"Are you okay? You don't seem to be in good shape," Maria asked, steadying Zoth as he stumbled again.
"I'm fine. I just pushed my mana a little further than usual," Zoth replied, his breathing stabilizing.
Maria sighed in relief. "Phew! You scared me for a second."
But Zoth's face turned serious as he said, "Miss Woods? Can you help me with something?"
Maria raised an eyebrow but listened intently as Zoth explained the situation.
"So... let me get this straight," Maria said, arms crossed, "You want me to go to the museum and take out some assassins? How the hell did you even get that intel?"
"My goddess told me," Zoth replied hastily. "We don't have much time-"
Maria cut him off, "Fine, I'll go. But who are the assassins targeting?"
Zoth paused, his jaw tightening. "It's the family of Alfred Xavier."
Maria's heart skipped a beat. She didn't need to hear more. Without another word, she dashed out of the room at an incredible speed.
Zoth watched her go, muttering under his breath, "Don't worry, my liege. Help is on the way."
---
The Museum Washroom
I clung tightly to Mama, trying to keep my breathing steady. She hadn't noticed anything yet, but I was on high alert.
Oh man, do I really need to reveal my powers to Mama? I thought desperately, glancing around the room.
Eyes. I could feel them. Several pairs, peering through vents and hidden crevices. Each one sent a chill down my spine. I could destroy them all in an instant, but that would mean showing Mama who I truly was.
I quickly washed my hands, pretending to be a carefree kid, but then I saw it-a figure reflected in the mirror behind me. My heart leaped, but I kept my expression neutral, pretending not to notice.
I ran to Mama, clinging to her even tighter. She laughed softly and picked me up.
"Now let's go!" she said cheerfully.
No, Mama, don't go near the door!
I panicked, grabbing her cheeks and stretching them like chewing gum.
"Aleena, stop doing that!" she scolded, chuckling.
I giggled, trying to buy more time. Where is Zoth's help? It's taking too long!
But time ran out. Mama began walking toward the door, oblivious to the danger lurking outside.
No, no, no! What do I do?!
I prepared myself to act. Magic began swirling invisibly around my tiny hands. I hated resorting to this, but I couldn't let anything happen to Mama.
She reached for the doorknob, her fingers wrapping around it.
Dark magic coiled, ready to strike.
The door creaked open.
A scream escaped my lips as I aimed my hands at the figure lunging toward us-a sword glinting in their hand. But before I could release my magic, the sword stopped mid-air.
"Phew! Just in time," a voice muttered.
A woman stood in front of us, gripping the assassin's blade with her bare hand. Her expression was calm yet fierce.
Mama and I stared in shock as the woman swiftly pulled out a gun and shot the assassin. The figure collapsed lifelessly to the floor.
I gazed at the body, horrified and awestruck, but Mama quickly covered my eyes. "Don't look, Aleena," she whispered, her voice trembling.
The woman turned to us, her gaze sharp. "Are you related to Alfred Xavier?"
Mama swallowed hard, nodding. "Yes. But... what is this? Who are you?"
The woman sighed, relieved. "You're the targets of multiple assassins who've infiltrated this building. We'll have to answer questions later. For now, we need to get you out of here safely."
Her words sent shivers through me, but her presence brought a strange sense of security. Mama clutched me tightly, her voice trembling as she asked, "Are there more of them?"
The woman glanced toward the door, reloading her gun. "Plenty. Stay close to me, and don't panic. I'll handle them."
Mama nodded, and I clung to her as the woman stepped forward, her posture radiating confidence.
I whispered to myself, Zoth's help arrived... but who is this lady?