chapter 22

DAYS HAD PASSED since Andreus arrived in Miss Alice's home, and as days went on he had slowly become comfortable with the rest of the gifted orphans. I observed his transformation from a guarded and cautious newcomer to a more relaxed and open-minded individual. He had even bonded with Wallace, whose composed nature seemed to complement Andreus's own. As for myself, I continued to focus on my own business. I would often bring a bouquet to the makeshift grave for Elliot. I believed that somehow he's still watching over me.

As I ventured to the back of the orphanage with a fresh bouquet of flowers to place on Elliot's grave, I stopped on my tracks as I noticed Bryce standing there. His back was turned toward me, so I was sure he didn't see me. He faced the grave as I continued to observe him. My curiosity piqued; I had never seen him visit Elliot's grave before, and I wondered what had brought him here.

As I approached, I hesitated, not wanting to intrude on Bryce. Instead, I watched from a distance as he stood there for a few more minutes before eventually walking away. Once he was out of sight, I proceeded to the grave, intending to lay my flowers down. As I neared, I could feel my heart swell with a questionable emotion upon seeing that Bryce had left a bunch of flowers at Elliot's grave. There, he placed white roses on top of his grave. I didn't know why he had chosen to do this, but I was grateful for it. Perhaps our conversation on the porch one night had revealed the importance of Elliot in my life, and Bryce had decided to honor that. Why? I do not know.

I placed my flowers next to Bryce's, their vibrant colors mingling together in a beautiful light. For a moment, I closed my eyes, allowing a silent prayer of thanks to escape my lips. I was grateful for the people in my life, both those who had passed and those who were still with me. In that moment, I felt happy. In that moment, I couldn't help but smile.

As I turned to leave, I couldn't help but think about the many mysteries that still lingered in Miss Alice's home. How gifted orphans with unique abilities were brought together under one roof for reasons that were not entirely clear. All we know is that we were here to escape from the men in black and their mysterious group. And yet, despite the uncertainty, we had formed our own little family, bound together by mutual respect and understanding.

I walked back towards the orphanage with a contented sigh, feeling the warmth of friendship and the promise of new beginnings. In this ever-changing world, I knew that I could rely on those around me and that together we would face whatever challenges came our way. And with each day, our bonds would only grow stronger as we forged our paths into the unknown future.

***

The sun set low on the horizon as I sat with Mamori. She had been working for hours with Augustus within the past couple of days, improving her control over her gift and learning how to amplify it further. The both of them would perform their session, where Mamori was tasked with meditating. Of course, she couldn't contain herself at first, knowing that she's this hyperactive person. However, the improvement in her abilities was nothing short of remarkable; it is pretty evident in her progress, though.

As we sat there, I couldn't help but notice Noelle on the other side of the courtyard. Her dark, past-shoulder-length hair seemed to absorb the sunlight, making her appear like a living shadow. She was distant, even hostile, but I was never one to let such things bother me. Noelle had always been that way since I arrived at the orphanage, and I couldn't help but feel that there was more to her story.

"Noelle's been alone lately. I mean, she is always by herself. But lately, she's been locking herself in her room," Mamori said, noticing that I was staring at her.

"It's important for us to understand her, you know," Mamori added. "Despite her hostility, she needs support and empathy. Maybe, with time, she'll see that not everyone in this world is to be resented."

"I hope so," was all I could say.

As I listened, I saw Noelle leave. She was still distant, the sunlight casting shadows over her face, but I felt a newfound empathy for her. For some reason, something told me to approach her—to talk. I then decided to come close to her, my heart anxious, unsure of how she would react. But I don't know. Something told me to reach out, that she could be safe.

"Hey," I said softly, my voice barely audible over the rustling leaves of the trees.

She just glared at me, not saying anything. She then sat on a vacant swing on the playground at the back of the academy. I followed her and sat on the other side.

"What do you want?" she asked.

"I..." I stated. "I, uh, I just wanted to say that if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here."

