chapter 19

THOUGHTS KEPT ON BOTHERING me for days. I currently sat on the edge of my bed as I stared at the photographs I had taken in the forbidden room. Even though it's been days since we got back after escaping the confines of the academy, I am still consumed by my intrusive conclusions. I mean, after we got back to the academy, the situation between me, Miss Alice, and the rest of the orphans was awkward. But as the days went by, mundane things seemed to come back inside the walls of Miss Alice's foster home. The routine, interactions, chores—everything. Also, I couldn't help but feel lightheaded because I uncovered a lot of things the moment I escaped, from Giusseppi's cryptic words to Lucy's twins. Still, I kept my guard high because I could never decipher each person I'm with inside the academy, not even Mamori, knowing I deeply knew her since we were kids.

My eyes scanned through each photo in my hand until it eventually landed on the photo of the man with past-shoulder-length hair. For some reason, he sent shivers down my spine. A voice whispered in my mind, as if carried by the wind, "You are our salvation." Weird, I know, but still he's part of the puzzle I must solve.

I traced my finger over his face on the photograph, trying to make sense of the connection between him and the dreams that recurred in my nights. My attention shifted to the other photos afterwards, with the younger Miss Alice, Augustus, and Leo staring back at me. The memory of Lucy's confession at her cabin drifted into my thoughts. Augustus was indeed her missing son. I was right. But still, the relationship between the man in my dreams, Miss Alice and Lucy, and Augustus and Leo remained a mystery.

A knot formed in the pit of my stomach, a feeling that I was on the precipice of unraveling the dark secrets that shrouded the orphanage. Yet, the pieces of the puzzle remained difficult to catch, slipping through my fingers like sand. The piece of blank paper slid under my floor as I continued staring at the images. I took it and smelled the faint scent of citrus still lingering on the paper. For what it's worth, I have no idea what this paper is. But as I was about to scribble on it, a sudden sound of footsteps approaching my door tore me from my thoughts, and I quickly hid the photos beneath my bed in a small box. I don't want anyone to know I took something out of the forbidden room anyway.

I hurried downstairs after being told by Eli where the gifted orphans were being assigned to their daily chores. Sebastian paired me with Noelle to clean the upper floor as I walked near the living room. My instincts screamed at me to keep my distance from her. I had known from the beginning that she harbored a strong dislike for me. My cold demeanor made it easy to avoid interaction, and I focused solely on the task at hand.

As we scrubbed the floors in silence, the tension between us hung heavy in the air. I could feel the weight of Noelle's gaze on me; her eyes were like daggers in my back. After a while, she broke the silence, her voice dripping with disdain.

"Why do I have to work with you out of all the other orphans?" she sneered, her dark eyes narrowing. I gritted my teeth, my patience wearing thin, but held my tongue.

As I scrubbed the floor of the hallway, my mind again wandered back to the forbidden room and the photos I took. Miss Alice's demeanor flashed in my eyes, stirring up a whirlwind of thoughts and confusion. It could also be that she's just putting up a facade to make it look like she's a kind person.

As I was thinking deeply, lost in my contemplation, I failed to notice the bucket slipping from my grasp until it crashed to the ground, water splattering across the freshly cleaned tiles. Noelle groaned upon seeing the water running down the floor. She hissed at me, her eyes closing in like daggers darting in my direction.

"Watch it!" Noelle's sharp voice cut through the air, her irritation palpable as she glared at me from across the hall.

I sighed inwardly, bracing myself for the possible confrontation. Noelle had disliked me since, her disdain evident in every glance and snide remark. And I mean, I do not care. Not a single ounce. But today, I couldn't find it in me to engage in her petty grievances.

"Sorry," I murmured, focusing on mopping up the spilled water.

"Sorry won't cut it," Noelle hissed, her tone dripping with disdain. "You're always causing trouble, always lost in your own little world. It's like you don't even care about anyone else."

