The lives of assassins often unfold in places where even the most intrepid souls would hesitate to tread. I was departing from one such place - an aged mansion that stood in eerie isolation, its front adorned with a graveyard that could send shivers down the spine of even the most steadfast individuals. The mansion's windows were tightly sealed with wooden planks, and an impenetrable cloak of cold mist enshrouded the premises.
Our comings and goings were exclusively reserved for the cover of night, for this place lay deep within a foreboding, dark forest, a location known only to the initiated, with an implicit death sentence for the uninvited. Understandably, the security was rigorous, but what else could one expect when seeking refuge in a house of death? As for Any, well, he had the virtue of being a man of few words, which is precisely why I chose to accompany him on my excursions.
We surreptitiously entered the mansion through an inconspicuous rear entrance, my initial intent being to indulge in a much-needed bath. However, the sudden, piercing scream that tore through the stillness shattered my plans.
"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH."
"Who is screaming?" I inquired, my voice betraying a hint of irritation.
Arian, a familiar face from my past, emerged from the shadows, her eyes brimming with relief as they fell upon me. I hastened toward her.
"Thank the heavens you're here. We feared you might spend the night outside."
I had indeed contemplated it, but restful sleep had long since become a luxury I could ill afford in this lifetime. As I entered my clinic, a gruesome sight awaited me - the floor was marred by splatters of blood, and Arian's boyfriend lay prostrate on a stretcher. Any, who had trailed behind me, let out a horrified shriek, drawing the attention of all present.
Any, visibly distressed, muttered, "The sight of blood is making me want to faint."
I cast a wry glance at him and remarked, "Are you certain that an assassin's profession is the right fit for you? But, more importantly, what happened here?"
Arian couldn't resist the opportunity to tease her boyfriend. "He was attempting to play the hero in a life-threatening situation again. We were besieged by six knights, and he perceived it as an opportunity to attack in all directions rather than escape. He got what he asked for."
Her boyfriend, still conscious, but weakened, interjected with a hint of humor, "Actually, it was more like 10."
Arian couldn't help but correct him, "Oh, apologies, I wasn't specific enough."
He responded in jest, "Arian, promise me that if I don't make it, you'll marry a dog, but not that rascal Lucas."
With a reassuring tone, I intervened, "Calm down; you're not going to die. It would be a severe blemish on my reputation if one of my patients met their demise due to a simple loss of blood." I then proceeded to touch his forehead and whispered an incantation.
Arian, intrigued by my actions, inquired, "What did you just do?"
"I simply cast a minor sleeping spell on him. He was being excessively noisy."
As I turned to address my surroundings, an elderly man suddenly materialized in the doorway.
"Rooh, you're back. We're headed to the Royal City. Would you like to join us?"
The thought of venturing into the unknown with this group was a prospect I viewed with caution. But before I could voice my reservations, the elderly man cut me off.
"Don't worry, dear. Murder is not on today's itinerary. We're merely going for some inquiries."
Understanding the situation, I acquiesced, "Alright, count me in then."
I made a swift detour to my room, where I took a hasty shower. Returning downstairs, I signaled to Any to accompany me. We made our way to the rear exit of the mansion. The sky was still shrouded in darkness, and our departure needed to be early.
I reached for the awaiting carriage, and with Any's help, I climbed aboard. I settled beside Any, who, with concern in his eyes, asked, "Don't you need some rest?"
"I'll catch some sleep in the carriage," I reassured him.
I dozed off during the journey and awoke as we approached the Royal City. The elderly man addressed me, asking, "Where would you like to be dropped off, dear?"
"At the library. I'll return to the same spot in the evening, so you can collect me there."
"You're growing up quickly, dear," he remarked.
They dropped me off at the Royal Public Library, where I began perusing the books without any particular goal in mind. My intention was to simply follow my curiosity and see what might catch my eye, providing a way to pass the time. While exploring the section dedicated to herbs, I pulled out a book with a lavender cover titled "Just Breathe."
As I withdrew the book, my eyes locked with those of someone standing on the opposite side of the bookshelf. Those lavender eyes - they were familiar. We gazed at each other, a profound silence enveloping the space. It seemed we were both hesitant to break the gaze, a connection formed in that moment. This time, he was near enough for me to discern the details of his jet-black hair, and he spoke, "Hey."
Inclining my head, I asked, "What's your name?"
"Alex. And yours?"
"Aren't you going to cross over to my side and find out?"
"Please, don't disappear this time."
"I'm right here."
Engaging with strangers who appeared to be intrigued solely by my appearance had always been a vexing experience. Yet, this time, it felt different. Although we had never met before, it was as if we had known each other for a lifetime. The sound of his approaching footsteps indicated his imminent arrival at my side, and I yearned to engage with him, to unravel the enigma that was Alex.
As I gazed toward the end of the bookshelf, he turned and began moving toward me. Our eyes remained locked as he stood before me. We felt that words were unnecessary; the silence between us spoke volumes. Yet, he chose to break it.
"I'm Alex, the new librarian here. And you?"
"Regarding me?"
"Yes, introductions are usually a good starting point, right?"
"Alright, Mr. Librarian, I'm not particularly inclined towards introductions. If there's anything you'd like to know, feel free to ask."
"What's your name?"
"Rooh."
"Are you the one I saw at the military camp?"
"Yes, I was there. I volunteered as an Asclepiades. But what's a librarian doing there?"
"I was merely delivering a map."
"A map? Left behind by mistake? This kingdom is in dire straits if the royals are making such blunders."
"They didn't forget it; they just needed a spare. I happened to be free that day and had some work at the library in that vicinity. Now, it seems like it was a worthwhile visit."
We both shared a chuckle, our conversation a blend of mystery and familiarity.
At that moment, a man materialized from a corner and uttered, "Please, take your conversation outside."
He stepped between us but paused when he spotted Alex, who replied, "Do you need any assistance, my junior librarian?"
"No, no, it's nothing, sir."
Alex told him "We're discussing matters here, so please pardon us."
He replied, "Yes, sir."
"Is it acceptable to engage in conversations like this within the library? What if some authorities catch you sneaking away from your duties?" I asked Alex
"I'll accept any reprimand that comes my way in exchange for the chance to spend time with you."
"You have a knack for charming words as well."