Chapter 97

Irina:

Flashback:

“Hi,” I said, smiling at the man who stood in front of a rose bush. It was one that I loved, I took care of it myself.

“Hello,” he said, turning to face me. His eyes were grim, and if anything, I would say that he was angry. Though what he was angry about, I had no way of finding out.

“Do you want a flower? I grew them myself.” I said, and he raised an eyebrow.

“You are willing to kill a flower just to give it to me?” He asked, and I smiled.

“It doesn’t count as killing it, though. Flowers are there to make others happy, and you don’t seem very happy. I figure to give you one to make you smile.” I said, and the man nodded. I picked one flower and careful not to cut my finger, plucked it before handing it to him. “Now, you are going to tell the flower your name, and its scent would give you the happiness of all the world.”

“Auditore, Bartolomeo Auditore.” He said, and I nodded.

“Irina,” I said, extending a hand to him. “Why are you out here on your own? I saw you with