Liam and I take to the night. Eleanor is cross with me for one reason another. When I return she's there with her arms cross and her foot tapping at my wood floors.

Its comical.

I laugh. She explodes, throwing very priceless dishes at my even more priceless face.

"You're in a mood," I remark, hanging from the ceiling.

She throws a dish at me but it falls flat, and we both look at it.

"You kidnapped me, killed my husband on my wedding day, and gave me a sort of sex slavery," she summarizes, her brows knitted.

"Yes? And you're in a mood," I shrug. "Why is that?"

She groans in frustration. "I can't do this! I refuse!"

"Really Eleanor that you would be cross with me aboht the death of that man is beyond me. He was wearing red and green. On your wedding day. Unironically. What was I meant to do? What type of life could you lead with someone who dresses that way?"

"A happy one!" She screams, throwing her hands up once more, her face now turning reddish with anger.

Oh dear. I look at her, cocking my head dubiously. "I very much doubt it dear. If he's not able to properly match I am not confident he could, say, manage finances, look after a child or decorate a home that doesn't look like an art piece no one finished."

She narrows her eyes, her neck craning up at she regards me with ridicule.

"You mean to say your main quarrel with him was that he lacked fashion sense?"

Yes. He walked outside like that's and I think that audacity deserves the capital punishment.

"I mean...sense in general. But yes. That hideous ensemble contributed significantly to my decision —"

"I'll have you staked for this, just you wait," she swears, storming off.

"Very well dear!" I call after her. "We all must do what we must."

"Fuck off, Alastair."

I nod. Liam looks up at me shaking his head. "You are an uncouth savage."

I frown. "I take offense to that. Have you seen my outfit. I'm very much couth. Do you see my cape? I've been a walking stick to match, fetch it there." I point to it.

Liam purses his lips, staying still shaking his head condemnation.

"Can I not be the damned undying creature of the night thag I am without getting judged by everyone in this house?!" I call.

Eleanor storms back out, a broom in hand. She sweeps at the ceiling, hitting my face trying to break my seal.

"Eleanor! Eleanor please, I just insist you cease—"

She catches me off guard, and I fall before I can catch myself wincing as I land on the broken glass. An absolute terror this woman, it's delightful.

She peers down at me. "I want to return to my shop. I see some handsome suits in your room. I'll have to torn to shreds if you don't release me."

Oh...no. Those were custom made.

I sit up. "Just to the shop then? And back here?"

She frowns. "Whatever. But I must go to my shop. You promised. Remember?"

I sigh, taking glass out of my hair. "Yes, yes, I remember now. Fine. But if you attempt to flee, I'll have you cornered off. And..."

I look up at her dress. "That dress is a bit baggy. You must be losing weight. Eat more."

I stand, waving my head, moving all the shards to one corner.

"Liam, stop being useless," I say as habit.

"No,"

I nod. I tried. And it was a worthy effort. Eleanor shoulders are slumped, her eyes casts longingly out the window for her shop.

She longs for her bookshop as I long for her.

I put my hands on her shoulders. "It's yours now," I murmur. "Long after I've picked up and left this city, that shop will belong to you."

She glanced up at me. "Leave?"

I smile. "I'm not afforded the opportunity to settle," I muse. "After a few years, I must depart and take leave of wherever I am. People begin to notice."

"You'll be leaving this place?"

"Don't sound so excited, Eleanor, you may wound me."

"I wasn't..." she sighs, looking out the window once more.

We stare in silence a melancholy air settling on us. I loathe to leave her behind. But to tear her from the shop is more cruel than even I'm capable of.