As the group approached the floating rocks, they began to rearrange themselves and slow the chaotic pace at which they had been moving, as if recognizing the arrival of their guests.
However, just as Harry was getting excited at the idea of jumping from one rock to another to enter the mansion, something unexpected happened: the veil of reality before them grew thinner, almost blending with the surroundings, and gave way to a completely different view, as if it were a portal or a tear in the very fabric of the world.
[Image]
Harry: "Wow… what?"—he murmured, astonished.
Rou: "Come on, come on, don't fall behind"—she said with complete ease.
Unperturbed, Rou and Extimum crossed the passage without paying much attention to Harry's reaction. He had considered warning him so he wouldn't be so bewildered, but decided to let it go; besides, he noticed Rou seemed to enjoy the boy's surprise.
The houses of the Enoch family were often hidden in a sort of subspace, concealed behind a façade meant to mislead possible enemies, should they manage to locate the residence.
Both "layers" coexisted in the same point of space, but in different dimensions. The first layer was directly connected to the original plane and acted as a façade: in this case, the dark valley and the floating mansion.
The second layer, on the other hand, was the true place of residence, inaccessible to anyone who was not a member of the family.
It was like a box with a double bottom: the upper part was what anyone could open and explore, but the true contents, the sanctuary, were hidden in a secret compartment underneath.
That compartment was not a simple addition; it was the original territory that had always been there, separated and sealed to preserve its magic. The visible layer had been built over it—the lid that deceived prying eyes.
When a family member touched the veil that separated both realities, they could choose which of the two layers to access. This security measure was so powerful that, in some respects, it even surpassed the Fidelius Charm.
However, not all families preferred to live there; some, like Extimum's branch, lived in the first layer of the original plane, more by the choice of the head of the family than by necessity.
Extimum had learned about it since childhood, but had never entered the hidden area of his home; he had only seen it in photographs or read about it in books.
Upon crossing over, all traces of the gloomy valley vanished along with the way back. The barren, dark land was replaced by a vibrant landscape overflowing with vegetation and life.
It was like stepping into an enchanted valley: flora and fauna of strange shapes, rocks that radiated an iridescent glow, and an atmosphere that seemed to pulse with magic.
[Image]
Although the surroundings were beautiful, they were nothing more than the path toward the main mansion. If one looked closely, it was clear that it was not so much a change of place as it was a leap back in time, for the valley still retained vestiges of its original form.
They walked for about ten minutes through the forest until the lush vegetation began to give way to a light mist that thickened with each step. Soon, all the vibrant colors disappeared, leaving only a white shroud over an endless plain. Even the song of animals faded away, leaving an unsettling silence.
Harry, feeling somewhat uneasy, kept glancing at Extimum, but he ignored him. Fortunately, the sensation did not last long: from within the fog began to emerge silhouettes of tall buildings, palaces, and ancient pavilions, some with a peculiar flag.
Extimum: 'Truly impressive.' Even Hogwarts would pale in comparison—although, of course, Hogwarts was a school and this… was the home of an ancient clan.
Harry: "You were right"—he murmured softly—"What was outside is nothing compared to this."
Rou puffed out her chest with pride, emphasizing her ample assets, though none of those present paid her much attention.
Rou: "The sanctuary in England must be fantastic too, right, Extimum?"—she asked—"I've read it's a nocturnal biome connected to magical caves, with unique dark flora and fauna… and that it guards the Source of Dark Radiance, though I don't know if that's true. I'd love to see it someday sigh, but lately work doesn't seem to have an end."
Extimum: "We're not so different in that"—he replied—"I haven't seen it in person either, only in photos and from stories Nocturn sometimes tells."
Rou: "Oh, that's a shame, but I suppose you'll get the chance eventually. You live there, after all."
Harry listened with interest. He hadn't known there were such fantastic places hidden around. The only comparable place he knew was the Forbidden Forest, but that had too gloomy an atmosphere and didn't evoke pleasant memories.
-
The small ancient city that unfolded before them seemed wrapped in an aura of mysticism. Stone paths hung suspended by thick chains, connecting different buildings that emerged and vanished partially within the mist. The fog, dense yet steady, coiled between the walls and rooftops, reinforcing the transcendent and illusory air of the place.
