20. Mira

20

MIRA

T he heat from the forge wraps around me as I descend the wooden stairs into Karn's workshop. The familiar scent of metal and fire brings a strange comfort - so different from the perfumed halls I once cleaned.

The twins play in their designated corner that I set up this morning when they begged Karn that we all go to work with him. He was reluctant but I have them surrounded by wooden toys and cushions, safe from any sparks or tools.

Karn's broad shoulders flex as he hammers a piece of metal into shape. His copper-red hair catches the forge light, tied back but with a few strands escaping around his pointed ears. The rhythmic clanging fills the space, punctuated by the girls' giggles.

And I can't take my eyes off his chest as it flexes while he works.

"And then she said- oh, you should have seen the look on her face!" A customer's shrill voice cuts through the workshop noise. The woman leans against the counter, fanning herself. "But that's not even the worst part. Did you hear about those slave traders skulking around the market?"

My hand freezes on the railing. It’s like my biggest fear has materialized right here, in my little safe haven.

"They were so bold! Even questioning some of us, like we would take someone's spoiled goods by letting in a runaway. Checking people's wrists for a brand, they said."

The room spins. My chest tightens, each breath shorter than the last. The brand on my wrist burns like it's fresh. I grip the railing harder, my knuckles white.

"Apparently they're looking for some valuable runaways-"

I stumble backward, nearly tripping on the stairs. The walls close in. I need air. Need to run. Hide. The stairs feel impossible right now, but I need to go. I need to calm down.

Through the panic, I see Karn still working, his violet eyes focused on his craft. The twins remain absorbed in their play. No one notices as I slip into the storage room, pressing myself against the cool stone wall.

My heart pounds against my ribs. I slide down to the floor, pulling my knees to my chest. Breathe. Just breathe. They can't find me here. I'm safe. The girls are safe. Karn would never...

I press my hand over my mouth, muffling any sound that might escape. Can't let him see. Can't be a burden. Can't risk-

The customer's voice drifts through the door again. She seems to have come closer, and now I'm really glad that I am hiding in the storage room because my knees would have immediately gave out at her next words.

Through the storage room door, the customer's voice becomes clearer. My fingers dig into my arms as I try to stay silent.

"Oh yes, Lord Duskfire himself came to the market! Can you imagine? He never leaves his estate these days." The woman's voice rises with excitement. "Such presence, such refinement. Those golden eyes of his..."

My stomach lurches. The room spins faster.

"He's offering quite the reward too. Said one of his most precious acquisitions was stolen." A pause. "A girl with green eyes and long dark hair. He said she's not like the other slaves — but all demon males say that about their toys."

Metal clangs against metal as Karn sets something down. "Not interested in gossip." His deep voice cuts through the workshop. "Your order will be ready next week."

"But aren't you curious? They say she has a brand on her right wrist-"

"I said next week." The temperature in the workshop seems to drop with his tone.

"Well! I never-" Footsteps stomp toward the door, followed by its slam.

I curl tighter into myself, pressing my face against my knees. He's here. He's actually here. After six months of running, of finally feeling safe...

A soft whimper escapes my throat. The walls press closer. I need to run. Need to disappear before-

"Ba!" Luna's voice pipes up from the workshop. "Mira sad?"

"Shh, little spark." Karn's voice is gentle with the twins. "Stay here with Nova. Play with your blocks."

My breath catches. He knows I'm here. Of course he knows - nothing escapes his notice in his own workshop. I should stand up, brush it off, pretend everything's fine. But my legs won't move.

Heavy footsteps move outside the storage room, and I press myself further into the corner, between crates of metal ingots. The brand on my wrist throbs with phantom pain, memories of its creation flooding back.

Screams fill my ears, making sheer fear crawl up my throat and nearly strangle me. I'm overwhelmed with what it was like to be under my old master's thumb, to feel like I'm back there.

I shouldn't have stopped running. I should have gone off this island. I need more distance and for him not to find me and-

I can't stay.

The thought pierces through the panic. The twins. Karn. They'll be in danger if I remain. Lord Duskfire will tear apart anyone who helped me escape. His golden eyes flash in my mind, that cruel smile when he branded me himself.

My fingers trace the rough wood floor, seeking something solid to ground me as I spiral. Six months of freedom. Six months of watching the twins grow, of learning to smile again, of catching Karn's violet eyes across the workshop.

All of it has to end.

I force myself to breathe deeper, quieter. But it doesn't stop my thoughts from spinning out of control.

The twins need their afternoon snack soon. I should make it for them one last time. Then, I'll pack some food while everyone sleeps. Leave before dawn.

I'll go before Duskfire can find me here.

But then I hear footsteps approaching outside the storage room. Heavy footsteps - ones I would know anywhere. Karn.

No. I can't face him. Can't risk him offering to help. He'd hide me, protect me - and Lord Duskfire would destroy him for it. The twins need their uncle. I won't be responsible for more orphans.

My nails dig into my palms. The pain helps clear my head. I need coin. Supplies. A new hair color perhaps. The port city is three days' walk - I could lose myself in the crowds there.

"Mira?" Karn's voice is soft through the door.

I bite my lip until I taste blood. Don't answer. Don't let him in. He'll see right through me, just like he always does. One look at my face and he'll know I'm planning to run.

The handle turns again. I press my face into my knees, shoulders shaking. My thoughts start to swirl again. Just go away. Please. Let me do this. Let me protect you all the only way I know how.

Running is what I'm good at. It's all I've ever been good at.

The door creaks open. But I guess Karn doesn't see me because then it shuts and I'm left alone, drowning my panic and regret and heartbreak. Because I dared to hope, I finally got what I wanted…

And it's going to crush me to leave it.

But I don't want them to know what I'm planning. So I need to get my shit together now.

I press my palms against the rough stone floor, forcing myself up. My legs shake, but I lock my knees. Deep breaths. In through the nose, out through the mouth. The panic ebbs, replaced by a hollow ache in my chest.

I smooth my skirts, brush the dust from my sleeves. Check my hair in the reflection of a polished shield hanging on the wall. Nothing out of place. Nothing to give me away.

Except everything will give me away to him.

The storage room door feels heavier than usual as I push it open. Violet eyes snap to me immediately. Karn's hands still on his work, the metal cooling on his anvil. His jaw tightens, and his eyes scan over me. It's only a second before he shuts down the shop and makes me confess.

I turn away before he can speak. "Luna, Nova! Who's ready for afternoon snacks?"

"Me!" Luna bounces up from their play corner, copper curls wild around her face. "Can we have honey bread?"

Nova looks up from her wooden blocks, more reserved but equally hopeful. "With milk?"

"Of course, little stars." My voice nearly cracks on the endearment. I memorize the way Luna's eyes crinkle when she smiles. The slight furrow in Nova's brow as she carefully puts away each block, so much like her uncle.

"Race you upstairs!" Luna grabs her sister's hand.

"No running on the stairs," I call after them, but they're already halfway up, their giggles echoing through the workshop.

I follow, keeping my eyes forward even as I feel Karn's gaze burning into my back. One foot in front of the other. Don't look back. Don't let him see how my hands tremble.

"Mira-" His deep voice stops me at the base of the stairs.

"The girls need their snack." I climb faster, blinking back tears. "They get cranky if they wait too long."

I reach the top step just as Nova calls down, "Hurry, Mama! I'm hungry!"

The title pierces my heart like a blade. I pause, gripping the railing to steady myself. Six months of coming to love them as my own, and now...

"Coming, sweethearts." I force brightness into my tone. "Let's see what we can find in the kitchen."