The woman stepped closer and leaned in. I could feel her warm breath on my face and see her violet eyes clearly; they emitted a faint purple light. She was completely unaffected by the fire and screams behind her. Calm. Too calm.
"W-what…?" I held my breath. My whole body tensed as I turned my gaze to the side. I would not give her the reaction she was looking for.
A small laugh escaped Lairas's lips. I then felt the soft, warm touch of her lips on my forehead.
I remained still, unmoving. An affectionate gesture after an act of mass violence. Illogical. What was her goal? To create an emotional bond? A test? The next second, I felt a brief tug as she plucked a strand of my hair.
The woman brought her lips close to my ear and whispered, "We have to go now, darling."
"Ha?! Huh?!" I stammered, more out of confusion than embarrassment. My mind was still trying to piece this puzzle together.
Lairas snapped her fingers.
Click!
My vision immediately blurred and spun. I felt a strange pulling sensation in my stomach. The acrid smell of smoke and burnt ruins was ripped away, replaced by the cold, fresh mountain air. The roar of flames and the screams vanished. Silence. In an instant, I was standing on a stone path at the edge of a cliff. Before me, illuminated by the sunset, a wooden cottage stood above a thick layer of clouds. The cottage's windows glowed purple.
"Is this your house?" I asked, my voice flat.
Lairas nodded. "Come on," she said, reaching for my hand. I pulled my hand back before she could touch it. She just smiled at the gesture, then walked ahead. I followed her inside.
The wooden door opened. The warm air inside smelled of dried herbs and firewood. The room was a cozy kitchen. I glanced at the stone fireplace for a moment, then returned to the only question that mattered.
"Enough of this nonsense. Tell me now. Why did you buy me?"
Lairas laughed softly. She stepped closer. Her cool fingertips were about to touch my cheek. I swatted her hand away. "Don't touch me."
She was not offended. "Clean yourself up first, darling. I'm going to start cooking. I've left some clothes for you." She gestured toward a chair. She's avoiding my question. Again.
She snapped her fingers.
Click!
On the wooden chair, a set of clothes appeared: a soft, cream-colored cotton tunic, dark brown linen trousers, and a leather belt.
What is this woman's goal? Why is she doing all this? But… to hell with it. At least I can eat a decent meal today. I sighed.
I took the clothes and went to the bathroom.
After a warm bath and changing into the clean clothes, I smelled the aroma of spiced roasted meat and warm bread. My empty stomach ached with hunger.
I followed the scent and saw Lairas standing in front of the fireplace. Her fingers moved in the air; silver knives floated, chopping vegetables with precision before dropping them into the cauldron. Efficient. Precise. Deadly. She could kill a dozen men from across the room. I must remain vigilant.
Lairas turned when she heard my footsteps. Her eyes looked me up and down. "Oh… you look much more handsome after a bath, darling."
I ignored her comment. "You still haven't answered my question."
"I'll answer after we eat, okay? Just wait outside," Lairas replied with a smile.
I didn't respond. I turned and walked out.
Outside, a cool breeze touched my skin. The western sky was filled with the colors orange, pink, and purple. The thick layer of clouds below reflected those colors.
"A deceiving world..." I murmured.
I sat in one of the chairs, my eyes fixed on the slowly descending sun.
Before long, Lairas came out carrying a wooden tray. She placed two plates of steaming roasted meat and bread on the table, then sat across from me.
"Eat up," Lairas said. "Or… do you want me to feed you?"
I ignored her. I took a fork, speared a piece of meat, and put it in my mouth.
As I chewed, I froze. The savory taste of spices and the tender meat it was a shock. The sensation spread through my mouth, its warmth descending into my stomach. It was a flavor I had almost forgotten. My eyes grew hot. A single tear fell down my cheek.
Damn it. Why am I crying? Over a piece of meat? Weak. My jaw tightened in anger at myself.
Lairas watched me. "Is it good?" she asked. She leaned forward. As her warm thumb was about to touch my cheek, I pulled my face back.
She stopped, her hand hovering in the air for a moment, then she withdrew it. Her smile did not falter.