[Image]
Rou guided them through bridges and gardens, crossing silent courtyards and monuments worn by time, leading them toward the tallest building in the city. From a distance, its silhouette resembled an ancient scepter holding the sun high above. Most of its structure remained hidden behind the mist, yet even so it conveyed an imposing presence.
The city's buildings displayed great ostentation and craftsmanship; every cobblestone and brick carried a long history and the vestiges of a more prosperous magical era.
As they advanced, Harry and Extimum noticed something strange: although the city was well preserved, it seemed to have very few inhabitants; if not for the mystical air that permeated the place, the loneliness of its streets would make it seem like an abandoned, ghostly city.
The truth, however, was different. Natural-born wizards enjoyed much longer lives than ordinary humans, but they were not particularly prolific, and the magical wars of the past had drastically reduced the population. Some family branches barely had a few descendants. The Chinese branch of the Enoch family was, comparatively, much better populated than the English one, though here too they were a minority in number.
The faces they passed retained markedly Asian features, though many displayed physical peculiarities that revealed a mix of bloodlines. Some of those peculiarities were not even human—vestiges of ancient unions with magical creatures.
In the present age, seeing such traits was rare: there were almost no creatures left with enough purity and intellect to bond with natural-born wizards, and for centuries ancient families had avoided such unions, deeming them impure. Thus, the few bloodlines with inhuman traits that still existed were mostly inherited from very old unions.
The Enoch family, in particular, valued the purity of their magical blood with near-obsessive devotion. From ancient times to the present, they had never associated with bloodlines they considered impure, and the few members who had attempted to do so had been expelled… or eliminated.
Throughout history, there were rare exceptions in which some member of the Enoch family tried to unite with someone who did not meet the strict criteria of purity. In those cases, before resorting to more extreme measures, the family offered certain alternatives.
The best-known and most feared was blood purification: a secret and brutal ritual known only to a few magical families. Whoever underwent it severed forever all ties with their bloodline and ancestors—a price with profound consequences for their magic and fate.
In exchange, the ritual could greatly enhance the individual's magical talent and affinity, making it a dangerous temptation.
Other solutions were simpler, but no less severe. They could remove the member from the family tree, stripping them of their surname, rights, and magical connection to the family. They would still be Enoch by blood, but their descendants would inherit nothing.
The last option was the cruelest for the family's culture: to accept the union but forbid offspring. If this prohibition was broken, the punishment was the death of both and any child they had. For safety, it was common for one of the two to agree to be sterilized.
Muggles—or non-magical people—were seen in various ways by ancient families, but always with two sentiments present: disdain and caution. They did not underestimate them, but neither did they consider them worthy of great esteem. Although they suffered no direct losses in the magical / non-magical war, they did intervene at times and kept detailed records of those days that most modern wizards had forgotten.
Wizards born to Muggles were not subject to the same contempt, but unless they proved their worth, they were not looked upon favorably either.
With centuries of history behind them, some ancient families acknowledged that Muggle knowledge had value, though few studied it in depth. Science ruled the non-magical world, magic ruled the wizarding world; and although certain principles could apply to both, their natures remained very different.
Diseases that devastated the non-magical could be trivial for a wizard, eliminated with a simple wave of the wand. This difference in approaches and solutions was what kept the two worlds so far apart. Magic was wonderful, but also complex and dangerous; not everyone had the wit, luck, or dedication to master it and make their way with it.
-
Some time later, they finally arrived at the main building: a tall palace that disappeared into the clouds. Upon entering, Rou led them to a side room, where several house-elves soon appeared. They handed them comfortable slippers so they could walk inside without dirtying the floor.
The interior of the palace was luxurious and spacious, with endless corridors, staircases, and rooms. However, guided by Rou, they did not stray and soon arrived at a large stone platform that served as an elevator. In a matter of seconds, it lifted them to the highest part of the palace.
There stretched a vast terrace arranged like a garden in the sky. In its center was a square lake of crystal-clear waters, adorned with white lotuses in full bloom. Rising over the center of the lake was a white stone display platform.
On either side of the lake stood two simple pavilions offering a direct view of the water. In one of them, a couple was sitting affectionately, watching a girl practice a martial sword dance on the central platform.
The woman had a slender figure and wore a light blue hanfu. Her features were delicate, her hair long and silver, and her eyes shifted between cyan and lilac. She appeared to be around twenty-five or thirty, yet her gaze conveyed wisdom and experience far beyond her physical age.
