The Search for the Nine Tail Fox.

Sergei and Barbara stared at Mina, surprised. Lucas, on the other hand, looked bored, completely unmoved by what he’d just heard—or what everyone had heard, for that matter.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Sergei asked awkwardly, trying to brush it off and diffuse the tension.

"Mina! You shouldn't—" Barbara started, then trailed off, noticing the serious expression plastered on Mina's face.Mina's gaze was fixed, expectant. She was waiting for a response, from Lucas or anyone else who might be in the same situation.
"Did Barbara really mean there's a nine-tailed fox?" 
"I need to know. For some reason, I felt… weird… when she said it."

A minute of silence stretched out, thick and heavy. Then, Lucas stepped forward, arms crossed, a slight smile playing on his lips as he observed the scene with amusement.
"You don't have to worry about such things, Mina," he assured her. "It's not the nine-tail you know and have heard stories about."

"What?!" Sergei, Barbara, and Mina exclaimed in unison, turning to Lucas, their expressions a mixture of confusion and curiosity. Had they heard him right?

"So, this woman…" Barbara began, gesturing vaguely. "How did his majesty allow her here in the palace?"

Lucas paused, considering his words.

 "Yes," Mina pressed, her voice serious. "Is she really not a threat?"

"Guys, I don't think she is," Sergei said quietly, his tone conveying his conviction.

"How can you say that? We don't even know her," Barbara countered, unconvinced. 

"Don't you remember what that demon did to our land thousands of years ago?" She looked at Lucas, Sergei, and Mina in turn, her expression grave.

"His Majesty knows what he's doing. I trust my brother," Lucas said formally, his face impassive. "I can assure you all, that woman is no demon, nor beast of any sort."

"Still," Barbara persisted.

"We don't know where she came from. But sensing her scent and energy… it suggests she may not be harmful to our kind, I'd say," Lucas added casually, almost carelessly.

Barbara, Sergei, and Mina exchanged glances, unsure how to react. The news was a lot to take in. Sergei seemed willing to accept it, perhaps because he already suspected the woman posed no threat. But Mina and Barbara clearly needed more time to process this. The silence stretched again, even longer this time.

"His Royal Highness," Barbara finally said. "If you want us to trust this nine-tailed fox, then let us see her." Her voice was composed, her tone determined.

Sergei and Mina looked at Barbara, silent, unsure what to add. They both had their own reservations, but for now, they kept them to themselves.

Lucas chuckled softly, lowering his head for a moment before meeting Barbara's gaze again. He placed his hands at his sides, as if considering something.  

"I'm afraid I'm not the person you should be asking for permission," he said, turning away slightly. "After all, I have no idea where my brother keeps her."

Lucas started to walk away, then stopped, glancing back at Mina. "You," he ordered.Mina blinked, startled, then straightened, her expression alert. "Sir?"

"Come with me. Never mind the herbs; I don't need them anymore," Lucas said, turning away again and continuing on his way.

Curiosity piqued, Mina hurried to catch up, leaving Sergei and Barbara behind.
Sergei and Barbara were left unsatisfied by Lucas's evasive answers. They exchanged a look, both trying to make sense of what they’d just heard.

"Do you really want to see her?" Sergei asked.

"Are you serious? Of course, I want to see her," Barbara replied, her tone resolute.

"You said she was in His Majesty's room, but there's no one there," Barbara said, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice, though she tried to keep it subdued.

"What?" Sergei frowned, equally confused.

 "But that guy told me she was in His Majesty's room. He swore he saw her with his own two eyes."

"Clearly, he probably didn't see correctly," Mina said, annoyed.

"Don't blame me. I just heard it from him," Sergei protested, backing away slightly and raising his hands defensively.

"Well, you're the one to blame because you brought her to His Majesty in the first place," Barbara countered, confronting him.

Sergei sighed, deciding it wasn’t worth making a fuss. "I felt bad," he said, offering a weak defense. "You know how I felt when you saw her."

"The only thing I'll feel is the need to avoid her, or maybe be on guard," Mina grumbled, frowning and crossing her arms. "Of course you'd feel bad. She's probably beautiful."

Sergei's expression softened, a chuckle escaping him. He put his arm around Barbara's shoulders and leaned down to meet her gaze. "You jealous?" he teased.