I remained silent, refusing to rise to her bait. I sure was confused about what she was saying. Deep down, I knew that Noelle's dislike stemmed from her own insecurities and her need to belittle others to feel better about herself. I mean, that's the only thing I could think of. But today, I couldn't muster the energy to defend myself against her venomous words.

Ignoring her continued tirade, I continued to clean up the mess, my thoughts still consumed by the mysteries of Miss Alice's past and the secrets waiting to be uncovered. Noelle's animosity was nothing compared to the weight of the truth I sought. And before my temper could get the better of me, the muffled voice of an elder matron echoed through the orphanage, announcing that lunch would soon be served. Relief washed over me, and I allowed myself a moment to breathe, grateful for the reprieve.

As we finished our chores, Noelle and I made our way down the stairs. I was inching closely to the staircase when she purposefully collided with my shoulder, causing me to stumble slightly. I regained my balance quickly, but her icy glare told me everything I needed to know.

"Sorry," I muttered, though I knew the words would fall on deaf ears. I don't need to apologize, but why bother?

Noelle scoffed, her disdain evident as she looked me up and down. "You're always in the way. And mind you, I don't like it."

Her words stung, though I tried my best not to show it. It was petty, I knew, to let Noelle's dislike affect me so deeply. But as she continued to berate me, accusing me of causing trouble since the moment I arrived at the orphanage, a seed of doubt wormed its way into my mind.

Was there truth to her accusations? Had I unknowingly brought trouble upon myself and those around me?

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't realize that Noelle had mentioned Miss Alice until it was too late. "The only thing Miss Alice ever worried about was you," she spat, her words like venom.

I froze, my heart skipping a beat at the revelation. Miss Alice had never shown any favoritism towards me, at least not that I was aware of. Had I been blind to her concern all this time?

But before I could process Noelle's words further, she had already stormed off, leaving me to ponder the implications of her accusations in silence.

She's so hostile towards me, and I don't even understand why.

***

I settled into my usual spot at the long wooden dining table, right next to the ever-smiling Mamori. The moment Miss Alice took her place at the center of the table, the matrons began to serve a banquet fit for kings. The aroma of the various dishes wafted through the air, causing my stomach to growl in anticipation.

"Patience, children," Miss Alice reminded us, her eyes twinkling. "We'll all eat together."

When everyone else had already settled, she gave a gentle nod, giving us the signal to start. "Enjoy your meal," she said.

As we began to dig in, I looked at each and every one of the orphans around the dining table. I looked to my right and saw Eli teasing Aria. He offered her a juicy slice of meat with a sly grin, knowing full well that she's a vegetarian. At the same time, Aria's eyes narrowed as she shook her head.

"You know I don't eat meat," she said.

Eli persisted, though, nudging the meat closer to her plate. In an attempt to avoid the unwanted offering, Aria accidentally knocked over her glass of water, spilling its contents onto her meal.

Annoyed, she retaliated by tipping over Eli's plate, but Eli was quick enough to evade, staining Wallace's meticulously pressed shirt with gravy in the process. Wallace, on the other hand, gasped, his face turning a shade of crimson as he rushed to rinse the spot away. In his haste, he jostled the table, causing several other plates to topple over. The perfectionist in the household tried to rinse off the stain, but because it settled in his white cloth, he cried.

The dining hall erupted into laughter and chaos as the other orphans, aside from Bryce, Noelle, and myself, began to cause an impromptu food fight. Bryce simply observed the madness from a safe distance, his expression nonchalant. Noelle, on the other hand, left the dining area with an air of disapproval. The matrons, however, weren't amused. Not even a bit. They began to scold the orphans, but Miss Alice intervened, her voice calm and soothing.

"Let them have their fun."

"But, Lady Alice," Maggie said, but before she could even speak, Miss Alice looked at her with a cheerful smile.

"Just look at them; aren't they enjoying themselves?" She laughed. Martha was amused, but Maggie wasn't.

"Aren't we going to stop them? "Maggie asked.

