[Volume 1] Chapter 6- Familiar surrounding...

On the balcony, Kiera found a momentary escape from the stifling heaviness inside the house. Yet, even in the open air, memories clung to her like shadows, trapping her in their relentless grip.

Her eyelids shut, shutting out the world's noises as she surrendered to the overwhelming despair pressing down on her. Tears flowed freely down her cheeks, each drop carrying a weight of sorrow she could no longer contain.

In that fragile moment, a choked sob escaped her lips, a poignant blend of anguish and yearning echoing through the tranquil evening.

It wasn't just a cry; it was a release, a catharsis of emotions suppressed for too long. The gentle breeze whisked away her lament, blending it with the distant hum of the city.

As Kiera knelt there, vulnerable and exposed, a voice interrupted her thoughts, "Kiera..."

Startled, she turned her head to see a man rushing towards her, his hand reaching out to grasp her face gently but urgently.

"W-what happened? Why are you crying?" His voice trembled with worry as he looked into her eyes, his own filled with concern.

His short black hair and beard framed a face that mirrored her distress, his black pupils reflecting genuine worry and care as he searched her face for answers.

Kiera, seeing Lucas, felt a surge of emotion, her tears flowing more freely now. Without hesitation, she reached out and pulled him into a tight embrace, her voice trembling with hiccups as she whispered his name, "Lu...cas."

Caught off guard by the sudden hug, Lucas hesitated for a moment before returning the embrace, holding her close as she clung to him.

In that moment, Kiera found a small measure of relief, knowing that this was no dream; Lucas, her best friend, was real and here with her.

Lucas was not just a friend; he was her lifeline in this unfamiliar city, the one person who saw beyond her role as a servant or a mistress, seeing her for who she truly was—Kiera.

Lucas, taken aback by Kiera's display of vulnerability, was surprised. He knew Kiera as someone strong and resilient, not one to break down so easily.

Patting her back gently, he tried to soothe her, his voice tinged with a teasing tone to lighten the mood.

"What happened, cockroach? Why are you crying like this?" .

As Lucas teased her, calling her "cockroach," Kiera couldn't help but react playfully. With a mock offended expression, she lightly swatted his arm.

"Who are you calling cockroach?" she retorted with a hint of laughter in her voice, a playful glint in her eyes.

Lucas grinned mischievously, enjoying their banter. "Only the most resilient and stubborn cockroach I know," he replied, earning a playful glare from Kiera.

As their playful banter settled, Lucas's expression turned more serious, his eyes reflecting genuine concern.

"But seriously, Kiera, what's been weighing on you lately? You know you can talk to me about anything," he said, his tone gentle yet firm.

Kiera's eyes glistened with unshed tears, reflecting the emotional turmoil within her.

With a deep breath, she wiped away the moisture from her cheeks, willing herself to regain composure.

Lucas watched her quietly, his gaze filled with understanding and compassion. He waited patiently, giving her the space she needed to gather her thoughts.

After a moment, Kiera straightened her posture, a determined expression settling on her features.

She met Lucas's gaze with renewed resolve, a faint but determined smile playing on her lips.

Kiera's lips curved into a mischievous smile as she playfully retorted, "You mucus... it's nothing," her eyes twinkling with a familiar teasing glint.

Lucas couldn't help but chuckle at her choice of words, a warm amusement lighting up his features.

"Ah, the classic 'mucus' comeback," he remarked with a grin, his eyes crinkling at the corners in affectionate amusement.

Kiera's playful smile faltered as Lucas's expression shifted from amusement to concern.

His eyes, once filled with warmth, now held a mixture of worry and seriousness as he broached a sensitive topic.

"I know... you're scared to go to Valhale house, right?" Lucas's voice was gentle yet probing, his words resonating with an understanding of Kiera's inner fears.

As soon as he mentioned the name, "Valhale house," Kiera's features transformed. The playful glint in her eyes vanished, replaced by a shadow of fear that crept into her expression.

Her smile faded, replaced by a flicker of apprehension that clouded her features.

The mention of the Valhale name sent a shiver down Kiera's spine, a name that held the power to unravel the fragile peace she had painstakingly built.

It was a name that carried the weight of past traumas, the echoes of a life once shattered.

Lucas, seeing the fear etched on Kiera's face, acted swiftly. He gently shook her shoulders, his voice filled with concern.

"Kiera, Kiera, what happened? Are you alright?"Kiera, jolted out of her thoughts, blinked rapidly as she came back to the present.

She met Lucas's worried gaze, her own eyes reflecting a mixture of fear and determination.

Kiera's voice quivered slightly as she spoke, "I... I am okay."

Lucas, however, sensed the underlying tension in her words and the unspoken emotions behind them.

He looked at her intently, his expression calm yet firm. "If you don't want to say, then don't say, but don't lie to me," he said in a gentle yet assertive tone.

Kiera met his gaze, her eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and reluctance.

She appreciated his concern and his willingness to listen, yet she also grappled with the memories that threatened to overwhelm her.

"I won't lie to you, Lucas," she replied, her voice steadier now but still carrying a hint of vulnerability.

"It's just... difficult to talk about."Lucas nodded understandingly, respecting her boundaries while silently offering his support. "I understand, Kie...",

"Lucas were are you?",The sudden interruption startled both Kiera and Lucas.

A woman's voice echoed through the room, calling out to Lucas. They exchanged a quick glance, understanding passing between them, before turning their attention towards the door.

Lucas nodded at Kiera, silently communicating their shared understanding of the situation.

"I'll be right there," he called back to the woman, his tone calm but decisive.

Kiera watched as Lucas made his way towards the door, a sense of gratitude and reassurance lingering in her gaze.