While a certain soone was training in a special place, a young girl sat on her bed, looking at her smartwatch. Irina was glaring at the screen, frustration clear on her face.
The last ssage she had sent to Astron glowed on the screen: [Hey, it's been a while. Are you free to talk?]
She had sent several ssages over the past few days, each one t with silence. The absence of a reply was starting to get under her skin. Irina clenched her fists, her annoyance growing with each passing minute.
'That bastard,' she thought, her teeth gritting. 'Does he think he can just ignore like this?'
She scrolled through the ssages again, each one a reminder of the ti she had spent waiting for a response: I need to talk to you about sothing important. Are you there? Seriously, this is getting annoying. Answer .
The last ssage was sent hours ago, and still, nothing. She felt a pang of worry mixed with her irritation. Astron was always difficult to reach, but this level of unresponsiveness was unusual even for him.
'Is he training sowhere remote again?' she wondered. 'Or is he just ignoring on purpose?'
Her mind raced with possibilities, each one more frustrating than the last. She knew he was dedicated to his training, but there had to be a limit. After all, she was asking for his ti, sothing he had promised to give her.
"Ugh!" Irina groaned, flopping back onto her bed. "Why is he always like this?"
Staring at the ceiling, she contemplated her next move. She could try to find him, but knowing Astron, he was likely in a place that was difficult to access or even locate. Still, the thought of confronting him in person was becoming more and more appealing.
'But, how do I even find him…..I wish I had just put a GPS on his body….'
She thought, imagining how it would be if she did such a thing. Being able to track every bit of his movents, learning about him, and then suddenly making so surprises.
"…..Urghk…..Then I would be no different than a stalker….." Irina groaned, rolling over on her bed. She pulled her fingers to her lips, lost in thought.
'No, this is insane,' she thought, trying to shake off the ridiculous idea. Yet, the thought lingered.
Her mind wandered back to the last ti they were together, the warmth of his presence, the intensity of their conversations, and the feeling of his lips on hers. She felt a blush creeping up her cheeks.
"I've missed this feeling…" she whispered to herself, her fingers gently brushing her lips. The mory of their kiss made her heart flutter, a mix of longing and frustration welling up inside her.
'Why does he have to be so difficult to reach?' she thought, her annoyance resurfacing. 'He promised that week, and now he's vanished.'
She rolled over again, burying her face in her pillow. The frustration of wanting to talk to him, to be near him, and the helplessness of not knowing where he was gnawed at her.
'Bastard….When you make your appearance, I am going to make you pay for this….' Irina resolved her feelings, a determined glint in her eyes.
Just then, the door to her room creaked open, and Es stepped in. She was Irina's personal attendant, always calm and composed, and her presence was a comforting constant in Irina's life.
"Good morning, Young Lady," Es greeted, her voice gentle but firm. "It's ti to start getting ready for your day."
Irina sighed, looking at the woman who had just entered. The fact that she could still show her face like this even after all the things that she did…. It was mind-blowing.
Sitting up reluctantly, Irina grumbled. "Already? It feels like I just woke up."
Es gave her a sympathetic smile. "I know, but you have a full schedule today. We need to prepare for your training session and then the eting with other heirs."
"Tch." Irina clicked her tongue as she saw the ever sa routine happening once again.
'A puppet child standing in the front…..As usual….'
Es's presence, once a source of comfort, now felt like a reminder of the expectations and responsibilities weighing on Irina's shoulders. Despite the outward calm, Irina could sense the calculated precision behind every action Es took.
Irina didn't like Es, nor did she like the responsibilities that ca with her position. The constant pressure to live up to her family's na and to be the perfect heir was exhausting. She longed for the freedom to be herself, to make her own choices without constant scrutiny.
As she got ready, her mind kept drifting back to Astron. With him, things were different. He didn't see her as just the Emberheart heiress; he saw her as Irina. He challenged her and made her feel alive in a way that her duties never could.
'I miss him,' she thought, a pang of longing hitting her chest. 'At least with him, I feel like I can be myself. I don't have to put on a show or follow a script.'
*******
On another part, at the south of the Valerian Federation, a ship slowly descended to the ground, its engines humming softly as it settled on the landing pad. The ramp extended smoothly, touching the ground with a gentle thud.
"My Lady," a voice called out, resonating with a calm authority.
A butler, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, appeared at the base of the ramp. His posture was perfect, and his expression was one of composed professionalism.
Following the butler's appearance, a line of maids instantly ford on both sides of the ramp, each one bowing deeply in perfect unison.
The air was filled with a sense of anticipation and respect as the maids maintained their positions, heads bowed and hands clasped in front of them.