"Let them enjoy their food fight. We rarely do that anyway," Miss Alice said, darting in my direction as she winked. Odd.

As if on cue, little Molly accidentally flung a handful of spaghetti in Miss Alice's direction. The orphans gasped, expecting the worst. But before the pasta could make contact, Miss Alice raised her hand, creating an invisible force that stopped the spaghetti in its tracks. The dining hall went silent, all eyes on Miss Alice. The bubble wrapped the spaghetti, causing it to float before Miss Alice placed it back on Molly's plate. She then simply resumed eating, as if nothing had happened. The orphans exchanged glances and, after a few moments, slowly returned to their seats, their laughter now replaced by silence.

"See? "Miss Alice said, amused. And Martha and Maggie just shared glances.

Minutes passed by, and the hum of conversation filled the dining area in Miss Alice's orphanage. I sat at the long wooden table, absentmindedly pushing my peas around my plate as I observed the lively bunch of kids I now called family. The large, creaky door grated open, and Sebastian entered with Augustus by his side not long after. Sebastian's eyes then scanned the room as he transformed back into the form of an owl, feathers receding into the skin of his humanoid form. Augustus nodded at him and the matrons before turning his attention to Miss Alice—as if they were communicating.

By this time, Miss Alice had finished her meal, her delicate hands folded neatly on her lap. Augustus leaned down to whisper something in her ear, and she nodded solemnly. With a warm smile, she addressed us all: "Children, please eat well and behave. Augustus and I need to discuss something privately."

With that, the three of them left the dining area, their steps echoing down the hallway. An inexplicable feeling gnawed at me, urging me to follow. I quickly excused myself from the table, but nobody even cared, so I left behind my half-eaten meal, trailing Miss Alice and the others at a safe distance.

I then saw them enter a vacant room near the library; the door was left slightly ajar. I pressed myself against the wall as I strained to listen. Augustus' voice filtered through the crack, though, his words laced with worry. "Sebastian located a helpless gifted in a nearby town while flying outside the orphanage's perimeter. He saw them spying and capturing photographs of the young boy."

Miss Alice's demeanor changed instantly, her voice sharpening with determination. "Where did you see him?"

"The town of Coveland," Sebastian replied. Miss Alice seemed to be distraught. "He's around ten, I think?"

As I continued to listen, I decided to peek into the space where the door was opened. Curiosity piqued, and I pressed myself against the wall, listening intently to the conversation they were having.

"The kid was scared and alone. And I thought to myself, no, we can't just leave him out there," Sebastian said, his accent coming through his words.

Miss Alice's gentle voice responded, filled with concern. "I understand, but we have to be cautious. We can't risk exposing ourselves more, not after what happened last time. I just couldn't risk the safety of our kids in here."

She might be referring to the attack by the man in black who intruded on the premises.

Augustus chimed in, his tone serious. "Miss Alice is right."

There was a moment of silence before Miss Alice spoke again, her voice resolute. "We'll proceed cautiously, anyway. But we must act quickly. Sebastian, gather what supplies we'll need. Gather the strongest orphans. Augustus, make sure the perimeter is secure. We leave at dawn."

My heart raced as I processed their words. The memory of my own first encounter with the men in black slammed into me like a tidal wave. Mamori, Martha, and I were cornered. It was still vivid in my head. We were about to get caught when, out of the shadows, Miss Alice and the others appeared, fighting back the men and leading us to safety. That night changed my life, and now it seemed another child needed help.

As the last echoes of their hushed conversation faded away, I backed out of the door, my heart pounding fiercely against my chest. My breaths came in short, uneven gasps as I slipped from the room and made my way towards the dining area, as if nothing had happened. Upon reentering, I tried my best to appear nonchalant, as if I hadn't been eavesdropping on their clandestine meeting. Yet, as I glanced around the room, my eyes couldn't help but linger on Miss Alice. I had always admired her for her kindness and dedication, but now I wasn't so sure. There was something about her that made me question her motives.