In her hand she held what looked like a sprig of flowers, which on closer inspection revealed itself to be a wand she idly played with from time to time. She was seated on the man's lap, watching the girl on the platform with close attention and affection.
The man, broad-shouldered and tall, wore a dark blue hanfu open at the chest, revealing a muscular, hairy torso. His features were European: fair skin, thick brown hair, and yellow eyes with a dark outline that sharpened his gaze. His presence exuded a wild, though somewhat unkempt, aura.
The girl, around twelve years old, shared with the woman her silver hair and eye color, but her bearing was more serious and elegant, with a heroic touch that enhanced her charm as she wielded the sword. She wore a blue kimono and seemed completely absorbed in the fluid movements of her martial dance.
[Image]
The scene radiated calm and harmony: a couple watching their daughter practice with the sword, with only the occasional whistle of the wind cut by the blade breaking the silence.
Not wanting to interrupt, they waited at a certain distance until the exhibition ended.
Rou: "Let's wait a bit"—she whispered—"We'll go in when Mei'er finishes her sword dance. In the meantime, I'll give you a brief introduction. That big guy with the somewhat rough appearance is Leonardo, husband of the woman sitting on his lap: Lian Hua, my sister. She's the head of the family, and Mei is her daughter."
She made a slight grimace before adding:
"Leonardo comes from the Italian branch of the family. I've heard he has manticore blood, but apart from his size, I've never seen anything to prove it. I think it's just those Italians making up stories to brag."
Rou spoke with a sarcastic tone, though deep down she knew what she was saying was true.
(For clarification, it's Lian Hua Enoch and Leonardo Enoch)
Harry: "Uh… and how can a human have children with a manticore?"—he asked, frowning—"Aren't manticores like… you know? Like a lion?"
In his mind appeared the absurd image of a manticore in a suit and hat, shaking hands with a wizard while having tea. He shook his head to push the thought away.
Rou burst out laughing.
"Hahaha, what kind of question is that? You're not serious… are you?" Seeing Harry keep a confused expression and even blush a bit at the teasing, her laughter faded.
"What a funny friend you have, Extimum. He really doesn't know something so basic. Schools nowadays just don't teach like they used to."
She leaned slightly toward Harry—"I'll tell you. Long ago, when the world was ruled by magic, creatures and magical beings had an incredibly powerful bloodline. Upon reaching a certain level—or even from birth, in some cases—they could adopt a humanoid form. In those times, unions between different races were possible, as long as someone was willing. Of course, the mediocre manticores of today can't do that—they're just simple beasts."
Harry: "But… aren't those unions frowned upon?"—he insisted.
Extimum: "They are, actually, but it's different. There are ways to hide such peculiarities, and the manticore you're imagining isn't the same as in the past. It's like comparing a phoenix and a sparrow—both are birds, but they're not on the same level at all."
Over the centuries, most magical creatures had become a shadow of what they once were. Having a bloodline tied to them was considered impure and even abominable. The loss of the ability to take humanoid form meant that, in the present day, the only way to inherit their blood was through very… peculiar relations, or through forbidden rituals.
For that reason, ancient families who preserved traits from unions with powerful bloodlines of the past carefully concealed them from the magical community, both to avoid stigma and to protect their public image.
Paradoxically, within ancient families themselves, those traits could be a source of pride. They were living proof that their lineage had once united with creatures of great power, and they kept records and evidence of such unions as symbols of prestige. To the rest of the wizarding world, these details went unnoticed: members of ancient families had always had a certain distinctive appearance, and uncommon traits did not raise suspicion.
Rou: "Oh"—she exclaimed, giving a light clap to catch Harry's attention—"Mei'er has finished, let's go in."
They followed her to the pavilion where the couple was now accompanied by the girl. Up close, Leonardo's towering height was even more evident; it wouldn't be surprising if he matched Hagrid's height—and Hagrid was half-giant.
Rou: "Sister"—she announced—"I've brought our guests: Extimum, son of Callum and Ava, and a friend who's accompanying him."
Extimum: "It's a pleasure to meet you."
Lian Hua: "Ah! What a pleasant surprise to receive visitors"—she replied with a smile—"I must say, I was starting to get a little worried. In recent years, Ava and Callum haven't reestablished contact with the other family branches, and I feared something might have happened to them. But seeing you here reassures me: knowing their son can visit us tells me they are well."