The butler, standing at the front, took a step forward and spoke with asured elegance.
"My Lady, I have co to take you to the hotown," he announced, his voice carrying a tone of reverence and duty.
Following that, a figure slowly walked forward. Her purple hair flowed down, and her bright eyes and blue eyes looked at the butler with a smile.
"Alfred!" Maya exclaid cheerfully, her face lighting up with genuine happiness.
Alfred, the ever-composed butler who had watched over Maya since she was a child, maintained his rigid posture. Despite his stoic exterior, there was a hint of warmth in his eyes as he regarded her.
"My Lady," he replied with a slight bow. "It is a pleasure to see you again."
Maya's smile widened, and she moved forward with a lightness in her step. She reached out and placed a hand on Alfred's arm, a gesture of familiarity and affection. "It's so good to see you, Alfred. You've been missed."
Alfred's expression softened ever so slightly, a rare display of emotion for the seasoned butler. "The feeling is mutual, My Lady. The estate has not been the sa without you."
Maya chuckled, her laughter ringing out like a lody. "Well, I'm back now. And I can't wait to see everyone."
Alfred nodded, his composure returning. "The ship is ready, My Lady. Shall we proceed?"
Maya glanced at the maids, who were still bowing respectfully. "Thank you, everyone. You may rise."
Alfred made a sweeping gesture, indicating the path to the ship. "This way, My Lady," he said, his voice as composed as ever.
Maya followed him with eager steps, the maids falling into formation behind her. The ship stood majestically, its sleek design hinting at the luxury within. As they approached, the doors opened with a soft hiss, revealing the opulent interior.
The inside of the ship was a marvel of modern design and comfort. Plush seating, ornate decorations, and the finest materials adorned every surface. The soft lighting created an inviting atmosphere, and the subtle hum of the ship's systems added to the feeling of serenity.
Alfred led Maya to her cabin, a space that epitomized elegance. The room was spacious, with a large bed draped in luxurious fabrics, a sitting area with comfortable chairs, and a view screen that could display any scenery she desired. The decor was tasteful, blending traditional elents with modern anities.
"Your cabin, My Lady," Alfred said, opening the door and stepping aside to let Maya enter first.
Maya stepped inside, taking in the sumptuous surroundings with a satisfied smile. She turned to Alfred, who remained at the door, ready to assist with any requests.
"Is there anything you require, My Lady?" he asked, his tone attentive.
Maya shook her head initially, her mind already drifting to thoughts of ho. But then, a spontaneous desire surfaced. "Actually, Alfred, I think I would like a glass of red wine."
Alfred's eyes widened slightly, a rare display of surprise for the seasoned butler. "Really, My Lady? As I recall, you generally dislike drinking."
Maya nodded, her smile tinged with a hint of mischief. "Yes, but today feels like a day for celebration. I think a glass of wine would be perfect."
Alfred inclined his head respectfully. "As you wish, My Lady. I will bring it to you shortly."
Maya settled into one of the plush chairs, feeling the tension of her journey begin to lt away. The thought of a glass of red wine seed fitting, a small indulgence to mark her return.
True to his word, Alfred returned promptly, carrying a tray with an elegantly crafted glass and a bottle of the finest red wine. He poured the wine with practiced precision, the rich, crimson liquid catching the light as it filled the glass.
"Your wine, My Lady," Alfred said, handing her the glass with a graceful bow.
Maya accepted the glass, taking a mont to appreciate the aroma before taking a sip. But she wanted to be alone at that mont.
"Thank you, Alfred. This is wonderful."
Thus, she had satisfied the butler, who was waiting for her approval. "You may leave now."
With that, he quietly left the cabin, leaving Maya to her thoughts. She took another sip of the wine, savoring its rich, complex flavors. The room's quiet elegance offered a sense of calm, yet beneath the surface, her thoughts were anything but peaceful.
Raising her hand, Maya looked at the ring on her finger, its surface glinting softly in the ambient light. Slowly, she caressed it, feeling the familiar weight and texture under her fingertips. As she did, a small bag of red color materialized before her eyes.
With a sense of ritual, she reached for the bag, her fingers trembling slightly. She bit into it gently, whispering, "Junior…"
Her eyes turned crimson as the blood touched her lips, the familiar sensation overwhelming her senses. As she fed, she pulled out a small picture from a hidden pocket within her dress. The image was of a young boy with striking purple eyes and a serene expression.
Yet there was a small sense of craziness in her eyes, sothing that sent shivers down to Alfred's spine.
'My Lady…..Just what had happened to you….'
He could not believe his eyes.
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