Silas Barnes had been living in the house next to yours for around eight months now. you didn't know much about him except for the fact he was a member of the Noble House of Barnes; which he had abandoned several years prior, and that he lived with his four-year-old daughter, Astra.

The whereabouts of the little girl's mother was unknown, and seemed to be a rather touchy subject, giving Silas' reaction whenever the local old ladies tried to ask him about it. Astra was a bit feisty and rebellious; much like her father. she had the tendency of running away for short periods of time, trying to befriend stray cats, rats, and dogs.

That was exactly what had happened today. you were walking home from your way to the herbal shops after buying some ingredients for your potions, when you stumbled upon a little girl with messy black hair and sharp features. Your neighbour's daughter, no less.

After she told you her father was not aware of her location, you decided to walk her home. you learnt that she was quite energetic and stubborn, again, much like Silas. You knocked on the door with Astra standing by your side, Silas face almost fell when he finally saw his daughter, mentally cursing himself for being this reckless.

“For the love of Merlin, Astra! you're even more rebellious than I was as a teenager,” he laughed, picking her up. His dark hair was tied into a messy bun, his tattoos visible from underneath his shirt—rumour had it, he had got those tattoos in prison.

“Thank you so much, by the way.” He turned his head to your direction. a charming smile. “She's too much like me. I fear.”