Barbara paused, her annoyance deepening. She refused to look at him. "Get off me!" she snapped, shrugging his arm off her shoulder and stalking away, arms still crossed.

Sergei watched her go, a silent laugh rumbling in his chest. He wasn't about to let her sulk for long, though. He followed her, a playful glint in his eye.

Mina and Lucas descended the stairs, a heavy silence hanging between them.

 Mina's mind was still replaying the conversation she'd overheard, the image of the nine-tailed fox woman burned into her thoughts. She felt adrift, unsure how she'd react when she finally encountered this creature. Judgment would have to wait.

"Sir," Mina began, breaking the silence as they reached the grand hall.
Lucas turned, his expression a question mark.
"What did the nine-tailed fox do?" she asked, curiosity burning in her voice.

Lucas tilted his head, a flicker of confusion crossing his features. "You don't know?" he asked casually.

"No," Mina replied. "I spent most of my life in the orphanage, and the adult wolves there never talked about anything that happened outside, no news, no stories..."

Lucas studied her, a thoughtful expression settling on his face. He looked away, considering her words.

"Is she really evil?" Mina pressed.

"Yeah, the worst kind," Lucas muttered, his mind drifting back to memories of the nine-tailed fox. "Things weren't always like this. The palace wasn't so...grand. It used to be simpler, more traditional. That all changed when my great-grandfather took over, declared himself leader and all that."He paused, then continued. "Then, one terrible day, fire engulfed our land. One blaze in the south, another in the north. My father and I took the south, my two brothers…"

"Two brothers?" Mina interjected, her interest piqued.

Lucas looked up at the ceiling, lost in thought. His expression turned serious.

 "Yes," he confirmed. "Two brothers. One was named Dmitri. The previous emperor, Nikolai, had three sons: Jasper, Lucas, and Dmitri."

A hint of sadness crept into his voice. "Dmitri… he was a good one, too good, actually. The opposite of Jasper and me.

 He was warmer, more welcoming to strangers, always ready to help anyone in need."
"What happened to him?" Mina asked softly.

Lucas paused, turning away from her. Silence hung heavy in the air. Finally, he turned back, his face blank and resolute.

"The nine-tailed fox killed him," he stated.Mina absorbed the information, surprised but not entirely shocked. She waited, unsure what to say.

"But…" Lucas corrected himself, "it wasn't her."
Mina remained quiet, unsure how to respond. She simply stared at him, a myriad of emotions swirling within her.

Lucas noticed her reaction and chuckled softly. "Why the long face?" he teased, a playful glint in his eyes. He brushed off her reaction with a nonchalant shrug, clearly not interested in delving into the complexities of her feelings. "I should be going," he announced.

Mina snapped out of her reverie. "Sir! Wait!" she called, reaching out a hand towards him.
Lucas paused, his eyes drifting elsewhere before finally settling on Mina. He raised a curious eyebrow, listening.

"I…" Mina stammered, her gaze falling to the floor. She was clearly hesitant, her body language betraying her unease. Finally, she lifted her head, meeting his eyes.
 "Could you ask His Majesty for permission for me to visit her?" she asked shyly.

Lucas stared at her, intrigued. "Are you ordering me?" he asked playfully.
Mina frowned and shook her head, taken aback by his interpretation. "No, sir—"

"Just kidding," Lucas interrupted, his joke falling flat. "I don't think His Majesty would allow you, or Barbara, or even Sergei to see that woman."

"Why not?" Mina asked quickly, confused by his words. "If she's not a threat, shouldn't we be able to judge for ourselves, maybe even…inspect?" She added, "The wolves wouldn't like her regardless."

Lucas paused, then responded with a lazy wave of his hand. "I know, I know! Blah, blah," he mimicked, his playful expression bordering on boredom. 

 "But even if I argue with my brother until I'm blue in the face, he won't budge," he admitted, a hint of genuine annoyance creeping into his voice.

Silence fell between them again. Finally, Lucas turned, raising a hand in farewell.
 "I'm off to the pub," he announced, heading towards the door.

Mina watched him go, frustration simmering within her. She crossed her arms, her expression a mixture of annoyance and confusion. "Damn you," she muttered under her breath. Then, with a sudden burst of anger, she turned and stalked off in the opposite direction.

