“So. I guess the student is of no longer any romantic interest?”

“She never was on my part,” I replied, my smile fading. “I am a professional.”

“I see,” he paused. “She is here.”

My mouth fell open in surprise. The timing could not have been anymore comedic.

“She came?” I breathed.

“You had not expected her to?” Morningstar looked at me, intrigued.

“I thought there was a possibility that you would go back and take her memories away,” I answered. “That way, have her break her side of the deal and have an excuse to keep me here. But …”

He shrugged. “The thought past my mind. But then I realised what might be discovered with your research thus far might be worth entreating.”

I said nothing, as nothing needed to be said. My heart thumped, knowing Ayna was somewhere in this building, but not knowing if Morningstar would allow us to meet. I did not even know if he would commit to his side of the bargain and let me go, or make up some new excuse to keep me here.

After a pause he focused on me again.

“Of course, she wants to see you,” he grimly sighed. “I have made her wait. I took time to read what you have researched thus far, and I can say I am not disappointed. You are a worthy cause for my attention.”

“Our original deal still can stand,” I answered him, a serious look in my eyes. “You let me live my life, and I will attribute the larger victories I have in saving the world to you.” I nodded at him.

He pursed his lips, frowning a little. “But the situation is not ideal. Where you are, with this little irritant of a student knowing things … and even if I did erase her memories, she would still be a distraction. Clearly, she has an eye for you, and I do not care for any individuals who would possibly cause upset to any of my employees.”

I blinked, eyebrows rising. He was concerned for Regina's happiness here.

“Regina and I -”

“Oh brother, I am encouraging this spark for all my worth,” he grinned, “Regina is loyal to me, and I know you as the honourable sort of man who will not intentionally hurt her, because of your high 'morals’.”

I tightened my jaw. I knew from the outset that there was a definite chance of him claiming an avenue to power when Regina had first risen from her seat. But with the fact that I was already potentially his eternal prisoner there had been more reasons for.

“You're right,” I replied quietly, “I won't deliberately hurt her in any way.”

“Indeed, and that volatile little thing upstairs -”

“Wait, back in my office you seemed to be interested in employing Ayna on a long term basis,” I interrupted him, holding up a hand, confused, “now you are calling her 'irritating’?”

“She is far too much of a … loose thread. Highly emotional,” he said as if he was eating something sour. “Far too so. I do not like her.”