Shadow gave him a nervous giggle before speaking, "Glitch cooperated."

He needed to absorb their confused faces before realizing they weren't up to date with the latest events. Shadow sat down, and the waitress brought him his favorite cup of tea and a new cup of coffee for Silver.

Shadow tried to be brief without missing anything, but he avoided naming Dr. Finitevus. His existence was a secret to most of the ordinary staff.

Gold caught her chin as she was thinking. "I haven't encountered any similar case, but your assumption is mostly correct."

Shadow opened his mouth to speak when he heard the bell announcing midnight a stroke per second.

"Wait? It's that late! But that's more... than an hour..." He let his words die down as he looked at Silver.

The light-colored hedgehog's ears twitched, and he took a sip of his now empty cup. "Consider yourself lucky." He used an intimidating tone, but something sounded off. "I figured you are a slow-hog. Be thankful I gave you extra time."

The priest gave him a wide smile, and Silver fought with the urge to punch him. He hated it, but he disliked himself for forgetting about the time limit more. Perhaps he really needed some time away from missions.

However, he didn't regret spending that time with Gold. He didn't realize how much he was missing her until she was gone for such a long time.

"It's too late for any preparations," Silver stated. "I suggest we call it a night and check Glitch's memories tomorrow around afternoon."

Gold nodded. "That should be enough time for me to prepare the circle."

"Alright, I'll inform Mr. Nigel." Shadow waved them goodbye, dashing away. On his way, he gave the waitress a puzzled look as she blushed whenever she saw him now.

The same waitress came to place them the bill, and Silver, to Gold's surprise and amusement, paid for Shadow too. On their way, their hands brushed lightly as they walked side by side. Silver slid his fingers, wrapping around Gold's palm, and she returned the gesture.

That night, Gold stayed with Silver, sharing one bed in his room.

Meanwhile, Shadow finished his brief report, munching on cookies and drinking his cup of tea. Mr. Nigel listened to him with utmost concentration, despite his mind and body already asked for needed rest.

"... I'm convinced Glitch isn't a dangerous individual but a victim of circumstances just like Silver," he finished his speech without Mr. Nigel interrupting him.

The squirrel man needed a couple of minutes for everything to sink in.

"Shadow, you know I hold your opinion in high regards. You have a young mind and can often notice things we may overlook. You aren't a man to make a snap judgment. Still, I'm not convinced we should move this boy out of his cell."

Shadow bit his lip, waiting if there was more to come.

"He may not be connected with Dr. Finitevus. However, we don't know if this mysterious person isn't connected to him or having a twisted competition to see who has better creations." Mr. Nigel had a solid point. "I can't risk people of the Albion City. What if Glitch has a mind-controlling seal in his brain?"

"I know. I realize you have fair points, and the possibility is quite high." Shadow dug his fingers into his knees. "Yet, I have to implore you, please, allow him to be moved into a small flat. I shall be his guardian, taking full responsibility for any hostile behavior he may display."

"The flats have only basic defensive seals. Even if those are impressive, his sucking powers may render them useless if he free himself. Even breaking the shackles may be only a question of time for him." Mr. Nigel shook his head, leaning back in his chair.

"But that may happen if he stays in the cell," the priest argued. "Even before I entered, it filled with desperation and fear. Within minutes it almost suffocated me. Only after I gained his trust and he shared his story, the dark aura subdued, returning as I left.

"Glitch is scared. No, terrified! Keeping him in the prison will only make it worst. Allowing him to stay in a normal room, to let him roam inside with no worry, and somebody to keep him company, will take away the stress.

"I have a good experience dealing with traumatized children. I opened his heart a bit, but once it shuts, it may never open again."

Mr. Nigel watched him. "If I refuse?"

"I'll grab whatever I can and make his cell as comfy and pleasant as possible."

The squirrel let out a deep breath. "Are you all hedgehogs this stubborn, or I had the devil's luck to meet the rare odd-hog-outs?"

Shadow leaned forward.

"Alright. I gave you permission to move Glitch to a small flat. You have to stay with him or have somebody to be by his side. He will be monitored and will have to come to Medics for regular tests once Gold finishes. We have to be sure his limbs aren't hurting hi—."

Mr. Nigel almost bit his tongue as Shadow jumped around his neck, one thank you after another racing from his mouth. At the greater speed, the priest leaped back, dashing outside to prepare the flat.

The Order always had a few vacant spaces just in case, but Mr. Nigel didn't expect them hosting demons. What a strange world this place was turning into.

"Shadow had a nice smell," Big said, giving his friend goosebumps. He knew of his habit to appear and go without a sound, but his heart could never get used to it. "What a nice kid."

"I hope so." He stood up. "How about we take our rest too? There is so much we need to do."

Shadow skid in front of the cell door, remembering to slow down. Not that he would smash through the massive metal plate, but he would scare Glitch. He knocked, entering, calling the boy.

If the atmosphere inside was suffocating before, now it turned into an invisible pudding, pushing Shadow away. Under the opposite wall sat Glitch, wrapped in Shadow's jacket, shivering.

The priest approached him, ripping through the hopelessness the child expressed, squatting in front of him.

"Glitch," he whispered, but the boy's head jerked up as if he roared.

The red eyes cried all the tears he had his entire life. The big plates stared at Shadow as if he was nothing but a fever dream.

"I'm sorry I took so long. There was so much—"

Glitch leaped around his neck, toppling them both on the ground. At this moment, Shadow was helpless against an attack on his neck, and the bite would cause a significant wound. His body tensed, and his fingers jerked, ready to dig into the boy's body.

But Glitch had no intention to hurt Shadow as he was crying on his shoulder. "I thought you wouldn't return! It scared me!"

Shadow returned the hug. "I'm sorry it took so long. But everything is ready now. You can move to a proper room."

The boy lifted his body. "So I can go?"

The priest shook his head slowly. "I'm afraid not... for a long time. However, you aren't a prisoner or a criminal, as long as you cooperate." Shadow crawled from under his body. "Many questions are surrounding you, and we want to make sure those limbs don't hurt you in the future."

Glitch's ears drooped.

"Let's go. I'm sure a warm bed is what both of us need now."

The boy accepted his hand, standing on his shaky legs. Before leaving, Glitch had to cover his body with a cape and had his limbs connected by a special chain to prevent him from running. It was a procedure he had to go through.

At this moment, the young hedgehog was too tired to complain, and the vision of leaving that cell was worth for this. Glitch tried to see where they were going, curious of the hidden parts of The Order. The old stories for kids gained a new form. Perhaps there was truth to them.

Back in the village, he used to sneak out during the night to prove that he was the most courageous of the boys, earning the position of a leader. Perhaps he was lucky not to encounter any demon during his childhood.

"Here we are." Shadow unlocked the door, and Glitch followed him inside. "It's not big, but it has everything you could need." The hall led to a living room that was next to a bedroom.

Shadow went on about what Glitch could find here and what he could or shouldn't do. Hearing no response, he peeked into the bedroom, finding Glitch tucked under the blanket, soundly sleeping.

A small smile danced across his face, seeing the boy getting comfy. Yet it lasted only for a brief moment, as Glitch shivered as if nightmare visited him. Shadow took down his half-unbuttoned shirt, slipping next to Glitch.

The boy turned around, curling closer. Shadow caressed his back until the shiver subdued.

"Good night."

Shadow closed his eyes, allowing himself to catch a few hours of sleep.