Still excited, Alixia headed towards the kitchen.
At the same time, Ikan was coming down the stairs, distracted.
- Attention-!
Too late.
They collided head-on.
Alixia fell forward…
directly on Ikan.
Time seemed to stand still.
She raised her head slowly.
Him too.
Their eyes met.
Ikan immediately blushed, unable to look away.
— Uh…
Alixia quickly straightened up and stood up.
— Sorry… I wasn't looking where I was going.
"It's nothing," Ikan replied, getting up as well.
My name is Ikan Valen.
She raised an eyebrow.
— Alixia Noctaris.
A silence.
Then Ikan, hesitantly, held out his hand.
—Would you like...to be friends?
She looked at his hand, then his face.
"Sorry, but… you're too young for me.
"I said friends… nothing more," he murmured, lowering his head.
She shook her head.
— I don't believe you.
I'll leave you.
She walked away without looking back.
Ikan's hand remained suspended in midair... before slowly falling.
Miria approached him.
"Don't think about it too much, big guy.
She just thinks she's more mature.
- I just wanted to be his friend... he murmured sadly.
Then he went up the stairs, looking dejected.
An uneasiness hung over the room.
"He'll be fine," Asher said.
The first disappointments are always the hardest.
"I hope so…" Kira replied softly.
The door opened suddenly.
—Miria!
Katrina entered, followed by Elma.
- Mom ? When did you arrive?
—Not long ago.
And I was told you haven't been home for days...
His gaze fell on Asher.
— Asher.
What possessed you to bring my daughter here?!
A shocked silence.
— Wh…?
— Oh pity, spare me your innocent looks!
You are putting my daughter in danger!
Asher rolled his eyes in exasperation, then walked out without a word.
Katrina turned to Miria and took her hands.
— Are you okay, my darling...?
He didn't do anything to you, did he?
I'm here now, I'll protect you...
Miria violently withdrew her hands.
- But…?
— Do you realize what you're saying?!
Do you really believe your words?!
Katrina remained frozen.
—The one you just accused...
He's the one who protected me when you were away!
She was trembling, with tears in her eyes.
—He defended me against Fishlegs.
He helped me control my powers.
Things that YOU should have done!
Katrina lowered her head, ashamed.
— Miria… I—
– Don't call me!
Not after what you just did!
She wiped away her tears with an angry gesture.
"You didn't even call to see if I was okay.
And now you come to judge the one who was there for me?
His voice cracked.
— Go away.
I don't need you.
She turned on her heel and walked away.
Katrina remained alone, motionless, in shock.