(Aubrey’s P.O.V.)We go to bed feeling dejected. Things do not look good for Leopold. I know I am supposed to be mad at him, and I am, but that does not mean I want him to die for a crime he did not commit. He is innocent and he deserves to be absolved, regardless of how he played with my feelings. Mabel is snoring quite loudly next to me on the bed, I get up feeling restless, I can not stay laying down any longer. I walk out of the room and I notice that the lights downstairs are on. I go down the staircase and I hide behind the banister. Jareth, Sabrina, and Anthony are chatting and drinking scotch in the living room with a grim expression on their faces.   “I thought we were about to win and then the lawyer showed those stupid pamphlets, this is so unfair!” Anthony complains before he takes a sip from his beer.

(Aubrey’s P.O.V.)Jareth comes running toward me, he is holding his mother with both arms, she looks very distressed. I can not blame her, we just survived a shooting. “Are you alright, Aubrey?” Jareth asks. “Yes,” I reply as I stand up. “I should have guessed Xander Norton would send people to look after his darling,” Jareth mutters. “At least we caught one of them. Now we have to focus on finding Grace and Xander.” “What will happen with Leopold?” I ask concerned that the Keepers took him away in handcuffs still. We just proved that he is innocent, why didn’t they let him free?

(Aubrey’s P.O.V.) Something is not right, I can’t move my body and I have a terrible migraine. I try to open my eyes but they don’t seem to respond to my wishes. It takes me several tries for my eye lids to obey me, I blink repeatedly until I am able to fully open my eyes. At first, my vision is blurry but little by little I am able to focus and see what I have around me. My heart sinks to my stomach the moment I recognize the two people in front of me: Xander Norton and Grace White. They are both standing in front of me, as if they were waiting for me to wake up. They are looking at me with contempt.  I gulp. I try to move but I am unable, something is holding me in my place. I look down and see that I am tied up to a chair, so tight that the ropes hurt my flesh. My broken arm is throbbing in pain and I am unable to move to alleviate it. Grace and Xander kidnaped me, I

(Aubrey’s P.O.V.) Leopold then breaks the kiss and puts something in my hand, I look down, it is his car keys.  “My car is parked outside, go up the ramp and drive away,” he orders me.  “No, I am not going to leave without you,” I reply firmly.  “You have to. I need to stay and put an end to this once and for all,” he says.  “Then let me help you,” I ask him.  “No, Aubrey, it is too dangerous. I can not risk anything bad happening to you, I need you to be safe, far away from this place,” he says shaking his head.  “Please, let me come with yo

(A few months later) (Aubrey P.O.V.) It is so early the sun has not come out yet. Leopold is soundly asleep next to me. I try not to make any sound or movement that could wake him. His new position as a major is very demanding and he needs all the rest he can get.  I look straight at the wall in front of me while I think of the first time I saw Leopold. I was with my squad practicing close combat when the sound of boots walking hastily caught our attention. We all turned our faces to see the 9th Unit as they crossed the field ready for their next assignment, Leopold was walking in front of them with his usual unfriendly gesture and arrogance.  “Look, Aubrey, there goes Commander Mortensen,” Zack whispered to my ear with admiration.