"As we all know, nothing solves insomnia like a nice warm glass of regret, depression and self-loathing."

― D.D. Barant

I didn't dream that night. Instead, I woke to a warm, firm pillow beneath my head and a comfortable weight across my waist.

Slowly blinking, the world gradually began to sharpen, gaining focus. It was still dark, likely sometime in the night. And I...was in Julian's arms.

I stiffened, aware of my back pressed against his chest, the bare arm draped over me. The slow, occasional breath across the top of my head.

Huh, this was...nice. Really nice.

Peeking at the curtain - no sign of Mazelinka - I allowed myself a moment, cuddling further into his unconscious embrace.

Just for a second...My heavy eyelids slipped shut once more.

The next time I opened my eyes, I was facing Julian, his chin resting against my head. My ears warmed when I realized one of my legs was tucked between his, an arm still around my waist.

Reluctantly, I carefully maneuvered out of his slumbering grasp, instantly missing the warmth and comfort.

I could stay...but I shouldn't. It was time to return to reality.

I needed to check on the shop.

Julian shifted in my absence, limbs spreading haphazardly across the bed. I smiled at the sight, thinking of the previous days' events.

Of last night, right before we fell asleep.

I reached down, moving stray curls from his face. He looked so calm, like this. It was a pleasant contrast to the agonized expression I'd seen previously.

Before I could change my mind, I quickly bent down, leaving a small kiss on his exposed forehead.

Only returning the favor. After making sure he hadn't woken up, I slipped out of the room.

The house was seemingly empty, the early rays of light streaming through the window.

Chickens clucked faintly outside, a pleasant backdrop to the peaceful morning. "Mazelinka?" I whispered loudly. Maybe she'd already left for the day. Moving towards the window, I gently brushed the petals of the dragon's breath, which curled towards my fingers.

Thankfully, I had the day to myself.

I needed to stop by the market, re-supply some of my own herbs for the shop. I was running low on Althea Root, for starters. Maybe do a quick sweep so that we can open next week. I ran through the mental checklist as I settled into the kitchen chair, dusting off my muddy sandals.

One of the few good things about Asra's constant absence was that it allowed me time to run the shop the way I wanted.

Shaking my head, I went to grab a broom for the dirt.

I remember three years ago, when he was first teaching me how to balance the books and barter with the vendors for a better wholesale price. He could be quite cunning, when the situation called for it.

That particular thought dampened some of the morning's goodwill. I'd only spoken to him two days ago...I think. A lot has happened in 48 hours.

Spotting the bucket in the corner, I smiled. Mazelinka was God-sent.

After falling into the aqueduct and everything afterward, I was in desperate need of a bath.

For however long, I quietly hummed, using the clean water and rag she'd left out to clean the previous days' events from my skin. If I had stayed at the palace any longer, I would've become spoiled. Those fresh, hot baths...Even so, the cool morning air was a pleasant contrast against my damp skin.

I winced when I came across the various bruises along my legs and blisters at the arch of my foot. I knew this would happen.

As I wrung out the cloth, a rustling noise from the partition drew my attention.

"Finally awake, sleepy head?" I called, smiling.

Maybe I had accidentally woken him...whoops.

After no response, I frowned, stepping closer to the bedroom. "N-no, please, May-" Strangled murmurs came from the curtain, followed by more rustling.

"Julian?"

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, please -" Concerned, I pulled the fabric aside in time to see the tangled pile of limbs and blanket tumble to the floor with a loud thud.

"Julian," I gasped, kneeling by his side, "Are you alright?"

Julian sat up with a wry smile, sweat beading his forehead. "Cassandra," He greeted, dropping his head back to the floor, "Did I wake you? I...sorry, didn't mean to disturb you."

"No, I was already up." I shook my head, slowly working to free him from the blanket.

This close, I could practically feel the tension radiating from his stiff limbs. His hands were trembling. Julian rose slowly, not quite meeting my eyes. Like he was trying to hide it from me.

