At Little Flower Bookstore.
It was a bright and sunny afternoon, yet Iryz was still stuck at her desk, looking up at the never ending book Zeres – the angel-faced male witch – had told her to look into.
She had been locked up in here for days now, just skimming through books and she could not take this any longer. She was a human, god dammit! She needs sunlight and fresh air from time to time as well!
Her hands slammed down on the innocent book which was sitting on her desk, causing the man who was by the window and flipping the pages of a book as well to lift his gaze and look at her. Their eyes met and Iryz tried her best not get overwhelmed by those unreal and beautiful silvery eyes of his.
"What's wrong?" he asked, slowly placing his book down on his lap.
"I'm tired." She told him, straightforward and sullenly. "I really wanted to help you find the book you're looking for but… I can't do it anymore."
His perfect brows knitted. Then he stood and approached her.
Even though she had been with him for days now, Iryz still could not get used to this man's beauty. His beauty was just too much that it was blinding her and it did not help that she was seeing that face every minute of the day now.
"Why?" he did not sound pleased now.
"Well, I have my own stuffs to get done as well. My priorities, you know? I know you're in a rush, but five days is all I can give up to help you. I am also in a rush, okay? I have to continue my project now or else, I won't be able to make it in time." she explained. "I am joining a contest and I am aiming to win. So I'm sorry, but I need to focus on my own work now."
Zeres' jaws clenched then he shut his eyes. His palm dropped on her desk as he leaned down at her. Iryz's eyes widened at his closeness.
"Tell me, why do you want to join and win that contest?"
"Because I need the money."
He sighed as though he was a little relieved. "Fine, then I'll give you the money. How much do you want?"
Iryz' mouth hung open, then she glared hard at him. She could not believe what he had just said.
"Look here, Iryz. I'm not trying to buy you over or anything. I am going to pay you for working for me to find the book. That book is really important to me. So instead of you joining the contest, you'll work for me instead, how about that?"
What he said made sense to Iryz and she relaxed her stance. However, this offer…
She stared back at him before shaking her head at his offer. "No. I still want to join the contest –"
"I'll buy this house for you." he cut her off. Iryz' eyes widened again, shocked that he knew about it.
"You know…?"
"I know. I heard the lady next door talking about it. Now let's make a deal here Iryz. Help me find the book and I'll buy this house for you in exchange for it. That's a great deal and you know it."
"But… but isn't that a bit too much?" She knew it was a wonderful deal! But it was just too sudden for her.
"Your service is very important to me. In fact, it's something priceless. So I'm willing to pay you any amount you wish. I am really in a rush…" his gaze deepened as he held her eyes. "And you're the only one who could help me with this."
Iryz saw the desperation in his eyes. Not just that, she saw a whole lot more and she did not know why her heart seemed to be breaking for him at that brief moment.
"C-could it be that you're trying to save someone?" she asked him in a careful voice.
Zeres dropped his eyes and fell silent for a moment. "Yes."
"Is it someone very important to you?" she prompted further.
He met her gaze. "Yes. Someone who is more important than my life."
Iryz nodded slowly as her voice weakened. "I see…" she said and she did not know why she suddenly felt something strange. Was it because of the intense emotions that was blatantly pouring out of his eyes? Must be it. Seems like she was just a little jealous of whoever this person who was so very dear to him. She wondered how it would feel to be cherished by someone more than their very own life.
"Okay. I will help you." Iryz said and he smiled brightly, looking so relieved. His smile… it was so breathtaking…
"Thank you." he pulled away and his large hand landed on her head. He ruffled her hair fondly then he casually brought his phone out. "I'm going to prepare the amount now –"
"Wait a moment! Actually, I won't be letting you pay everything. I have my savings. And I am only short of two hundred thousand dollars right now."
"Why don't you just let me pay for everything?"
"I'd feel bad if I do that."
"I'd also feel bad if I pay you that little."
Iryz could not help but gape at him again. Did he just say two hundred thousand dollars is little? This witch must be rich as hell!
"No no," she laughed sheepishly, "I think that's already too much."
"It's not. I insist you'd let me pay you more."
Iryz wanted to insist her side as well but the utter seriousness in his eyes made her hold her tongue. Somehow, she felt like this man would still insist on whatever he wanted to do.
"Fine. I'll accept more payment but not money." She came to a compromise.
"State it."
"I'd like to draw more of you whenever I take a break, how about that?"
Zeres was silenced for a moment. But eventually, he nodded. Though he did not like it, he could not deny her request as it was nothing compared to what she could do for him.
"Are you certain you want that more than money?"
"Absolutely sure, sir!"
"You're a strange little girl. But fine. As long as you work for me properly, you can do what you want."
"Really?!" she exclaimed. "You're saying I can do whatever I want with you? I mean you will let me draw you however I want?"
He blinked but then again, he nodded. "As long as you work properly for me –"
"ALRIGHT!" she pulled her sleeves up, looking as though she was suddenly so fired up now.. "Now I'm really fired up! I will do this!" she told herself in a loud motivating voice, then she grabbed the book on her desk again. She could not wait to finish this pile just so she can take a break again!
