(Reader's P.O.V.)

    Where is he? When is he coming home? He's never this late. "I'm back." "Why were you out so late? I was getting worried." "There was no need to worry. I was just doing extra research. Speaking of I have something important to tell you. You might want to sit down." Whenever someone says you should sit down to hear something that usually means bad news. Only in rare cases is it good news. I sit down on my couch as Shadow takes a deep breath. I don't think I've ever seen him lose composure. Only today does he seem very on edge. "I made a deal with Misfortune." "Oh great, I thought I saw where this was going. Shadow... Mischief just wants to cause chaos. No amount of bargaining is going to change that." "I did it to protect you. I... Can't lose you like I lost Maria." "And I can't lose you like I lost Axel!" The memories of my best friend flash through my mind and finally end on the memory I wish never happened. The hooded figure I now know as Mischief, tricking my friend into playing one of his games only to kill him before my very eyes. As the flashback ended tears pricked my eyes. Shadow gently places his hand on my shoulder. "I'm sorry. Back then I didn't realize you were telling me the truth. Do you mind if I ask who Axel was?" "No, I don't mind. He was my best friend. A black cat with an adventurous personality. The day I became a vampire he disappeared and I was looking for him. I was foolish and went up in the mountains during a blizzard and... well you probably already know what happened. I was brought to Axel and when I opened my eyes he was so worried about me. When I first found out I was a vampire, Axel helped me through it. He'd sometimes try to offer me blood but, I'd always refuse. I'd tell him 'I would rather not turn my best friend into my next meal.' I... miss him so much..." I sniffle as Shadow hugs me. "May I ask what happened to him?" I pull away from the hug and clench my fists in my lap. "Mischief happened. It happened so fast I couldn't stop it. He killed Axel and left me all alone saying the words 'Enjoy eternity' as he laughed. So I guess now you know I've met him before. He's the one who started all of this. He's the one who gave me my curse." We both stay silent for a long while until I speak up again. "Who was Maria?" I feel Shadow jolt beside me. "I mean you asked me about Axel, it's only fair if I ask about Maria. You don't have to tell me about her If you don't want to..." He gives me a rare smile as he takes my hand in his. "Then it's only fair I tell you my past as well. Maria was the granddaughter of my creator and a dear friend. There was an incident that happened on the space colony ark. I got away but Maria... she was shot in front of me. Now that I'm telling you this I realize how similar we are. We both lost something that means the most to us and now we're afraid of losing that again. There's something else I should tell you. You didn't hear it when I said it the first time but I love you (Y/N)."