Helping Unpack (Emily & the House Crew) - Darius and Crew

A hand reached up to touch his cheek.

"So strong and brave."

He smiled at her, his hand still playing with her hair.

"To be one of us, you must be strong. Only the strong are rewarded. Only the strong can survive. And above all, what I am? Is strength. It is why I will teach you to be strong. Being a ghoul does not make you strong or weak. Being broken is not what makes you strong or weak. You spent time in that pit -- you made it out still whole. That is one of the tests that will make you ever-stronger."

She smiled.

"I will do my very best to learn."

He smiled.

"I know you will. I know you won't disappoint me."

She nodded, then yawned hugely. She was very tired.

"Bethy be strong tomorrow. Sleep now. Stay?"

He smiled and bent to kiss her forehead.

"I will stay until you fall asleep, love. Close your eyes."

She obeyed, closing her eyes and falling into slumber. Very soon her breathing showed she was gone.

When she had fallen asleep, he carefully slipped from the bed. With gentle hands, he tucked the blankets up around her sleeping form, pressed a kiss to her temple, then made his way silently out of the room.

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