"Let's just not think about this and something else instead. Like what just happened," Lia muttered, rubbing his temples. "It's like... I can remember things I've never done."
Ace flexed his fingers slowly, watching the movement. "Yeah. Same here."
He glanced down at his hand, then clenched it.
"There's something inside me now. I can feel it pulling through me if I concentrate."
Lia tilted his head slightly, eyes narrowing. "Do you think it was really him? Who gave us these memories?"
Ace's fingers stopped moving.
"I don't know," he said honestly. "But I saw him… standing there. Not moving. And yet… it felt like something was entering my head from him. Like his shadow wrapped around my spine and poured it in."
He shivered slightly but not from fear.
"Whatever it was… I felt him. Even when my eyes were closed."
Lia nodded slowly.
Ace turned to him. "Do you regret it?"
Lia snorted. "Do I look like I regret it?"
They both grinned—tight, tired smiles.
