Strax looked at Lithara and Albedo for a few seconds, still feeling both of them squeezing his hands as if afraid he might disappear again before fulfilling what he had promised. Lithara was clearly impatient, while Albedo tried to maintain some dignity despite her flushed cheeks and the almost possessive way she held his fingers. He let out a low laugh, freed his hands only to place them on both their heads, and briefly stroked their hair.
"Go to my room," Strax said. "I need to tell Monica what happened in Tartarus first."
Both of them made exactly the same displeased expression.
Lithara puffed out her cheeks slightly and tilted her head against his hand. Albedo tried to look less childish, but the small pout on her lips made it obvious that the idea of waiting a few more minutes did not please her at all. Even so, neither argued. Lithara took Albedo by the arm and started walking toward the mansion.
"Don't take too long," Lithara warned.
Albedo looked back over her shoulder.
