"Hey, did I hit you too hard with the pan?" Aira asked, nervously approaching her.
"Don't—." Lily stumbled back, creating distance.
"Don't… touch me."
"I—"
"Sorry." Aira backed off.
Silence settled between them.
Above them, the warehouse exhaust roared — too loud. Metal rattled faintly in the walls, like something breathing inside them.
"You don't talk much," Aira said.
"…"
"It's alright," she added, softer this time.
Lily clenched her jaw, her fingers curling at her sides.
"Ugh!"
She grabbed a loose brick and hurled it straight at the exhaust fan.
CLANG.
Sparks flickered. The noise died instantly.
"The… switch was right here," Aira sighed.
"What the hell happened here?" Raegal's voice cut in from the doorway.
"Your precious daughter threw a brick at the fan," Aira said, dragging her words.
He looked at her.
Just looked.
Then turned and walked outside without a word.
"Kael, mind looking at those two?" Raegal called.
He nodded.
"Hey — can I have a cigarette?"
Kael asked.
"Wha— what? No?" Raegal said, clearly thrown off.
"You know what — here, fine."He said, too tired to argue and tossed one. Kael caught it with one hand.
"Lighter?"
Raegal sighed. "It's in the drawer."
Kael stepped into his room.
"You know smoking's bad for you, Kael," said Noir.
"I needed an excuse to get in his room."
"Asking for a cigarette from your dad?"
"I'm even more confused why he let you smoke in the first place."
"To be honest," Kael paused.
"I'm even more confused than you are, Noir."
He opened the drawer. Papers. Old receipts. A worn box.
A photograph.
Raegal — younger, sharper, less worn down.
Beside him stood Archangel. Unmistakable.
Kael's eyes narrowed.
"Guess I was right after all."
"Whatcha find?" Noir asked, playfully.
"I had a feeling father had some connection with Archangel."
"Or more precisely…"
"John Vale."
"I looked at the documents back in the house when I was with Aira."
"We need his strength, Noir."
"That was unexpected of you, Kael."
"Well, you are my teacher after all."
"Good boy."