Lexie possessed almost no magic, yet Ciel's earnest persistence proved impossible to resist. His wide, striking blue eyes held a rare warmth that could break through the most stubborn resolve, and Lexie was no exception.
Yielding to the child's silent plea, Isiah wove a heavy, protective coat out of dark magic to shield Ciel from the biting winter air.
Stepping into the snowy yard with Eijar coiling by his boots, Ciel looked up into the vast, overcast sky with a sharp determination that mirrored Isiah's own intense gaze. The quiet borderland seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the party to launch into the unknown.
Ciel cast a quick glance over his shoulder toward the silent house, searching the windows for any sign of Lexie following them. Seeing nothing but empty glass, a heavy cloud of doubt settled over his heart.
