Akata stood beside the grand windows, gazing at the sprawling gardens below. His eyes held a mix of wonder and confusion, lost in everything around him.
Merindale and her mother watched him. They were at the door. 
“ Should we not give him a name? ”Merindale asked Ruby. 
“Ummm, what about Akata? ” Ruby suggested. 
“ Nooooo! That's my brother's name. You can't give it to someone else. Ummm, what about Leo? I think I will call him Leo. ” she suggested. 
“ Seemed like a nice name, ” Ruby smiled, “ I will leave you kids to yourselves. I need to tend to some work. ”
Merindale bade her goodbye before entering the space, where Akata was staying. 
“Are you feeling better ?" Her voice was soft, tinged with concern as she placed a hand on his shoulder. 
Merindale was a gracious host with an air of gentleness.He turned, meeting her gaze with a hint of melancholy dancing in his eyes. "Merindale, thank you for everything. I just wish I could remember how I ended up there.” he exclaimed, referring to the inferno from which he was rescued. 
“ Umm, you know, it was actually a little spirit that guided me there. I told nobody about her. And then I saw you curled up in there.I simply couldn't leave you there," she explained, her eyes reflecting compassion. "But you're safe now.”
Akata’s fingers traced the intricate details of the palace walls. "It's all so unfamiliar, yet something about this place feels like home."
Merindale smiled gently, the warmth of her expression lighting up the room. "Sometimes, the heart knows what the mind can't grasp.You have been up here all day. Come on. Let me take you for a walk.'' 
She grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the castle. As they strolled through the palace gardens, a gentle breeze carried the scent of blossoms. The air seemed to hum with unspoken words.
Akata glanced at Merindale, a spark of admiration in his eyes. "You've been so kind to me, Merindale. I wish I could repay your kindness."
Her laughter rang melodiously. "Your company is all the repayment I need, Leo.”
Akata paused. 
“ Leo? ” he repeated. 
“ Yeah. Do you like the name? I decided to call you by this name since you don't remember your original one. I can change if you want. ”
“ It does the job, ” Akata resumed walking forward, with Merindale jogging by his side. 
Their steps led them to a secluded alcove adorned with flowers.
Merindale sat down amongst it, feeling the petals and taking a lot of sniffs. Akata sat beside her. 
As Akata turned to face Merindale, their eyes locked in. 
After a few awkward moments of silent staring, Akata finally spoke, "I feel like I've known you forever." His voice was hardly above a whisper, carrying a vulnerability that mirrored the blossoming encircling them. 
Merindale's cheeks flushed with a soft pink hue. She didn't know the right word for this newfound feeling in her heart. 
"Perhaps some connections transcend time.”
She said it exactly how it felt. 
Their gazes lingered, speaking volumes beyond words.Amidst fragrant blooms, their hearts danced to a rhythm only they could hear.
Akata reached out, hesitating for a moment, his hand hovering in the space between them. With a gentle resolve, he brushed a stray lock of hair from Merindale's face, tucking it behind her ear.
“You're unlike anyone I've ever met…I think. Tough I don't remember anybody.Not in this life, " he confessed, his touch feather-light.
Merindale's breath caught at his gesture, her heart skipped several beats. 
“ Perhaps fate brought you here for a reason.”
Merindale had no idea what she was saying at that point. 
Their proximity intensified.
Akata's hand found its way to hers, their fingers intertwined quite naturally, as though they were pieces of a puzzle finding their perfect match.
“I may have lost my memories, but being here with you feels like discovering something precious all over again," Akata admitted, his voice soft yet resolute.
“ Or maybe this is your chance to create new memories , ones that surpass any lost in time.Together with me if you want. I would love to be beside you, that is, if you want me.”Merindale said. 
Time seemed to stand still for them.
The soft sounds of leaves moving and birds singing far away created a beautiful background for this growing fondness between them. It was like a magical music that matched how well they connected and understood each other even though it had only been a day since they met. 
