Sometimes they come to ask a favor. "I want to be rich. I want to be famous. I want to be pretty. Oh! Can you make him love me?" I hate these days. I saw their greedy soul and I didn't want to help these poor people. But they were my only hope for secure living with healthy breakfast every day. Because I had enough of living on the streets. I had enough of fighting for my life. I was tired. And I wanted some peace for myself.

But my scars are still here, and sometimes they remind me that it's only a dream and harmony is not my fate. So I just did what I can do. I can do magic. Not these extravagant tricks for fools, but real magic. It's the only thing that can make me happy still. Not a lot of people knew about me, but somehow I haven't had problems with clients. Usually they were angry or disappointed because their requests couldn't be fully done. But I always showed them an alternative for cheaper prices. And that's how we had a deal.

There was only one arrangement that I need to do constantly. I need to babysit a child, so that my landlord would be quiet about my "business". I don't like children. Don't get me wrong, they can be cute and all that, but they also can scream, broke things and be messy. But this little girl was something different. She was like a small ray of sunshine and I couldn't say no to her. Actually, I think I might even love her like my niece, very long-lost niece.

Though she was very kind she didn't get close to everyone. She can feel what a real person is hiding underneath your smile. I even considered a possibility that she also had some powers, but it's too early to know exactly.

She was the only person who I can trust and to feel myself comfortable with. It was until one evening when I met him. He didn't come to me for my services. He didn't ask for anything, it was me who told him to come with me.

He was so thin. There was blood on his dirty coat. Three men were beating him and he didn't say a word, he didn't even scream. I wanted to walk away, but then for a second he looked into my eyes and I knew that I must help. In a moment these men were on the other end of the street and shaking badly. They ran away.

When I come closer to him, he didn't make any move.

-Are you hurt?

-No, mistress. It's just my favorite way to spend Sunday in blood with real men.

I instantly flinched. And what for I saved his life? Aurora made me too soft.

-Well, then I won't interfere with your plans anymore. Have a good weekend.

But when I turned, I heard his voice again.

-You have very strong magic in you. You need to be careful with it.

I think all anger that I tried to control, I spited out into my next words.

-Oh, thank you very much! Without your insightful comments I wouldn't know what to do in this big bad world!

He laughed. Really. He laughed. And it was like some strange shrill of music until he coughed with blood.

-I like you. I am sorry for my rudeness, mistress, but I think my polite attitude was bitten from me by some passers.

He tried to stand, but it was clear that he hadn't enough strength. Then I made a decision, a very bad decision.

-Come on, I'll help you.

-I don't want to put stains on your cloak.

-Well, then you need to be careful. And please hold all your blood in you.

He laughed again.

-So, are you going to kidnap me?

-Yes, and I'll make you my slave, because I am a very generous person and you can't stay on the streets in your condition.

-Yes, mistress. As you wish.

- I already regret this.

He was quiet for some time, and when we were practically home, he whispered

-Thank you.

-Mal.

-Hm?

-My name is Mal.

-Diaval.

This is how our story started.

I am sorry for all mistakes(English is not my first language). Nevertheless,I hope you'll like a good day!