Exafanos and Rose walked away from the crowd, ignoring the curious and questioning stares from pedestrians along the city streets. Their faces remained expressionless, calm, as if they didn't care that the world was watching. Their steps were steady as they made their way through narrow alleys twisting like an old labyrinth and cobbled roads covered in moss from disuse.
Rose led Exafanos with agility, as if she knew every corner of the city by heart. They descended a small path, passed several old shops, and finally stopped in front of a modest wooden house on the outskirts of town. The building looked ancient yet well-maintained, hidden behind lush trees that made it seem untouched by the bustle of the big city. It looked like the perfect place to disappear from the world.
With an old engraved metal key, Rose unlocked the door. A small creak sounded as the wooden door opened, revealing a simple yet clean and cozy interior. There was no luxurious furniture, but everything was neatly arranged. The scent of wood and dried flowers welcomed them.
"Come in, this place is safe," Rose said softly with a gentle smile.
Exafanos gave a small nod and stepped inside. He observed the surroundings, noting every small detail. Meanwhile, Rose hung her cloak on a hook near the door and headed straight to the small kitchen in the corner of the house.
"Feel free to sit on that sofa. I'll get some snacks and drinks."
Exafanos complied, sitting quietly on the cream-colored sofa that seemed old but still comfortable. While waiting, his eyes scanned the room — a bookshelf stood to the right, filled with thick books and old scrolls. On a round wooden table, there was a vase of flowers that had started to dry out. The house did seem like it belonged to a witch or an academic.
A few moments later, Rose returned with a tray carrying dry cookies and two cups of warm herbal tea. She sat next to Exafanos, then handed him a cup.
"Whose house is this?" Exafanos asked calmly.
"This is my teacher's house," Rose replied while sipping her tea. "She's out at the moment, teaching at Dracosta Academy."
"An academy?"
Rose nodded. "The most famous magic academy in the eastern continent. It's not far from here. Every year, they produce many geniuses—mages, warriors, even royal diplomats. Most of them end up serving nobles or becoming advisors in the palace."
Exafanos seemed thoughtful. "And you're sure… your teacher won't tell your father about your whereabouts?"
Rose looked at him, her eyes serious yet gentle. "Don't worry. Teacher Bella is like a sister to me. She understands my situation well. She knows how pressured I am because of the engagement. She's not someone who simply obeys the nobility."
Exafanos only nodded, not wanting to drag the topic any further.
After a moment of silence, Rose broke it.
"By the way… who are you, really? Your name… and where do you live?"
"Exafanos," he replied shortly. "I've been living in the forest all this time."
Rose raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Alone?"
"Yes."
Rose simply nodded slowly. For some reason, she felt that short answer carried many hidden mysteries.
Time passed. The sun began to sink to the west, turning the light inside the house into a soft golden hue. Rose now sat on the floor with her legs folded, reading a book, while Exafanos leaned back in his chair with his eyes closed, lost in thought.
Suddenly, the sound of a door opening from outside echoed.
Click.
The door swung open, and in walked a beautiful woman with long black-reddish hair tied to the side. Her figure was slender, her curves wrapped in elegant yet casual attire. She carried a large sling bag, and her eyes quickly scanned the room.
Upon seeing two strangers inside her home, the woman didn't panic. Instead, she smiled widely.
"Rose!" she exclaimed joyfully, quickly walking over and hugging her student warmly. "You finally showed up, you naughty girl!"
"Sorry, Teacher…" Rose replied with a shy smile. "I didn't know where else to go, so I came here."
"I've heard about your engagement to Prince Leonardo Barias," Bella said as she pulled back from the hug and looked into Rose's eyes. "You refused and ran away, didn't you?"
Rose nodded slowly.
"And… who's the handsome man?" Bella asked, turning to Exafanos, who now sat up straight.
"He's… Exafanos. He helped me."
"Oh?" Bella smiled teasingly. "Don't tell me he's the reason you ran away from the prince?"
Rose's face instantly turned red. "Of course not!" she exclaimed, a bit annoyed. "He helped me when I was being chased by my father's soldiers. If not for him, I'd probably have been taken back already."
Bella chuckled. "Alright, alright… Sorry for teasing. Thank you, Exafanos." She looked at Exafanos more seriously. "I can sense something about you… but I'm not sure what it is yet."
Exafanos gave a slight nod, feeling no need to explain.
A little while later, Bella and Rose headed to the kitchen. The two began preparing dinner together, joking and chatting like sisters. The delicious aroma of soup and roasted meat soon filled the entire house, adding to the warmth of the small home.
Once everything was ready, they arranged the food on the small dining table. Warm soup, tempting cuts of meat, toasted bread, and some stir-fried vegetables were served nicely.
"Exafanos, come eat!" Bella called from the dining room.
Exafanos opened his eyes and rose from his chair. He walked calmly toward the dining table. Sitting between the two now-familiar women, he began to eat the food provided.
The three of them ate together. The clinking of spoons and forks was occasionally accompanied by soft laughter from light conversation.
For a moment, the chaotic world outside felt so far away. Inside this small house, there was warmth—there was togetherness.
....
To Be Continued