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Deric scanned every corner of the room. He looked up at the transparent dome adorned by stars scattered in the sky.

"This place is still as beautiful as the last time I was here," Deric said, "I'll stay here a second time?"

Caraline suddenly coughed at that remark. Deric was insinuating that the incident a few months ago had happened to him.

"This place is a hundred times better than your shabby shack," Caraline snapped with her arms across her chest. She followed behind Deric.

Deric circled the fountain with his hands deliberately touching the water. "I... am reminded of my old home."

"I never saw a water fountain in the Aberald family's rundown shack," Caraline snickered, "you've got to be kidding."

"I mean... my house in Summertown," Deric interjected, "I still remember that my mom and I had our picture taken in a lounger with a fountain in front of it."

"I know." Caraline rolled her eyes. " You were still a kid, and damn it, you were still as handsome as ever. I remember you weari