***

As the day wore on, the rain tapped at the windows like a thousand tiny fingers, and the sky was a heavy blanket of gray. I saw from a safe distance as Miss Alice gathered Augustus, Sebastian, Billy, Aria, and Lennox towards the entrance. I couldn't help but follow, curiosity burning within me like a wildfire. I needed answers, and I was determined to get them.

As they reached the door, Miss Alice raised her hand, and the very air seemed to shimmer before them. With a fluid, graceful motion, she parted the invisible blockade that protected our home, like an unseen curtain being drawn back. The blockade rippled like water, and for a fleeting moment, I caught a glimpse of the world outside. I held my breath as I watched them step out into the rain, and in the split second before the barrier closed, I darted forward and passed through unnoticed. Outside, the rain pelted down, soaking me to the bone as I trailed behind the group. I kept a safe distance, careful to avoid any stray leaves or twigs that might betray my presence. I watched as Sebastian, with a flourish, transformed into an elegant owl, his feathers a sleek, brownish blur as he took to the sky. The sight was mesmerizing, as if he were a creature borne of moonlight and shadows, a sentinel on the wing.

My heart raced as I continued to follow them, the cold rain stinging my skin with each drop. I felt a knot of fear and anticipation tightening in my chest, but I couldn't turn back now. I had come too far, and I needed to know the truth. But then, I felt a presence nearby. I looked around, and I almost gasped loudly upon seeing a figure, her jet black hair distinct, her white polo, her pants, and her irritated stare.

I failed to notice her trailing behind me until we were a few meters away from the academy. Startled, I turned to find her staring at me with a mix of suspicion and disdain.

"What are you doing here?" Noelle's voice was low, barely a whisper.

I was caught off guard and fumbled for an explanation. "I... uh," I replied lamely. Think of an excuse, Primrose. Think!

"I wanted to help Miss Alice and the others save this kid she mentioned."

"She said nothing about a kid," Noelle said. Then, her eyes glared daggers at me. "Unless you eavesdropped on them."

I shook my head.

Noelle's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing. "Don't lie to me. I can manipulate and feel emotions. I can also sense when someone's not being truthful. Lying to me is futile."

I then gulped as I realized Noelle saw through my feeble attempt at deception. Desperate to salvage the situation, I scrambled to come up with another excuse—any excuse—that would appease her suspicions.

"I just wanted to know something, okay?" I blurted out, inwardly cringing at how I even had a conversation with her.

"About?"

"That's none of your business," I hissed.

Noelle's expression softened slightly, her suspicion giving way to begrudging acceptance. "Fine," she muttered, though her dislike for me remained evident. "Just stay out of trouble, Dawson."

With a curt nod, she turned and walked away, leaving me to ponder the encounter and the lingering animosity between us. But as she walked back to the force field, she noticed it had already closed. I heard her cuss, and then I realized what was going on. Frustrated, she moved towards me as she sneered.

"What? "I asked.

"I have to go with you."

"What? Why?"

"Can't you see?" she said, pointing at Miss Alice's now-invisible home.

As Noelle's sharp words pierced the air, I felt my patience wearing thin. It seemed like every encounter with her ended in conflict, and I was tired of constantly being on edge around her.

"Why do I always end up stuck with you?" Noelle's voice dripped with disdain, her accusatory gaze burning into mine.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves before responding. "Believe me, I'm not thrilled about this either," I replied, my voice strained with frustration.

But Noelle continued yapping. "You're always causing trouble. And look, you eavesdropped on Miss Alice. Now I'm stuck here with you with no other choice," she said, her words like a slap in the face.

With a surge of annoyance, I sneered. "And what about it?" I said, my voice echoing off the trees. "We're stuck together, so either you can keep complaining, or you can just follow me."

For a moment, Noelle seemed taken aback by my outburst, her defiance faltering. But then, true to form, she squared her shoulders and met my gaze with a stubborn glare.

