Chapter 6 - Chapter 6

Aria Williams' POV: Part Two

I was so scared that I could feel my feet slightly shaking. I gripped the book in my hands, frantically thinking of ways to escape.

I devised a plan, but it was dangerous, and I might get hurt if I attempted it. Instead, I decided to offer them money. "P-please, just take all of my money and go away!" I tightened my grip on the book as they walked closer.

I closed my eyes, feeling their approach.

"Ack!" I opened my eyes to find one of the men on the floor, unconscious. The three others stared at him, shocked.

It seemed like someone had taken him down. "Bastard!" one of the men shouted, rushing toward my rescuer with a knife. But she dodged to the side, using her knee to hit him in the stomach.

The guy looked like he might vomit, but before he could react, she struck his neck with a swift chop, rendering him unconscious.

As I looked at her, recognition washed over me. Her gaze was colder than usual, sending shivers down my spine. Her movements were smooth yet powerful. It was Hayden!

"You brat!" There were only two guys left. One launched fireballs while the other hurled rocks using earth magic. Yet, Hayden gracefully evaded every attack as she charged toward them.

When she was close enough, she punched the fire-wielding guy in the face. The force sent him flying several meters back, crashing into the wall.

The last assailant lunged at her with a dagger, but Hayden turned, her cold gaze locking onto him. I felt an overwhelming aura of killing intent emanating from her. Even I felt a chill of fear. The man froze, his eyes wide with terror. He looked like he was about to cry as Hayden seized his wrist, holding the knife.

With a tight grip, I heard a bone-cracking sound, followed by his agonized scream, "Ahhhh!"

Hayden released him, and he collapsed to the ground, cradling his injured wrist and weeping. I was taken aback when she delivered a swift kick to his head, causing blood to pour from his nose as he fell unconscious.

It seemed like she was about to inflict more pain, but I called out, "Hayden!" She turned her gaze toward me, her eyes softening as they returned to normal. "Are you okay, miss?"

Her voice, while still cold and expressionless, made me feel a lot more comfortable. I ran toward her and hugged her tightly, burying my face in her shoulder as I began to cry. I was still shaken by the events.

I felt Hayden's body stiffen for a moment, but then she gently patted my head. Her touch was so tender and comforting that I held on for what felt like forever, losing track of time.

As we walked home side by side in silence, I felt the need to break the quiet. "Miss… if you ever want to sneak out again, please tell me. I can't bear the thought of you going out alone; it's too dangerous."

Hayden's tone turned serious as she looked straight ahead. "I understand, Aria-sama."

I looked up at her and smiled, nodding in agreement.

"Hey, Hayden…" I paused as she stopped walking and turned to me. "Yes, miss?"

I smiled wider. "Thank you for saving me today."

She shook her head. "It's no problem, miss. It's my duty to protect you."

I nodded, still smiling.

"Hey, Hayden… we've been friends for a long time. Calling me 'miss' feels kind of distant. If it's okay…" I hesitated, remembering her amnesia but hoping for familiarity.

"You can call me—" I began, but Hayden interrupted me.

"I understand, Aria-sama."

I was taken aback, my face warming at the softness of her tone.

I looked down, feeling embarrassed, but I nodded. "G-good."

It had been six months since Hayden had lost her memory, yet she still hadn't regained any of it.

We sat together in the pavilion, waiting for Emily. I faced Hayden, smiling more brightly than usual, as I had heard that Lucas and Laurey would visit in a week.

"Aria-sama," Hayden called me. I stopped smiling and looked at her. "Yes?"

She seemed to gaze down, her expression serious. "You like Second Prince-sama, don't you?"

I was taken aback by her question, my cheeks heating up. Ever since we were kids, I had admired Lucas, not only for his looks but also for his kindness. My heart raced as I thought of him.

"I don't know what you're talking about…" I mumbled, looking down in embarrassment.

I had never told anyone about my feelings for Lucas—not even Emily, my closest friend. "Where did you hear that?" I asked, meeting her eyes again.

"Earlier, when Miss Emily mentioned Second Prince-sama, your smile was different," she replied. I felt my cheeks flush deeper.

"Hmm… you might be right, but I didn't expect you to notice such small things." I had always thought of Hayden as someone who was expressionless, seemingly indifferent to the world. Clearly, I had been mistaken.

Hayden gazed outside before looking back at me. "Of course, Aria-sama's smile is beautiful. I always pay attention to it."

For the first time, I saw a soft smile on Hayden's usually cold face. It was a sight so rare, so precious.

Even though she smiled for just a moment, I wished I could see it for longer.

My heart raced, thumping loudly in my chest as I looked at her, ready to say something, but Emily returned just then.

After a long day, night had fallen. I finished my bath and dried my hair before settling onto my bed, hugging a pillow close to my chest.

I couldn't stop thinking about Hayden's gentle smile. As I buried my face in the pillow, squeezing it tighter, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was different about me today.