The next morning I got up early and then went to do some quick shopping. Because the city center in Arc was already busy, I popped back to Loistavadvaar for the groceries, and to my astonishment, Tam was there, waiting for me.

- What the hell are you doing here? - I asked as soon as I noticed him standing in the silver light, shining from above.

- Bawk! Bawawk! Baaaawk! Bawk! - He yelled at me.

- What do you mean, I left you? Tihana is the one who is taking care of you. It's not my fault - I said, as a smile started to appear on my face since I found the situation very funny.

- Bawk! Baaawk! - He flapped his wings, losing a few feathers.

- Ok, ok. You are the one taking care of her, but that doesn't mean she is not the one who carries you around. It's not my fault she forgot about you.

- Bawk! Bawawk! - He argued.

- It's between you and her. Don't pull me into this.

- Bawk!

- I don't care. As I said. It's between you and her.

- Bawk! Baaawk!

- Ok. I won't forget to take you. Just... Let me do the shopping I came here for - I said and tried to walk around him to get to the device, but the little asshole kept blocking my path.

A little irritated, I shadow walked past him.

- Bawk! - he yelled, as jumped forward flapping his wings, and losing even more feathers.

I laughed at him as I ran away. He chased me a little, but then gave up. And I finally was able to do some shopping. Besides the normal stuff I was gonna buy, I also got some grain for him, so he would feel better.

Then the two of us returned, and I made some breakfast. Nothing fancy, just a bunch of tiny sandwiches, a glass of orange juice, and oatmeal with fresh fruits like berries, bananas chopped into smaller pieces, and some cut strawberries.

Soon after I finished making it all, Tihana came wearing school clothes with her backpack fully packed. With one look I knew that things were not well between us because of what happened yesterday. She was a little bit scared of me.

Tam, on the other hand, was fully angry with both of us, and just kept packing his grain in the corner, giving us an angry glare from time to time.

She began eating her oatmeal. I on the other hand wasn't moving my sight from her, trying to make her look at me, so we could begin a proper conversation, but it just was not happening.

After a long moment, I resigned from such an approach, deciding to take more direct action.

- Tihana... Let's talk about what happened yesterday - I proposed.

- There is nothing to talk about - she replied, but still kept her eyes on the oatmeal.

- I believe that there is. Because of what I did yesterday, you are scared of me. You can't even look me in the face.

My words made her do just that, but I could see the fear deep inside them.

- I know that my reaction was harsh, and since they didn't do anything to you or me, you feel that it was too much, but if you or I weren't as strong as we are, those people would do whatever they wanted to us. Your life was bad from the beginning, so you got used to being pushed around, but this ended when we meet each other. You can't keep backing down, because they will keep pushing. You have to stand firmly by your beliefs. I warned them about what would happen, and it's on them since they decided to cross my line. I know that it might sound brutal, but this is the world you are entering now - I explained.historical

She lowered her gaze to not look me in the eyes.

- I know, but... Did you really have to hurt him so badly? - She asked.

- No. I didn't, but that is what I promised I would do, so I did it. Look... We might not be blood-related, but I took to the job of being your parent, and it's my duty to protect you. So if any asshole tries to hurt you, I will be as brutal and as merciless as I have to be. This is my red line. If you are scared that I will start bullying those weaker than me and pushing people around, then rest assured. I haven't changed. I can take a joke. I can even back down if the situation is right, but I won't ever let anybody put their hands on you If I can prevent it, ok?

This assurance from me made her rise her head again and look me in the eyes, then she smiled slightly and nodded.

- Next time promises to kick their asses instead of... Taking their hands, ok? - She asked.

- Yeah, but it doesn't sound the same. To be honest, I thought they would fuck off, or focus on me instead of you... The situation got out of hand. That's it...

- Yeah. It did - she agreed, then returned to her meal.

Half an hour later she left for school, and I stayed home with Tam, but not for long. I soon also left to visit Will and organize a proper hunting group for Tihana with him. He knew the people, and could easily pick a few who would treat my fake daughter well. Help her polish her skills properly, and keep her safe. Besides, she needed a bigger social group than just me and a few of my friends.

Not to mention the fact, that I wanted to get out of Arc for a moment, to stay away from the hunters, monsters, and everything around both those things. I wanted to feel like a normal human being. I wanted to enjoy my anonymity a little, so I began planning a little trip. Moreover, I had a few things to think through...

Fortunately for me, Will jumped on the idea without me having to push him and promised to pick a few people to help Tihana, from the new hunters around the city, but in exchange, I had to promise to take a part in some kind of meeting about the future of Arc.