Sitting cross-legged in the Aethra's chamber, a room bathed in blue light and ancient symbols, Miria stared at Asher with a concentrated expression... or at least, she tried.
"Take a deep breath. Focus. Feel the thoughts around you," Asher said calmly.
Miria closed her eyes...
Miria: Okay... I can do this... Focus... Don't think about his smile... or his deep voice... or his muscles...
Her Consciousness (internal voice, dry tone): "Hey hey hey! You're here to train, not to fantasize!"
Miria: "But look at him, he's right in front of you, his hair shines like..."
Consciousness: "No, but seriously?! Do you really want to fail the exercise again?!"
Miria: "Oh, you're annoying!"
"Miria?"
She opened her eyes, met Asher's, and straightened, embarrassed.
"I... I'll start again."
"That would be better, yes," he said, smiling softly.
After several unsuccessful attempts, she gave up.
"Ugh. I'm useless."
"No. You just lack practice. And maybe motivation."
She frowned.
"I want to know... Who are you really, Asher? You know everything about me, but I know nothing about you."
He raised an eyebrow.
"If you can do this next exercise, I'll tell you the truth."
She groaned but accepted the challenge... and got it right the first time.
"I did it! Now talk!"
He burst out laughing.
"If I'd known it was that easy... Fine."
Miria gave him a triumphant look.
"Well?" What's your secret?
He shrugged with a mocking smile.
"I'm a vampire."
"Huh?!"
She sat up, her eyes wide.
"And why isn't a witch training me?! It's not fair!"
"Because I'm also a wizard," he replied with a wink.
Miria blinked.
"Wait... you mean... you're both?! A vampire-witch?"
"Yes, you can. I was born a wizard. But... an accident changed my nature."
"What kind of accident?!" she asked eagerly.
He raised his hand.
"Stop. Enough talking. Start the exercise again."
"Are you serious?!"
"Very."
She groaned, but resumed the position. Inwardly: He has nothing to lose by waiting. I will uncover all his secrets.