Eight

Alana's gaze softened as she turned her attention to Eloise. "Eloise, I'm not hitting on her," she explained patiently. "She's already mine."

Eloise's eyes widened, a mix of shock and defiance shining through. "No, sorry, but she's my mum. I would never share her with someone like you," she declared firmly, her memories of Alana's strict training resurfacing. "I still remember the 300 laps around the city you made me do."

As Lucy watched the interaction between Alana and Eloise, a wave of conflicting emotions washed over her. Though relieved to see her daughter's protectiveness, she couldn't help but feel torn between her love for Alana and the complex dynamics of her family.

Moments later, Eloise made her exit, leaving Lucy and Alana alone once again, their hearts heavy with the weight of their connection.

Lucy's mind raced, uncertain of what the future held. "They seem to get along pretty well, but that's really not what matters right now," she pondered silently, her heart torn between love and duty.

As the tension lingered, the voice of reason came from an unexpected source. Grandma emerged from her room, having overheard the conversation that unfolded.

"Alana, I think you better go home. Please look at the state you put Lucy in," Grandma chided, her voice filled with concern for her daughter.

Tears welled up in Lucy's eyes as she struggled to process the events that had unfolded. She felt a mix of gratitude and concern for her grandmother's intervention, uncertain of what actions she might take.

Alana acquiesced, her resolve undeterred. "Well, I'm going home. But from now on, I'll come here every day until I hear from Lucy that she loves me."

With those words, Alana turned and left, leaving Lucy to grapple with the choices she would need to make.

Grandma's attention turned to Eloise, who had reemerged from her room, her expression a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"Eloise, will you go to bed?" Grandma inquired sternly.

Eloise hesitated, her mind still reeling from the revelation of her mother's connection with Alana. "But Grandma, it's still early," she protested.

Grandma's voice grew stern as she raised her voice. "I asked you to go to sleep, and tomorrow, you are going on a mission, aren't you?"

Eloise relented, recognizing her grandmother's authority. "Yes, I'm going to bed," she replied, her voice tinged with resignation. "Grandma is really scary sometimes."

With Eloise gone, Grandma seized the opportunity to have a private conversation with Lucy, one that had been long overdue.

"Now that it's just you and me, we can talk," Grandma said, her voice tinged with a mix of concern and disappointment.

Lucy nodded, her heart heavy with the weight of her secrets. "Yes," she whispered.

Grandma's voice softened as she reached out to her daughter. "How long are you going to keep this from me?" she questioned, her eyes searching for answers.

Lucy's voice wavered as she spoke, her vulnerability laid bare. "It's not that I didn't want to tell you, but it didn't seem important," she confessed, her voice filled with regret.

Grandma's tone turned serious, her words laced with admonishment. "Not important, you say? But you're wrong," she retorted. "Alana is the queen of the demons, and on top of that, she's Eloise's mother. You should have told me."

Lucy bowed her head, feeling the weight of her mistakes. "Yes, I'm really sorry, Grandma," she replied, her voice laden with guilt. "I never imagined things would turn out like this."

Grandma's expression softened, a mix of concern and love shining through. "I know you didn't mean any harm, but you have to understand the consequences of your actions," she explained, her voice filled with wisdom. "We need to be careful now, more than ever."

"Yes, I'm really sorry, Grandma. I should have told you," she said, her voice filled with remorse, as she sat across from her grandmother in the cozy living room.

Grandma looked at Lucy intently, her eyes piercing through her daughter's troubled soul. "I want you to promise me that you will only tell the truth," she demanded, her voice firm yet tinged with concern.

Lucy nodded, her heart heavy with guilt. "Yes, I promise," she replied, her voice laced with sincerity.

Grandma leaned forward, her gaze unwavering. "Do you still love Alana?" she asked, her voice softening with understanding.

Lucy's eyes filled with tears as she nodded. "Yes, I love her with all my heart," she admitted, her voice trembling with emotion. "But there is Clara, her wife, and I can't do anything against her."

A mischievous glint sparkled in Grandma's eyes as she rubbed her hands together. "Don't worry, I will take care of her personally," she replied, her voice taking on a devilish tone.

Lucy's brows furrowed with concern as she pleaded with her grandmother. "Grandma, don't do something you will regret, please," she implored, her voice filled with worry.

Grandma chuckled, her voice dripping with an air of mystery. "Don't worry about it and leave it to me," she said cryptically, her intentions shrouded in secrecy.

Lucy hesitated, her mind racing with uncertainty. "Yes," she whispered, her voice tinged with curiosity. "I wonder what she will do."

Eloise's point of view:

Eloise watched the conversation between her mother and grandmother unfold, her mind buzzing with questions. She couldn't help but wonder about the nature of their secrets and the depth of her mother's connection with Alana. It intrigued her, but she had little time to dwell on it, for tomorrow was finally the day of her mission with Alice.

The next morning, Eloise was up early, her excitement palpable as she prepared her mission bag. She meticulously checked her mission announcements, packed her food supplies, and secured her student card, ensuring she was fully prepared for the day ahead.

"So, you're ready for your mission," Lucy remarked, observing her daughter's eager preparations.

Eloise beamed with enthusiasm. "Yes, I've already got everything ready. I'll just go and get my breakfast, and then I'll leave," she replied, her voice brimming with anticipation.

Eloise descended the stairs, joining Grandma in the kitchen for breakfast. She couldn't help but notice her grandmother's unusual attire—dressed all in black, with a hood and sunglasses.

"I have a secret mission, but I can't tell you more," Grandma stated mysteriously when Eloise inquired about her peculiar outfit.

