Eliora left earlier because her mother found out that she was out this late. She will be in danger.
Kalderon stayed. He helped him to clean and close up everything. Both sat near the tub full of dishes that they needed to wash. Kalderon saw that Iremiel was still down. So to fill up the silence he said "why didn't Eliora do the dishes with magic before going."
Iremiel smiled and his mood lifted as he replied "because she thinks that it's not just women's duty."
Both laughed.
Iremiel continued whatever she says, it's so weird. No I mean. It's not common. Her ideas are different out of this world. It's not that they are wrong but why is that no one ever thought about that.
Kalderon didn't look at him. He keeps on washing. As if he didn't like him talking about her. He replied coldly, "Let's do it quickly and then leave for home."
Iremiel was shocked just a moment he was fine and now look at him he quickly changed his whole vibes. Washing dish went quietly and no one spoke.
After finishing it. Kalderon walked him home. The sky was black. The only light came was from the moon hiding behind the clouds. Otherwise the streets were darker than black.
Kalderon couldn't see him in the dark so he held his sleeve so they wouldn't get separated or lost.
Kalderon asked him " you go home everyday from this path."
Iremiel replied yes.
Kalderon didn't ask anything else. When they reached home. He once again asked. " Will you be fine here? You can come with me if you want.
But Iremiel refused by saying that my home is protected my spell. No one can enter. Except if I allow someone.
Kalderon nodded and said okay you can go inside and then I will leave."
Iremiel entered and he waited until Iremiel would turn off his house light. When he saw that the lights were off he left.
The next day Iremiel looked at the restored tables.
Then at them.
"You don't have to keep coming," he said quietly.
Kalderon's expression hardened.
"Yes, we do."
Eliora crossed her arms.
"We'll rotate evenings. If they show up again, we catch them properly. With proof."
"And next time," Kalderon added, voice low, "they won't walk out."
For the first time that night, Iremiel felt something stronger than fear.
He felt protected.
But outside, in the dark streets of 57E, the boys weren't done.
And somewhere deeper in the city's layered structure. Something else had also taken notice.