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

of the

laughter erupted from my

I don’t suppose she does.I raised her with a good head on her shoulders.I’m happy

"Right...,"

his voice still sounded

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

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

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

lying in order to establish common ground between

changed for the evening.With Victor now not

last time I’d been

voice pulled me from my

was meant to

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 behaviour

weighed up my options quickly, debating which outcome here would be worse, and ultimately, I made

was so sceptical

on, and I

decided to trust the

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

sorry," I said, acting out a small head shake

seem to be a bit out of it tonight.I should have

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

quietly, I

much though, his lips turned in a smirk and

to worry, it’s never too

Raven." I stared at his

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

his touch...it felt so nice and warm, making me painfully aware of thoughts that I was

my hand, he let me go, and I

All is forgiven," he

second to blink and clear my head before scrambling to put back on the face

you a drink in apology?" I

the slight stutter

would love to

be certain, but

Borderline mocking me.

for whatever reason was better than the alternative ways this encounter could

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

leave you two for now, then," my

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

though not obvious enough for anyone to notice, and I picked up on the double

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 actuality, I was so badly lacking

Kieran asked behind me once my father had

that, the two of us walked to

knew now was the time to do what I

the time to stop letting myself become overwhelmed and

date, I was yet to fail

of my specialties had always been in this

so sorry again," I said as we waited, making sure to

some sort of unhinged, violent person now." I timidly laughed a little at myself and tucked

the

at all," he

thing was a bit funny and

in

you don’t need to tell anyone about

keep it a secret just between u s? Like our own little

Raven" I told myself, knowing I needed to commit

really didn’t want

despised, and even being around him was proving to

the drinks arrived at that moment, and I used grabbing the glass as