The local pub, nestled near the castle, buzzed with patrons. Mostly men, with a smattering of women, the pub's clientele were a diverse bunch, united by one common trait: they were all werewolves. In this land, seeing any other kind of being was a rare occurrence. Werewolves, by nature and instinct, weren't known for their friendliness towards strangers or those different from themselves. The pub itself was a sturdy structure of wood, silver, and brick. Spacious enough for the sixteen or so patrons it currently held, it boasted a contemporary bar table with four chairs facing it, where customers often sat if they preferred to be close to the bartender. Seven or eight other tables with chairs were scattered around the room.

The pub served a wide array of drinks, from wines and beers to cocktails and other alcoholic beverages, all presented in traditional glass bottles. Regulars often requested custom concoctions, either because they had something specific in mind or because they were on good terms with the bartender. Even the royal family frequented the establishment. Lucas and his father were valued customers, though Jasper was a rare sight. This absence fueled gossip among the regulars and bartenders, with some concocting stories while others simply ignored it.

Lucas arrived earlier than usual. Opening the door, he noted the sparse crowd, which was to be expected at this hour. His usual visits were closer to midnight, but today he craved the pub's unique drinks. The palace’s offerings simply didn't satisfy his palate.

He stepped inside, closed the door behind him, and casually surveyed the room. A few werewolves recognized him, offering nods and bows of acknowledgment without making a fuss. Others, deep in their cups, were oblivious. Lucas returned the greetings, then made his way to the bar table, where the bartender stood. He leaned in, peering at the bartender's back as he worked with the array of bottles and mixtures in glass containers of various colors, alongside an assortment of alcoholic beverages.
"Good day, Elliot," Lucas greeted.

The bartender turned slowly. Elliot, a man with slicked-back blonde hair, blue eyes, and a friendly face, met Lucas’s gaze, his nonchalant expression shifting into a welcoming smile.

"You're quite early, sir. No work?" Elliot asked, wiping his hands on his black bartender's outfit as he moved slightly closer to Lucas.

"You know I don't work," Lucas replied casually. "Well, sometimes. But I don't have anything pressing."

"Sweet," Elliot responded.

"Any interesting stories lately?" Lucas asked, glancing around the pub before returning his attention to Elliot. "Anything that might brighten my day?"

"Care to hear about old men's troubles?" Elliot offered playfully.
Lucas grimaced. 

"That's all I've been hearing all week," Elliot complained lightly.

Lucas nodded disinterestedly, his gaze drifting around the room in a moment of silence.
"So, Champagne and…?" Elliot prompted.

"Champagne," Lucas confirmed.

Elliot turned, selecting a bottle of champagne from the nearest display. He grabbed a glass bottle from a wooden container to his right, set it down, and began to open the champagne.

"I heard his Majesty got into a fight with Mr. Petrov," Elliot shared as he poured the champagne.

"Sounds like a sport," Lucas joked.

"Rumor has it, it was over a woman. Princess Delphine, perhaps?" Elliot asked.

Lucas paused, considering his response. He wanted to keep the woman's identity a secret, even though he could easily reveal it. For some reason, he hesitated.

"I don't think it was a woman," Lucas said.
 "How can anyone spread such rumors when there were so many women present at the time?" he added.

"Oh?" Elliot replied. "If it wasn't a woman, then what started it?" He held the glass bottle, turned to face Lucas, nodded, and placed the champagne in front of him.

"Now, that's what's keeping me up at night," Lucas said, admiring the champagne. He took the glass, wasted no time in taking a sip, and then, a satisfied look spreading across his face, he drank.

Lucas set down his drink, savoring the last lingering taste with the satisfied expression of a contented customer. "I didn't mention it earlier, but Princess Delphine was here," Elliot murmured, lowering his voice.

Lucas met his gaze slowly, pausing for a moment as he recalled what he’d overheard in his brother's room when Princess Delphine had arrived.

"Really?" Lucas replied. "Too bad I missed her."

Elliot nodded silently, glancing around the pub before returning his attention to Lucas. "I don't mean to pry, but she wasn't in a good state. Does his Majesty know about it?"

"I tried to talk to her, you know, like a friendly bartender," Elliot continued, "but she wasn't up for conversation."

Lucas nodded, taking another sip of his drink as he pondered something, then set it down again, his gaze fixed on the table.

"She will no longer be his wife, I'm afraid," Lucas announced quietly.
Elliot’s head jerked up in surprise.

