chapter 23

THE SUN HAD BEGAN to dip below the horizon as I still continued reflecting on the strange events that had recently happened. My fingers traced the outline of the necklace that hung delicately around my neck; its cold metal frame sent a weird feeling through my body. Augustus was kind of off lately; his once warm and amicable demeanors are now replaced with a strange intensity.

He seemed to have had an utter shift. The corners of his mouth no longer curled into the gentle, reassuring smile that had once put me at ease. Instead, his lips were pressed tightly together, and his eyes were cold and calculating. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing a side of him that I had never seen before. I couldn't help but wonder what had triggered this sudden change.

I mean, one time, as I sat alone in the garden, Augustus once again approached me and started asking me. His tone was uncharacteristically stern, and his gaze never wavered from the necklace that hung from my neck. I stammered, unable to provide an answer to his questions. I've been wanting to ask Miss Alice and Augustus about a lot of things that bothered me, but a strange sense of trepidation stopped me from speaking up. Instead, I clenched my fists tightly and kept my lips sealed, hoping that the answer would reveal itself in due time.

But despite my confusion, amidst the growing unease, my feelings for Bryce continued to blossom. Our connection seemed to deepen with each passing day. I found myself increasingly drawn to him. His presence provided me with a sense of comfort and security that seemed to counteract the anxiety that gnawed at the edges of my mind.

Bryce's warm smile and gentle touch seemed to melt away my fears, allowing me to momentarily forget about Augustus. Our stolen glances and secret smiles spoke volumes, and it became clear that we were both experiencing the same magnetic pull toward one another.

As we walked through the garden one afternoon, I could see the same spark of attraction mirrored in his gaze. He hesitated for a moment before reaching out and taking my hand in his, the warmth of his touch making my heart race. But despite my growing feelings for Bryce, I couldn't bring myself to reveal to him my concerns regarding the necklace and the photos I uncovered in the forbidden room. My dream. Everything. It felt as though there was an unspoken barrier between us, preventing me from revealing my secrets.

I also once gave Miss Alice the benefit of the doubt, but it seems as if my intuitions were correct this entire time, the moment I caught her scribbling something that she throws in the trash—CYGNUS. Also, I worried that by sharing my thoughts, I would somehow taint the fragile bond that Bryce and I had made.

As the days turned into weeks, the atmosphere at the academy grew increasingly tight. The secrets that hung in the air seemed to weigh heavily on me, threatening to suffocate me beneath the invisible burden. And yet, the more time I spent inside the academy, the more I became bothered.

The air in my room felt heavy as Mamori and I sat cross-legged on the floor, our backs against the plush pillows that lined my bed. The low hum of the antique gramophone filled the silence as it played a hauntingly beautiful melody. The flickering candlelight cast eerie shadows on the walls, creating an atmosphere that seemed fitting for the stuff that was about to happen.

Mamori looked at me with a mixture of curiosity and concern. Her eyes bore into mine as if they were searching for something, perhaps the truth that I had been hesitant to share until now.

"How are you? "Mamori asked, her voice soft and tentative. "You've been acting strange lately; I can't help but worry."

I bit my lip, hesitant to reveal the secrets I had been harboring. But Mamori deserved to know, and perhaps I could ask her about Leo and Augustus.

"I've been thinking a lot lately," I began, my voice barely above a whisper. "And I think Miss Alice has been hiding things from me."

Mamori leaned in closer, eyebrows knitted in question. "What do you mean?"

Taking a deep breath, I sighed. "I've been eavesdropping on her, and I entered the room near the hall a few weeks ago. I took some photos there, and I—"

"What?"

"They are hiding something."

"Who are 'they'?" Mamori asked.

"Miss Alice, and probably Augustus."

Mamori's eyes widened in shock. I took her hand, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine, and led her to my bed. As we neared, she looked around nervously, clearly afraid of the consequences that might befall us.