Lian Hua's voice was soft yet energetic, with a velvety charm that harmonized with her gentle smile. Sitting on the lap of her burly husband, she looked fragile and delicate, like a living version of Beauty and the Beast.
Leonardo: "What an interesting boy"—he intervened in a booming yet relaxed voice—"I can sense something more in you than what meets the eye. It seems the future generations of the English branch will be prosperous. Don't be so formal: you can call us uncle and aunt. We're of the same generation as your parents, and with how big our family is, finding the right title for each member would be troublesome."
Harry opened his mouth to introduce himself, but the attention remained fixed on Extimum, making him shrink slightly in his seat.
Extimum: "Thank you for the compliments, uncle, aunt"—he replied without hesitation. He had expected something like this after seeing Rou's exuberance.
Lian Hua seemed to realize they had completely ignored Harry and apologized.
"Ah, forgive our lack of manners. It's just that family reunions always make us a bit excited. What's your name?"
Harry: "I'm Harry Potter."
Lian Hua: "Potter… eh… Yes, you had a truly remarkable ancestor: the Peverell. And you too are interesting… that scar in particular, and the ancient magic running through your blood."
Lian Hua kept her sweet demeanor, but her words revealed her ability to see beyond appearances. As head of a main branch, she was expected to have such perception, and Harry—without magical defenses to hide his nature—was to her an open book.
Harry: "What about my scar?"—he asked cautiously.
Harry already knew, thanks to Dumbledore, about the ancient magic running through his blood. However, while he suspected there was something strange about his scar, he didn't know exactly what it was.
Lian Hua: "It's a pity… but I can't interfere, it's not time yet… certain pieces must fall into place, and when that happens… you'll naturally know."
She pouted at not being able to say more, acting with a childish air that contrasted with her position and apparent age. Her eyes had a glassy sheen, as if looking at something far away.
Leonardo: "Ah, darling, don't tease the boy. If you weren't planning on telling him anything, you shouldn't have tempted him with your words. Well then, Extimum, this is my daughter, Mei. She's beautiful, isn't she? Would you be interested in marrying her?"
Mei: "Dad!"—she protested—"How can you say that when you've only just met him?"
In truth, neither Mei nor Extimum reacted too strongly: to them, such proposals were not unusual. What really bothered Mei was that they had only met Extimum that very day.
Extimum: "I appreciate your consideration, but it's still far too soon to speak of marriage. Besides, I seem to recall that if it wasn't discussed before birth, it's not very ethical to propose something like that before the family gathering."
Extimum was referring to a family tradition that set clear rules for this kind of arrangement. According to it, they could only be made in three ways:
1. As an agreement before or shortly after birth, as with the engagement of his own parents.
2. When both members had built a genuine relationship and developed mutual feelings.
3. During the family gathering, when all generations—past and present—met, giving them the opportunity to get to know each other and propose an arrangement on equal terms.
Of course, it was forbidden for parents to deliberately manipulate the situation to fulfill the second condition; it had to happen naturally.
Although the tradition might seem strange, every member of the family followed it to the letter. This was because, in reality, it was a formula devised by great wizards of the time who studied fate and love. The goal was to ensure that the union between two people was the right one and to avoid relationship problems. So far, it had never failed: all couples formed under those rules had shown great compatibility.
Leonardo: "Hahaha, you're right"—he admitted—"That was hasty of me. On the other hand… it wouldn't be wrong if you got to know each other a bit through sparring with your swords, would it?"—he said, eyeing the weapon at Extimum's waist.
Rou: "Stop trying to marry off my niece"—she cut in—"Only a few years left until the family gathering. If you don't want her to be unhappy, respect the traditions."
Lian Hua: "Alright"—she intervened—"Why don't we continue this conversation over dinner? It's getting a bit late, and nothing's better than a warm meal to get to know each other better."
She rose from Leonardo's lap and spoke softly. As it was nearing mealtime, no one objected. They all stepped onto the magical platform that worked as an elevator, which quickly took them to the lower floors. Then, Lian Hua and Leonardo led the way with casual conversation until they reached the dining hall, where they took their seats at the table.
...
The dining hall was a spacious, well-lit room. The wall facing outside was occupied by a large panoramic window that spanned the entire length of the room, offering a spectacular view of the palaces and pavilions rising in the territory. In the center, a large round wooden table, surrounded by finely crafted chairs, presided over the place. On the opposite end was a door that connected directly to the palace kitchens, allowing for quick service.
