Miria suddenly became serious. Her gaze deepened, almost grave.
"There's something I need to talk to you about."
Asher frowned, instantly tense.
"What is it?"
Miria took a deep breath, as if gathering her courage.
"Vareck told me things… and I can't keep pretending anymore. I need to know, Asher. You owe me the truth."
Asher swallowed, visibly uncomfortable. Miria continued, her voice calm but firm:
"Every time someone calls me your girlfriend, the mention of your first love comes up. First Kira and Alix made a comment… then you, the day you taught me how to swim. I heard you clearly, even if I didn't fully understand it at the time. And when you were under the silent desire spell… and even the first time we slept together. You asked me why I hadn't taken my aphrodisiacs to keep up, talking about how tight I was… You weren't talking to me, were you?"
Asher lowered his head, his face tense. Miria gently placed her hand over his.
"I need you to tell me the truth, Asher. Yourself."
Asher let out a long breath and murmured:
"It's a long story…"