I reached under my bed and pulled out the small box I used to store the stuff I took from Miss Alice. The box felt heavier than it should have, as if the weight of the secrets it held were physically manifesting. Opening it, I showed her the photographs I had taken without anyone's knowledge. Mamori's hand flew to her mouth as she took in the images, her eyes filled with fear and worry.

"Primrose, you shouldn't have done this," she whispered, her voice trembling. "You could get into so much trouble."

"I know," I replied, my voice steady despite my racing heart. "But I needed answers, and I think I've found some."

The dreams where the mysterious man appeared, always watching me from a distance, came into being. I pointed to a photo of the man from my dreams, standing in the photo directly next to Miss Alice.

"See this man? This is the man who always appears in my dream. Ever since I was a kid, way before when I was still in the orphanage back at Perthlochry, he's there, appearing in my dreams. And for some reason," I looked at the photo, "she's with him." I pointed Miss Alice beside the man.

"He's real, and he's connected to Miss Alice and Augustus somehow."

Mamori's eyes darted between the photo and my face, her anxiety growing with each passing moment. I showed her the rest of the photographs—images of a much younger Miss Alice and Augustus, always accompanied by the same man with the identical face.

"Why are there...are you suggesting that Augustus has a twin?" Mamori asked. "What does this mean?"

Mamori's voice was barely audible as she struggled to comprehend the implications of the photos. I shook my head in confusion. Mamori knows something, yet it feels as if she's making it seem like she's unaware of anything. Then she paced back and forth in our small, dimly lit room. Her hands wrung together nervously, and her voice was barely more than a whisper as she warned me.

"If Miss Alice finds out you took those photos, you'll be in serious trouble."

I couldn't help but smile, a small, mischievous grin playing on my lips. I knew the risks, yes, but the information I had uncovered was too important, too life-changing, to let fear hold me back. "Mamori," I said, my voice steady and sure, "I don't care about the consequences. I deserve to know what I've found."

Mamori stopped pacing and looked at me, her eyes full of worry. She chewed on her bottom lip, a habit she had whenever she was anxious. I then took a deep breath.

"One night, when you were asleep, when Bryce was unconscious and we brought him into Lucy's cabin, Lucy told me about the orphanage and how she had twin sons." I paused, gauging her reaction, but Mamori's face remained blank, her eyes wide with anticipation. I continued. "I didn't share it with you that time because Lucy shared it with me when I saw her picture with her twins."

With trembling hands, I pulled out the worn, black-and-white photograph I had stolen from the forbidden room. It depicted Augustus and his twin brother, whose faces were nearly identical except for their hairstyle. I placed the photo in front of Mamori, who stared at it as if she were trying to absorb every detail.

"So you're suggesting that Augustus is Lucy's son?"

"Yes," I replied.

"And why didn't Lucy tell me about this?" Mamori asked, her voice barely audible as she traced a finger over the image.

"I think she was trying to protect her past," I replied, watching her closely. "But I couldn't keep this from you any longer. Plus," I said, shuffling the images in my hand.

"I think Miss Alice and Augustus might know about where I came from before we became friends." My heart raced as I spoke, my words tumbling over each other in my haste to reveal everything.

Mamori's eyes flicked up to meet mine, and there was this weird look on her eyes. I couldn't tell if it was anxiety or if she knew something that she decided to keep from me. Instead, she continued portraying her oblivious self.

"What do you mean? What do Miss Alice and Augustus have to do with your past? "

I took a deep breath, my hands gripping the edge of the bed, as I prepared to divulge the secret I had been carrying for weeks. "I think they know something. I think they've been hiding information about my past, about where I came from before I ended up at the orphanage."

The room was silent for a moment, the air thick with tension and the weight of my words. Mamori's gaze never left mine, and I could see the gears turning in her head as she processed what I had just told her.

"I need to find out the truth," I whispered, my voice hushed. "I need to know the truth."

Mamori was still worried, her eyes painting a saddened look. "Prim."

"I've lost a lot already. I can't afford to lose a part of me again now that I'm so close to uncovering it," I said.