Eloise shrugged, growing accustomed to her grandmother's enigmatic behavior. "Well, good luck then," she replied, accepting that some things were best left unsaid.

With her breakfast finished, Eloise's mind was solely focused on her mission with Alice. She bid her grandmother farewell, assuring her that she would take care of herself.

"Don't worry, Grandma. I'll be fine," she reassured, her voice exuding confidence. "I'll see you when I get back."

As Eloise made her way to the designated meeting point, she found Alice already waiting for her, a smile lighting up her face.

"Oh, you're here already, Alice. I hope I didn't keep you waiting," Eloise greeted, relieved to see her partner.

Alice shook her head, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "No, don't worry. I just got here," she replied, her voice filled with warmth. "I've been looking forward to spending the whole day with you."

Eloise returned Alice's smile, feeling a rush of joy. "Let's go then," she said, her voice brimming with eagerness.

Together, they embarked on their mission, heading to the house of the person who had requested their assistance.

Arriving at the destination, Alice knocked on the door before they were invited inside. They were greeted by a young woman who guided them to a sitting area.

"I would like you to find my necklace. Someone stole my ring, and I couldn't do anything about it," the young woman explained, her voice filled with distress.

Eloise and Alice listened attentively, their expressions attentive and empathetic. When shown a picture of the stolen ring, Alice's eyes widened with recognition.

"But it's a magic ring. I've heard it makes the wearer almost invincible," Alice exclaimed, her voice tinged with awe.

The young woman nodded, her voice trembling. "Yes, it belongs to my family. If my father finds out that I have lost this ring, he will punish me. So please, find it, and I will give you anything you want," she pleaded, her desperation evident.

Eloise reassured her, her voice gentle yet determined. "Yes, we will help you. But for now, we need to gather more information. We know it was stolen, but where do we start?" she asked, her voice filled with resolve.

The young woman handed them a tracer, explaining that her family had placed it on the ring to track its location.

Alice's face grew serious as she considered the task ahead. "But it's in a place where there's a lot of danger and violence," she remarked, concern lacing her voice.

The young woman understood their reservations and offered them an out. "I can understand if you don't want to undertake this mission," she said, her voice tinged with understanding.

Eloise exchanged a determined glance with Alice, their commitment unwavering. "Don't worry. We are going to do this mission. Count on us," she declared, her voice resolute.

Grateful for their reassurance, the young woman expressed her gratitude. "Thank you very much," she said, her voice filled with relief.

Alice stood up, ready to embark on their journey. "Well, let's get going. We'll be there in about two hours by train," she said, her voice brimming with determination.

Eloise nodded, feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation. "Yes, let's go," she replied, her voice reflecting her anticipation. "I have a feeling it's going to be a long two-hour train ride."

Grandma's point of view:

Clad in all black, her hood pulled low to conceal her features, Grandma moved swiftly and silently toward the Demon Queen's castle. Her steps were calculated and cautious, as she aimed to go unnoticed. Finally, she managed to slip into the castle, evading the guards and slipping past security measures.

Once inside, Grandma's sharp gaze fell upon Clara, Alana's wife. She approached her with purpose, her voice commanding attention.

"You, stop," Grandma ordered, her voice filled with authority and determination.

Startled, Clara turned to face the unexpected intruder. "Who is it?" she demanded, her voice tinged with suspicion.

"It doesn't matter who I am," Grandma replied, her voice steady and unwavering. "But I want you to leave Alana."

Clara scoffed, her voice dripping with defiance. "Who do you think you are? I wouldn't leave her just because some crazy old woman asks me to."

Grandma's eyes narrowed, a hint of amusement crossing her face. "I'm not crazy. I'm totally sane," she retorted, her voice laced with conviction. "Tell me, do you even know who I am before you say that?"

Clara faltered, realization dawning in her eyes. "Of course not. I guess you're just a simple villager who came here," she replied, her voice filled with skepticism.

Suddenly, Alana's father entered the room, his gaze falling upon the unexpected visitor. He furrowed his brows, perplexed by his mother's presence.

"Mom, what are you doing here? And what is this outfit? Don't tell me you broke into the palace," he questioned, his voice a mix of concern and surprise.

Grandma met her son's gaze, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "My son, I broke in because I wanted to avoid you," she replied, her voice laced with a touch of humor.

Alana's father sighed, recognizing his mother's unconventional nature. "Mom, you can come here whenever you want. Next time you want to come, let me know," he said, his voice tinged with resignation.

Clara, who had been observing the exchange, finally realized the connection. "That woman is your mother?" she asked, her voice filled with surprise.

Alana's father nodded, a mixture of pride and nostalgia washing over him. "Yes, she was the first demon queen. She knows a lot about demons," he explained, his voice tinged with reverence. "The only problem is that she likes to travel too much, so Alana has never seen her."

Grandma interrupted, her voice firm and unwavering. "Tell me, if you could come with me, I would like to talk to you, and just you," she requested, her tone leaving no room for refusal.

Alana's father glanced at Clara, silently signaling for her to leave the room. Once she complied, he turned his attention back to his mother, curiosity shining in his eyes.

"Can you come out, Clara?" Alana's father asked, his voice calm yet filled with a sense of urgency.

Clara stepped out of the room, leaving Grandma and Alana's father alone. They settled into a private conversation, their voices hushed as they delved into the complexities of their family's relationships.

Grandma's gaze never wavered, her eyes filled with determination. "When I wasn't here, you did anything. How could you marry your daughter to someone she doesn't love?" she questioned, her voice heavy with disappointment and concern.

Alana's father sighed, his expression pained. "Well, I'm going to tell you everything. Sit down," he invited, gesturing to a nearby chair.