Little Flower in Danger

Miria instinctively stepped back.

Fear was evident in her eyes as she stared at the man before her. She was trembling, convinced he had only saved her life for one reason: to obtain the Grimoire before anyone else.

— Don't come any closer! she pleaded, raising her hands in supplication. I don't know anything about the Grimoire, I swear! I… I've never even seen it!

Her voice cracked with panic.

The man frowned slightly, but his gaze remained calm and sincere.

— I'm not going to hurt you, he replied in a steady voice. I'm here to protect you. I know you don't have the Grimoire, but… there's a chance your father knows where it is.

Miria flinched at the mention of her father.

— My father? she repeated, incredulous. I haven't seen him since he abandoned my mother and me!

The man nodded softly.

— I know… But—

He didn't have time to finish his sentence. The sound of rapid footsteps echoed down the adjacent hallway. He leaned slightly to glance out of their hiding spot.

— It's him, he murmured. The one who was chasing you.

Miria froze, terror visible on her face. The man turned his attention to a massive shelf situated just behind their pursuer. His eyes suddenly took on a bright red glow, and a loud crack echoed as the shelf toppled over, crashing onto the man and creating a diversion.

— Come on! he said, grabbing Miria's hand.

They dashed off together, fleeing their enemies.

They walked in silence, hand in hand. Miria didn't know what to make of this closeness. It made her a little uncomfortable, but she didn't dare let go of his hand; part of her felt safe with him.

The silence grew heavy. Eventually, Miria broke it.

— Thank you… she said timidly, looking down. Thank you for saving me.

He turned to her, a faint smile on his lips.

— It's nothing.

Silence fell again, but Miria couldn't take it anymore.

— What's your name? she finally asked.

— Asher Gold, he replied simply.

She nodded, repeating his name in her head to remember it.

— Why are you protecting me, Asher?

They arrived in front of Miria's house. Asher gently let go of her hand and placed a tender hand on her head.

— That's a secret, he murmured with a mysterious smile.

— A secret? Miria repeated suspiciously.

— Don't worry, nothing malicious, I promise, he said with a light laugh.

Before she could respond, he leaned down and kissed her softly on the cheek.

— See you soon, little flower, he said as he walked away with a charming smile.

Miria stood frozen, her hand pressed against her cheek. She watched Asher disappear into the distance, her heart pounding wildly.

Back at home, Miria let out a long sigh, trying to organize her thoughts. She was interrupted by the ringing of her phone. Seeing Marlie's name on the screen, she mentally smacked her forehead.

— Oh no… she muttered as she answered.

— MIRIA! Marlie yelled on the other end of the line. Where were you? Do you know how worried I was? I looked for you EVERYWHERE!

Miria pulled the phone away from her ear, grimacing.

— Marlie, calm down! You're going to make me deaf!

— Calm down? Are you kidding me? I sent you messages, I called you! Why didn't you answer?

— Sorry, Miria sighed. I wasn't feeling well, so I came straight home. There were too many people; I almost fainted…

Marlie went silent for a moment before speaking again in a worried tone.

— Are you feeling better?

— Yes, don't worry.

— You should have called me to help you!

— I know, but… someone helped me, Miria said hesitantly.

— Oh? Someone? Was it a guy?

Miria's cheeks turned red as Asher's face popped into her mind.

— Miria! Are you still there? Earth to Miria!

— Yes, yes! Miria answered, startled. Stop yelling, I can hear you just fine!

— Liar, Marlie laughed. You're thinking about your handsome savior, aren't you?

Miria rolled her eyes.

— You're hopeless, Marlie.

They continued chatting for a while before saying goodbye.

Later that evening, as she relaxed in front of a movie, her mother, Katrina, came home.

— Miria! I'm home! she called cheerfully.

Miria got up to greet her.

— How was your day? she asked with a smile.

— Crazy, as usual, Katrina replied with a laugh. A friend tried to set me up with another stranger.

Miria giggled.

— They just want to see you happy with someone, you know.

— I don't need that, Katrina said with a shrug. Besides, they've invited me to a party tomorrow. I have to go early to help set up.

They sat down to dinner and chatted joyfully until Miria's tone turned more serious.

— Mom… I want to know. Tell me about Dad.

Katrina froze, visibly surprised.