[Sadrain]

November 29th, Chicago; Sewer #17.

"Yes," she said quietly, pain coming back for another round. "But give me the pills." Leila hesitated for a moment, thinking if she should explain that she didn't have much of the liquid, stronger pain killer left. But then decided to leave it out. Amante didn't need to know all the reasons or details. He already knew too much, far too much... A sigh broke out of her lips and the girl squeezed eyes shut, trying to endure the pain quietly. Her hands clenched, knuckles turning white, and nails dug deep in her palms. It would it would be too disarming to let Amante know how she suffered, to turn to him for comfort. When she did, she would have put all her dignity and weapons down, drawing red circle on her heart, so there was no chance he would miss. It was enough that she had made that mistake once...

Shadows swarmed around them like water, they sneaked tentacles up to Leila, to touch her and comfort her as they could, not really caring if they were exposed anymore. She was their Mistress, their black light in the world, the beacon light to call them. Many of them had been shaped by her, out of torment and sadness, and they were thankful to her. Others, especially the older ones, appreciated the way Leila treated them - not as slaves or minions, but comrades and even friends. Some understood her pain, her past. And all wanted to be there for her during hard times.