She looked at me, her eyes questioning, but I could see the faintest glimmer of vulnerability in them. She didn't respond, but I could tell that my words had reached her. I knew it would take time for her to trust me and to let me down. I mean, I remembered our first encounter at the orphanage and how Noelle had been so hostile towards me. I knew, even then, that there must have been a story hidden behind her actions.

Also, Noelle's ability was powerful, and she wielded it with a certain air of arrogance that I found both intriguing and infuriating. We had never been close, and I knew that she despised me. Yet, somehow, despite our differences, I found myself feeling a strange sense of empathy towards her. Perhaps it was because I understood, on some deep and primal level, that Noelle's power was a double-edged sword. While she could manipulate the emotions of others, she was also forced to feel their pain and suffering.

In a way, she was constantly bombarded by the emotions of those around her, unable to escape the torment that others experienced. I could only imagine the torment she felt when trying to control herself—the raw and visceral agony that echoed through her very soul. Whatever her coping mechanism is, I understood the isolation that came with experiencing the suffering of others and the way it could make one feel both powerful and utterly powerless at the same time. I knew that, despite my differences with Noelle, we both encountered pain in any shape or form that ruined us.

As for me, I knew that I could never go back to the person I was before my own trauma—the trauma of losing a loved one—but perhaps I could find a way to move forward. To embrace the pain and the scars that defined me, rather than running from them.

And maybe, just maybe, I could find a way to help Noelle do the same.

I was taken aback by this sudden surge of emotion. I had never been the type of person to care about how others felt or reacted. I was stubborn, rebellious, and a street rat who'd been stealing money from the unsuspecting citizens of Perthlochry before Miss Alice took me in. But somehow, the people at the orphanage changed me. They had made me feel at home, and in doing so, they showed me that I was capable of feeling emotions I had never felt before.

***

As the first light of morning crept in through the curtains the next day, my eyes fluttered open, stretching languidly, and I felt the tension in my muscles melt away with every sinuous movement. Ophelia stirred beside me as well, her eyes blinking sleepily as she let out a contented purr. I smiled and stroked her soft fur, feeling the comforting warmth of her body against mine.

"Good morning, Ophelia," I whispered, my voice still heavy with sleep. She responded with an affectionate headbutt, pressing her face against my hand as if to say, 'Feed me.'

I obliged, rising from my bed and padding over to the small cupboard where I kept Ophelia's food. I then filled her bowl and set it down beside her, watching as she eagerly began to eat. I couldn't help but smile at the sight. Ophelia was a constant source of joy in my life, and seeing her content was enough to brighten my day.

Once she was fed, I turned my attention to getting myself ready for the day. I quickly changed into my usual attire—a simple yet comfortable dress that was well-suited for the day's tasks—and then made my way downstairs, where the familiar sounds at the academy greeted me like the melody of a well-loved song.

Anyway, the kitchen was a hive of activity the moment I went downstairs, with the mothers bustling about as they prepared the breakfast. The scent of warm bread and sizzling bacon filled the air, making my stomach rumble in anticipation. I then passed through the dining room and saw Aria tending to the potted plants that lined the windowsills, her slender fingers weaving intricate patterns in the air as she coaxed droplets of water from a nearby pitcher. The droplets danced through the air like tiny ballerinas, landing gently on the leaves and petals of the plants, which seemed to sigh in relief as they drank in the life-giving moisture. It was a beautiful sight, honestly, and I found myself pausing for a moment just to take it all in.

Also, in the courtyard beyond, I could hear the rhythmic thud of an axe splitting wood. It was Billy. It was a chore he seemed to enjoy, and his laughter rang out like music as he worked, brightening the air with its infectious cheer.

As I walked through the living room, I found Mamori and Lennox working together to clean the area. Mamori greeted me, "Good morning!" as I entered the place, her voice a bit muffled since she was wearing a mask, busily dusting and rearranging the furniture.

While I was talking to her, I realized that Lennox was hovering the duster above us, using her gift to clean the grand chandelier that hung from the ceiling. The crystal pendants sparkled like stars as she wiped away the dust, her movements graceful and elegant like a dancer in the sky.

