Julian's POV:
- Dorothy!
My adorable wife shouts that from the kitchen. My peaceful stroll through the woods ends abruptly before I sprint back to the house. Before I can reach the door, it bursts open. Dorothy rushes out, covering her face with both hands. I watch, puzzled, as the little girl runs off before I hear footsteps behind me.
- What are you doing standing there? Bring her back before nightfall.
- What—?
Before I can finish my question, her eyes stop me in my tracks. Her gaze alone tells me everything I need to know.
- Okay, I'll be back in a bit. I'm really looking forward to dinner tonight.
I place my hand on her cheek, and she accepts the affection like a cat.
"Amelia is definitely the most beautiful woman in the world."
This exchange lasts only a moment before I turn and head back into the woods. Only about 30 seconds had passed since Dorothy left; catching her wouldn't be a problem.
"There she is."
A small shadow darts in front of me. Shadows begin to fall across the ground as the sun slowly sets over the horizon. I close the distance slowly toward that small shadow.
"The little one... Was she always this fast?"
Even though I'm catching up, her speed is something that should be impossible for her tiny legs. Her speed is comparable to that of a deer. A small seed of doubt spreads within me, but I quickly shake my head.
"That little one... isn't bad, surely there's an explanation."
I extend my hand slightly. I'm just a couple of hand spans away from her, the distance closing until I can touch her.
- Doro-
- Get back!
A sudden burst of flames erupts between us. We both stop dead in our tracks, our faces wide with surprise.
- Sir?
Her eyes, already wide with surprise, stared at me as if trying to determine if I was a mirage. However, her expression quickly changed as she looked down.
- Your hand…
Still surprised by what was happening, I followed her gaze until I saw my hand. As if I had barely processed it, a powerful pain shot through my hand. The burning sensation clung to my skin, intense. Painful enough to make me want to run to my dear Amelia for comfort.
- Ugh.
I instinctively grabbed my hand, trying to ease the pain. Everything was happening so fast that my mind couldn't fully grasp what was going on. The pain clouded my thoughts for a few moments.
"Sob."
Until I heard a soft sob in front of me.
- I'm sorry… I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…
And then she started running again. My first impulse was to chase her, but the pain in my hand stopped me in my tracks. Her abnormal speed and that strange explosion screamed at me that it was dangerous to pursue her. My whole being screams at me not to chase her.
- That look…
Yet, her eyes at that moment…
"The sadness behind those eyes…"
I couldn't get it out of my head. I knew that if I let her go now…
- I'd regret it for the rest of my life.
I planted my feet firmly on the ground before launching myself into pursuit again.