Queen of the Ashes

Chapter Four

Prunus persica:
I am spellbound by you
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Ethan was just about to finish his book when she walked in. Just like last time she was wearing a look combined with disgust and boredom, but as her eyes landed on him annoyance soon entered the picture as well. Ethan didn't take offense as he simply waved and smiled before he dropped his gaze back to his book.

After a while the sound of someone clearing their throat snapped his focus back to reality and he looked around confused until his gaze landed on her. Today her hair was twirled into a top, a few lose straws were still hanging down, framing her freckled face. Her brows were furrowed, but eyes seemed softer than usual as if she was trying to mask that she didn't whole-heartedly hate his presence.

When she didn't say anything Ethan squeaked out a low "H-hey" and it was evident in the way his face scrunched up that he had mentally face-palmed himself for sounding so meek. The woman merely rolled her eyes before she crossed her arms.

"I read out my book" she explained, her voice making it sound like every word she uttered was painful. Ethan nodded his head slowly, hesitantly, as if urging her to carry on, which she did with a loud sigh. "I need a new novel and since you seem like you spend all your time in here you might as well help me pick one"

Ethan blinked, confused, as if he couldn't comprehend her words at first. But then his whole entire face lit up into a dazzling smile that made her roll her eyes again.

Immediately he stood up.

"O-of course!" If he wasn't so happy he would've cringed by how ecstatic and desperate he sounded, but right now his entire focus laid on finding her a new book.

"W-what do you like?" He asked and the woman couldn't help but scoff at how much he reminded her of a puppy.

"Religion"

"O-oh you're religious?"

"No" she now scoffed, as if it was the most idiot thing she'd ever heard. When Ethan tiled his head questionably she huffed and turned her gaze away from him "I'm looking for answers"

Ethan instantly turned around, leading her to an aisle.

"T-This is the religious collection, I-I haven't personally checked it out but it is divided in the type of religions and then the sub-categories under the religion are sorted alphabetically"

The woman nodded her head, eyes concentrated on the rows of books. There weren't exactly many, but just enough to keep one busy for a while. She nodded her head, dismissively, as she walked closer and began inspecting the tittles of the books.

Ethan didn't catch the dismissive attitude she was currently giving him and instead of leaving her to it he continued to bombard her with question.

"W-What religion are you interested in?"

The woman sighed, her back against him, as she closed her eyes in annoyance. Why was she even allowing him to help her when she knew he would be a pain in the ass?

Instead of ignoring him, that she had figured only made him more talkative, she answered with a low "All of them"

Ethans eyes widened. She didn't look, or more correctly act, as if she was the type of person who read Holy Scriptures. Her words lacked the whole "fear of being soaking in sins" type of vibe. But Ethan didn't judge, so instead of asking her he just nodded his head, brown curls dipping into his curious eyes scanning her back.

"W-what do you want t-to know?"

As she turned around and raised a brow, giving him a look of utter annoyance, he still didn't quite catch it as his cue to leave. So with a loud sigh she thanked him and Ethan beamed with happiness as he hurriedly told her that it was no problem at all and if she had any questions, she could ask him. The woman nodded her head before she turned around and this time Ethan took this as his cue to leave and turned around. With light steps he practically skipped to his table, filled up with new energy after helping her.