The fading daylight embraced them in a soft, amber glow.
He gazed into her eyes, his heart echoing the sentiment.
"There's a comfort in your presence, as if being with you is where I belong.”
Merindale said what he was thinking, aloud. Her smile was a beacon of reassurance.Their hearts beat in a synchronous rhythm, as if the universe conspired to align their souls.
Akata's fingers traced a delicate path along Merindale's arm, a gentle touch that sent shivers down her spine. She giggled softly, her laughter like the tinkling of wind chimes in the night.
"Ticklish, are we?" He teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he continued the playful exploration of her skin.Merindale squirmed, trying to stifle her laughter. "Perhaps a little," she admitted, her cheeks flushed. Akata leaned in closer, a playful grin tugging at his lips. "I'll have to remember that," he teased.
Their breaths mingled as he stayed like that for a minute. 
The smile on their lips unwavering,relishing the joy of their playful banter.
Akata's thumb traced delicate circles on the back of Merindale's hand,Merindale leaned in closer, her breath grazing his cheek as she whispered, "Your touch feels familiar, like a melody I've known for eternity.”
He knew she was right. 
He knew he had felt it before. 
But he failed to remember where. 
With a bold move, he traced the curve of Merindale's waist.With his fingers lingering,his watched her closely, trying hard to walk down his lost memory lane, leaving a trail of tingling sensations in their wake.Their eyes locked,as if acknowledging the unspoken desire blooming in their hearts.
Merindale's breath hitched slightly, a subtle gasp escaping her lips at the tantalizing sensation. Her hand found its way to the nape of his neck, her touch delicate yet filled with an unspoken invitation.
Akata's thumb traced the outline of her lips, a tender gesture that spoke of unspoken yearning. A soft sigh escaped Merindale's lips, her eyelids fluttering closed at the delicate caress.
“Your touch," she whispered, her voice a hushed melody in the night, "it awakens something within me.”
Akata immediately backed off. It wasn't something he used to hear at the moment, it seemed. 
However, he kept watching Merindale closely. 
His gaze held an intensity perhaps demanding a silent affirmation of the unspoken connection they shared. 
Merindale only had to look up. 
 With a gentle pull, he drew her closer, their bodies moving in sync, attuned to the desire woven into the fabric of the forbidden night.
Akata’s hand gently cupped Merindale's cheek,a gentle embrace, further pulling Merindale closer. 
“ You are a princess. I am no more than a pauper. We are no match. This is nothing more than our bodies growing up.Hormones and it's imbalances. You cannot be like this around any boy. You understand? ”
Merindale looked hurt even though she did not push him away. 
She held his wrists. 
“ Do you think so low of me? You think I am so easy around any other boy? ”
Akata let go of her cheeks and moved back. 
“ I am sorry. I didn't mean it that way. I don't know. It must be the medicines or my head. I don't think I am in the right state of mind. ”
He tried to apologize. 
Merindale moved in closer and held his hands. 
“ Don't think too much about it. We are just getting started. I just found you. I am not letting you go anytime soon. ”
Merindale smiled before standing up to leave. 
“ It's getting cold. Let's go inside, ” She offered her hand. But Akata did not take it. 
He stood up on his own.
“ The cold doesn't bother me, ” he dusted his hand and began walking. 
“ And neither did the heat, ” Merindale observed, following closely behind. 
*****
Xie and Ruby watched the two of them walk back inside. 
“ It's just like old times, isn't it? The two of them, playing together? Alas! ” She heaved a long sigh, “ If only Mia was around, everything would be so different. ”
“ We need to send Merindale back. She will lose a year if she stays home. ” Xie stated. 
“ Of course we will. I was thinking, why don't we send Akata as well? I mean it will only be for the best if we get him admitted under his new name. He will learn to use his powers under a controlled atmosphere. We cannot afford another impulsive power blast from him. Can we? ” Ruby put in. 
Xie nodded, “ You are right. Get the papers ready. We will be leaving tomorrow. ”