My red eye slowly opened as dust motes danced on the dim rays of moonlight filtering down from the coffin cracks. The familiar weight of Leviathan's comforting coils around my torso and the faint crackle of his draconic flame assured me I hadn't awoken alone.

"Leviathan...we're awake?"

My faded voice croaked out in disbelief.

"How long has it been this time?"

"

*Too long, milady... the Skullheart's call has awoken us once more. I apologize for the delay; some hoodlum teenagers were attempting to loot your grave and I gave them a proper fright.

*" *

Leviathan huffed indignantly, unwilling to meet my gaze as I sat up and brushed the remaining dirt from my dress.

• "*

But do not despair, our purpose remains unchanged! The Skullgirl's threat must be eliminated so you may finally rest in peace.

*"

I smiled fondly at my dear parasite and eternal guardian.

"Very well then, no point in dallying about."

The damp earth crumbled under pale fingertips and boney arms alike as Squigly clawed her way out from the shallow grave: groaning, her limbs creaked trying to haul herself up from her grave.

"Ugh... Leviathan, be a darling and give us a lift?"

Leviathan swiftly coiled around her shapely waist, lifting the undead songstress up and setting her gently on the grass.

You stood frozen, as if overcome by rigor mortis staring at the emerging creature from the grave as you took in her pale, stitched mouth and serpentine beast coiled possessively around her lithe chest.

"Oh...! And who may you be? Forgive my appearances, I wasn't expecting such... company. Are you quite alright? You look as if you've seen a ghost!"

A musical titter escaped her as pale fingertips came to rest demurely upon her cheek. Despite her playful teasing her single scarlet eye stared at you keenly, as if peering into your very soul.