"Fine," she muttered, her tone laced with defiance. "But don't think for a second that I'm doing this because I want to."

"Oh, trust me. I don't want to either."

I resisted the urge to argue further, instead gesturing for her to follow me as I continued walking underneath the canopies. As we walked side by side, the tension between us lingered, but I couldn't shake the feeling that this time, things might be different.

Later on, as Noelle and I continued following Miss Alice and the others while not interacting with each other, I sensed the atmosphere shift. Miss Alice, her eyes darting left and right, seemed to have picked up on our presence. Noelle, after all, is very loud. She snaps on twigs here and there. I held my breath, praying that I wouldn't be discovered. As she scanned the area, I quickly dove behind a gnarled tree, its bark rough against my back. Noelle did the same as well. And I could feel Miss Alice's gaze, like a weight pressing down on me, as if she were trying to peel back the layers of the forest to find me.

But luck was on our side. A gust of wind swept through the trees, sending a shower of noise that resonated throughout the woods. Miss Alice then shifts her attention in their direction, and I couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief.

I watched in secret as Miss Alice, Augustus, Billy, Lennox, and Aria huddled together under their dripping umbrellas. I then stared at Noelle with a sharp glare. Miss Alice and the others spoke in hushed whispers, their eyes darting around as if they knew a secret that was worth more than gold. I couldn't help but be drawn to the mystery, my heart pounding in my chest. The rain had drenched their umbrellas, and the water was streaming down the fabric like a waterfall. They continued to trudge through the downpour, their determination unfaltering. I kept my distance, careful not to arouse Miss Alice's suspicion further.

As we trailed behind Miss Alice and the others, Noelle and I walked in silence, each lost in our own thoughts, until the sound of a twig snapping beneath my foot shattered the quiet silence. My heart leapt into my throat as I froze, realizing too late that I had made a noise loud enough to attract Miss Alice's attention. Panic crept through me like a sprouting vine. But before I could react, Noelle's hand shot out, grabbing me by the arm and pulling me into the shadows.

We pressed ourselves against a large acacia tree, barely daring to breathe as we watched Miss Alice and the rest pass by, oblivious to our presence. Relief washed over me as they disappeared from sight, but as I turned to thank Noelle, her expression was anything but friendly.

Once again, she made it clear that she disliked me, her disdain evident in the way she looked at me. But this time, instead of letting her words slide, I felt a surge of annoyance bubbling up inside me.

"Look!" I began, my voice low but firm. "I get it, you don't like me. But right now, we need to focus on following them. Can we please just put aside our differences for once and work together?"

"Together? "Noelle laughed. "Are you joking? I'm here because I have no other choice. It wasn't my fault I ended up here with you—someone I don't want to be with."

"Why the heck do you dislike me that much, huh?" I asked, my voice tinged with agitation. "Have I done something to hurt you? Have I done something to upset you? Have I done something to cause you pain?"

"Algo en ti se siente extraño," she said.

"What the hell does that mean?"

"Nothing," she replied as she puts up a nonchalant look.

"Whatever. As far as I can remember, Noelle, you were like that when I first got inside Miss Alice's home. My question is, why?"

At first, Noelle remained silent, her gaze fixed firmly ahead as if trying to ignore my question. But when I pressed her again, her shoulders slumped in resignation. "Why do you dislike me so much, huh?"

"I don't know, okay?" she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "There's just something off about you. I can't explain it."

I couldn't help but scoff at her vague answer. "That's a lame excuse," I retorted, frustration bubbling up inside me.

Noelle's brows knit in frustration as she struggled to find the right words. "You have this weird sense," she said, her voice tinged with bitterness. "I know I shouldn't cling to this, but my instincts have told me you're not what you seem to be."

"And what the hell are you even yapping about? "I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her explanation, dismissing it as yet another feeble attempt to justify her dislike for me. But before I could say anything, Noelle's demeanor shifted, her voice rising in anger.