 "Serious?"
"Yep."

"So, there's a new woman. The one from the rumors, right?" Elliot asked.
"Wrong," Lucas said. "Man, you're terrible at guessing. Don't even try," he joked. "Maybe another royal. He'll introduce her soon enough. The public pressure on Jasper to find a mate is higher than ever." Lucas said casually.  

"I can't see him choosing someone outside the royal circle. That guy is ridiculously picky for his age," he added with a chuckle.

"I don't get it," Elliot confessed. "I thought his Majesty liked Princess Delphine. There was even an engagement years ago."

Lucas chuckled softly, taking another sip of champagne. "Yeah, well, it seems my dear brother's tastes have changed," he quipped. "I’m awfully afraid he might turn into something I won't like sooner or later."

Elliot’s curiosity was piqued. "Such as?"

Lucas paused, lowering his head and gaze as he considered his words, a playful yet silent smile playing on his lips. Then, he slowly looked up at Elliot, who waited expectantly for his answer.

"Something worse."

Meanwhile, in her room in the palace staff quarters, Mina lay sprawled on her bed, stretching and relaxing her tired body. Her brown eyes stared blankly at the ceiling, her mind a whirlwind of half-formed thoughts. She replayed the day's events, noting that she'd barely done any work. Her boss was remarkably unserious for his rank, a fact that pleased her. She was rather grateful that he hadn't given her any orders to follow.

Nine-tailed fox. Nine-tailed fox.

The words echoed in her mind. She was consumed with curiosity about this mysterious woman, a mystery that gnawed at her. She wondered where His Majesty had sequestered her. Mina had two theories: either she was locked away in a cell, or she was being held in a room for observation, awaiting judgment and punishment. Unlike Barbara or Sergei, however, Mina wasn't inherently judgmental. She wanted to see this woman for herself. She was aware of the risks involved, but she didn't care.

I hope she's a friend.
I wonder if she's really as different as His Royal Highness claims.

Mina continued to stare at the ceiling, lost in thought, when a knock on her door broke the silence. She glanced at the door, then got out of bed. Wondering who it could be, she reached for the doorknob, unlocked it, and pulled the door open to find Barbara standing there.
Barbara offered a small smile, her expression neutral. "Hey," she greeted.

"Hey," Mina replied slowly.

"Can I come in?" Barbara asked.

Mina glanced around her small room, then nodded and stepped aside to let Barbara enter.

"I have something to tell you," Barbara said, wasting no time.
Barbara sat down on the edge of Mina's bed, as Mina looked at her expectantly."What is it?" Mina asked softly.

"Sergei told me he remembered the scent of that demon woman," Barbara shared.

"He said it was a sweeter scent, compared to ours," Barbara added. "He then tried to concentrate all his energy on sniffing out her scent, to see if she'd left any traces here."

"And?" Mina prompted.

"He noticed the scent is still here in the palace," Barbara said, looking confused.

 "But when I went to His Majesty's room, there was no one there."

"Could she be in a different room?" Mina theorized.

"After you left, Sergei and I searched the palace rooms," Barbara explained, "until…" She trailed off, remembering something.

Mina frowned, puzzled. "Until?"


"There's no one here," Barbara announced, closing the door of the room with a frustrated sigh.

"Looks like we've checked every room on every floor," Sergei said, crossing his arms.

"You said her scent was still here, right? What did you mean when you said you couldn't pinpoint it?" Barbara asked, her curiosity piqued.

"It is here, which is what's bugging me," Sergei replied, frowning. "We've checked every room, but she's not in any of them. And if her scent's here, she should be here."

"Maybe we should go back to His Majesty's room," Barbara suggested.

"I have a different idea," Sergei countered.

"Like what?"

"The palace is huge. She could be in the garden or the basement," Sergei offered eagerly.

"If she were in the garden, I would have noticed her or recognized an unfamiliar scent, idiot!" Barbara retorted, annoyed.

 "And the basement is locked. None of the regular staff have the key."

"Wait, you don't have the key to the basement?" Sergei asked, a hint of surprise in his voice, though he tried to sound nonchalant.

"I told you, no. I think the senior staff have it," Barbara said.

"Let's go get it from them then. I have a good feeling the nine-tail is down there," Sergei insisted.

