Miria stood in the middle of a vast cannon bathed in golden light. The rock faces seemed ancient, almost alive, as if time itself had fallen asleep there. The wind blew gently, warm and reassuring.
Next to him was his father.
Darrell.
Tall, straight, imposing... but his gaze was gentle, infinitely gentle when it rested on her. Miria looked up at him, her little hands clutched against her child's dress.
— Miria, he said calmly,
— do you know why I blocked your memory?
She frowned, concentrated, like a child looking for the right answer to please.
"Yes…" she replied after a moment.
—It's so the bad guys can't find me.
Then his face darkened slightly, a childish worry in his voice.
— But dad... why do my memories come back when you're here?
—And disappear when you are no longer with me?
Darell gave a tender smile. He knelt down in front of her to be at her height, placing a warm hand on her shoulder.
—Because I cast the spell like that, my treasure.
— When I am near you, your memory opens.
— When I walk away, it closes.
He rubbed her head gently, like he always did.
—It's for your safety…and that of your mother.
— Do you understand?
Miria hesitated, fiddling with her fingertips.
— I… I think…
"Don't worry," Darell whispered tenderly.
— When the time comes, you will understand everything.
She crossed her arms, visibly annoyed, her tone becoming more childish.
— But dad, you always say that!
— "When the time comes"… "later"…
—When is it, later?
Darell's smile softened, but his gaze became more serious.
- Yes, my darling...
—But you must understand one important thing.
—You're not ready yet.
Miria lowered her head slightly.
—You are still weak.
His eyes immediately misted up.
- Yet... you said that I am powerful, dad.
— Very powerful...
—That I could beat a werewolf...
—Or even a vampire...
Darell took a deep breath, then placed both hands on her shoulders.
"It's true, my princess.
— You have immense power within you.
He paused.
— But what you show today...
—That's not even half of what you really have.
Miria opened her eyes wide.
— Not… half?
- No.
—And because you are still a child…
— Because you don't understand everything yet...
His gaze darkened slightly.
— Bad people could lie to you.
— Manipulate you.
— Using your own power against you.
He placed a finger on his forehead.
— This is why we are working on something very important.
— Prevent anyone from entering your mind.
— In… my head? she asked, confused.
- Yes.
—Your mind is a door, Miria.
—And some people know how to open it without permission.
— Do you understand?
She scratched her head, confused.
— A little...
— Only a little...
Then she smiled suddenly, with the innocence of a child.
— You know what?
"You must be right, Dad.
—Maybe I still have to grow up...
— Add a few centimeters, as mom says!
Darell let out a slight, proud laugh.
— Yes, my angel.
— You understood very well.
Then his expression suddenly changed. His smile disappeared.
"Remember one thing, Miria.
He leaned towards her, seriously.
—You need to practice blocking your mind.
— To close this door.
His gaze became dark.
— So that no one comes inside.
— Especially not Fishlegs.
A chill ran through the air.
—If he succeeds...
—We could lose everything.
He looked away slightly, sad.
---
Miria woke up with a start, her body drenched in sweat, her heart beating wildly.
"Daddy…" she whispered, placing a hand on his chest.
She inhaled deeply, her eyes filled with determination.
— Block my mind...
—I have to train.
— Intensively.
His gaze hardened.
— So that no one gets into my head.
— Especially not Fishlegs.