"I do not know, okay? I just do not like you! "

"And is that enough to treat someone this way? "I retorted. "Or are you just channeling your insecurities or past over someone, huh? Is that it? You think your past experiences or traumas can be a flimsy excuse for your hostility towards me? "

"Screw you," she hissed. "You have no idea what I've been through," she added, her eyes flashing with intensity. "You think you can just waltz in here and act like you know everything? You don't know anything about me."

Her words hit me like a slap in the face, the raw emotion behind them catching me off guard. For once, I found myself speechless, unable to come up with a retort to match her intensity. I mean, she was right, though. Instead, I remained silent, the weight of her words hanging heavy between us.

"Sorry," I apologized. Noelle just stared at me intently before looking away.

"Just because you can't see it in someone, doesn't mean he or she doesn't have it," she said. And she's right.

As Noelle sat on a root in the quiet forest, a heavy silence settled between us. I could sense the weight of her words before she even spoke; the air was thick with unspoken pain. And then, with a sudden burst of emotion, she began to tell me something.

"You want to know my story?" she mockingly said. "Screw it!" Noelle's voice was filled with a mix of anger and resignation, her eyes reflecting years of hidden torment.

She then took a deep breath, her voice trembling as she began to recount the painful memories of her past. "When I was younger, my stepfather hurt me in ways that no child should ever be hurt," she started, her gaze fixed on a distant point in the forest. "He was supposed to protect me, but instead, he took advantage of me. Abused me. Harassed."

Her words hung heavy in the air, and the weight of her trauma was palpable. I listened in silence, my heart breaking for the young girl she once was, defenseless against the cruelty of those meant to care for her.

"My stupid mother as well did nothing to stop the abuse," she continued, her voice filled with bitterness. "She turned a blind eye, choosing to ignore my cries for help. I felt so alone, so abandoned. And it only got worse. My stepfather's twisted desires knew no bounds, and I was powerless to stop him. I was just a child, after all. And my parents were both immigrants, so the government took me away from them and placed me in this dingy orphanage. It was during the darkest moments of my life, in the midst of relapses and panic attacks, that I began to develop my abilities. I discovered that I could sense and manipulate emotions, a power that I desperately wished to use to control my own overwhelming feelings. I went through so much pain, and it shaped who I am today," she continued, her voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and resilience. "But I refuse to let it define me. I am stronger now, and I will not let anyone dictate who I am, most especially not you."

As she finished speaking, a heavy silence settled between us, the weight of her words hanging in the air. And in that moment, I understood the depth of Noelle's pain, the strength of her spirit, and the power of her resilience.

"Sorry," I found my voice, my words barely above a whisper.

She looked at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of pain and defiance. "Now that you heard my past, are you happy?"

Tears welled up in her eyes as I struggled to find the right words to offer her comfort. Her face, however, was still expressionless. "I'm so sorry," I said.

"Don't bother. It's not like any sorrow could change what happened anyway," Noelle said.

"I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that alone," I whispered.

Noelle's gaze darted at me, a flicker of annoyance etched in her face. "Well, I did. What else can I do? "

"Overcome it? "I said, not in a definitive tone but more like a question. "I may not have the exact same past as you, but I just can sense you, and I totally understand having to go through different traumas because I, too, was in a lot of pain growing up. My adoptive father even died right in front of me."

Noelle was silent. But this time, there was also a sense of understanding and connection between us.

"I want you to know that I know you've been through a lot, but you've overcome so much, and that takes incredible strength. I understand that you've been hurt in the past, but holding onto that anger and resentment won't do you any good. You don't have to shove your pain onto others. You're stronger than that," I said.

Still, Noelle says nothing; her silence speaks volumes.

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I met her gaze, a sense of shared pain and healing passing between us. Noelle then kept up her strong facade, wiping the dirt off of her pants as she sniffled. "Regardless, we have to go. We don't have the luxury to be sitting here. If you want to follow the others, Miss Alice is already far ahead."

