Chapter XIII: The Girl from Wonderland

Caelus observed the scene unfolding before him, standing quietly beside Medea as she lounged comfortably on his sofa, her crimson eyes fixed on the young girl seated across from her. The girl, her small frame perched on the edge of the seat, eagerly devoured the pumpkin pie that she had graciously offered her.Glancing sideways at Medea, Caelus couldn't help but whisper, a hint of amusement in his voice, "So, it seems you have a soft spot for children, huh?" He watched as Medea shot him a sharp glare, her irritation evident in the furrow of her brows. With a shrug, Caelus raised his eyebrows innocently, continuing, "Well, you're the one who welcomed her, not me.""Quiet," Medea retorted, pinching the bridge of her nose in exasperation. "I simply didn't want to deal with a child throwing tantrums or causing trouble."With a resigned sigh, Caelus crossed his arms, shifting his focus to the young visitor. "Where do you come from?" he inquired, his tone serious yet curious. The girl, her mouth still partly filled with pie, swallowed before responding, "I hail from Wonderland."Medea raised a skeptical eyebrow, her interest piqued. "Wonderland? What sort of place is that?" she questioned, her curiosity evident.Caelus, his gaze fixed ahead, explained, "It's a realm where magicians are inherently born." Glancing briefly at Medea, he added, "It's also where I was born."Medea's expression softened slightly as she absorbed this information, nodding in understanding. Caelus considered her words carefully before turning his attention back to the girl. "Provide me with a valid reason to accept you as my pupil," he requested, his tone firm yet not unkind.The girl pouted slightly, setting down her half-eaten pie before answering, "My grandfather told me that this is the place where I can become a powerful magician. He said it's where the greatest magician grew up and became the head of this tower. I wanted to meet you, Mister Caelus, and ask you to accept me as your pupil!"Medea, leaning back on the sofa, interjected with a note of caution, "Are there no magicians in Wonderland who could teach you? This tower isn't a playground, you know."Caelus pondered for a moment, his gaze thoughtful as he considered the girl's request. Finally, after a brief pause, he spoke, "Perhaps she has a valid reason." Turning his attention to the girl, he challenged, "Provide me with a compelling reason to accept you as my pupil."The young girl's eyes lit up with determination as she responded without hesitation, "My dream is to follow in your footsteps and become the next head of this tower!"Caelus's surprise was evident as he absorbed her words. He hadn't expected such ambition from one so young. Yet, her sincerity touched him, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Very well," he conceded, his voice carrying a note of approval. "I accept."Medea's disbelief lingered as she watched Caelus swiftly accept the young girl's request. She couldn't help but internally scoff, wondering if his decision was made too hastily. Arms crossed and a smirk playing at her lips, she glanced at the girl, who remained blissfully unaware of the tension between the two adults, engrossed in finishing the last remnants of the pumpkin pie.Lost in her thoughts, Medea couldn't resist a sly remark. "Looks like I'm not the only one feeling unusually charitable today," she quipped, a smirk dancing on her lips as she turned towards Caelus. "You're quite the soft touch, aren't you, Cael?"Caelus huffed softly in response, flopping down beside Medea before reaching for a book on the nearby table. Ignoring Medea's teasing, he buried himself in its pages, all the while addressing the young girl. "Before you officially become my pupil, there's something I must inquire," he stated, his tone businesslike.Eagerly attentive, the young girl leaned forward, her eyes wide with anticipation. Caelus continued, his voice steady, "You must pass a test."The girl blinked in surprise, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "A test?" Caelus nodded, conjuring a paper before her with a flick of his wrist. As the paper floated before her, she hesitantly reached out to take it, her fingers trembling slightly."So, I just need to answer this?" she asked tentatively. Caelus confirmed her question with a nod.Observing the exchange with a knowing smirk, Medea couldn't resist interjecting. "I hope you're prepared for a challenge," she teased, her eyes gleaming mischievously as she watched the