Chapter 49

Once they were back at the penthouse, Caleb showered off in his room while Akane borrowed Angelica's tub. Afterward, the doctor performed a full physical on her before using her blood magic to gently mend any wounds she may have had. All things considered, the teenager wasn't that badly banged up. Angelika's curiosity was getting the better of her. This girl almost single-handedly fought her way through an entire contingent of Hunters armed to the teeth. And though clearly exhausted, she barely received more than a few superficial cuts and bruises for her trouble.For all intents and purposes, Akane was human, one of the unblessed, that much she could see. Despite her petite frame and demure appearance, her feats of physical strength and athletic ability put her beyond any Hunter or Agent she'd ever encountered before.This girl was an anomaly. Something she wasn't used to in her world."So, you really don't remember anything about your past?"Akane lowered her head and sighed, adjusting the towel around her while sitting on Angelika's bed. "What do you want me to say? It's not as if I don't want to remember. The memories are just...gone.""How long has it been that way?" Angelika asked next. "What's the first concrete memory you have?"She thought long and hard for a moment before curling her legs up to her chest, a single memory bubbling to the surface."There are...small bits and pieces I've picked up over the years. Faces, rooms...a place that feels more like a fever dream than a concrete memory." After taking a breath and letting the unsettling images pass. "But aside from that, the first concrete memory I have is my parents picking me up from the orphanage when I was twelve.""So you were adopted."She nodded. "I haven't told Caleb yet. But I'm pretty sure he knows." Akane sighed. "Is my past...really that important, Mrs. Barlow? What matters is I love your son. I can protect him. My actions today should have been proof enough of that."Angelika considered her words thoughtfully. Truth be told, there was only one real possibility for where this girl could have gotten such strength from. It was the same source where Caleb drew his own strength.Trauma.There was a power to be found in the severest of trauma. A horribly demented, twisted, and psychotic power, but a power nonetheless. For as mad as she was, Akane truly was the sanest option for her son. She would never stop protecting him. She would never leave his side. She would never break his heart or do or say anything that might get in the way of his dreams so long as he kept himself safe from harm. She would never shout at him or argue or go against his wishes. Akane would always be there for him. She would be his forever.Most likely, whether he liked it or not.A fire burned in this young woman. One that would either warm her son forever or burn him to ash should he ever decide to be rid of her. If that was the tradeoff, then so be it. Akane was too perfect a match for her son to screw this up. There would be no other as loyal or as capable as her. His psychotic warden.Sweet as sugar, cold as ice, hurt her once, and she will break you twice. Angelika smiled. She couldn't imagine a more perfect partner in crime for her son."You've proven one thing to me, at least. I asked you to take care of my boy, and you did."She beamed up at her happily."Get some rest, sweetie. You've earned it."