As Lyria fled the scene, her face flushed with embarrassment, she couldn't help but curse herself for losing control. But a small part of her couldn't deny the thrill she felt from the encounter. Maybe, just maybe, Amara was starting to crack the ice around her heart.
Amara watched Lyria disappear down the hallway, a smirk playing on her lips. "Well, that was interesting," she muttered to herself, still feeling the warmth of Lyria's touch on her skin. She sat back down, trying to process the whirlwind of events that had taken place. Lyria, the cold and aloof sister of her ex-fiancé, had just cooked her a meal and offered her a place in her guild. It was all too surreal.
"Why would she want me in her guild?" Amara pondered aloud, fiddling with a loose thread on her sleeve. "Does she feel sorry for me? Is this some sort of twisted charity?" The thought made her bristle. She didn't need anyone's pity, least of all from Lyria.
But then there was that moment in the kitchen. Lyria's reaction to the spilled water, the way she had softened ever so slightly, and that rare, almost shy demeanor—Amara found it amusing and oddly endearing. She chuckled to herself, recalling the pink tint on Lyria's cheeks. It was a side of her that Amara hadn't expected to see.
Still, amusement aside, there was an underlying layer of caution. Amara couldn't forget who Lyria was and the history they shared, however indirectly. "She's my ex-fiancé's sister," she reminded herself. "There's got to be an ulterior motive."
Amara sighed, rubbing her temples. It was a lot to take in. She decided that for now, she would keep her guard up and tread carefully. Lyria might be showing a more human side, but that didn't mean Amara should drop her defenses completely. She needed to figure out Lyria's true intentions before making any decisions.
As she contemplated her next steps, she couldn't help but find the situation slightly humorous. Here she was, in a luxurious mansion, being waited on by Lyria of all people. "Life sure knows how to throw curveballs," she mused with a wry smile.
The day wore on, and Amara found herself growing restless. Sitting around and overthinking wasn't her style. She decided to explore the mansion a bit, maybe find a place to relax or clear her head. As she wandered through the ornate halls, she couldn't help but marvel at the opulence. "Rich people and their lavish lifestyles," she muttered, shaking her head.
She eventually found her way to a cozy-looking library. The room was filled with towering shelves of books, plush armchairs, and a large fireplace. It was the perfect spot to unwind. Amara picked a book at random and settled into one of the chairs, letting herself get lost in the pages.
Time passed, and just as she was getting comfortable, a soft knock interrupted her thoughts. She looked up to see Lyria standing in the doorway, her expression unreadable.
"Amara," Lyria said, her voice as cold and controlled as ever. "I wanted to check if you needed anything else."
Amara raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Well, I could use a refill on this tea," she said, holding up her empty cup. She half-expected Lyria to scoff or roll her eyes, but instead, Lyria nodded and took the cup from her hand.
"I'll be right back," Lyria replied, turning to leave. As she did, Amara couldn't help but wonder if Lyria was deliberately trying to keep herself busy. Maybe she was just as confused about the situation as Amara was.
While waiting for Lyria to return, Amara let her mind wander. The offer to join Lyria's guild was still fresh in her thoughts. It was tempting, she had to admit. Lyria's guild was known for its strength and prestige. Being a part of it could open up new opportunities for her. But at what cost?
Lyria returned a few minutes later with a fresh cup of tea. She handed it to Amara and then stood there, almost awkwardly, as if unsure whether to stay or leave.
"Thanks," Amara said, taking a sip. "You know, you could sit down and join me. Unless you have something more important to do?"
Lyria hesitated for a moment before finally taking a seat across from Amara. The silence between them was thick, charged with unspoken questions and unresolved tension.
Amara decided to break the ice. "So, about this guild offer," she began, watching Lyria's reaction closely. "Why me? You've got plenty of talented mages at your disposal. What's the catch?"
Lyria's gaze met Amara's, her expression unreadable. "There is no catch," she said coolly. "I simply believe you would be a valuable asset to our team."
Amara snorted. "Right. And it has nothing to do with the fact that I'm currently jobless and living out of a suitcase?"
Lyria's eyes narrowed slightly. "Your skills speak for themselves, Amara. This isn't about charity. I see potential in you, and I want to help you realize it."
Amara leaned back, studying Lyria's face. There was sincerity there, buried beneath the layers of frost. "Okay," she said slowly. "I'll think about it. But don't expect me to just jump at the chance without considering all the angles."
"Of course," Lyria replied, her tone softer now. "Take all the time you need."
They sat in silence for a while longer, each lost in their own thoughts. Amara couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Lyria's offer than met the eye. But for now, she would play along and see where this strange new path would lead.
Eventually, Lyria stood up. "I need to attend to some matters," she said. "Feel free to explore the mansion. If you need anything, just ask."
"Sure thing," Amara said, watching as Lyria walked away. As the door closed behind her, Amara couldn't help but chuckle. "This is going to be interesting," she said to herself.
With that, she settled back into her chair, sipping her tea and letting her thoughts wander. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: life with Lyria was never going to be boring.