I waited until he sat on the bed to casually remark, "It sounded like you were having a nightmare."

Would he tell me, if he was? Julian was usually honest, if not vague, but...For some reason, there was a part of me that was scared, almost expectant of some 'comforting' lie.

"Did I?" He sighed, running shaky fingers through his hair. It was immediately caught by a knot, and he winced as he pulled it free.

"That would be...because I was. Having a nightmare, that is." His shoulders slumped, leaning his elbows against his knees. My chest ached at the sight. "Seems silly in the light of day," He continued, glancing up at the curtain, "Or, er, dawn, I suppose."

"It's alright to be scared," I commented, the bed dipping as I sat beside him, "that's why they're called nightmares." "I suppose so." Julian chuckled.

Clearing his throat, he plucked the blanket from my arms, setting it behind us. "Why were you out of bed, Cassandra? Are you sure I didn't wake you?"

"Like I said, I was already up." I crossed my arms, "And you're trying to change the subject." Not this time. "I heard you talking in your sleep." Reaching over, I grabbed one of his hands in mine as proof, "and you're still shaking."

Silently, I tried to think of the best antidote for nightmares. There was this one potion, but I wasn't quite sure how to make it by myself...I made a mental note to check the shop later. We might have some of the already bottled ones in the back...if they haven't gone bad by now.

I had learned the hard way about using expired potions. What a night that'd been...

Julian straightened, plastering a grin across his face, "What, shaking? Nonsense."

The mask slipped back on. Perhaps not a mask, but a cover nonetheless.

"I'm a doctor. My hands are as sure as death and taxes."

I smiled at the comment, but refused to let him tug his hand free. Gripping it tighter with both of my own, I turned to fully face the auburn-haired man. As color rose to his cheeks, he tried again, "I told you, Cassandra, it's nothing. It wasn't real…" He seemed to consider the validity of the statement, then shook his head, "It wasn't real. I have no reason to be upset."

"You're allowed to be upset." I reminded him, "Nightmares are meant to be as such."

Thinking back to the previous night, I added, "You're still human, Ilya." The nickname felt strange on my tongue, even now.

"I-uh," He blinked, taken aback by the words being thrown back at him. Technically, Mazelinka had said it, but close enough.

After a moment, he sighed, the corners of his lips raised, "I can't hide anything from those piercing eyes, hm?" Piercing? "Don't know why I bothered in the first place."

Unsure as to whether I should be flattered, I remained quiet, waiting for him to talk. If he wanted to. I wouldn't force him to relive his nightmares.

Judging by his expression, however, there was a question sitting on the tip of his tongue. Seconds later, his voice rang out in the small space, "Do you believe in forgiveness?"

So that was what was on his mind? Nightmares about...that night?

"Forgiveness?" I echoed.

Julian was tense, his body coiled like a spring wound too tight. Even as he spoke, he refused to look in my direction. "Do you think that...that even truly heinous actions can be forgiven?" A bitter grin stretched his lips, "Or are there some things you don't get to come back from?" My brow furrowed at the question and his demeanor.

He was speaking as if...he was the one who killed the Count. Or could he be referring to something else? And if so, what?

I studied the curve of his shoulders, the trembling hand in both of mine.

But he told me he returned to Versuvia in order to find the truth. Did that mean he didn't know if he was the one who killed Count Lucio? How could that be?

I thought of my own experiences, years upon years of memories just...gone. Of the people who acted strange around me. All the conversations I'd surely forgotten, the icy headaches. Being utterly and hopelessly lost in my own life.

Maybe he'd lost his memories, too. A twisted sort of hope curled within my chest, unbidden. Maybe he knew what it was like. I felt mildly guilty at the thought.

Not knowing who you are is a special kind of hell. I wouldn't wish it upon anyone, let alone Julian.

Said man shifted nervously, and I realized I hadn't answered his question.