"What? No. I still think we should check one of His Majesty's rooms again. Maybe I missed something," Barbara argued.

"But you didn't find her the first time, did you? I'm betting on the basement," Sergei pressed.
"Let's just check—the nine-tail must be—"

"Nine-tail?"

Barbara and Sergei froze. They both recognized the masculine voice that spoke from behind Barbara. Sergei immediately curtsied, acknowledging the presence. Barbara glanced at Sergei, then slowly turned to face the speaker.

Jasper stood composed, his expression neutral. Barbara curtsied as she met his gaze.

"Who are you referring to as a nine-tail, if you don't mind me asking?" Jasper inquired.
Barbara and Sergei exchanged an awkward look, communicating silently as they scrambled for a plausible cover story. Barbara then turned back to Jasper, forcing a naive smile.

"Your Majesty, it's nothing. We were just joking around. I told him he'd look ridiculous with nine tails," she said, trying to brush it off.

Jasper's gaze shifted to Sergei, his eyes fixed on him intently. Sergei held his gaze for a moment, then looked away, suddenly finding the floor fascinating. Barbara maintained her friendly smile, trying to project an air of normalcy.

"I'd like to thank you for your work today, Ms. Smith," Jasper said, offering a slight nod.

"Whether you two have other duties or not, you're free to go. I must take my leave now." Jasper spoke formally, then walked past them. He paused briefly.

"Mr. Sokolov," he said, turning to Sergei, "I'd like you to fetch my brother from the pub. Tell him I have important matters to discuss." With that, Jasper continued on his way.

"Thank goodness, His Majesty didn't ask too much," Mina said, overhearing Barbara's account of her encounter with the Emperor while searching for the nine-tailed fox.

"Yeah, after that, Sergei went to fetch His Royal Highness at the pub," Barbara replied.

"He did? I wouldn't have if I were him," Mina muttered, looking away.

"Why not?" Barbara asked.

Mina sat beside Barbara on the bed, placing her hands palms down on the mattress. "His Royal Highness isn't a child. He's just cocky because of his title," Mina said, annoyed.

"Don't say that," Barbara protested mildly.

 "He's a good man. He might not be the brightest or a true gentleman like his older brother, His Majesty," she conceded, "but he's pretty harmless."

"Yeah, right," Mina scoffed. "I wouldn't be surprised if he lost his title or just became another old fool like the rest of the workers here."

Barbara frowned, confused. She leaned back slightly, studying Mina's behavior.
 "Did you two have a fight?" she asked.

Mina shook her head, avoiding Barbara's gaze. "No, we didn't," she replied. "I don't know. Maybe I'm just in a bad mood today, or maybe I just find him too insufferable for my taste."

"Well, best of luck to you then," Barbara said, changing the subject casually.
 "Sergei's planning to quit."

Mina looked at Barbara, puzzled. She tilted her head, a question in her eyes, waiting for Barbara to elaborate.

"I don't know why he wants to. He's probably been planning this for a while," Barbara explained.

"Hold on," Mina interrupted, holding up a hand. "Since when have you two been dating?"

Barbara looked at her normally, then glanced away. "Sergei didn't tell you?" she asked.

Mina shook her head.

"Well," Barbara began, "when I first came to the palace, I met him on duty. We exchanged glances, and I don't know what came over me, but I stopped and looked at him. He did the same. After that, we often met in the garden at night. We'd chat about anything and everything."

Mina listened, a supportive expression on her face, but a strange, uncomfortable feeling churned within her. It made her uneasy and upset, but she quickly dismissed it, thinking her mind was playing tricks on her.

So, Sergei and Barbara… the rumors were true…
I didn't believe it back then, because I didn't think it was possible…
How did Barbara even fall for Sergei? He's pretty weak and not even good-looking…

I really want to support them. Sergei and Barb are my friends. I think they're cute together…
Mina smiled as she listened to Barbara, but the odd, uneasy feeling persisted. She’d never felt this way before, and she couldn't understand why she was feeling it now.

"Hey," Barbara called, noticing Mina's distant look.

Mina startled, quickly composing herself.
 "Yeah?" she asked.

"Are you even listening?" Barbara asked.Mina nodded, then looked down before meeting Barbara's eyes again, trying to shift her focus. "I don't know why I fell in love with him," Barbara began. "I just know that even before we started dating, I liked his company. I liked having him around. He keeps me safe."

