A week later, the early spring rains arrived in Landon.
The rain started before dawn and continued unabated as night fell.
It wasn't a light rain; the heavy downpour added a biting chill to Landon's early spring.
The wild wind whipped through, filling the surroundings with its mournful howls. The treetops rustled sharply, and the tender buds on the leaves curled tightly in the gusts.
As night descended, the rain veiled Landon's city lights in a soft blur, flickering uncertainly.
VISTA bar, private room.
Lilac Serval swirled the wine bottle in front of her, her cheeks flushed, her eyes glinting with seven or eight parts drunkenness.
"Empty." She raised her hazy, alcohol-soaked gaze and glanced at the young man seated across from her.
Little 11 grabbed her hand, snatching the empty bottle from her grasp: "Sister Lilac, don't drink any more. You've had enough for tonight."