Squeezing his hand, I looked down, tracing the murderer's brand. In the morning's light, the ink was stark against his pale skin, neat lines crawling up his hand. I still believed he didn't kill the Count. That he wasn't capable. Dramatic and an escape artist he may be...but not a thief. Not a murderer.

"You can come back." I finally said.

It likely wasn't the answer he wanted to hear, nor the one I wanted to give.

A voice whispered, even if he had done it, you would forgive him, wouldn't you?

The mere thought was terrifying, a notion I didn't want to consider, especially this early in the day. I'd gotten so attached in such a short period of time. This was, what, the fourth or fifth day I'd known the doctor? The truth twisted painfully around my organs. There were some things that nobody could forgive, that nobody should forgive. So why…?

"You can always come back." My voice cracked, betraying the swirl of conflicting emotions at the turn my thoughts had taken.

"If I could just remember…" He whispered, flipping his hand to hold mine, "then I would know if what I've done is something unforgivable."

I studied his expression, then quietly asked, "What will you do if it is?"

He stilled, eye visibly widening.

"I-...If I can't make it right, then I'll take whatever punishment I deserve, without question."

My stomach turned at the mental image of the gallows.

Slowly straightening, his hand slipped out of mine. "Well," His voice was louder, a falsely chipper edge to it, "isn't this a dour conversation? Don't mind me, Cassandra."

Julian rose to his feet, turning to offer me a hand, "It's just the sleep deprivation talking. Five cups of coffee and I'll get the pep back in my step." "Five?" I grinned. He pulled me to my feet as I replied, "Julian, you're a doctor. Surely you know that isn't good for you."

If he didn't want to talk about it anymore, that was fine. I wouldn't push him any further. Not now, not on a morning like this.

There were other ways to help.

"How about I make us a cup of tea, and you tell me what the world is like, outside of Versuvia?" I nudged his shoulder gently, smiling up at him. I'd nearly forgotten how much taller he was. So not fair.

Julian accepted the distraction for what it was, grinning. "Ah, haven't had much cause to travel, Cassandra?" I shook my head, striding over to the curtain, "Not really." Asra's face popped into my mind, his bag packed and scarf wrapped around his neck. Ready for the next adventure, without me.

Shaking off the reminder, I went to see what sort of tea leaves Mazelinka had in her kitchen. I hoped she didn't mind.

With the tea brewed and poured into steaming cups, I herded an expectant Julian back into the bed.

As he relaxed against the back wall, I handed him the small, chipped mug, settling next to him with my own. "I've been all over the world," Julian began, breathing in the minty steam that wafted from the cup, "What do you want to hear about?" He grinned again, that familiar smile, "Pirate ships that plague the Frozen Sea? Or maybe the Priestlords of Firent?" I took a sip, wincing at the scalding temperature. "Ah, I could tell you the tales of the Floating City of -" He paused, considering something, "Maybe not one. It's a little compromising."

"Compromising?" I repeated, eyebrows raising.

Chuckling, he set the cup down on the stool to wrap an arm around my shoulder. What was his definition of compromising?

My curiosity peaked, but...there was something else I'd been wanting to know.

"Where did you grow up?"

I laughed at his surprised expression, handing my cup over to place onto the stool. Still too hot to drink.

"Where I grew up?" Julian worried his lip in thought, then released it.

I tilted my head back against his arm, relishing the strange ease in which we'd settled ourselves. I supposed that after everything we'd been through thus far, this wasn't out of the bounds of normalcy. Or so I selfishly hoped.

With a distant look in his eye, Julian answered, "Little town south of here, in the salt flats. Nevivon."

"Inas, my...friend, lives there." I smiled in recognition, "She comes by Versuvia to sell her wares."

I remembered some of the stories she used to tell me, the fondness in her voice. She used to insist that I come and visit, but Asra was unusually against it. Maybe he didn't think I was 'ready' for that, either.

"Really?" Julian glanced down at me, "You may already know, then, about the remarkable saltwater hot springs. Healthiest baths you'll ever take." "Sounds nice." I commented, watching the tension gradually leave his shoulders. Even his hands had stopped shaking.