"Where are the others?" I asked. Mamori looks at me.

"Miss Alice and the kids are there outside," Mamori says, pointing her finger to the other side of the room. "I don't know where Bryce is, while Noelle's with Sebastian in his owl form outside of the orphanage's premise to buy groceries."

I looked outside into the backyard and heard the laughter of children greeting my ears faintly. I turned and saw Molly, Wallace, and Andreus gathered around Miss Alice, their faces rapt with attention as she spun them a tale of fairies and enchanted forests. Miss Alice looks at me for a brief moment as she smiles before returning her attention to the kids, who are probably asking her to read another tale.

Miss Alice's voice was carrying itself through the air as she spun tales of adventure and magic for the children gathered around her. I stood by the window, watching the scene unfold with a smile on my face. The laughter and excitement of the children brought a warmth to my heart that felt like home.

As I was focusing my attention on the children and Miss Alice, I barely noticed a presence behind me. As I turned, I saw Augustus carrying his cup of tea.

"Prim?"

I shook my head, my thoughts seemingly fading away. The moment I opened my eyes, I found Augustus standing there with his deep-set eyes meeting mine. "Can you please come with me?" he added.

I glanced over at Mamori, who was busy cleaning inside the living room. She didn't seem to notice our interaction; her focus was solely on the task at hand. With a hesitant nod, I followed Augustus without saying a word.

We then wound our way through the familiar hallways, our footsteps muffled by the plush carpet beneath our feet, until we reached the library of the orphanage. It was my third time entering here, the first being when I was assigned to arrange the books on the shelves. It was tiring work, but I was able to finish it in a matter of minutes.

Anyway, the library was a cozy room, filled with the scent of old leather and ink and the soft, comforting creak of wooden shelves laden with books. Augustus had always been drawn to this place, often sipping his tea while he lost himself in the pages of a good book. And there he is now, sitting in his chair, sipping tea from his white ceramic mug.

"Can you please help me arrange these new books?" he said, gesturing to a stack on the table. "I acquired them from the city when I went outside the orphanage. I tried arranging it myself, but I think I could need a hand."

I nodded silently, not questioning his request, and we began sorting through the pile.

The atmosphere was thick with a curious tension as we worked side by side, my movements stiff and awkward. My hands brushed against one of the books lying on the floor, and I could feel his gaze darting at me. I took the book, kneeling down to open a box on the floor. And as I did that, the silver necklace I had worn since childhood, now exposed as I bent over the box, caught his eye. His gaze was intense, and his voice was a mixture of curiosity as he asked, "Where did you get that necklace?"

I looked down at the delicate chain—the small, intricately carved pendant that I had always cherished. "I've had it since I was a child," I replied, my voice soft. "I don't remember where it came from."

Augustus frowned, his brow furrowing in thought. "Prim, if you don't mind me asking, who are your biological parents?"

"My parents?" I asked. It's weird of him to ask this question. "I've never met them," I admitted. "I was raised by Elliot after I escaped the orphanage where I grew up."

Augustus's demeanor changed the moment he noticed my necklace; the casual curiosity of his questions gave way to a more serious undertone. His eyes bore into me, searching for answers in the lines of my face and the depths of my soul. I couldn't help but wonder why he was suddenly so interested in my past. But before I could voice my thoughts, Augustus seemed to shake off his concern. He offered me a tight-lipped smile and said, "Let's continue with the books, shall we?"

The weight of the necklace around my neck suddenly felt weird. My necklace was just a simple silver pendant with an intricate design, yet he couldn't seem to take his eyes off it. To make matters even more peculiar, he had asked about my biological parents. I had been raised in a normal orphanage as a kid, and the mothers there made it clear they knew nothing about my birth parents every time I asked. Yet Augustus, for some reason, asked me about them.

I tried to tie the knots between these odd questions, but my mind was an unraveled mess of confusion. Deciding to brush it off for the moment, I turned my attention back to the pile of books that needed arranging. However, the questions still lingered, like a shadow I couldn't shake off.