Shortly after they sat down, a group of house-elves, impeccably dressed in white coats, entered the hall. They moved with choreographed precision, decorating and arranging everything in their path: tablecloths, plates, cutlery, and napkins appeared in their places with elegant speed. Once everything was ready, they vanished with the same agility with which they had arrived, leaving only one behind, who snapped his fingers to make all the food appear on the plates set on the table.
Dinner was luxurious and lively. Between bites, the guests shared stories and anecdotes, accompanied by laughter and comments that lightened the atmosphere. Harry and Extimum recounted some of their experiences in China, sparking their hosts' curiosity.
At one moment during the evening, while everyone was listening to Leonardo tell a story from his life before moving to China, Lian Hua discreetly leaned toward Extimum, who was seated beside her.
Lian Hua: "Your friend, Harry Potter, has a dark destiny"—she whispered—"And that scar… I'm sure you know what it is, and that you can feel the sinister trace it holds. I see it in your eyes. You possess the family's empathic ability: a blessing… and at the same time, a torment. Though, I must admit, you seem to handle it quite well."
Her voice was soft, low enough for only Extimum to hear.
"Anyway"—she continued in a lighter tone—"let's talk about something more pleasant. It's truly interesting that you've found an ancient fairy with such a pure bloodline… I'm sure she's very special. But it would be better if the other families didn't see her; it could cause trouble. It's fortunate that they aren't as widespread or as numerous as we are."
She paused, and her voice changed, darkening.
"If, upon your return to England, someone saw you with her…"—a twisted smile spread across her lips—"Hehehe… another magical war could break out. Just imagine it… blood, red and warm; lights going out; screams and wailing… Ah, how I miss those times. There's hardly any action these days."
Her eyes gleamed with a disturbing fever.
"A new war between the Nine Great Families… how much lost magic would come to light again, how much destruction and renewal. Armies at the ready, wands raised high, and the shadows preparing to devour and claim everything."
She let out a dark laugh.
"I still have an entire collection of the Oset family's shadows. Though I haven't seen them in a long time, sometimes, when I'm bored, I torture them… imagining their faces twisting wherever they are. That raises my excitement to new heights… Hehehe… Hahahahaha… ahem Forgive me, dear, I got carried away. Just remember: make sure no one discovers her true origin."
Extimum blinked, surprised. He hadn't expected such a sudden shift from the sweet and elegant Lian Hua to a dark, almost deranged figure, her wide, twisted smile vivid as she recounted her memories of torture.
He himself didn't consider himself an example of sanity, and was aware he dealt with issues due to his shifting personality. Even so, that side of Lian Hua was striking. But it wasn't unbelievable. Not everyone had grown up in times as peaceful as the present, and magic, when mishandled, could corrupt both mind and soul.
Warnings about dark magic weren't just tales to frighten children: those who couldn't master it could lose a part of themselves, or be irreversibly transformed in the process. Not even the ancient families were safe. The strength of their bloodlines and their secret mind arts were what, in most cases, allowed them to preserve their sanity. Without that, the world would already have been devastated.
That Lian Hua mentioned her "shadow collection" didn't surprise Extimum either—it was almost an unofficial family tradition to keep them as trophies. Although, according to records, in more recent times that custom had weakened.
Shadow Theft was one of the many signature spells of the family during the wars: a dark incantation designed to torture enemies, stealing their shadow as if it were a physical object, to later keep it in lamps or jars and use it for entertainment.
The most terrible part was that, as long as an Enoch didn't wish to return it, the victim could never recover it. Their life was literally in the possessor's hands. Lacking a shadow made a person more vulnerable and attractive to dark creatures, and cursed them to be unable to walk under the sun without burning like a vampire.
While other families had devised ways to counter it, the price was steep: sacrificing half their lifespan to sever the bond with the stolen shadow and forge a new one for themselves, or negotiating with vampires to obtain their secrets for resisting sunlight.
The most fascinating part of the spell was that, apart from the Enoch family, no one else in the entire history of the wizarding world had managed to manipulate shadows. The only way to recover one was to destroy its container… something that, given the family's power and discretion, rarely happened.
-
After dinner, a few house-elves approached to indicate the rooms where everyone could rest.
Leonardo: "Extimum, could you wait a moment?"—he said before Extimum left the hall.