"I haven't been back for a spell," He leaned his head against the wall, staring up at the ceiling, "Since Pasha left, there's no reason to return."

Pasha? It took me a moment to realize that he was referring to Portia. Cute.

His hand traced mindless patterns along my bare shoulder, and I shuddered at the sensation. It wasn't unpleasant...quite the opposite, actually. Aside from Asra, physical affection was rare. Even with Asra, it was only sparingly, controlled brushes and brief moments of fondness.

This was...different.

"What about you?"

I craned my neck back at the unexpected question. "What about me?"

Julian chuckled, using his free hand to tuck my hair behind my ear. Was it just me or did his hand linger for a second?

"Where did you grow up? I'm sure you must've had an interesting childhood, oh powerful magician."

"Still an apprentice, technically." I corrected, smile fading.

"I…" I sighed, "Milova, supposedly."

"Oh, that's not too far from Nevivon." I felt Julian shift, confusion lacing his tone, "Wait, supposedly?"

I nodded, watching the steam rise from our cups in small swirls. My heart beat a harsh pattern against my chest, and I wondered if this was a good idea. He'd been so open with me.

Besides, I was sick of secrets.

"I don't remember anything past three years ago."

In the following silence, I continued on, "I don't remember anything about where I grew up, or who my family even was." I frowned, "Is."

If I had family, wouldn't Asra have told me about them by now? Wouldn't they have come looking for me? If they knew where I was, that is.

And why wouldn't they?

"As far as I know," My voice sounded much too small, echoing in the tiny bedroom, "Asra is my only family."

The admission brought the next wave of shame and mourning to the surface. Not the time, Cassandra. Don't allow your emotions to control you.

I quickly blinked away tears. Why did I feel so...ashamed? It wasn't like it was my fault...right?

Clearing my throat, I spoke once more, "Anyways, tell me about some of your travels outside of Versuvia."

When he didn't react, I reluctantly glanced up. Julian was watching me silently, thoughtfully.

Don't look at me like that. Please, anything but that.

Fighting the sudden lump in my throat, I added, "Please, Julian."

Another agonizing pause - maybe I shouldn't have said anything - and Julian nodded, the frown still on his lips.

"Alright." He whispered.

His grip around my shoulder loosened, "How about the time I accidentally stole a pregnant war elephant?" "A...pregnant...war elephant?" I didn't even realize there were normal war elephants. "Tell me everything." I tried to smile, shifting further into his side.

I just wanted to enjoy this moment while it lasted. There would always be pain, but this? This was fragile.

I felt like I could wake up at any second, and realize that this feeling was nothing but another dream.

Another moment, lost to the world of fantasy and longing. Of things that could never be.

"As long as you promise to still respect me after." His voice vibrated in his chest beside my head, the faint scent of leather and musk wafting from him. And something else, like old books or parchment.

"That implies I respected you to begin with." I tried to joke, to lighten the mood. Worry pricked at me when he didn't immediately respond.

As I moved to sit up, however, his hand tightened around my shoulder, keeping me in place. Oh, okay. Face bursting into heat, I leaned back. "I suppose that means you don't want to hear my story, then." Julian commented causally, and I laughed, shaking my head, "No, no, please, do tell."

"Are you sure? It doesn't seem like you're very interested…"

"Julian!" I managed between laughter. "Fine, fine…Once upon a desert..." With a smile in his voice, Julian launched into the strange tale.

If it had been from anyone else, I would've called them out for making up such ridiculous events. But this wasn't anyone, this was Julian. Dramatic doctor and storytelling extraordinaire, apparently.

"...She pulled out her scimitar, so of course I had to…"

Smiling, I felt myself leaning more and more against him, savoring the moment. I'd never felt anything like this before. He chuckled at something as I closed my eyes, relishing the fingers tracing circles on my shoulder, the voice in my ear, and the warmth glowing in my chest.

