Chapter 199
Time seemed to slip away without notice.
It was time for Millie and Myron's third date.
This time, they met on a small island just fifteen minutes from Crobert.
The island often hosted public events.
In recent days, there had been a steady stream of activity, sparking curiosity about what was taking place there.
Even Millie had heard the rumors.
But when Myron picked her up, she finally understood. Everything happening on the island had been planned for her.
As they boarded the boat, she glanced at him and asked, "Isn't this a bit extravagant?"
He smiled. "It's not just the two of us."
That only deepened her curiosity.
They set off at dusk. The sun hung low, casting crimson light across the water. Fifteen minutes later,they arrived.
They walked a short distance and turned a corner.What Millie saw left her speechless.
The street ahead looked likesomething from a dream. Crystals lined the path. Smoke from the burning exotic herbs and spices floated in the air, its scent rich and mysterious. All kinds of strange and beautiful sights surrounded them.
Just past the entrance, something caught Millie's eye.
A man in a wizard's robe stood beneath a lantern. He performed tricks with ease, pulling objects from nowhere. At one point, a glowing ring appeared in his hand, and with a flick, it turned into several balloons tied on a string.
Millie watched closely, trying to see how he did it.
Before she could figure it out, he bowed and handed her the balloons.
She turned to Myron, only to realize he had vanished while she was distracted by the magic show.
The string of balloons was already in her hand.
The scent of herbs and spices drifted closer. From a nearby window, a stream of bubbles floated out,surrounding her.
In the glow of the setting sun, the scene felt like something out of a fairy tale.
Holding the string of balloons in one hand, Millie reached out with the other to poke the colorful bubbles.
One large bubble, wrapped in several smaller ones,burst softly. A man appeared where it had been.
He wore a black suit and a half-mask. White gloves covered his hands, and he held a top hat.
He turned the hat upside down and showed her that it was empty.
Once he had her attention, he reached toward her shoulder, pulled something invisible from the air,and dropped it into the hat.
A moment later, he lifted out a white dove. Its wings flapped against the wind.
"Wow," Millie whispered. She had seen the hat was empty.
The man placed the dove gently on her shoulder.It settled there without fear and began to co0.
She moved slightly, but it didn't fly away.
Just then, a sharp snap of fingers made her turn.
The magician smiled at her.
Again, he turned the hat over and showed it was empty.
This time, he reached toward her other shoulder and repeated the motion.
He dug into the hat, moving his hand as though searching for something hidden.
A soft breeze passed through. Bubbles drifted by in its wake. From inside the hat, he pulled out a half-mask. It sparkled with colorful gems.
He tipped the hat once more. Petals spilled out and floated to the ground. Then he bowed and offered the mask to Millie.
She hesitated for a moment, but then took it.
When he straightened, another snap of fingers brought forth a folded paper. It appeared on his chest and fluttered in place. She read the words,"Would you wear it for me?"
The handwriting was familiar.
She looked at the figure before her and smiled.
"Okay," she said softly, placing the mask over her face.
The man watched her, his eyes warm.
When the mask was in place, he removed the paper.
With a flick ofhis hand, the paper caught fire. Its glow lit up Millie's face.
As the flames vanished, a red rose appeared in his hand.
He bowed again and offered it to her.
The rose glowed in the soft light. Its scent mingled perfectly with the herbs and spices. Around them,bubbles shimmered, and the dove cooed gently on her shoulder.
She stared at the rose. Something about the moment felt familiar, as though she had seen it before.
"Could you accept it?" he asked.
Millie smiled, shaking off the strange feeling.
She took the rose, still wondering how he had made it appear.
Then he extended his right hand.
"My dear lady, may I have the pleasure of showing you around the island?" It was Myron's voice.
"Certainly," she replied, ready to take his hand.
But one of her hands held the rose, and the other held the balloons.
He glanced at the balloons. She understood and released the string.
They floated upward. He took her hand.
Their eyes met, both smiling.
He led her into the crowd.
The sun had dipped below the horizon. The island shifted intonight.
Their first stop was a boutique known for its detailed designs.
As they arrived, a staff member stepped forward.
"Miss Bennett?" the woman said with a smile."Please come with us."
Millie glanced at Myron. He nodded.
She followed the staff member inside.
They dressed her in a gown covered in gemstones.It matched the half-mask perfectly. The woman in the mirror looked radiant.
When Millie stepped outside, the magician was gone,but a man stood waiting. His clothes matched hers perfectly.
"Myron?" she called out.
She already knew it was him.
"It's me," he answered.
He held out his hand again. She placed hers in his.
They walked back to the street.
In the short time Millie had changed, night had fully arrived.
Now the island shimmered with unusual lights.Lamps glowed beside trails of floating smoke. They flickered like stars.
If viewed from the sky, the lights would spell out one name.Millie.