How long have they’ve been together? Ivy says it’s been a decade. Shui on the other hand responds since the late 18th century. He says it so firmly Georgina doesn’t even bother to try and give her own opinion. Instead, she shifts her attention to Mallory.

Georgina whose eyes comparable to that of a starless night, with her voice lacking any sort of emotion replies, “It’s a bit late for that sort of question now. Don’t you think so, Mallory dearie?”

She is right. Then why is he so obsessed with time these days? When did this sudden preoccupation begin? Mallory doesn’t remember. For someone of his kin time is of no importance. He knows that very well. So why muse about it now?

Noticing how troubled he is, Ivy gently wraps her arms around the young youth’s shoulder. “Her highness”, or so she they call her, lifts Mallory’s chin. Delicately, as though she is holding a withered flower and in a soft-spoken voice whispers: “Poor little boy. You should empty your mind of these worrisome questions. Here, perhaps an embrace can calm you.”

Ivy’s warmth soothes him. Though it only lasts for a few minutes. Yet in that short amount of time, Mallory’s troubles are washed away. Carried by currents to some place faraway. Her scent, which reminds him of a late warm spring afternoon, awakens his farthest memory.

Back to that day he had met him. When he had first perceived that loneliness in his heart. When he accepted to trade his time for eternity. Just to be with him. And so Mallory finds himself at peace even if it’s only for a breathe.

“Ivy, Mallory, what’s happening here?”

“Welcome back, Chance. Mallory had grown concerned while you were away. Isn’t that right?”

Mallory nods. Ivy’s warmth fades away as she goes back to sit. At Chance’s sight, his memory is further reinforced. Time bears no importance once again. Why is he so worried anyway? As long as Chance is by his side, time doesn’t matter, Mallory ponders. A white lie. For now, he will let himself drown in his lover’s embrace. Repeating to himself that for his kin time is but an intangible thing invented for humans.

And they well... they no longer are humans.