Please, let this be real.

For the third time, I slowly returned to the world of the living.

Birds chirped outside, sunlight dappling my face as I turned. Julian was gone, the depression in the bed the only trace that he was there to begin with. With a yawn, I stretched, allowing my brain to catch up with my body.

We certainly needed the rest, but where was Julian?

I was slightly embarrassed that I had fallen asleep mid-story; it wasn't that it'd been boring, quite the opposite. I just...couldn't help it.

The warmth in my chest from earlier lingered, a pleasant change to the usual burden.

I felt...lighter, after telling him the truth. I traced the spot where his hand had been. He'd been the first one I had willingly told. Everyone else - Asra, Inas, some of the vendors in the neighborhood - had already known.

How strange...After slipping on my sandals, I stepped into the other room. No sign of him.

"Julian?" I called, noting that his jacket was missing. His gloves and boots, too. I'm alone.

I dropped into the nearest chair. Would he just...leave, like that? Disappear? I held a hand to my chest. Things had been going well, hadn't they?

The warmth faded, and I tried to breathe slowly and evenly as I braided my hair.

Had I been misreading the signs? Had he been upset that I'd fallen asleep on him? Or...My stomach flipped.

Was it because of last night? I knew I should've controlled my emotions better, it's always been an issue for me. Had I scared him away?

The slam of the wooden door jolted me from my worries.

"Julian?" I jerked my head up, jerking as my finger got caught in part of the braid.

He was back. He hadn't left me, after all.

Said man stopped abruptly, hand on the doorframe. "Oh, erm, you're already up."

"Of course I am." I said, tying off the braid with ease. With a half-hearted smile, I added, "Can't sleep the whole day away, after all."

Julian shifted from foot-to-foot, nodding, "Ah, right."

Something was wrong.

"Listen, Cassandra," His voice sounded strained, "We need to talk."

By the stars, something was wrong. But what? Hadn't it been going so well, just this morning?

Inexperienced as I was with relationships - as well as I could remember - I knew those four words couldn't mean anything good.

Eyeing him warily, I folded my arms across my chest, "Alright…" "Good, good." He seemed unable to stay still, glancing furtively around the hut, "But, er, not here." "Julian, what's -" "Let's go to the market, shall we? More places to talk."

With his head bobbing, he reminded me of the raven from the tavern. Normally, the similarities would've been amusing, but right now...Sighing, I nodded, "Fine."

"After you, my dear." With narrowed eyes, I strode past the jumpy doctor. What happened in the last few hours? What did I miss?

The walk to the marketplace was quiet.

Even with Julian's gloved hand in mine, he felt distant. As he led the way, darting through foreign alleyways and corners, I focused on the magic running through my veins.

His aura felt...darker than yesterday. There was sadness, frustration and...regret? Did something happen while I was sleeping? What could I have possibly said in my sleep? According to Asra, I mumbled nonsense in my sleep. The magician always enjoyed teasing me for it, claiming various sentiments that I'd expressed while unconscious. The memory didn't make me feel any better.

Eventually, we emerged into a bustling scene.

"Whoa," I blinked at the colorful array of tents, haphazardly set-up against brick and stone. The crowded street appeared as if it'd been converted into a smaller version of the market in my neighborhood. A pair of children covered in dirt ran past us, laughing. The lively conversation came from all sides as we weaved through the masses, vendors and shoppers alike calling out to one another. A cart full of vegetables rolled past, nearly on my toes.

"Careful, now." Julian's voice came from beside me, hand tightening on mine. "Cassandra," I glanced up at him, biting my lip at the furrow in his brow, "about that talk-" We paused abruptly to let a group of tourists past, giggling over something in their hands.

"Julian-" I tried, but was cut off. Again. "Ah, wait, I nearly forgot." Julian nodded, using his right hand to dig into his pockets.

He seemed reluctant to let go of mine.