"But what if you were just being conclusive? What if your conclusions weren't right?"

"Then at least I tried to figure things out. I know deep within myself that Miss Alice and Augustus hid something from me. I'm almost an arm's reach. I just have to figure out the connection between Miss Alice and the things that troubled me."

Mamori sighed. "Whatever happens, please don't forget about yourself. Don't let your pursuit become your only goal. I don't want to see you get hurt, nor would I see you get punished."

"Don't worry, Mori. I will be fine," I replied, tucking the photographs inside the box and closing it before finally sliding it beneath my bed.

I wanted to ask her about her oblivious attitude towards Augustus and Leo, but I think there's a proper time for that. I don't want to tip her off, nor do I want to cause any more drama. Instead, I ride along with her act. But I do know—I deeply know—that she's hiding something. I just have to know that soon.

***

The sun dipped lower in the sky as I headed downstairs. The laughter of the orphans drifted through the open windows. Molly, Andreus, and Wallace were playing outside, their faces flushed with joy. Augustus was nowhere to be seen, which was kind of odd. He had always been the one to teach the younger children their abilities and keep them entertained. I couldn't help but wonder if something more important had come up.

I then decided to stroll through the halls of Miss Alice's orphanage. The familiar scent of old books and lavender filled the air. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was on the verge of uncovering something, though I had no idea what it could be. As I rounded a corner, I nearly tripped over Lennox, who was sitting in her wheelchair.

Lennox's hair was a sight to behold. It was as if she had a flowing river of black cascading from her head, the strands shimmering and dancing in the sun's fading light. Her hair was so long that it seemed to defy the laws of gravity, each strand a silken thread that reached all the way to the floor even as she sat in her wheelchair. It was said that she refused to let anyone cut it, despite the inconvenience it caused her. Some whispered that it held a secret power, while others thought it was simply the whim of a stubborn girl.

"Hey!" I began, my voice soft and hesitant. "Have you seen Augustus?"

Her eyes flickered in my direction, a smile dancing on her lips. "I think I saw him with Miss Alice outside," she replied, her voice as delicate as the lace on her dress.

"Thank you," I murmured, grateful for her help. With a gentle nod, Lennox turned her wheelchair and rolled down the hallway, her hair trailing behind her like the train of a royal gown.

"Hey," she called. I stopped and looked at her.

"Yup?"

"Have you noticed something about Mamori lately? "

"What?" I asked.

Lennox sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I can't quite put my finger on it," she said. "But ever since you got back unconscious before Miss Alice and the rest came with Andreus, there's been a shift in Mamori's demeanor. It's like she's not quite herself anymore."

I frowned, my mind racing with possibilities. "What are you talking about? "

"Haven't you remembered?" Lennox's words hung in the air.

I furrowed my brows, confusion clouding my mind. "Remembered what?" I asked, my voice tinged with uncertainty.

Lennox took a deep breath, her eyes scanning my face for any sign of recognition. "The night when you snuck out with Noelle," she began, her voice low. "Miss Alice and Augustus were out with the others to save Andreus, and you both snuck out of the academy."

"I don't remember any of this," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

Lennox's expression softened. "You were knocked unconscious," she explained gently. "But before that, you were lucky. Somehow, you managed to fend off the attacker."

I blinked, trying to process the information. And then, like a floodgate opening, the memories came rushing back to me in a blurry image. The panic, the fear, the blinding light emanating from my necklace...

As Lennox spoke, my mind raced to piece together the fragments of memory that had resurfaced. How had I not remembered that before?

"Miss Alice and Augustus were worried about you," she added. "They ushered Bryce to come with them, telling him something about using his gift, but I don't remember what happened after that since by the time we arrived at the academy, you and Noelle were both unconscious in the clinic, with Martha and Maggie tending to your wounds."

None of the things she said seemed to ring a bell, and the gaps in my memory only served to deepen my confusion.

"I don't remember any of this," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. The frustration in my tone was palpable as I struggled to make sense of it all. However, Lennox's gaze offered little comfort as she patted my shoulder.