I stared at her as she strode. I, too, followed her not long after. I didn't expect her to open up to me.

Well, pedophilia, harassment—these were serious matters that could wound a person for a lifetime. They should never be taken lightly. And now, as I looked at Noelle's, I found myself feeling something I had never expected: sympathy.

If there's one thing that I learned, it's that traumas are like poison, seeping into the very core of her being and leaving a wound that never truly heals. The pain and shame that comes with such trauma are indescribable, and the scars left behind can be a constant reminder that one can never truly escape the past. It doesn't matter who you are, what race, gender, or background you come from; the trauma inflicted by these heinous acts is universally destructive.

***

Two hours had gone by as we trailed behind the group, exhaustion beginning to set in. The weight of our wet clothes and the relentless rain threatened to slow us down. But just when I thought we could go no further, I spotted a few buildings up ahead, their dimly lit windows casting a warm glow on the wet cobblestone streets. My curiosity only grew stronger as I saw Sebastian, who had been disguised as an owl, flutter down from a rooftop. As he landed, he transformed into his true form, the head of an owl still perched atop his shoulders. He urgently whispered something to Miss Alice, and I strained to catch the words.

"...found the whereabouts...pursued by men in black... captured him."

My instincts screamed at me to follow them, and so I did, Noelle trailing behind me. Miss Alice and the rest dashed down an alley, the rain pounding the pavement like a thousand tiny hammers. My heart raced as I saw a boy cornered by the men in black. Their faces were cold and expressionless, a clear contrast to the fierce determination that burned in Miss Alice's eyes.

"Step away from him," Miss Alice warned, her voice steely and unwavering. I could feel the tension in the air, like the calm before a storm. The men in black remained unmoved, their blank faces betraying no emotion as they glared at Miss Alice.

Suddenly, chaos erupted. Augustus and Billy charged the men in black, their fists flying like lightning. Aria moved with grace and precision, her movements almost like a dance as she fought. Miss Alice stood her ground, her eyes locked on the men in black. I watched from the shadows, the rain continuing its relentless assault on the world around me, as Augustus and the others fought for the life of a boy they barely knew.

Hiding behind a stack of wooden crates, I peered out cautiously, my heart pounding in my chest. The scene unfolding before me was nothing short of breathtaking—a chaotic dance of forces clashing against an army of conundrums. It was then that I saw Billy as he ignited the very air around him with a flick of his wrist. Scarlet fire sprouted from his fingertips, coalescing into a radiant inferno that surged forward, engulfing the approaching men. Their screams were drowned out by the roaring fire, and as they stumbled back, their charred forms crumpled to the ground like discarded marionettes. Just as the flames began to dissipate, a torrential downpour erupted above the area, drenching the smoldering remains of the fallen. Aria, her arms outstretched, stood at the heart of the storm, her face a mask of fierce concentration. With each gesture, the wind seemed to respond to her will, transforming into a barrage of razor-sharp needles that lashed out at the men in black, piercing their flesh and sending them reeling in pain.

The fight was far from over, however. Augustus appeared to be bending the very fabric of energy itself to his advantage. He moved with an otherworldly grace, dodging the enemies' attacks with almost casual ease. As he weaved through the fray, he would pause to touch an unsuspecting foe, and in an instant, they would crumble to dust, their bodies ravaged by the merciless onslaught of time.

Amidst the chaos, Miss Alice stood resolute, her eyes glowing with a soft, golden light. With a wave of her hand, she conjured a shimmering blockade that encased the terrified boy, shielding him from the relentless attacks of the men in black. As the enemies' weapons met the barrier, they were met with a flash of light and a resounding crack, their intent dissipating harmlessly into the air.

As the tide of battle began to turn in their favor, I watched, awestruck, as Miss Alice, Sebastian, Augustus, and Aria systematically dismantled the remaining men. With each enemy that fell, the others faltered, their resolve crumbling beneath the weight of their losses. Finally, the last of the men in black lay defeated, and Miss Alice approached the trembling boy, enveloping him in a warm, comforting embrace.