Extimum: "Of course, tell me"—he replied, stopping.
Leonardo: "I hope you don't put too much weight on what Hua'er said"—he commented with a sigh—"She… has been through a lot. The last world war of those filthy Muggles caught more than one wizard off guard, and Hua'er lost her parents. That's why she forced herself to learn dark magic to protect the Chinese branch, and her personality was… slightly affected. But deep down, she's still the sweet person you met."
Although Lian Hua had spoken in a low voice during her conversation with Extimum, Leonardo's sharp senses had allowed him to hear it. Her unsettling laugh had also caught the attention of some at the table.
During the Muggle world wars, wizards were aware of what was happening, but no one had anticipated the true destructive reach of nuclear bombs. Some unlucky enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time fell victim to their devastation after underestimating their power. Later, great wizards managed to counter their effects, but too many lives had already been lost. Only those living in cities or ancestral enclaves with truly powerful magical defenses had survived the initial impact.
Extimum: "Don't worry. Although her sudden change did surprise me a little… ahem… w-we're family, after all, aren't we?"
Leonardo: "Hahahaha. You're right. Well, go and get some rest." His smile widened, giving him an even wilder air. Then he slapped Extimum's back firmly, pushing him slightly toward the exit.
Extimum: "Likewise, see you tomorrow"—he said, rubbing his back a little; Leonardo had hit hard enough to leave him with a slight ache.
He turned and followed the house-elf waiting outside to guide him to his room.
Leonardo: 'Mmm… without a doubt he has a special and powerful lineage'—he thought as he watched him walk away—'He barely flinched at my pats. I didn't use my full strength, but a normal wizard wouldn't have withstood it. And, as far as I remember, no one in the English branch has an extraordinary lineage… nor in Ava and Lauren's line. Strange… should I check the records? No… I don't think there's cause for concern. He's still an Enoch.'
Extimum's lineage was so well hidden in his magical heritage that even someone like Leonardo found it difficult to fully identify. And he was a skilled wizard from an ancient family, bearer of manticore blood, which granted him extraordinary senses and perceptions.
Even so, he couldn't avoid the hairs on his arms standing on end when he slapped Extimum. From the moment he saw him, he knew there was something special about him; but after feeling that physical reaction and seeing how easily the boy endured his test, his suspicions were confirmed.
In the end, he decided those matters were private to his "nephew." He kept his curiosity to himself, convinced that few would be able to perceive Extimum's peculiarity. Without a special lineage, the most they could feel would be a vague sense of magical pressure… and as Extimum's power grew, it would become easier for him to conceal it.
...
The room assigned to Extimum was spacious and cozy, with a marked oriental touch.
He took off the clothes he'd worn during the day and pulled from his bag a simple set of pajamas—just a pair of comfortable black trousers, as he had lately found it more pleasant to sleep without a shirt.
After changing, he brought his hands to his hair and carefully took hold of the fairy who, at some point, had fallen asleep among his locks. It wasn't surprising—she was still recovering. However, she woke up just as she felt Extimum holding her in his hands.
Extimum: "Sorry if I woke you."
???: "It's alright…"—she replied softly—"On the other hand, I remember now… my name is Bloom."
Extimum was surprised—not so much because she remembered her name, but because she had said it in English.
Bloom seemed to notice his confusion.
"I learned by listening to you speak and interpreting your intentions. It's similar to another language I remembered, so it was easy for me. Otherwise, it would have taken longer."
Extimum: "Do you remember anything else?"
Bloom: "No… only blurry images of a battle… then, a great darkness covering everything… cold, so much cold… and then… nothing."
Extimum sat on the bed and placed the fairy in front of him.
"You don't have to push yourself"—he said calmly—"For now, the best thing is for you to focus on understanding this new world around you."
Bloom: "And what about the connection between us?"
Extimum: "…At first, it was just a precautionary measure…"
Bloom: "And now?"
Extimum: "Now… I suppose we'll find out with time."
Extimum: "Let's sleep."
He took her gently and settled her on his chest before covering himself with a sheet. Since he had been able to release his tails, he no longer felt the need to cover himself too much while sleeping; with one of them, he covered Bloom.
Bloom: "You're not human…"—she murmured.
Extimum: "I don't think it really matters, do you?"
Bloom: "You're right. It doesn't matter"—she said, nodding. She then snuggled onto his chest, using Extimum's tail as a blanket.