A Gift from the Goddess

Kieran Lycroft...

Victor Lycroft, my target’s, very own son.

How had I managed to screw things up this badly? Within twenty-four hours, it felt like my life had gone from being careful, structured...

precise, into what I could only describe as complete erratic shambles.

And worse still, it was as if I had no control.

Control over my situation, over myself...and *especially* no control when it came to this man, Kieran.

"Unfortunately, my father wasn’t able to make it tonight," Kieran replied.

"He had an important matter come up and sent me in his stead to extend our town’s support." I could smell his scent so vividly, the wind now no longer masking it from me.

So intoxicating yet inviting...I'd never come across anything like it before.

"A shame.But nevertheless, I’m glad you could join us.I’ve heard that you’ll be taking his place upon his retirement.Is it common to elect representatives based on family in your town?"

Kieran gave a half laugh and looked around for a second, almost as if the question made him uncomfortable.

"We're just all very close up north in Ashwood.My father is a great role model and inspired me to take over for him.I’m honoured that the people @ of my town agree."

...His eyes then flicked back to my own, a look of curiosity and...something else that I couldn’t quite place mixed in.

But whatever it was, I wanted more of it.

"Oh, apologies, where are my manners?" said my father, extending a hand towards me.

"Allow me to introduce you to Raven."

"Raven? I’m glad to finally catch your name," he said, then turned back to Eric.

"You know, we actually had a moment to meet in the gardens just now."

...Oh no...please, no.My father raised a brow in confusion.

"Oh? Is that where she ran off to?"

"You wouldn’t believe it but...," Kieran chuckled lightly, apparently finding the whole thing hilarious, "she must have gotten quite the scare because..."

And it was then that Kieran finally looked back towards me, his sentence slowly coming to a stop as our eyes met.

“ ..Because...?" my father prompted.

"Oh...She ah...," Kieran stumbled, quickly clearing his throat.

"...She jumped in surprise.I guess I accidentally snuck up on her."

"That’s certainly uncharacteristic of her.My daughter is normally a hard one to take unaware."

"Your...daughter?" Kieran asked, confused.

"Raven is your daughter?"

"That’s right."

"And...and she grew up here in Lockdale City?"

"Yes...why?"

Why indeed, was what I wanted to know too.

What business did he have questioning something so personal? Clarification once should have been sufficient, if needed at all.

He didn’t need to know my life story.

was now staring at me with a more serious expression, the joking tone now

the people I’ve met

But laughter erupted from my father, clearly not bothered like

raised her with a good head on her shoulders.I’m happy to hear she doesn’t act like most

"Right...,"

his voice still sounded distant

I know Ashwood has a lot of.Can’t seem t o keep her away from wanting to always be in the fresh air.Isn’t that right,

Sure, I went running occasionally, but I wouldn’t say it was

focused o n trying to figure out Kieran’s reactions, that I didn’t immediately understand what my father

in order to

was telling me that my target had changed for the evening.With Victor now

last time I’d been

from my head after

I was meant to be and he

even if I were successful in finding out about the documents, I wondered if I was still going to face some sort of repercussion

be worse, and ultimately, I made a

was so sceptical

inside pushed me on, and I wanted to have faith

trust the man I’d only just

he hadn’t instantly exposed m e as I thought he would,

out a small head shake

out of it tonight.I should have given you my name before, that

I kept my smile in place, hoping I could do enough to

quietly, I

could elapse too much though, his lips turned in a smirk and

to worry, it’s never too late for introductions,"

pleasure to meet you, Raven." I stared at his hand for a second before

of sparks began to spread through the contact with his skin,

nice and warm, making me painfully aware of thoughts that I

me go, and

is forgiven," he

scrambling to put back on the face I needed to show, trying to not let on

in apology?" I managed

cursed the slight

to hear more about

would? Sure, I’d love a drink." I couldn't be certain, but it was

Borderline mocking me.

laughing at me for whatever reason was better than the alternative ways this encounter could have

I still couldn’t help but feel mildly bothered by it.I didn’t enjoy feeling

now, then," my father

with some other

anyone to

if you need me’...meaning he was around and would be keeping an eye on me.I gave him a small nod and hoped that it showed a confidence

Kieran asked behind me

of us walked

knew now was the time to

myself become overwhelmed and just focus entirely on the task at

I was

had always been in

waited, making sure to sound as friendly as

and hope that you don’t think I’m some sort of unhinged, violent person now." I timidly laughed a little at myself and tucked a lock of hair behind my ear, hoping

gently touched his arm, but the thought of those sparks possibly being there made me keep my

all," he

bit funny and will

froze in place at

anyone about that, it’s so terribly embarrassing...," I said

u s? Like our own little inside joke? I would...*really*...appreciate

I told myself, knowing I needed to

I really

feeling of losing control was one I despised, and even being around him

moment, and I used grabbing the glass as