Liyah's POV

I saw Eve get up from her bed as fast as a firecracker when she saw me walk into her bedroom. She ran toward me, her lips parted as though she wanted to say something but them she clapped them shut. When she got to where I was standing, she jumped up as far as he tiny legs could carry her and gave me a tight embraced. I squealed in surprise, holding on to her waist to keep her from falling.

"I was going to call out your name before the hug and then I realized I had no idea what it was," She said, pulling back for a few seconds to regard me strangely. "I am deeply sorry that I forgot to ask all this time," She frowned. "But if you aren't so mad at me for it then may I know now?"

I decided that no one could deny just how adorable this little girl was.

"It's Liyah," I informed her, glad that I no longer had to keep it a secret.

Her eyes widened. "My, what a beautiful name! She it suits you so well. Liyah," She repeated. "In my next life, I want to be called Liyah too," She said as she leaned back into me.

When she finally had enough of the hug she began to giggle, jumping around me in circles.

"How are you?" I asked, having a hard time controlling my chuckling. I rarely got a chance to see her act her age so it was deeply refreshing to watch her skip around playfully. I only just realized how much I really missed her, I had not seen her for weeks now. And us living under the same roof was not an assurance that we would always see each other. I could probably stay a year in this mansion and never even come face to face with someone. The place was so gigantic that it was more like a palace than a mansion.

As soon as I asked the question, Eve stopped her skipping, letting out a sigh that made her suddenly made her seem years older and lowering herself onto the bed with a gloomy look. I watched her bring a hand to her forehead and lower it, and I couldn't help but smile at how serious she looked.

"Well, I missed you quite terribly, but no one would tell me where you were so I could go see you instead. My days have been so dark without you, Liyah," She sighed.

Okay I could definitely see a future in theatre for her. I hid my smile as I outstretched my arm to place it on her shoulders. "I missed you too."

She faced me. "I notice that you look better, healthier, and fuller. And I'm glad. But your eyes... they're cold, not in an icy way, but in a sad way. Is something the matter? Uncle used to say that all adults are sad, and I never understood why. But I'm starting to think that maybe he was right. What do you think?"

Like always when Eve began to talk like this, I was at a loss of words. How is it that a seven year old observed things that even adults couldn't? She was the most extraordinary child I had ever know.

"Well," I started, thinking of how best to phrase my answer. "Sometim—"

I never got to complete my statement because her bedroom door opened and the alpha walked in. I saw him pause in surprise when his eyes landed on me, but only for a brief second. It was so subtle that if I wasn't watching him closely, I would never have noticed. Her tore his gaze from me and turned to Eve. She had already jumped from the bed when she saw him. I saw him stiffen when she hugged him. She was practically hugging just his legs thanks to his height.

"I didn't know you were coming today, it's nice to see you. How are you doing today?" She gestured to me. "Liyah also came to see me today. Now it feels nice but planned, in a good way of course. Like a double surprise." She giggled.

My fists clenched when I saw her drag him to the bed and place herself in between the both of us. I really didn't want to be around him.

"What about you both?" Eve asked. "Do you like surprises? I don't know if I like surprises or not, but there was this one time when Uncle got me cake and some other things. He called it a surprise, she even though the cake was kind of stale it still felt nice. It's the thought that counts right?"

Without warning, I let out a giggle, surprising even myself. Eve always told the funniest stories I'd ever heard. The smile froze on my face when I saw that he was laughing as well. Annoyed, I looked away. I loved Eve but being around him was the most draining and suffocating thing I had to do because it always brought the memories. And I didn't need that. Not now, not ever.

I saw him look away as I turned in his direction facing Eve. I stood from my position on the bed.

"I have to go now," I told her, lightly fondling her cheeks.

Her face fell. "Now? Why? Can't you stay a little longer?"

I couldn't remain here with him for one second longer.

"Unfortunately no," I frowned. "But as soon as I'm done with work, I'll be right back. Okay?"

She nodded, giving me one last hug which I returned. Without a backward glance, I exited the room.