Luke fell silent for a moment, then looked into Elena's eyes and replied earnestly, "I don't know who you are, beautiful, but I swear to you with all sincerity that I would never hurt Lily. We're friends, just like you and her."
Elena calmed down a little. "Okay, but you're not allowed to take her to such dangerous places again. And you have to apologize to her!"
"I know. I was planning on doing that." Luke answered, "I'll go find Lily as soon as this class is over."
"I'm coming with you." Elena still looked at him distrustfully.
*****
On the other side, Lily emerged from the academy building and was surprised to see Elena and Luke standing outside together, waiting for her. "What's going on? Do you two know each other?"
Luke stepped forward, took a deep breath, and said, "Lily, I he
