QUOTE : Pushing away a looming sense of worry, Alex looked back at his friends in the clearing, who were resting easy because he had promised to watch over them. That promise, he knew, went beyond that night. It was his duty now. His stoic gaze rested on each one with fondness, despite any former misgivings, though it rested a little bit longer on the curled-up figure of Ellabell. There was a dogged determination within him to make good on his promises and his responsibilities.