"Why did you ask?" I inquired, my voice unintentionally wavering.

He looked at me, his deep set of eyes studying my face for a brief moment, before he replied. "Oh, it's just that I noticed the unique design, and I'm interested in jewelry. I thought it might have a story behind it."

It wasn't a particularly convincing alibi, but I didn't press further. Something told me that pushing too hard could lead to the unraveling of a mystery I wasn't quite ready to face. Instead, I continued to sort through the books, trying to distract myself from the questions that plagued me.

As the hours passed, the library slowly transformed from a chaotic mess to a neatly organized sanctuary of knowledge. Augustus and I worked together, the silence between us punctuated only by the occasional comment about a book's title or author. It was oddly soothing, and I found myself enjoying his company, despite the lingering unease.

When the last book was placed on the shelf, Augustus turned to me with a genuine smile. "Thank you." His voice was warm and appreciative, a total contrast to the evasiveness he had shown earlier.

"You're welcome," I replied.

As I turned to leave the library, I didn't notice the subtle change in Augustus' expression. His smile faded, replaced by a look of worry that seemed to weigh heavily on his mind. It was as if he knew something that I didn't, something that was far more significant than my necklace or my parents. But for now, he kept his silence, and I remained oblivious to the secrets that lay hidden between us.

I then stepped out of the library, the sun setting. Absorbed in my thoughts, I couldn't help but wonder what Augustus was hiding. It felt like the beginning of a mystery—a puzzle that I couldn't resist trying to solve. But for the time being, I knew I had to be patient. Unraveling the tangled threads of Augustus' enigma would have to wait until another day.

***

That evening, I sat in front of Elliot's grave, the damp earth beneath me. The sky above was a vast canvas of inky black, punctuated by the shimmering brilliance of countless stars. My thoughts, however, were not on the stars above me but on the mysterious interaction I have with Augustus.

Ever since the incident, I couldn't shake the feeling that Augustus knew something about my necklace that I didn't. Could it be that he knows something about my necklace? Does Augustus know about the ethereal glow that seemed to intensify during my recurring dreams? Does Augustus know about my deeam?

My anxiety grew as I questioned everything I knew so far. What other secrets were being kept from me?

Screw it, I said mentally.

I stared intently at the worn engraving on Elliot's headstone, as if it could offer me any answers. That's when I felt it—a sudden warmth enveloping me. I looked back to find Bryce draping a soft blanket around my shoulders. My gaze inadvertently fell upon his hazelnut eyes; they held a depth that seemed to contain entire galaxies. He didn't look at me, though, choosing instead to fix his gaze on the heavens.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper.

"Stargazing," he replied, his tone equally hushed. "Sometimes, it helps me forget about everything that's wrong in the world."

I remained silent, the troubled thoughts in my head still clamoring for attention. Bryce must have sensed my unease, since he turned to face me, his eyes searching for something in my expression.

"What's wrong?" he asked, concern lacing his words.

I hesitated, then shrugged. "I just... I don't understand. So many things are happening all of a sudden, and nothing seems to make any sense."

Bryce didn't pry any further; he simply sat down beside me, his presence a comforting warmth in the chilly night air. I didn't even realize I had shed a tear until Bryce gently wiped it away with his thumb. The tenderness of his touch stirred something within me, and I found myself leaning into him, allowing myself to be vulnerable in a way I had never been before.

His arms then wrapped around me in a warm embrace, and he pressed a soft kiss to my forehead. In that moment, the cold and rebellious Prim had always seemed to melt away, leaving only a girl seeking solace in the arms of the one person who truly understood her.

As Bryce pulled back, our eyes locked, and something unspoken passed between us. The world around us seemed to fall away, leaving only the two of us under the vast expanse of the night sky. Our lips met in a tender, yet passionate, kiss—a promise of understanding and a vow to face whatever secrets the world might hold together. And for a second, I felt at ease because of him.