Miracles | 𝔐𝔞𝔤𝔫𝔦𝔣𝔦𝔠𝔢𝔫𝔱 ℭ𝔢𝔫𝔱𝔲𝔯𝔶

part sixteen

Mila stood in the small room she had been staying in at the Antonovas mansion, carefully folding her clothes and placing them into her bag. Though the past few days had been pleasant, filled with new experiences and a bit of luxury, she knew it was time to move on. She had always known this was just a stop on their journey—not the final destination.

As she tucked away her sketchbook, Mila glanced out the window, her mind already drifting to the road ahead. Leo had been the same, restless and ready to continue on their path. They had talked the night before, agreeing that they couldn't stay in Poland much longer. Their goal was still far ahead, in the lands of the Ottoman Empire, and lingering here wouldn't bring them any closer.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door. Mila turned to see Irina standing in the doorway, her usual confidence replaced by a hesitant expression.

"You're packing," Irina said, her voice low, as if she had already known the answer before she even asked.

Mila nodded. "Yes, Leo and I are leaving tomorrow. We need to keep going if we're going to make it to our destination."

Irina stepped further into the room, her arms folded across her chest. "I suppose I knew this was coming," she said with a sigh. "But... you've both been good company. It's going to be a bit boring around here without you two."

Mila smiled at her, pausing in her packing. "You've been wonderful to us, Irina. Truly. But you knew from the start we couldn't stay forever. There's still so much more we need to do."

Irina bit her lip, seeming to wrestle with something internally. Then, with a sudden burst of resolve, she blurted out, "I want to come with you."

Mila blinked in surprise. "What?"

"I said, I want to come with you," Irina repeated, her tone more assured now. "I've lived here all my life. It's always the same faces, the same conversations, the same routines. You and Leo are out there chasing adventure, seeing the world, doing things I've never even dreamed of. I'm tired of just watching. I want to experience it for myself."

Mila stared at her, a grin slowly spreading across her face. "Are you serious?"

Irina laughed, a little nervously. "I've never been more serious. I know it sounds ridiculous, but... don't you think it would be exciting? I could be useful! I have money, I know people, and I'm not afraid of a little adventure."

Mila's heart warmed at the thought. Irina had started as an unexpected companion, and now here she was, ready to join their journey. "I think that would be amazing," Mila said with a wide smile. "Leo might be a little shocked, but I'm sure he'll come around. I'd love to have you with us."

Irina's face lit up with excitement. "Good! It's settled then. I'll pack my things tonight. I can't wait."

Mila laughed softly as she closed her bag. "This is going to be quite the journey," she said, almost to herself. She had come here expecting to leave with just Leo by her side, but now, with Irina joining them, it felt like they were setting off on something even bigger than before.

That night, Mila sat by the window, her packed bag by her side, and gazed out at the moonlit sky. Tomorrow, the road would call again, and with Irina along for the ride, she had no doubt their adventure was only just beginning.