for a long time, until finally I brought it to my face, inhaling the scent of Letha for the last time. The scent of lavender and freedom. Sunshine and laughter. An aroma mixed with the metallic taste of blood. I loved her so much... why didn't I tell her?

There was some scuffling below. I hurried there. I don't know why I ran so fast. After the incident, any rustle caused me uncontrollable panic.

Hunter was stuffing his things into a bag, the ones in the living room. The rest, apparently, had already been folded. Anyway... I'm sure he didn't have many possessions.

"Leaving?"

Magic wasn't angry, and she didn't even seem surprised.

"This has all gone too far."

He didn't look at her.

"I was prepared for the fact that we would be killed somewhere in a doorway or when they saw us in someone else's mansion. But they literally broke into our hideout, Magic."

"I understand."

She still replied calmly.

"Tell Seth..."

"It's okay."

Magic shook her head wearily, taking a couple of steps towards him.

Hunter finally turned to face her.

"You're a mercenary. And you were free to leave at any moment."

They smiled at each other. Weakly. I barely managed to see it from the second floor.

"Keep an eye on him."

"Always."

Saying these words, Magic gently wrapped her slender, graceful arms around Hunter, which usually brought chaos and destruction.

"Take care of yourself."

She said one last thing, pulling away.

"And you, kid, behave yourself."

I was startled. Neither of them looked in my direction, but at that moment I realized that they had known about my presence all along.

Hunter left. And I was a little sad that I didn't get a good look at his face. Even then, I had no doubt that I saw him for the last time.

Magic turned to me. She looked at me with sympathy, as if I were a child whose favorite toy had broken. Her lips were pursed, but she was trying to give me hope. And even if she didn't succeed, her attention alone was enough to send warmth through my chest.

"How are you, Valet?"

"I'm not going anywhere."

The question and the answer had nothing to do with each other, but I didn't give a damn about it.