"What should I do?" I say to myself.

I glance into the marketplace, where people are busy trading.

And then I see her. The mage. She stands in front of a small stall, examining some herbs. 

Back then, two years ago, she told me so much about magic. Maybe she can help me.

I approach her. My mouth is dry. "Uh..."

She turns around, blinks, and for a moment, she doesn't seem to recognize me. Then her eyes widen slightly. "Sota?"

I nod uncertainly.

She studies me for a moment, then frowns. "What are you doing here?"

I hesitate.

I can't tell her the truth. No way.

"I need help." I murmur finally. "Can I stay with you for a while?"

The mage stares at me for a moment, then slowly nods. "Come with me."

I follow her through the streets. She stops in front of a door, opens it with a small hand movement, and steps inside.

"Come in." She says, holding the door open for me.

I step inside. Her home is simple but cozy. A few books are scattered on a low table. In the corner stands a small stove, beside it a table with two chairs.

I sit down, and she leans against the counter, arms crossed. "So." She says finally. "What happened?"

I avoid her gaze. 

I can't tell her the truth. No way.

"I had a fight with my father."

She raises an eyebrow. "So bad that you don't want to go home?"

I nod slowly. "I just need some time. Other than that, I'm fine."

The mage sighs, pulls out a small piece of paper, and hands me a pen. "You should let your family know that you're okay."

I take the pen and write on the paper: "I'm fine. – Sota"

Short and simple. No hints, nothing suspicious.

The sun is still high when we leave the village. The forest is quiet, yet I'm afraid. If my father catches me here... actually... What is he going to do? 

"Are you sure you want to do this?" The mage asks softly.

I nod. "They need to know I'm okay. Otherwise, they'll search for me everywhere."

When we reach my home, I remain hidden in the shadows of the trees while the mage steps closer.

She raises her hand, and a gentle breeze stirs. The note slips from her fingers, glides silently over the grass, and slides carefully under the front door.

Perfect.

"Let's go." She whispers.

I take one last look at my home, then turn and follow her back to the village.

When we arrive at her house, I sink into a chair, exhausted. Only now do I realize how hungry I am.

"Sit down." The mage says with a gentle smile. "I'll make you something to eat."

I watch her as she prepares herbs and vegetables in her small kitchen. The familiar scent of stew slowly fills the room.

"Have you practiced magic since your time at the guild?" She asks casually.

I nod. "Of course! I had a teacher for two years."

She raises an eyebrow. "Oh really? Then you must be pretty strong."

"I even developed my own technique. It's called Wind Cloak."

She looks at me, surprised. "Oh? What does it do?"

I grin proudly. "It removes air resistance around me. That way, I can move faster and more smoothly."

"Not bad!" She says, impressed.

I realize I don't even know her name, yet she's doing so much for me. I just ask her.

"What's your name?"

She smiles at me. "My name is Selmira."

I smile back. "Okay! I'll remember it!"

For a while, neither of us says anything. Then, she places a steaming bowl in front of me.

"Eat. You look like you need it."

I take the spoon and carefully taste the stew. The warm flavor spreads in my mouth.

After finishing my bowl, I lean back and feel exhaustion creeping in. The day was long, and now that I'm full and safe, it's hard to keep my eyes open.

Selmira notices and smiles slightly. "You should sleep. The guest room is upstairs, second door on the right."

I nod gratefully. "Thank you. For everything."

She waves it off. "Get some rest. We'll talk tomorrow."

Slowly, I climb the creaky wooden stairs and enter the small guest room. A simple bed, a small table, a window overlooking the dark forest. I let myself fall onto the mattress, and as soon as my head hits the pillow, sleep overtakes me.

But it doesn't last long.

A sound wakes me. Voices.

I blink into the darkness, my heart pounding faster. I sit up and listen. Downstairs, by the door, a muffled conversation is taking place. 

No. not a conversation. A confrontation.

I carefully sneak toward the stairs and peek down.

"I know he's here!" A deep voice says.

My stomach tightens. I recognize him instantly.

My father.

Selmira's tone remains calm but tense. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't lie to me. Someone saw him walking through the village with you!"

My breath catches. 

Someone saw us?

"Even if they did." Selmira replies coolly.

I hear my father inhale deeply. I know that sound. He's trying to control his anger.

"This is a family matter!" He says, his voice sharp as a blade. "So step aside."

I clench my fists. 

What should I do?