I walked home, that meeting had put me in such awe that I never imagined it. That mysterious attitude of Bastian combined with the fact that he had rescued me without knowing me put me in an uncomfortable position. I knew I would have to at least pay him back but how was I going to do that? Such a rich man who lacks nothing would never accept a gift from someone of my social class.

There was nothing else to do, I would wait for the next delivery to apologize to him and thank him again, that way we would be even.

I thought back to those eyes for all the people, the way he looked at me was different from what I was used to. All the other customers looked at me with disdain, as if I meant less than nothing to them. Bastian, on the other hand, looked at me as if he saw something more in me, looked at me as if he had a person in front of him.

I know it may sound strange however it was normal for us poor class people to be seen as objects.

Over the next few days I continued to think about that enigmatic, mysterious and strangely fascinating figure.

I continued to work for Lady Bipot and my life returned to normal, the usual alternating rhythm between home and work. I could not allow myself distractions, my brothers needed me also because the little money we earned was used to repay debts.

We saw our mother less and less, she seemed to have taken on new clients but we were not allowed to go to the dating house where she worked.

Summer was approaching and the heavy, humid city air was becoming stifling. I would have given anything to be able to take a trip to the countryside like the ladies of high society but, of course, I couldn't afford it.

One evening I was on my way home, it was very late, I had been late at the tailor's shop working on a suit I had to deliver. I noticed I was being followed but I didn't run, my legs ached from standing too much and I didn't have the energy to pick up the pace.

I would have been doomed, I knew that the drunks in the area were not friendly to women walking around alone at night. I hoped with all my heart to get away and make it home safely but my pursuers were now only a few steps away from me.

A mysterious figure dressed in dark clothes appeared before me. I immediately recognized those eyes, one black that seemed to absorb the light itself and the other emerald green that seemed to reflect the moonlight.

"Bastian" I thought excitedly. I quickly covered the distance between us, hoping that at least he would be able to keep me safe. It would be another favor I would have to repay him but at that moment I didn't care.

«Miss good evening, do you need help?» he said alluding to the men who were still following me.

«Please Mr. Bastian, I don't know who they are and I won't be able to outrun them alone» I begged.

«Close your eyes Miss, it will all be over in a moment» he murmured. His rough voice rang like a sweet melody to my ears so I obeyed. I turned and put my hands over my eyes but not before noticing that he was removing the mask from his face.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

A few seconds later a hand rested on my shoulder, I gasped in fright but took courage and removed my hands from my eyes. Bastian was there, his mask still on his face but of those who were following me there was no sign.

«Don't worry, I think they won't bother you anymore» he said in a calm and quiet voice. It seemed as if he had made no effort, his clothes had not creased and the hat he was wearing seemed to have remained in place.

«I thank you infinitely, this is already the second time you have saved my life and I don't know how I can ever repay you» I admitted sadly, it was true I didn't know how I would do it but a m

«Allow me just to escort you home, Miss Coral. If I know you're safe, my heart will be at peace» he declared taking my hand and, as if it were his own home, brushed it with his lips. My heart skipped and a shiver ran down my spine, no man had ever been so gallant towards me, I wasn't used to it.

I agreed, even though I didn't want him to see the conditions I was living in. On the way he didn't say a word, he walked with his arms behind his back, often looking around. I was really curious to know what he was thinking, he was smiling but that aura of mystery that surrounded him seemed to give him an almost evil air.

We arrived at our destination shortly afterwards and, without further ado, he greeted me on the doorstep, I watched him walk away until he was completely camouflaged with the night. I couldn't sleep a wink, the thought of that man so fascinating and mysterious at the same time tormented me.

The next morning a letter arrived at our house, my brothers took it and then passed it on to me since I was the only one in the family who could read. Lady Bipot had taught me a few months ago and I was so excited about it that I was teaching Jonathan, Michael and Paul myself.

That letter was addressed to me personally and was dated the day before, the sender must have paid really well to have it delivered in such a short time. I opened it and read it, almost breathless. It had been written by Mr. Bastian, and he was inviting me for tea that very afternoon. I stared at the letter without speaking despite the children's constant questions.

I rushed to get ready, I didn't know what to expect but I still chose the best dress I had available. I had worn it only on one other occasion when, by some miracle, we were able to go to see the opera at the theater.

I said goodbye to my brothers in a hurry and set off quickly. The dress I was wearing was dark green with midnight blue embroidery, the matching gloves and hat were really a touch of class. I stopped the first carriage I came across, but after checking the little money I had, I decided to continue on foot.

Luckily I had left well in advance so when I arrived, I was right on time.

The maid from the previous time opened the door for me and made me sit in the house. Bastian joined us shortly afterwards and was even more charming than usual. The midnight blue silk shirt matched perfectly with the jacket and trousers a few shades darker.

«Miss, welcome, I hope you don't run away this time» he said, smiling.

«Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Bastian» I replied, trying not to look him in the eye. He offered me a walk in the garden that I gladly accepted, the day was clear and, despite the heat, there was a pleasant summer breeze.

We walked for a long time and then reached a gazebo where a butler was waiting for us with the table set and tea ready to be served. Despite the pleasant company there was always that aura of mystery around Bastian, I couldn't decipher his gaze because of the mask but I was intrigued by it.

«Forgive me, can I ask you why you always wear that mask?» I asked without thinking too much, curiosity was growing more and more and I knew that I would not rest until I found out.

«I can't tell you Coral, at least not for now» he replied with a hint of a smile. I probably said something I shouldn't have said as the atmosphere suddenly turned cold.

He looked me straight in the eyes and there was a tired light in his gaze, it seemed as if he wanted to literally tear me apart at any moment. That exchange of glances lasted only a moment, but it was more than enough to terrify me.