บท 94: Years of hunger

Irene was frightened to see the cauldron lighting up with a fire on its own without anyone even touching it and she looked at the man who was holding her questioningly.

"What's happening? How did the cauldron light up with fire?" 

Kieran looked down at her in worry and fright, an expression she had never seen on her face before he pulled her face to his chest, pressing her cheek close to his heart. "Do not leave me again. Please." 

"What?" Irene was baffled by his words and she raised her head to stare at him.

"Please do not leave me. I got you after a long time. I cannot let you leave me. I cannot afford to." He cried, his heartbroken expression sending tremors of pain through Irene's heart.

"What's happening? And why are you speaking that way? What am I missing?" She almost shouted. In her worry, she completely forgot her father and her cousin who were looking at her mortified.