"You're safe now," she whispered, her voice a soothing balm against the terror of the night.

Shame and guilt welled up within me as I realized that I had been spying on the very people who had taken me in and cared for me. I then started to question if I was being judgmental towards Miss Alice—her intentions and her generosity. I had betrayed their trust, and now I was nothing more than a voyeur, bearing witness to their struggles from the shadows. Unable to face them, I turned to leave, my heart heavy with regret. But before I did, I heard Noelle talk, until she abruptly stopped talking. As I turned, I spotted her lying unconscious on the other side.

My heart then sank when I saw this one man in a black coat, his pale, hairless visage resembling a chilling reminder of the horrors I had just witnessed. Panic seized me, and I stumbled backward, grabbing a rusty pipe from the ground to use as a weapon. But my feeble attempt at self-defense did nothing to deter the man; his cold, lifeless eyes locked onto mine as he advanced, his intentions clear.

Noelle! I mentally exclaimed, but she was knocked cold.

The rough, hard floor beneath my trembling feet sent shivers down my spine as I threw the pipe. It didn't faze the man. I scrambled to find something—anything—to defend myself with. My heart raced faster than a galloping stallion, my anxiety clawing at me like a ravenous beast. I could taste the metallic tang of fear on my tongue as I picked up a shard of broken glass, its jagged edges reflecting the dim light of the alley.

I took a step back, my breath ragged and uneven, and threw the glass at the man in black. I watched as it sailed through the air, its trajectory as unpredictable as my own fate. But, just like I feared, it didn't faze him. His face remained an emotionless mask, an unnerving blank canvas where I couldn't decipher his intentions.

The man in black charged at me, his movements swift and deliberate, like a predator stalking its prey. I tried to dodge, but it was too late. His cold, powerful hands wrapped around my throat, cutting off my air supply as easily as if he were snapping a fragile twig. Panic surged through me as I struggled to free myself, my legs kicking wildly, but it only seemed to make him tighten his grip. My vision blurred, black spots danced in the periphery of my sight, and my lungs begged for air.

Despite my desperate attempts, I was helpless—trapped in the merciless grasp of a man who seemed impervious to pain. My world was growing darker by the second, and I knew that I was teetering on the precipice of unconsciousness, or worse, death. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the inevitable plunge into the abyss.

But then, like a smidge of hope in the darkest night, a mental image of Elliot appeared before me. His smile was bittersweet—a mixture of love and sorrow. The pain of losing him to these very same men in black came rushing back, filling me with a fresh wave of anguish and fury.

After his image dissipated right in front of my very eyes, my necklace suddenly began to glow with an otherworldly light. Rage and power coursed through my veins. I no longer had any control over my body. I raised my hand, and the man in black was shoved away with a force I didn't know I possessed.

As if guided by an unseen hand, a mental image of a mysterious man who had haunted my dreams whispered, "You are our salvation." My body seemed to move on its own accord, my actions no longer my own. Before I knew it, the man in black was gone, erased from existence as if he had never been there at all.

Reality crashed down upon me, and my legs buckled beneath me. I knelt on the floor, my necklace's glow fading away like a dying ember. The pitter-patter of raindrops outside mirrored the tears that streamed down my cheeks as I sobbed, the weight of what I had done crushing me. What was that?

I then remembered the time when I was inside the illegal arena. I could still vividly remember the events that led me to victory. This was like that, with my necklace glowing weirdly.

As I was about to lose my consciousness, I crawled, my body exhausted and drained of any energy. Just when I was about to attempt to stand...

"Primrose?" I stopped, a hesitant female voice creeping from behind me. I turned to see Miss Alice, along with Sebastian, Augustus, Billy, Aria, and Lennox, all staring at me with wide eyes, before I finally lost my consciousness.