"It's okay," she reassured me. "Maybe Miss Alice or Augustus can help fill in the blanks. They might know something we don't."

I nodded slowly. But as I contemplated my next steps, Lennox's words weighed heavily on my mind.

"There's something I need to tell you as well. I don't know if it's my place or not, but really, I'm just concerned about Mamori."

"Why?"

"I mean, I overheard her talking to herself. She mentioned something about you almost finding out things, and she seemed determined to make sure you don't uncover whatever it is she's hiding. Like, I mean, I'm not sure, but it sounded important."

As Lennox's words echoed in my mind, I struggled to make sense of things.

"Thanks for letting me know, Lennox," I managed to reply, my voice tinged with concern. Lennox, on the other hand, offered me a reassuring smile before I felt the weight of her gaze on me. I nodded in acknowledgment, grateful for her concern.

Trying to push aside the troubling thoughts about Mamori, I shook my head. "Where are Miss Alice and Augustus again?" I asked.

"Outside," Lennox replied, her voice steady and reassuring. "You might ask them about stuff because I'm pretty sure they know what truly happened."

"Yeah," I murmured, feeling a sense of strange anxiety welling up inside me. "Thanks."

With that, I walked. My mind raced with questions, but I pushed them aside, focusing on the task ahead. Whatever secrets awaited me, I was determined to uncover them. And as I made my way towards the hallway, my thoughts swirled with unanswered questions. What had Mamori meant by Lennox's words? And why couldn't I remember any of the events Lennox had described?

With each step, I felt a sense of foreboding settle over me, as if I were teetering on the edge of a precipice, about to uncover secrets that could change everything. But those things aside, I found myself drawn to the photographs that lined the walls of the orphanage. Each frame held a captured moment, the faces of my fellow orphans frozen in time. There was Billy, grinning wildly as he dangled from a tree branch, and Wallace, his eyes wide with wonder as he held a butterfly in his cupped hands. Aria, Suzie, and the others stared back at me, their expressions a mix of happiness.

As much as the photographs fascinated me, I knew they were not my main goal. I needed to find Miss Alice and Augustus. With tenacity burning in my chest, I moved swiftly through the halls, my footsteps echoing on the wooden floorboards. The secrets hidden within Miss Alice's orphanage were about to come to light, and I was committed to being the one to uncover them.

***

The air was thick with tension as I approached the exit leading to the garden of Miss Alice's orphanage. I could feel the chill of secrets hidden just beneath the surface, waiting for me to uncover them. As I neared the door, I couldn't help but feel as though I had stumbled upon something not meant for my ears. A hushed voice reached me, one that I recognized—Augustus'.

My heart raced as I cautiously inched closer, pressing my back against the wall to avoid them seeing me. The door was slightly ajar, and I peered out the window, catching a glimpse of both Augustus and Miss Alice, their backs to me. My curiosity piqued as I watched them. And I was immediately drawn. What the heck are they talking about there?

Miss Alice's voice was stern and serious when she asked Augustus if he had inquired about my recollection of the necklace's origin. I instinctively clutched the pendant, feeling the cold metal against my skin as Augustus replied.

"I'm telling you, it has to be her. The resemblance is striking, down to the smallest detail. We can't ignore the signs any longer."

"But you know we can't jump to conclusions. We've been down this road before, and it only led to disappointment. We need to be absolutely certain before we make any decisions."

Augustus nodded, though his conviction remained unwavering. "I understand your concerns, Miss Alice, but we both saw what happened. The pieces of the puzzle are falling into place, and it's too much of a coincidence to ignore."

Miss Alice hesitated, her gaze drifting to the field as if searching for answers in the plants outside. "I just worry about the implications, Augustus. If we're wrong, the consequences could be devastating. We are, after all, talking about our hope."

Augustus sighed, pocketing his hands in his pocket. "I know. But we can't let fear hold us back. We owe it to the child and to ourselves to pursue the truth, no matter where it leads. Otherwise, everyone will be in danger."