"He'll be a good husband," Mina affirmed.

Barbara stared at Mina, listening intently.

"And I want to give you my full support," Mina continued. "I've been friends with Sergei, and I know that if he's truly in love, he'll be completely loyal to you and you only."

Barbara nodded, smiling at Mina's words of support. "Thank you," she said.


The meeting room was quiet, bathed in soft light. Jasper sat relaxed on his sofa, legs crossed, engrossed in a book. It was "Days Don't Die," written by his father—a tale of a young, celebrated warrior who, despite winning a great war, was burdened by an ancestral curse. This curse gave him reptilian features, almost snakelike, and could only be lifted when he learned to find love and peace within himself and extend it to others.

As Jasper read, the door swung open, revealing Lucas. Lucas closed it behind him and surveyed his brother on the sofa. Jasper registered his presence but didn't react.

"Calling a royal guard to, quote unquote, 'fetch' me is rather insulting, wouldn't you say?" Lucas remarked, a hint of playful annoyance in his voice. "Do you honestly think I wouldn't have returned without being ordered around?"

Jasper looked up, meeting his brother's gaze. He quietly placed the book on a nearby table. "I know you'd return on your own," Jasper said. "But knowing you as I do, you're not exactly known for your punctuality. I figured you were probably off somewhere, enjoying the company of a woman, or perhaps something else entirely."

"So, what did you call me here for?" Lucas asked, pacing the room. He didn't like to sit still. His eyes drifted to the cabinet of alcoholic beverages, where he paused, considering them.

"Have you forgotten what I asked you earlier?" Jasper asked casually.

Lucas stopped, a flicker of memory crossing his face. He was supposed to retrieve some herbs from the gardener, Mike. He turned slowly to face Jasper, searching for an excuse.

"I…" Lucas trailed off, then offered, "I theorize I have something even better in mind for Catherine."

"And that is?" Jasper asked, intrigued but skeptical.

"I've recently mastered one of my abilities," Lucas explained. "I discovered I can produce a scent. But it's not just any scent. I've learned that this one can rouse anything from the dead."

"She's not dead, she's frozen and unconscious," Jasper corrected quickly.

"I know, I know," Lucas replied just as quickly. "But her soul must be wandering somewhere. With my ability, I can alert her body, which will send a message to her soul and bring her back to consciousness."

Jasper considered this, a serious expression on his face. "How can you be sure it won't backfire?" he asked.

"Oh, it won't," Lucas said confidently. "I'm certain of it."

"Confidence doesn't guarantee success," Jasper countered.

"How will you know unless I test it? I already told you, I've mastered it," Lucas argued.

"You've mastered it—brilliant," Jasper said dryly. He stood up, placing his hands clasped in front of him. "But we have to remember that our abilities, as wolf shifters, only work on other wolf shifters.

 We don't know if Catherine's body will react the same way, considering she's not one of us, and perhaps more human than we are."

"More human?" Lucas scoffed. "You're suggesting her human blood is superior?"

"How can a nine-tailed fox, likely connected to the beast that ravaged this land millennia ago, be considered more human?" Lucas demanded.

Jasper remained silent, listening to his brother with a stern expression.

"She's not," Lucas said, annoyed. "The fact that you're keeping her here isn't a smart move, as you should know, though I suppose I wouldn't understand your reasoning." He gestured dramatically, a cocky grin spreading across his face.

"I wouldn't keep her here if she were truly the nine-tailed fox who nearly destroyed our land. I saw something in her," Jasper explained seriously.

"Unlike us, she's undoubtedly half fox, but human by blood and DNA. We are shapeshifters who maintain a human form out of necessity. It's efficient and practical," Jasper corrected logically.

 "But we are wolves."

Lucas stared silently, annoyance still etched on his face.

"She's fragile, but…" Jasper continued. "But there's no doubt her fox abilities give her some kind of power."

"I'm proposing something, and I'm not taking no for an answer," Lucas said, his playful demeanor replaced by seriousness."Shoot," Jasper said.

"I'm still insisting on using my ability. I'm sure there won't be any consequences.
 Even if she's different, she's still a shapeshifter, like us. That's all the assurance I need," Lucas said. "If I do bring her back, don't let her stay here. Let her leave as soon as she wakes up."