Her eyes illuminate immediately. “It was splendid,” she exclaims, regarding me with suspicion. “So why are you so cheerful?” she enquires, raising her eyebrows playfully.
Prior to divulging the particulars of my purloined kiss, I perceive a subtle knock at the door. I notify Melina and endeavour to assuage her concerns, assuring her that all is well.
Summoning confidence, I approach the door and open it cautiously. Outside, on the steps, a striking woman with vibrant red hair stands with a bag slung over her shoulder, her warm grin transforming into a menacing snarl.
Who are you?” She snarls.”
Point of View
Who are you? The woman growls, the golden specks in her green eyes shimmering like flames.
Prior to my response, the petite woman brandishes a silver blade at my throat while restraining me with her elbow against the door.
“You should speak quickly, wolf.” Ricky is not fond of your type, therefore I doubt she permitted you entry voluntarily. Who are you and what is your purpose in her residence? she growls, applying greater pressure with the dagger against my neck. “Are you one of Aldo’s dogs?” Have you arrived to retrieve her? Are you with Cillian? I will harm you if you lay a finger on her!
Who are Aldo and Cillian, and to what location are they escorting our companion? enquires Jimmy.
Melina hastens towards us, and the woman pivots to confront her, raising her hand in admonition.
“Unless you desire me to remove your attractive eyes, wolf, BACK UP!” The woman screams, her hand radiating green light.
“Witch!” Jimmy growls.
Capitalising on her distraction, I ensnare her ankle with mine and seize her wrist, redirecting the dagger to face her. Subsequently, I utilise my body to forcefully propel her against the wall, eliciting a groan as her head collides with the surface.
Seething with rage, she grasps my wrists. Her palms radiate intense heat and exude a green luminescence, causing me to recoil in pain, retreating several steps and covering Melina with my body from the enraged witch.
The witch brandishes the dagger before me, her teeth gritted in fury. “Do not compel me to reiterate.” Who are you, and what have you done with Bray and Ricky?
Recognising that this could be Ricky’s witch companion, Tiana, I raise one arm in capitulation and then indicate my throat, silently articulating the word MUTE to her before signalling towards Melina and indicating my ears.
“DEAF,” I articulate, imploring the Moon Goddess for her understanding.
She squints in perplexity, and I perceive Melina moving behind me. I refrain from glancing at Melina, apprehensive about diverting my gaze from the witch.
“Just speak!” Jimmy exclaims with exasperation.
I attempt to heed his counsel, yet as usual, my tongue becomes rigid and burdensome, rendering the words lodged in my throat.
Melina strides directly past me and extends a piece of paper to the witch.
“Are you deaf and mute?”The witch murmurs, indicating each of us in turn. Her emerald eyes survey the room, and once content, she gradually lowers her blade. “Naturally, you are,” she mutters, striding past us towards the kitchen.
She observes the pen and notepad on the counter and throws them to me. “Proceed. Justify your presence. Who are you?” she states, crossing her arms and tapping her foot with impatience.
Aware that she could erupt at any moment, I hastily compose a reply and cautiously return the notepad to her. She seizes it from my grasp, muttering irritably to herself.
“I am Jadi, Ricky’s companion. This is my mother, Melina. You must be Tiana…” she articulates, her body tensing at the final statement.
“S-She informed you about my existence…” she mutters, a flicker of wrath evident in her eyes. “She must have confidence in you… She does not disclose my name to just anyone.”
My heart almost falters when she utters that.
Does Ricky have confidence in me?
Tiana scrutinises me, a sinister laugh crossing her lips. “The Moon Goddess must be testing us both,” she murmurs. “Oh Ricky… it appears we are both in the same predicament,” she sighs, settling into a stool at the counter.
Melina, in her characteristic manner, hastily retrieves a glass of water and presents it to the witch with trembling hands.
The witch smiles gently at her and expresses gratitude. After sipping her drink and regaining her composure, Tiana gazes at me with an embarrassed smile.
“I apologise for my aggression. I am somewhat tense at the moment. The past few days have been challenging,” Tiana states, wiping her face in fatigue.
I wish to express my thoughts, yet I merely nod in acquiescence.
Enquire about Aldo and Cillian, Jimmy demands. Who are they, and what motive do they have for abducting Ricky?
I retrieve the notepad from the counter and inscribe my inquiry to her. Upon reading my message, she nods her head in response.