Miss Alice's shoulders sagged, the weight of their dilemma evident in her weary expression. "You're right."

Then, silence. As their conversation continued, I strained to catch every word, my heart racing with anticipation. The thought of the things I heard filled me with a mixture of anxiety and apprehension, knowing that the truth, whatever it may be, was finally within reach.

"Where did she get the necklace again? "Miss Alice asked.

"She told me she had no recollection."

"Okay." Miss Alice nodded. "And where did you say she came from again?"

"Perthlochry Orphan Home," Augustus said.

"I see," Miss Alice murmured thoughtfully. There was a pause, and then Augustus said with a conviction that sent shivers down my spine, "It must be her."

Miss Alice looked at Augustus, her eyes filled with concern. "We shouldn't let her know for now."

"I mean, we should."

"But Augustus, we shouldn't."

"What are you suggesting? "

Miss Alice was silent for a few seconds before she heavily sighed. I looked at them, and still, I couldn't comprehend what they were talking about. But I know they were talking about me. Why? I have no idea.

Miss Alice then clutched her hands, and Augustus paced back and forth, his expression equally troubled.

"We need to face the facts," Miss Alice began, her voice measured but tinged with urgency. "If Primrose truly is the one we've been searching for, then we need to act swiftly and decisively."

Augustus stopped pacing, his gaze meeting Miss Alice's with a mixture of concern and hesitation. "But are we really going to do this? We can't afford to make a mistake, not when the consequences could be so dire."

Miss Alice sighed, her fingers shaking against her black dress. "I understand your concerns. Believe me, I do. But the signs are too significant to ignore."

Augustus nodded slowly, though his uncertainty remained evident. "And if we're wrong?"

Miss Alice's gaze hardened, and her jaw set. "We can't let fear hold us back. We need to trust our instincts and follow where they lead, even if it means taking risks."

As their conversation continued, I strained to catch every word, the weight of their deliberations pressing down on me like a heavy burden. What are they talking about, really? The thought filled me with a mixture of nervousness, knowing that the truth, whatever it may be, was finally within reach.

But then, to my shock and dismay, Miss Alice uttered words that sent a chill down my spine.

"We'll have to steal her necklace," she declared, her tone resolute. "It's the only way to ensure she doesn't find out."

Augustus hesitated; his expression was conflicted. "I'm not sure about this."

Miss Alice's gaze softened, but her resolve remained unwavering. "We don't have a choice. If Primrose learns the truth, everything could go haywire. We can't afford to take that risk."

The gravity of her words hung heavy in the air, and I felt a surge of disbelief wash over me. They were planning to deceive me, to take away the one thing that had always been mine.

As their conversation continued, I struggled to comprehend the betrayal unfolding before me. How could they do this to me? I had trusted them and believed in them, and now they were plotting something behind my back.

With a deep breath, I stepped away from the door, my mind made up. I may not have all the answers yet, but one thing is certain: I wouldn't let anyone take away my right to know the truth. Alarm coursed through my veins as I tried to make sense of their cryptic conversation. Were they hiding my true identity from me? Did they know who I was all along? My heart pounded in my chest, the anger and betrayal growing inside me like wildfire.

I couldn't bear to listen any longer. As quietly as I could, I backed away from the area and retreated to the safety of my room. As I stormed down the hallway, my thoughts were a tornado of confusion and fury. I felt like a stranger in my own life, the walls of the academy closing in as the truth remained just out of reach. I couldn't understand why they would hide something so crucial to me and why they would betray my trust in such a cruel way.

When I reached my room, I slammed the door behind me, the sound echoing through the empty corridors. My breathing was ragged, and my eyes burned with agitation. I sank to the floor, clutching the necklace tightly in my hand, the cool metal biting into my flesh. The pieces of my identity that had been kept from me for so long would soon be mine, and nothing would stand in my way. I mean, I had already lost so much in my life. The person I had ever dared to care for had slipped through my fingers like sand. Elliot. After losing the place I called home, I found another one—but I'm not sure it was truly home.

