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.

at me with a

act like most of the people I’ve met

But laughter erupted from my father, clearly not bothered like

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

"Right...,"

voice still sounded distant in

adores the outdoors and nature, something I know Ashwood has a lot of.Can’t seem t

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

by that comment, yet still too focused o n trying to figure out Kieran’s reactions, that I didn’t immediately understand what my

was lying in order to establish common ground

doing so, he was telling me that my target had changed for the evening.With Victor now not attending the event, I would be needing to utilise the

remember the last time

voice pulled me from my

way I was meant to be and he knew

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

debating which outcome here would be worse, and

since I was

on, and I wanted to

trust the man I’d only

e

said, acting out a small

should have given you my name before,

narrowed ever so slightly but I kept my smile in place, hoping I could do

I held my

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

worry, it’s never too late

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

spread through the contact with his skin,

making me painfully aware of thoughts that I was

he let me go,

All is forgiven,"

to blink and clear my head before scrambling to put back on the face I needed to show, trying to not let

about I buy you a drink in apology?" I managed to say, acting on

I silently cursed the slight stutter

would love to hear

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

Borderline mocking me.

for whatever reason was better than the alternative ways

knew that, I still couldn’t help but feel mildly bothered

two for now, then," my

best if I checked in with some other acquaintances anyway.I’ll be around if you

tightened on me without warning, though not obvious enough for anyone to notice,

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 that, in

behind me

walked to the bar and ordered

time to do what I

become overwhelmed

record to date, I was yet to fail

been in this

I said as we waited, making sure to sound as friendly as

some sort of unhinged, violent person now." I timidly laughed a little at myself and tucked a lock of hair behind my ear, hoping that he was subconsciously picking up

have reached a hand out and gently touched his arm, but the thought of those

all,"

thing was a bit funny

smile froze in place

you don’t need to tell anyone about that,

between u s? Like our own little inside

told myself, knowing I needed to commit to

really didn’t

was one I despised, and even being around him was proving to be

used grabbing the glass as