Auretta stood, glancing at the cottage in front of her, built with cracked walls and a few windows. “So I’ll be staying here?” she asked, earning a nod from Heron, leading the way as he opened the door.

He gestured towards the door, waiting for her to come in. She gulped, slowly stepping into his cottage.

Out of everyone—why did it have to be her who carried some mysterious aura. She sighed, standing still as she watched Heron arrange some of his shelves and open the blinds.

“You could put your bag there,” he said, pointing towards a chair. “Ah… Thank you,” she muttered, slipping off her bag and coat. The cloak which Heron had given her popped back into her mind again.

She opened her bag, taking the dark clothing out as a smile formed on her face. Auretta tilted her head, looking behind her. “Heron—” she gasped, he was gone.

Auretta furrowed her brows, searching out the area for signs of him. She glanced outside the window, seeing him speaking with a middle aged woman. She sighed, delving into her thoughts.

The girl always thought she lived a terrible life growing up in the orphanage. But when she glanced at Heron and the other Lumerionthians, running through the streets, she couldn’t help but think about what Melione had told her.

“Your people invaded our land five hundred years ago–the rest of us Lumerionthians have been hidden ever since! And now you’re telling me you’ve never heard of Lumerionth before?! This land which you invaded is originally the Lumerionth Empire.”

“Auretta?” Auretta perked up, snapping back to reality. “Ah–hello!” she exclaimed, waving at Heron and the woman next to him.

Auretta stepped outside, curtsying as she beamed at the woman next to Heron. “Aunt Harriet, meet Auretta–Auretta, meet my aunt Harriet.” he stated. “It’s a pleasure to meet you–I remember seeing you with Melione yesterday.” the woman said, smiling gently at Auretta.

Auretta couldn’t tell if her greetings were genuine, she felt her legs getting wobbly as she nodded slightly. “She’ll be my assistant from now–there’s nothing to worry about.” “Heron,” Auretta whispered.

Heron tilted glancing at her as he leaned down. “Hm?” “Assistant for what exactly?” “Crafting things?” Auretta’s eyes widened as she choked on air. “What?!” she yelled, pulling in her stomach as Heron’s aunt gazed at her with furrowed brows.

A laugh escaped her lips as she handed over a box with pieces of clothing inside to Heron. “I won’t take long here, I’ll be seeing you both.” she said, taking her leave.

Heron tilted his head, facing Auretta again. “Is there something wrong?” he asked. Auretta shook her head, gripping tightly on the cloak she was holding, forgetting it was Heron’s. “No–it’s just–I have no experience at all with crafting things.” she replied, taking a deep breath.

“In fact–I’m quite clumsy.” “Calm down,” Auretta tilted her head, locking eye contact with Heron. “I could teach you. Besides, I could really use some help if you’re going to be living with me.” he added. Auretta glared at him, throwing his cloak over his face.

“Firstly, it wasn’t my plan to live with you–” “But… I’m serious about you being valuable in the eyes of the imperial family. You couldn’t even protect yourself.” he stated, looking at her sternly.

She fiddled with her fingers behind her back, biting her lips as she turned away. Now Auretta had to focus on surviving here. “May I… just rest inside then?” Auretta murmured, taking a glimpse at Heron. “Of course–feel at home,” he said.

Auretta stepped back inside, fixing the creases of her skirts. “I’ll be right back. I just have to take this box somewhere!” Heron exclaimed.

The sound of his footsteps slowly faded. Auretta knew she was alone now. She ruffled her hair, pressing against her own face. Who exactly was this guy?

She dropped down, sitting against one of the wooden chairs.

The memory of Heron entered her mind–the same guy who pulled her out of the well when she cried for help. “He’s no different from back then…” she muttered, glancing at a mirror which hung over the empty fireplace.

Auretta took a moment to study her own features, her hair, her eyes, her rugged clothing, she looked normal. She reached out her hand, gazing tightly onto her fingertips, nails, wrists. How did Heron do whatever he did to her?

A sigh escaped her lips. She got on her feet, bumping onto the edge of the table. “Ouch!” she winced, widening her eyes as she noticed a glass vase falling forward. A scream escaped her lungs as she slid down, catching it quickly as her heart pounded.

“Phew,” she gasped.

“That was close,” Auretta jolted backwards, glancing to see Heron had returned. “Sorry–” “It’s fine. Don’t panic.” he replied, shutting the door behind him.

Auretta pushed herself upward, getting on her fit as she sat by the table, glancing at Heron as he sat opposite of her as she placed the vase back.

He looked more serious than usual–Auretta thought she would receive a reprimanding just with his facial expressions. “You’re not angry at me for nearly breaking the vase, are you?” she mumbled, lowering her gaze.

Heron raised his brow, laughing softly. “No, I wanted to ask you something else.” Auretta perked up, tilting her head. “Have you ever heard of the Song of Lumerionth?” he asked.

Auretta had never heard of such before, yet the mention of it made her heart jump. Auretta shook her head, watching Heron rest against the palm of his hand. “It’s a mythical relic. It granted wishes to whoever had it in their possession.” he stated.

“Why are you telling me this?” Auretta furrowed her brows completely confused. “You carry the remains of its guardian strangely.” “It has a guardian?!” she exclaimed.

Heron placed a finger over his mouth, cueing her to stay quiet. “That could be a reason why the imperial family is searching for you,” he said.