girl's reaction. Caelus frowned, his gaze following Medea as she rose from her seat and approached the young girl. "Don't interfere," he admonished, a hint of irritation creeping into his voice. Though he refrained from using his powers to eject Medea from the room, the temptation lingered just beneath the surface.Undeterred by Caelus's warning, Medea settled beside the girl, glancing over the test paper with feigned interest. "Of course not," she assured the child before seizing the paper and scanning its contents. Caelus sighed, his irritation mounting as he watched Medea's antics unfold."Please refrain from distracting her as well," he chided, though his tone remained calm. Inside, however, he seethed with frustration at Medea's blatant disregard for his instructions. Meanwhile, Medea returned the paper to the table, patting the girl's head affectionately."It's not as challenging as it seems," she reassured the young pupil with a warm smile, shooting a sly glance in Caelus's direction. "Looks like Mister Cael went easy on you."An irked expression flashed across Caelus's features, though he remained focused on his book, unwilling to engage further with Medea's antics.Medea lounged on the plush sofa, her posture exuding both elegance and mischief. With a teasing glint in her eyes, she crossed her arms and legs, leaning in towards Caelus. "I sense a sudden annoyance emanating from you, Cael," she remarked, her tone carrying a hint of playful mockery. "Could it possibly be because I broke your hair tie?" Her voice was laced with a mischievous enthusiasm that grated on Caelus's nerves.Caelus's brows furrowed in irritation, and he briefly pinched the bridge of his nose before responding with a cool demeanor, "Lady Medea, I would advise you to cease your incessant chatter. Some of us are trying to find peace here." His attention returned to the book in his hands, hoping to dissuade further interaction.Unfazed by his attempt to dismiss her, Medea let out a scoff and persisted, "You should learn to endure it, Cael. After all, you were the one who allowed me entry into this space."Caelus's patience wore thin as he retorted sharply, "I permitted your presence solely because I require your assistance. Otherwise, you would have been promptly escorted out."The girl, who had been attempting to focus on her task amidst the exchange, couldn't help but be drawn into the dynamic between the two adults. She looked up from her paper and blurted out, "Are you two married?" Her question was delivered shamelessly and boldly.Both Caelus and Medea snapped at the inquiry in unison, responding emphatically, "Of course not!"The young girl blinked innocently, unfazed by their reaction, before returning her attention to her paper. "But that's what my grandpa and grandma sometimes do," she mumbled thoughtfully, her words carrying a hint of innocence. "They argue over simple things."Medea's huff echoed softly through the chamber, a mere ripple of amusement in the air as she felt Caelus bristle with irritation. Deciding to ease her teasing, she redirected her attention to the frail girl before her. A shrewd gaze swept over the girl's delicate frame, and a flicker of unexpected compassion tugged at Medea's heart, a sensation she swiftly attempted to brush aside.With a measured tone, she parted her lips to address the girl, "How many days has it been since you last ate?" Her inquiry disrupted the quiet concentration between Caelus and the girl, coaxing them to shift their focus towards her. The girl's eyes dropped, lips pressing into a thin line, a silent refusal to respond."Have you gone without food for days just to visit this place and speak with Caelus?" Medea inquired again, seeking confirmation of her suspicion. Yet, the room remained silent, save for the faint rustle of movement. Sensing something amiss, Caelus set aside his book, directing his full attention to Medea before glancing at the girl."Perhaps she has," he murmured cautiously, meeting the girl's gaze as she struggled with her response.With an exasperated huff, Medea impulsively snatched the paper from the girl's grasp, eliciting a gasp from her. Unmoved by the girl's pleading gaze, Medea pressed on, "I understand this test may seem simple, but in your exhausted and hungry state, your mind won't function properly to answer it."Exchanging a meaningful glance with Caelus, Medea watched as he sighed, utilizing his powers at her silent request to lull the girl into a peaceful slumber. As the girl drifted off on the sofa, a