It pained me that the loss of our Julie still stunted him. Once upon a time Ran had intended to end his existence, but sensing his thoughts I kept him grounded by making him Julie's protector. Of course, I always needed as much help as I could get. Maybe it was selfish of me to want him to remain in existence, but the idea of losing yet another friend was not an option.

Ran's brow furrowed. "It's strange, Kim. Something is going on. Changes being made, alliances forming, and ...