"First things first." Triumphantly pulling a sheet of paper out, Julian straightened the parchment with a brief shake, "Mazelinka left a shopping list for us. Just a few ingredients to pick up." He scanned the sheet, humming thoughtfully.

I tugged him back to allow a couple to wander past, nodding respectfully as we made eye contact, "Morning."

"Aha, see here." I returned my attention to Julian, who was reading the list, "Pickled tingleberry...charred newt flesh...articulated goosewart…" Noticing my stare, he smiled, "She uses them for her folk remedies. Most effective pep up soup I've ever had." His smile grew, "And I've had a lot of soup."

Instead of reacting to the joke, I glanced down at the list in his hand.

I knew those ingredients.

"Julian, does Mazelinka practice magic?"

I knew the soup had smelled familiar. I've used similar ingredients for other potions!

Actually, I also need to pick up some goosewart, just in case.

"Those are all spell ingredients." The jars from the shop came to mind, rows of various herbs, and items for brewing. Potions never had been my strong suit, compared to other forms of casting. Usually, Asra brewed what was needed before heading out on his next trip.

"What?" Julian reared back, almost bumping into a shorter man, "Sorry about that. No," He shook his head, "These are for medicine. Effective ingredients, too."

For a moment, I simply stared at the doctor. What was so wrong with magic? I was almost tempted to press the subject.

Was his curse the reason he was so against the idea? Was that why…?

"In any case," I opted to change the topic, "they shouldn't be too hard to find…" I looked around the street, "Maybe. I don't know this area."

From our current position, there was no sign of a shop resembling ours. No hint of magic being used in the surrounding area, either.

There was a faint tug from my magic, however, something familiar...

Julian abruptly lurched forward, tugging me back into the crowd.

"Don't worry. I've got a guy!" He called over his shoulder. "A guy?" I responded, raising my voice to make certain he'd hear. His grip remained firm around my hand, gentle but unrelenting.

"A guy!" He confirmed, voice deceptively light, close to his normal, jubilant self. Close, but not quite.

"Important to have guys. People to rely on." We ducked under a low booth. Or, more accurately, he ducked.

He muttered something else that I couldn't make out. "What?" I called, frowning. Did he know where we were going?

When we paused, I could feel Julian's gaze on me. "Julian, something is clearly bothering you. Did I -" Once more, I was interrupted.

As a vendor called out to Julian, I audibly groaned, rubbing my face with my free hand. By the stars. While the pair exchanged coins and goods for Mazelinka - I made a mental note to return, the prices here were much cheaper - I studied the impromptu market about us. As they passed, people would wave to the doctor, grinning and calling out friendly greetings. So many people here knew him, were friendly with him. They knew he was innocent, that he wasn't a murderer.

Or, another voice chimed in, they knew he was a murderer and just didn't care. A shiver ran up my spine.

Wait, was that...mint?

"Happy noon, Cassandra! What brings you here?" I knew it.

"Inas," I turned my head to greet the tanned woman, smiling automatically, "afternoon. Finally back from your trip?"

She chuckled, one hand on her hip. In the other, she carried the familiar basket, already laden with various goods. "Answering my question with another question?" Inas was grinning, "Asra taught you well."

While she'd spoken in jest, something ached in my chest at the comment. Smoothing my features, I hoped her sharp eyes hadn't picked up on it. "Yeah, I was visiting family." Something crossed her face, "You're welcome to join me, next time...You and Asra."

My brow furrowed, "Inas, you know that -" A hand landed on my shoulder, and Inas's eyes widened. "You!" She gasped, a grin slowly stretching across her lips.

Julian frown in confusion, "Me?" He furtively looked around, but nobody seemed to be paying us any attention.

As if anybody here would turn him in. If so, they would've done it already.

And Inas had never given me a reason not to trust her.

"I heard you were back." Inas looked triumphant while Julian simply paled, grip unconsciously tightening on my bare shoulder. Placing my hand over his, I added, "You just returned and have already connected to the gossip mill?"

