Meanwhile, at Asher's, Miria was finishing getting dressed for her workout when her phone buzzed. She answered without checking the caller ID.
— "Hello?"
— "How are you, Miria?" Marlie's voice asked.
— "I'm fine, don't worry."
— "Oh really?" Marlie said doubtfully. "And why did you go stay with an old friend of your mother's without telling anyone?"
Miria sighed.
— "Listen, Marlie... I just needed to take a breather, to recharge. It's nothing."
— "All right," Marlie replied, feigning calm. "Then I'll come over there. We'll talk about it face to face."
— "No!" Miria replied with a panicked start, before resuming her tone in a calmer tone: "I mean... No, it's not necessary. We can meet at our favorite restaurant after class. Okay?"
There was a moment of silence.
— "Okay..." Marlie finally relented, suspicious but relieved to be able to see her.
She hung up.
Asher walked in at that moment and saw Miria's worried expression.
— "Is everything okay?"
— "Let's just say there won't be a session this afternoon. I have to go see Marlie to reassure her, otherwise... things will get complicated."
Asher raised an eyebrow, amused.
— "I understand. She's worried, that's normal. She cares about you."
— "Yes, but she has no idea of the danger. And she mustn't have any," Miria said, her eyes dark.