{ Mia }
Warmth. That was the first thing I felt. Heavy and calm, like sunlight through a thick blanket.
My eyes blinked open to a slow blur of amber light. The air smelled faintly of cedar and smoke. This wasn't my room—too clean, too quiet. There were shelves stacked with books, a low fire burning in the corner, and the faint hum of power beneath the floor.
My jacket was folded neatly over a chair. My boots—mud-streaked—were gone.
Then I saw him.
He sat near the fireplace, one arm resting on the back of the chair, head tilted as he studied me. His expression wasn't cruel, but it wasn't soft either—just unreadable, with a trace of something like amusement flickering at the edges.
When our eyes met, he smiled slightly. "Well," he said, voice smooth and calm. "Sleeping beauty finally wakes up."
My pulse spiked. "Where am I?" I whispered, instinctively pressing myself against the headboard. "what are you doing here?!" I whispered my eyes widening.
Something inside me snapped. A hum started in my chest-low, electric. My hands trembled, and threads of gold began crawling up my fingers, sparking faintly like fire that couldn't decide if it wanted to exist.
His gaze flicked down, then back to my face. "Ah. There it is," he said softly. "The glow."
" You didn't answer my question!" I warned, but the air around me was already vibrating, the energy leaking out in thin waves. A candle on the desk flickered, warped, then burst with a faint hiss.
He didn't move. Didn't even flinch. "If I wanted to hurt you, Mia," he said evenly, "you'd still be in that forest."
The gold light in my palms brightened. "You're my crow."
" That's right..." He chucked raising his eyebrow.
" You won't be smiling when I set you on fire!" I warned the ground shaking.
His face turned pale realising the trouble he caused." Hey, calm down...I promise I won't hurt you..."
" You caught me and my brothers, held us hostage, followed us and now..." My breathing grew ragged the a vase falling to the ground.
" What can I do for you to believe me ?!" He screamed not being able to bare it anymore.
I smirked. " If you really want to prove it... help me find the man who calls me sweetheart."
His eyes widened. " That's it ?"
I chucked. " It's not an easy job... Oh and also I want you to go to war with me... You know... the email from ShadowHire87. The one you pretended not to see."
He smiled. " Deal..."
I took a deep breath letting all my energy sink back inside me.
" Good, now follow me." He smirked walking away while I sat there just smirking not hearing any footsteps he turned around finding me still sitting on his bed.
" I told you to follow princess."
I smirked crossing my arms. "I'm not your pet, birdboy. Tell me where we're going first."
He chuckled. " I'm just going to show you something... "
" Show me what?" I asked tilting my head.
" You'll see..."