Inas paused, then laughed. "Ha! Somebody's in a good mood today."

Although her voice and smile were bright, there was something contemplative in the way her eyes flickered to our hands.

I dropped my hand to my side.

"Julian," I met his grey eye with a smile, "this is Inas, the woman I told you about earlier."

"Now, Cassandra," Inas shifted her basket to the other hip, "You've been talking about me? I'm flattered."

I rolled my eyes, "Inas, this is -" Julian stepped forwards, leaning down to extend a hand to the shorter woman.

Then again, everyone was short compared to him.

"Doctor Julian Devorak," He announced with that trademark smirk of his, "Pleasure to meet a friend of Cassandra's."

Her dark eyes bounced between us for a moment until she mimicked his smirk, reaching out to shake his gloved hand firmly, "The pleasure is all mine, doctor. I've heard a lot about you, lately."

A farmer leading a pair of donkeys moved past us, and we moved into the shade of a nearby stall.

"Hell of a grip you've got." Julian grinned. "Thank you," Inas bowed her head briefly, "But it's a bit risky coming back here, isn't it doctor?" Her voice was deceptively light, "Being wanted for murder and all?" Julian stiffened as my stomach dropped.

Inas was never one to mince her words, but to openly discuss it?

"Actually, that's probably why you're back in Vesuvia." Inas shrugged, "But what do I know?"

I narrowed my eyes at the strange remark. What exactly did she know? With a sigh, she glanced at the busy marketplace around us, gaze falling back onto me, "Anyways, Cassandra, while you're here I wanted to -" A loud noise cut her off, followed by the sound of barking and footsteps. "Watch it, kid!" A low voice roared angrily.

Inas sighed, "Maybe later. Nice meeting you, doctor."

The sun-speckled woman moved closer to jab a finger into Julian's leather-clad chest, "You better take care of her this time, doctor. Or else I won't be so nice, the next time we meet." Her gaze softened when she turned to me, pulling me into a tight embrace. "Be careful, Cass," She whispered in my ear.

With a final, too-bright smile, the woman disappeared into the flow of the crowd.

I glanced up at Julian, who was unusually quiet. "What did she mean, this time?" I asked, frowning.

Why was everybody so cryptic?

"I-I'm not sure," He ran a hand through his hair, looking just as troubled by the comment, "I've got a strange sense of deja vu, but I'm positive I've never met her before."

"Maybe you've seen her in Nevivon?" I suggested, biting my lip. That wouldn't explain why she said "this time". I had only met Julian just last week...didn't I? Why would she warn me about him?

I suddenly wished I hadn't eaten that bread and cheese from earlier.

Julian shook his head, "I haven't been back in years. Besides, I would've recognized her." He grinned half-heartedly, shooting me an over-exaggerated wink, "I'm an ace at remembering faces."

I sighed, stepping backwards, "Let's just -" "-tch it! Coming through!" Focused on the conversation and Inas's last remark, I didn't notice the rather large dog that darted between my legs until it was too late.

Oh no.

Stumbling backward, my sandal caught on the edge of a tile, sending me back. Okay, these sandals must be bad karma, or something…I squeezed my eyes shut, but the impact never came. At least, not in the way I expected.

Leather and musk and...something else. Ink?

Julian grabbed my upper arm, tightening to an almost painful degree as he pulled me into his chest. His arms wrapped around me, heel twisting on the spot. "Oof!" He coughed as his back hit the tile, shielding me from the brunt of the fall.

"Julian!" I called in concern, hands on his chest. Aside from my knee - between his legs - my body had been entirely shielded from the impact.

"Cassandra, are you alrig-" His visible eye noticed something behind us. "Oh noo."

Slowly, I turned my head to see the fruit cart beside us shudder, a single apple in the corner wobbling precariously. Together, we watched in silent horror as the apple fell from the cart, rolling to a stop at our feet. It was going to -

I barely heard Julian groan, "Oh, that's going to hurt." or the gasps from nearby spectators. "-tch out!" Not on my watch.

