"It's your family, Miss Hana."
Those words triggered a reaction in Hana, though it wasn't one of surprise or disappointment. It was a flicker of deep, visceral disgust, quickly masked by her usual cold facade. Night didn't miss the subtle shift.
Strange, Night thought. As far as I know, the bond of her blood is as tight as a thick chain. Are my speculations wrong? Is she not close with her family at all?
"Your family, specifically your father, Marcus Monschein, is one of the heads of the Swines," Night continued. "Your three brothers, Lukas, Matthew, and Sevi, are operating it alongside him like a family business."
"I see," Hana said simply.
"And it seems your family also has strong connections with the other three Black Cards," Night added. "They work separately, yet they share the same goals and objectives."
Lunx looked up from her tea. "Are you somewhat aware of this, Miss Hana?"
"It's been a while since I left home," Hana replied, her thumb gliding over the curves of her porcelain mug as if memorizing its shape. "I haven't heard from them since. Not that I cared about it."
"So you just fled on your own?" Night asked.
Hana nodded. "They say birds of a feather flock together, yet some eat each other as if they were a meal raised in a poultry yard."
Night tilted her head. "Uhm..."
Hana smiled to herself, though there was no warmth in it. "My parents are of a different breed. Black Storks, I'd say. They engage in infanticide, eating their own offspring. It's a survival strategy, driven by harsh conditions to ensure the strongest survive or to conserve resources for the parents. They seem cruel, yet they claim to have an undying love for their children."
"Ah, you mean children like you?" Lunx asked quietly, her tea cup hovering near her lips.
"They wanted to dispose of the weak chicks to preserve the strong ones," Hana said. "The tough, genuine love of parents."
"Please don't make it sound like you're a family of scavenger animals," Lunx whispered, taking a slow sip.
Night set the scroll down on the coffee table with a definitive sound. "I understand. Your family are Black Storks. They see you as a weak resource to be culled or a weapon to be pointed. That explains everything. You see it as love because that is how they sold it to you, but it was just a smart investment."
Night leaned forward, her expression turning iron-clad. "The contract is sealed. Our three years start now. We've established the target is the Corruption, and the source is the Monschein Dynasty. For our survival, it would be best if you removed them from your family schema."
Hana offered a faint, predatory smile. "When did I ever consider them part of it?"
"Good," Night said. "I have the terms here. Before we discuss your brothers, you need to understand the three absolute articles I've drawn up to ensure we both survive this."
Hana's eyes drifted to the scroll with a flicker of cold interest. "Rules. Fine. Let's hear the legal terms of my lease."
Night opened the scroll. "The first rule addresses the precise moment you put us both in danger back at the hospital. It is necessary because if you die, I turn to stone, and my mission is forfeit."
"Article One: ABSOLUTE NON-ENGAGEMENT."
Night's voice was firm. "The Mortal Vessel is strictly forbidden from initiating any direct physical confrontation with known Corrupt agents, Dynasty figures, or Swines. All violent actions must be authorized and executed solely by the Angel. You are forbidden from placing the Bond at risk for the sake of art or thrill. You will observe, and I will strike."
Hana let out a sharp, dismissive laugh. "And what if your speed isn't enough, soldier? What if your hesitation causes collateral damage? I prefer a more hands-on approach."
"My speed was enough to stop a collapsing building, but it was not enough to save you from falling," Night countered, her voice unwavering as she recalled the panic in the hospital. "My actions were reckless and nearly cost us everything. Your survival is non-negotiable. You are the brain of this operation, Hana. Not the blade."
Lunx sipped her tea, watching the two. "It seems like a pragmatic rule, Miss Monschein. You get to live, and your enemies still die. A win-win."
Hana sighed, crossing her arms. "Fine. What is the second article?"
"Article Two: THE PERIMETER OF ESSENCE."
"Since you possess half of my celestial blood, our bond is a physical tether," Night explained. "The Mortal Vessel shall never leave a fifty-meter radius of the Angel without explicit, pre-authorized consent. If this perimeter is violated for more than one hour, I will be forced to employ full celestial speed to close the distance, regardless of the risk to the mission or human exposure."
Hana's head tilted. "Fifty meters. How restrictive. Is that the precise distance required to ensure your blood doesn't coagulate in my veins, Angel?"
"It is the distance required to ensure I don't turn into stone on the spot," Night replied. "Which brings me to the final rule. The failure at the hospital taught me that my celestial nature is a liability if used incorrectly. If I use my full power, I draw attention from both humans and celestial observers."
"Article 3: Provision of Power."
"For the duration of this pact, the Angel is forbidden from using her full celestial form, including manifesting wings, utilizing the scythe for external threats, or teleporting, unless the Mortal Vessel's life is in immediate, non-negotiable danger within the 50-meter perimeter. I will operate in this restricted human form. My only defense will be my physical strength and minimal use of power."
Hana's smirk grew calculating. "You are limiting your own capability for my convenience. Interesting. So, for three years, you are nothing more than a very fast, slightly stronger human bodyguard?"
"I am exactly what is required to fulfill the contract, Miss Hana," Night said quietly. "I am the shield, and you are the strategist."
Lunx sighed, putting down her teacup. "Well, now that the bureaucracy is settled, perhaps we can get the new partners something to eat. You'll need your strength, soldier. It seems your human friend has just put a leash on the Angel of Death."
Night nodded. "I'll go fetch some fish from the river and some fruit. Any requests?" She paused by the pantry, grabbing a handful of lemons.
"Some apples and coconuts," Lunx requested.
"And please, put those lemons back, you yellow, sour-fruit addict."
Night ignored her and headed out. Hana was left alone in the room with her thoughts, her gaze falling on the scroll.
A celestial mission, Hana mused. Not a bad way to spend my last three years.
She looked toward the window, her eyes turning cold. And I never expected to have this type of family reunion, either.