The attack came faster than a blink. Arlo sighed in frustration, then drew his ornate sword from the canvas painting, trying to conceal his disappointment at its fragile and rusty texture."If anyone else heard you say that, they might think I'm the villain here," he muttered. He weighed the ornate sword for a moment before pointing it at Riley. "But fine, as a gracious guest, I'll tell you why I'm here. I saw you this evening haunting Sheila and her baby's lives. Long story short, I want you to return to hell."Riley furrowed his brow. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said. "Leave this place now if you want to leave in one piece."Arlo tilted his head, tightening his grip on the ornamental sword. "You realize I could quote you on that too, right?" he retorted. "I want you to leave this world and let Sheila live in peace."Suddenly, more swords appeared, swirling around Riley's head. Some were ornamental like Arlo's, but others were real. Arlo quickly noticed the superior

"Oh God, save me from the strange quarrels between my son and his son," grumbled Lord Xavian as he joined the breakfast table the next morning.Arlo purposely didn't look up, just scowling at his breakfast of bread, meat, fries, and a bit of melted cheese."That's why I believe our son shouldn't have children before marriage," murmured Lady Chandie across from Arlo, enjoying her breakfast while reading the newspaper."As I've said," Lord Xavian winked at Kieran and Arlo, "Adopting a child is a brave act. But dealing with their quirks post-adolescence requires not just bravery, but gentleness.""I'm tired of hearing your advice, Father," grumbled Kieran. "Clearly useless if the child won't even speak to you from the start.""Yep," chimed in Arlo. "Clearly useless."Xavian smiled knowingly and began eating his breakfast. "So," he muttered after the first bite. "Last night, did you go to Darklake's house or Silverwood's?"Kieran's utensils clattered onto his plate. He stared sharply at h

Logan's youthful, alive skin contrasted sharply with the black shirt he wore today, causing him to stand for a long time in front of Sheila's house window, contemplating at lightning speed whether he should return home to change his clothes or simply muster the courage to knock on her door.But he could hear Sheila's singing inside the house, and her quick, hurried footsteps crossing room after room. Eventually, the girl exclaimed in frustration, "Gosh, Sheila! What were you thinking? Logan wouldn't care about anything you wear!"Upon hearing his name mentioned, Logan burst into laughter. Suddenly, the burden he felt on his shoulders disappeared. He promptly tapped on the tightly closed window. "Hey, Sheila! You're right, I don't care what you wear because you always look beautiful!""Logan?" The window leaf promptly opened, and Sheila gazed at him with her beautiful eyes. "Why are you late?"Logan smiled softly. "Sorry, I'm just like you," he muttered. "I stood here for five minutes