“Ansel!”

“Oh Lady Alba!” he gasped, snapping out of the spell.

In a swift ,practiced motion, he traced a familiar array into the air, teleporting me safely to the ground.

“I don’t recall what happened. I deeply apologize my Lady. This servant has never failed to serve you before, but if you are willing to punish me, I’ll gladly submit to it”

“No, you were controlled by a song, a soothing voice took over your soul and body. You weren’t yourself.” I reassured him.

My words didn’t affect him at all, not to say the least. His eyes brimmed with sorrow as if he had lost a loved one.

Without a warning, he pulled a small dagger from his robes, and plunged it into his right eye.

“What are you doing! Have you lost your mind? Stop this, now!”

“Agh!” He gritted his teeth. “My Lady, this is nothing compared to what would have happened to you if I hadn’t woken in time,” he said with forcing smile. “Now, if it happens again, don’t hesitate to stab me or ignite the pain in my eye so that I –”

“Enough! Okay? Enough! We will make sure not to reach such lengths,” I said impatiently. “Now, where is your house, you need to get treated.”

“It is here my Lady.”

Using his blood he drew another array on the ground, opening an underground passage.

“After you, my Lady.”

The stone stairs were carefully crafted and decorated with passion. The earthen walls carried a strangely familiar fragrance that I can’t seem to remember. My feet moved instinctively until we reached a simple wooden door, contrasting the stair’s ethereal beauty.

“It is open, my Lady.”

I hesitated before pushing the door open, as if something waited on the other side.

“My Lady, this place was a gift from you long ago. You may not remember this, but I still cherish every inch of it.”

“…”

“Well, then… Do you want anything to eat or drink or…?”

“…”

“Forgive me, my Lady. I am unfamiliar with human habits.”

I didn’t know what to say. The moment I got into the living room, I felt…home. A welcoming warm feeling, that I have never felt before. The walls were simple yet the smell roaming around was very soothing.

“Here, have some water. I guess this is the only common substance between humans and other living beings.”

“Thanks. I just feel a bit weird. Do not mind my presence and be at ease please.”

He sat next to me, trying to get my attention.

“My Lady, please, if anything is troubling you, I am here to help. I swore an oath to be your sword and shield, so please use me to my fullest”

When he reached for my hand, I felt his cold skin against mine, pulling me out of my lethargy.

“Oh my god! Your eye! Did you treat it correctly?” I said, standing up looking for some bandages.

Suddenly he pulled me back, and hugged me softly from behind. His arms were around me, his embrace reassuring and his voice calming.

“Thalith is thael lor, Lunara is thael lirath”

“What does it mean?....Ansel?”

He laid his head on my shoulder, and said:

“You needn’t worry about me, my Lady. I beg of you… Seeing you like this, completely different from what you used to be is …”

His voice trailed off, unfinished. A moment later he drifted into sleep.

I put him down on the couch slowly to not wake him. I brushed some strands of his hair of his face to check on his eye. He had already covered it with an eyepatch.

“I bring misfortune wherever I go. I am sorry.” I whispered.

*****

A gentle warmth caressed my face, pulling me from sleep. Sunlight filtered through a clerestory window I hadn’t noticed yesterday. I was fully laid on the couch, well covered by a woolen blanket.

“Good morning, my Lady. Did you sleep well?”

“Yes. And you?”

“I did too. Thanks for asking.” He said happily. “What would you like for breakfast, my Lady?”

“Whatever you are having,” I replied without thinking.

Suddenly, it came to my mind that Ansel was a spirit. What if he ate something odd or maybe alive? As I hesitated to correct my words, Ansel noticed my unease and said calmly, “Hmm, I know a wonderful place that serves amazing food. It is not far from here, and I can guarantee that you will love it!” he added confidently.

“Sounds great! Let’s go.”

In a blink of an eye, he drew another array but this time using light.

“Here we go!”

When I opened my eyes, we were standing in front of a normal building, embedded into a mountain. As we stepped closer, the scent of fresh bread and coffee hit me, stirring memories of my old life. The smell was so delightful that I felt satiated.

“Welcome, Lady and gentleman, may I find you a nice spot to fully enjoy your breakfast?”

“Yes, Ethan, and no need for formalities,” Ansel said quickly. “My Lady and I do not have the kind of relationship you’re thinking of,” Ansel answered timidly.

“He can be quite shy sometimes, my Lady, but pay him no mind he will open up to you eventually.”

“Ethan!”

“Hahaha. Easy to tease, as always,” Ethan chuckled. “By the way, what’s your name, Lady? Calling you Lady is a bit disturbing.”

“You —” Ansel said, his expression troubled.

“Mia. My name is Mia.”

Ansel’s gaze darkened for a moment upon hearing my "real name". He clenched his fists and looked away. Sensing the rising tension, Ethan quickly grabbed the menu and handed it to me.

“We have all sorts of delicacies that may suit your palate Mia! Pancakes, omelet, croissant or rather an avocado toast? Or perhaps a smoothie bowl?” Ethan said enthusiastically.

“I will have a smoothie bowl, please.”

“Coming right up!”

“I have a question please, if it is not too much to ask. Is the cook human by any chance?”

Ethan’s expression turned serious and glanced at Ansel who seemed to give him permission to speak.

“Yes.”

“Is he… a slave?”

“You are a funny one, Mia!” he said brushing his hair back with a casual flick. “No human is allowed to wander alone in this world, you know,” he said with a bitter smile. “Now,” he added, turning on his heel, “allow me to get your order prepared.”

Ansel didn’t say a word from the moment I introduced myself as Mia instead of Alba. I did not speak to him either.

“Here you go! A smoothie bowl for the Lady, and the usual for the gentleman. Enjoy!”

The smoothie bowl was a vibrant swirl of colors. The base was a velvety blend of frozen berries and banana, thick and creamy. On top, a mosaic of toppings invited the senses: golden crunchy granola, its oat clusters glistening with a hint of honey. Fresh slices of kiwi and mango, delicate coconut flakes and chia seeds that dotted the whole surface magically.

I couldn’t believe my eyes. A familiar dish! Exactly as it is in my world. With each bite, I savored the smoothness of the fruits mingled with the satisfying crunch beneath.

“That is heavenly!” I exclaimed like a child.

Remembering the brief altercation with Ansel earlier, I seized the chance to ease the tension between us.

“What about yours, Ansel?”

He picked up a strangely colored drink, with no particular smell. It was navy colored with a sprinkle of golden leaves floating within.

“It is as good as I remember,” he said, his voice almost nostalgic. “I am glad you are enjoying yours my Lady…I mean Mia.”

Hearing him say my name, tinged with bitterness, twisted something within me.

“Ansel…I –”

“I will wait for you outside. Take your time.” His voice was calm, but his eyes hid a sad expression. He stood, grabbed his drink and walked away.

Here we go again. I succeeded in making Ansel, a sweet natured man, angry. What can’t you do Mia?

As I dug back in my bowl, a shadow approached my table.

“Listen, Ansel I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings, but you should get over it! My name is Mia, Not Alba!”

A shadow loomed over me. It wasn’t Ansel. A tall figure in a luxurious dark cloak, with a familiar scent stood there.

“Found you!” he said.