Miracles | 𝔐𝔞𝔤𝔫𝔦𝔣𝔦𝔠𝔢𝔫𝔱 ℭ𝔢𝔫𝔱𝔲𝔯𝔶

part six

The cart creaked and groaned as Mila and Leo finally rolled into Kiev, the grand and ancient city stretching out before them like a living tapestry. Tall, elegant spires reached for the sky, their golden domes gleaming in the sunlight. The streets were bustling with people—merchants selling their wares, families strolling together, and travelers from distant lands passing through. It was a world away from the quiet village they had left behind, and Mila could feel her heart quicken at the sight.

"Leo, look at this place," Mila whispered, her eyes wide with awe as they made their way through the cobbled streets. "It's beautiful."

Leo nodded, though his expression was more serious. "It is. But let's not forget why we're here. We have to gather supplies and rest, and then—then we continue."

The reminder sobered Mila, but it didn't quell her excitement completely. She had dreamed of seeing cities like this, of standing in places that seemed to hum with history. And now, here they were, the first stop on their journey.

It was Sunday, and the bells from the church tower echoed through the streets, calling the faithful to prayer. Mila felt a tug in her heart. "We should stop. For services," she said, looking at Leo.

He glanced at her, then at the towering church ahead. "You're right. We could both use some prayer right now."

They guided the cart to a quiet corner and secured it, then made their way toward the grand church. The doors were open, and inside, the air was thick with the scent of incense. Mila crossed herself as she stepped inside, her gaze immediately drawn to the vaulted ceilings and the intricate mosaics that adorned the walls. Every corner of the church seemed to shimmer with divine light, and the soft murmur of prayers filled the space.

They knelt together, side by side, as the service began. Mila closed her eyes, her hands clasped tightly as she prayed. She prayed for strength, for protection on the road ahead, and for the safe return of Alexandra, wherever she might be. But more than anything, Mila prayed for a future where she could truly be free—free to paint, to live, to be more than just a village girl.

"Господи, веди нас..." (Lord, guide us...) she whispered, her heart heavy with the weight of all that lay ahead.

Beside her, Leo's face was solemn, his own thoughts clearly with Alexandra. For a moment, Mila wondered what it would feel like to have someone who cared for her the way Leo cared for his lost love. She quickly pushed the thought away. This wasn't the time for such things.

After the service, they lingered in the church for a while, lighting candles and offering more silent prayers. The peace inside the church contrasted with the busy world outside, and Mila found herself wishing they could stay longer. But soon enough, it was time to leave.

Outside, the city was as lively as ever, but Mila felt more grounded now, more focused. They needed supplies, and a place to rest for the night. They wandered through the market, buying food, cloth, and other necessities for their journey. Mila kept an eye out for art supplies, but the bustling streets offered little in that regard. It didn't matter. She had her sketchbook, and for now, that was enough.

As evening approached, they found a small inn where they could rent a room for the night. It was simple but comfortable, with a single bed and a window that overlooked the busy street below. Mila sat by the window for a while, watching the people pass by as the last light of day began to fade.

Leo was already lying on the bed, his hands behind his head as he stared up at the ceiling. "Tomorrow we head for Poland," he said quietly. "It'll be a long road, but we're getting closer."

Mila nodded, though her thoughts were elsewhere. The journey was only just beginning, and she knew it wouldn't be easy. But for the first time in her life, she felt like she was moving toward something, not away from it.

"Yes," she whispered, more to herself than to Leo. "Closer to what we're meant to find."

As night fell, Mila lay awake for a long time, her thoughts racing with possibilities. Kiev had been a taste of something bigger, something grander. She could feel it in her bones—her life was about to change. The road ahead would be difficult, but she was ready for it.

"Only forward..." she whispered into the darkness, as sleep finally began to take her.