The morning light filtered softly through the small kitchen window, casting its golden glow over the familiar, homely space. The scent of freshly baked bread and simmering porridge filled the air, yet Mira couldn’t shake the heavy knot of anxiety in her stomach. It was as if the walls of the room were closing in on her. The conversation her father had started about her marriage to William some time ago still suffocating her.

Sitting at the worn wooden table, Mira stared at her half-empty bowl, her spoon swirling aimlessly in the lukewarm porridge. Her mind was a whirlwind, racing with thoughts and plans. She needed to do something, say something, to get out of this. This marriage to William wasn’t just about him—it was about everything she didn’t want for herself. She didn’t want to be bound by his desires or his family’s judgment. She didn’t want to be trapped in a life that wasn’t her own.

But how could she get out of it? She needed time. She needed to buy herself some space to think, to figure out what her next move would be. And she had to act quickly.

“Is there something on your mind, Mira?” Her mother’s voice cut through the silence, soft but with an underlying sharpness. Evelyn had been busy tending to the breakfast, flipping eggs with a practiced hand, but Mira knew her mother well enough to sense that she was already watching her. She always did.

Mira forced a smile and tried to make her voice sound as casual as possible. “No, just thinking.” She avoided her mother’s gaze, hoping the lie would pass unnoticed. She wasn’t sure if she could bear another of Evelyn’s probing questions.

Evelyn didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she gave Mira a long, evaluating look. “Thinking about what? You’ve been quiet all morning.”

Mira hesitated. Her stomach twisted in knots, and her fingers clenched the edge of her bowl. “About... the marriage,” she finally said, her voice barely a whisper.

Her mother’s face didn’t change. Evelyn had always been a master at hiding her emotions, but Mira could see the slight tension in her mother’s shoulders, the subtle tightening of her jaw. “What about it?”

Mira took a deep breath. This was it. If she was going to have any chance of stalling the marriage, it had to start now. “I... I need more time. I need to level up my class.”

Evelyn raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting that. “Level up? What are you talking about, Mira?”

“I’m only Level 1 right now,” Mira said quickly, “and I don’t want them to think I’m useless. If I can reach Level 10 before the marriage, I can prove I’m capable. I need to show them I’m not weak.” Her voice faltered, but she pressed on. “I don’t want William or his family to look down on me. Please, I need at least another year.”

Evelyn blinked, the frown on her face deepening. She didn’t respond right away, and Mira could feel her heart racing in her chest. Would her mother see through the lie? Evelyn didn’t care what anyone else thought—least of all the opinions of Mira’s future husband or his family. But Mira needed her mother’s support, and the only way to get it was to play along.

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After a long silence, Evelyn spoke, her voice level but tinged with disbelief. “Mira, what are you saying? You’re talking about delaying your marriage over a class level?”

Mira nodded, her heart thumping. She had to sell this lie, make it sound convincing. “I can’t go into this marriage like this. William is Level 34. He’s accomplished, strong. I... I don’t want to be seen as a burden. I want to be useful, to contribute. I need more time.”

Evelyn looked at her daughter, her expression unreadable for a long moment. Then, with a small sigh, she set down the spatula and wiped her hands on her apron. “Mira, you know that this marriage isn’t about your level. It’s about securing your future, about... responsibilities.”

“I understand that, Mother,” Mira said quickly. “But please. Just a year. I need to prove to myself and to them that I’m capable. That I’m not just some child.”

Evelyn’s eyes narrowed as she thought. She was quiet for so long that Mira began to wonder if she would just outright reject the idea. But then, a voice broke through the tension.

Lior, Mira’s older brother, looked up from his breakfast. He hadn’t spoken much in the past few days, but today he seemed unusually engaged. “Father should at least consider it,” he said, his voice firm but reasonable. “If Mira is serious about this, it wouldn’t hurt to let her take the time she needs. William’s at Level 34, and they’ll expect her to be more than just a pretty face.”

Mira felt a glimmer of relief. Lior might not always see eye to eye with her, but at least today, he seemed to understand. He wasn’t supporting her for the reasons she wanted, but it was enough to give her a chance.

Their father, sitting at the end of the table, set down his mug with a heavy thud, his eyes narrowing as he processed the situation. “What are you two talking about?” he asked, his voice gruff. “The marriage is already arranged. We’ve had enough discussions about it.”

Lior didn’t back down. “But if Mira feels this strongly about it, wouldn’t it be worth considering? She’s chosen a unique class, Father. This could be something important for her. It’s not like she’s asking for a ridiculous amount of time.”

Their father grunted in displeasure but seemed to consider the words. “A year, you say? That’s a long time.”

Mira, her heart pounding in her chest, took a deep breath and held her ground. “I promise I’ll work hard. I won’t waste the time. Just... please, Father.”

Evelyn watched the exchange with quiet intensity. Mira could feel her mother’s gaze on her, but Evelyn said nothing, merely allowing the conversation to unfold.

There was another long pause as her father sat back in his chair, clearly weighing the decision. The room was deathly quiet, the tension palpable. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he sighed.

“Alright, Mira,” he said, his tone begrudging but resigned. “I’ll talk to William’s family. I’ll request that they postpone the marriage for some time. I’m doing this because... well, you’ve been behaving better lately, and I do see you’ve chosen a unique and promising class.”

Mira blinked in surprise. She hadn’t expected him to agree so easily, but she knew this was only the first hurdle. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice full of relief.

Her father’s voice softened slightly. “And there’s something else. Your grandmother—my mother—has been asking about you. She’s getting older and doesn’t want to leave Siller, but she suggested that you stay with her for a time. She can teach you a thing or two. She’s good in the kitchen, and you could learn some valuable skills there. She could also use someone to help take care of her.”

Mira’s eyes widened in surprise. “Grandmother wants me to stay with her?”

“Yes,” her father said. “She says it would be good for you. And if you’re serious about your class, she can help you improve your skills. It’ll be a chance for you to focus on what’s important. And you can help her, too.”

Mira’s heart raced again, but this time it wasn’t from fear. Staying with her grandmother was an unexpected opportunity, and it might be the perfect chance to get out of this situation. She wasn’t sure how she felt about leaving, but she knew she had to consider it.

“Alright,” Mira said slowly, her mind racing. “I’ll think about it.”

Her father nodded, clearly satisfied. “Good. Take your time. But remember, Mira, this isn’t just about your level. It’s about who you are, and who you choose to become.”

Mira forced a smile. She didn’t know what the future held, but for the first time, she felt like she had some control over it. Time. Time to plan, time to think, and maybe—just maybe—time to escape.