gentle lullaby filled the room, prompting a moment of solemn silence between the two adults."What's the matter?" Medea retorted, pivoting to leave, only to have her wrist caught by Caelus. Eyeing him with annoyance, she gestured towards the sleeping child. "I'm fetching her a blanket, you fool."Caelus raised his hand, a soft purple glow enveloping it as a magical blanket materialized over the sleeping girl. Turning back to Medea, he spoke, "There's no need for that now. Just stay here."As Medea stood there, a peculiar sensation washed over her once more, prompting a flurry of thoughts in her mind. She wrestled with the urge to confront Caelus about his behavior but ultimately opted to keep her musings to herself, allowing them to swirl and ferment in the recesses of her mind. It dawned on her, however, that Caelus seemed inexplicably attached to her, unwilling to release her from his grasp for reasons she couldn't discern. Furrowing her brows at the notion, she reached out and gave his hand a subtle tug, drawing his attention."Why exactly do you want me to stay?" she queried, her tone dripping with sarcasm as irritation simmered beneath the surface. It was disconcerting, this deviation from her usual demeanor, and she found herself grappling with the inexplicable compulsion to comply with his wishes. Even Medea herself struggled to comprehend this uncharacteristic behavior.Following a pregnant pause, Caelus finally voiced his thoughts, his words cutting through the tension that hung in the air. "Tie my hair first, and then I'll release you," he proposed, his gaze unwavering as he met her incredulous stare.Medea recoiled slightly, withdrawing her hand from his grasp in disbelief. "That's all?" she echoed, her skepticism evident as she struggled to comprehend his request.Caelus nodded in confirmation, gesturing towards his silver locks as he brushed a few errant strands away from his face. "You were the one who removed my hair tie. Now, it's only fair that you put it back," he explained, his tone calm yet firm as he regarded her expectantly.Rolling her eyes, Medea crossed her arms defiantly. "And why should I indulge you? You can easily use your magic to do it yourself," she countered stubbornly, her frustration mounting at the audacity of his request. After all, why should she be at his beck and call like some sort of servant?Caelus fixed her with a gaze that wielded an undeniable allure, a look that Medea found difficult to rebuff. She recognized his ploy – he was employing his charms to bend her will to his desires. Whilst studying his features intently, she couldn't help but notice a beauty mark beneath his left eye, a detail she hadn't previously observed. A fleeting thought of his attractiveness flickered through her mind before she averted her gaze. Caelus was undeniably beautiful, the first individual she deemed as captivating since her inception. He possessed a beauty that rivaled not only her powers but also her aesthetic appeal. In him, she recognized a formidable counterpart, one whose appeal would undoubtedly enrapture any who beheld him. The realization stirred conflicting emotions within her, emotions she swiftly pushed aside.Unable to resist any longer, Medea cleared her throat and relented, "Fine, I'll tie your hair." With a gentle push, she guided him to sit on the sofa, gathering his silver locks in her hands. As she began to work, Caelus offered a soft smile, closing his eyes to savor her touch. Yet, a sudden inspiration struck Medea. Instead of merely tying his hair, she opted to braid it, adorning the intricate style with delicate flower hair clips conjured by her powers.Caelus stood before the mirror, his expression a mix of confusion and incredulity as he took in his reflection. Behind him, Medea watched with a smug satisfaction dancing across her lips. Turning to face her, he furrowed his brows in consternation, demanding, "What have you done?"With an air of nonchalance, Medea shrugged, her smirk widening, "You asked me to tie your hair, so I did." Caelus's eyes narrowed, his gaze darting to the intricate braid adorned with delicate flower clips. "Yes, but this isn't what I had in mind," he retorted, gesturing to his elaborately styled locks.Unable to contain her laughter, Medea reached out to touch his hair once more. "You're quite demanding, aren't you?" she sighed, amusement evident in her tone as she leaned in closer, her crimson eyes ablaze with mischief. "Let me remind you, dear, I'm not some servant you can easily order around."