Without hesitation, I twisted in our entangled position, raising both hands into the air. "Waqt waqf!" I called, forcing the rising energy through my palms.

Just like we practiced. Breathe in, then out.

CRASH! Magic followed the rush of adrenaline through my limbs, sparking into a brilliant light.

I thought Julian called my name, but couldn't hear anything over the ringing in my ears. I couldn't even see anything past the piercing brightness.

As the light slowly died, limbs trembling, the apples began to speed up, spreading across the entire street. Did it...did it work?

The world around us returned to its normal pace, color and noise rushing around me in a dizzying turn.

It worked, I think it worked! "-andra! Are you alright?" Hands gripped my waist, carefully pulling me to my feet.

For a second, the world blurred, the ringing growing to a crescendo.

"Cassandra?"

Julian sounded far away, though I somehow knew he was standing right in front of me.

He was safe.

Trying a new spell was always risky, but to attempt a time-spell with no preparation...Good thing Asra wasn't here. But I'd done it! By the stars, I actually slowed time, even if just for a moment!

Mercifully, everything returned to normal, a strange sense of pride and excitement coursing through me.

"Nothing hit you, did it? What did you do, just then?" Julian was saying, hands fluttering over my sides.

Blinking the remaining spots away - that took more energy than I thought it would - I placed my hands on his arms, unable to contain my grin, "I'm fine, great actually. Are you okay?" Julian's frown eased, and he nodded once, "Whatever you did...worked."

The dread from earlier returned at the strain in his voice, dampening my excitement from successfully casting such a complicated spell.

The doctor sighed, returning to his full height. With a wry smile, he said, "Guess I'm buying a fruit stand today."

After pouring an astonishingly large pile of coins into the harried vendor's hands - an unusual mix of foriegn currency that likely amounted to a small fortune - Julian faced the crowd that had amassed around us, various expressions of shock or astonishment on their faces.

"Free fruit!" He bellowed with a grin, plucking one of the apples from the ground to wave it in the air, "Come get your free fruit everyone!"

People descended upon the rarity - free food - with an explosion of noise and movement, excited cheers rising around us.

He quickly took my hand again, carefully leading me off the street. Before we left, however, I made sure to swipe two apples. One for each of us.

In a nearby alley, Julian stopped. Without a word, he nimbly checked over each and every one of my limbs, taking a second to cradle my face in both his hands before examining my left arm.

"Julian..."

"You weren't hurt, right? You looked a bit dazed after...after that spell of yours. Everything still where it should be?"

With a sigh, I moved out of his probing range, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Julian, I'm fine. It was...it was just a spell."

No need to worry him further, right now.

Besides, the aftereffects were already gone. I really was fine.

Grey met green, and the doctor nodded, shoulders slumping, "I'm sorry about that. I should've mentioned the streets can get rowdy."

He brightened suddenly, grinning, "I know! I can make it up to you. The next place is sure to knock off your socks."

Next place? He must be eager to have this "talk".

"Where's that?" I asked warily, keeping my arms folded.

"It's, uh, a nice little teahouse, down the way." Shifting from side to side, Julian gestured to the opposite street, "We can sit and...talk."

That dreaded word.

I swallowed, watching various emotions play across his features. "It's cozy, you'll like it."

"I'd like to know what's going on." I muttered in a low voice.

Dropping my arms to my sides - leaden weights - I sighed for the countless time that morning. "Lead the way."

I knew my smile wasn't even close to convincing. Neither was his.

Nerves jittering, I allowed the mysterious and jumpy doctor to guide us to our next destination.

This morning had started so nicely, too...Maybe ignorance is bliss.

Our footsteps echoed through the empty alley, sunlight pouring through the gaps above our heads. The chaos of the crowd gradually grew quieter the further we walked.

What no one will admit about bliss, however, is that it is temporary.

Is that what Inas had meant? For some reason, I didn't think so.

I would uncover the truth, even if it killed me.