Tears streamed down my face as I lay on my small cot, the weight of the unknown threatening to crush me. I wondered who I truly was and why Miss Alice would hide something so important from me. Then the quiet creak of the door snapped me out of my thoughts as Ophelia padded softly into the room. Her curious green eyes gazed at me as she let out a gentle meow, as if inquiring about the salty rivers that stained my cheeks.

I wiped away my tears with the back of my hand, the uncertainty of the situation gnawing at my heart. I couldn't shake the feeling that perhaps Miss Alice and Augustus had discovered something about me that they deemed dangerous. What if they were planning to use this knowledge against me, or worse, remove me from the only place I had ever truly felt at home?

The puzzle pieces in my mind began to click together, forming a picture that sent shivers down my spine. Miss Alice had always been kind, but now she seemed like a mystery wrapped in a riddle, her true intentions hidden behind a veil of secrecy. And Augustus... Mamori... I'm not sure who to trust.

I couldn't stay here any longer, I thought. I had to escape before their plans could come to fruition, whatever they may be.

With a calmer state, I took Ophelia in my arms, her soft purr offering a measure of comfort in my ears. My heart raced as I walked through the halls of the academy, each creaking floorboard threatening to betray my escape. As I reached the left side of the academy, my eyes fell upon a door that I had never noticed before. It seemed to beckon me, whispering promises of a chance to uncover the truth about my past. With one last glance at the place that I had called home, I turned the doorknob and stepped into the unknown, the weight of the secrets I carried with me pressing down upon my shoulders like a heavy cloak. I held Ophelia securely in my arms, her soft purring providing me with a sense of comfort that I so desperately craved. I tried to focus on the rhythmic sound of my footsteps against the pavement, attempting to clear my mind of the turmoil within, when...

"Prim!" a voice called out from behind me.

Startled, I turned around to see the guy who wrapped his arm around me one evening, his arms filled with a vibrant bouquet of flowers. His eyes sparkled with excitement, and his smile was genuine and inviting. For a fleeting moment, the sight of him brought a sense of calm, like the eye of a storm.

However, as Bryce's eyes met mine, his smile faltered. He must have noticed the tears that I'd been desperately trying to hide, staining my cheeks like a heavy rain.

"What's wrong?" he asked, concern etched into his voice.

I forced a bitter smile, my heart weighed down by the sorrow that seemed to envelop me. "I'm sorry," was all I could manage to whisper, my voice cracking under the strain. I turned away, hoping to escape the unbearable vulnerability I felt in that moment.

"Wait!" Bryce called out, his footsteps quickly closing the distance between us.

But I couldn't let him catch up to me. The thought of him seeing me so broken terrified me. "Leave me alone!" I screamed, my voice echoing through the empty streets.

And that's when it happened. I felt a sudden ripple in the air, a connection forming between our minds. It was as if Bryce had reached out and touched my very soul, his thoughts intertwining with my own.

"Prim, what happened?" His voice resonated within me, gentle and soothing.

But I couldn't let him in, not now. The pain was too raw, and the wounds were too fresh. "Bryce, please. I just need to be alone right now," I replied, my mental voice trembling.

His mental presence retreated when my necklace started glowing. It is as if the necklace pushed him off of my head, leaving behind a lingering sense of confusion. I looked back, watching as Bryce's frown deepened and his nose started bleeding. He glanced down at the beautiful flowers in his hands and, with a heavy sigh, let them fall to the ground.

"Sorry," I said.

As I walked away, the distance between us growing with each step, I couldn't help but feel a sting of regret. I had no idea what Bryce had been planning. But in that moment, all I could do was try to keep my heart from shattering into a million pieces, leaving the unspoken words hanging in the air like a haunting melody.

Then I turned and fled, my vision swimming with tears as I stumbled through the corridors of the orphanage. My once-cold heart, which had been sealed away behind walls of ice and indifference, suddenly felt vulnerable and exposed. I didn't understand why it hurt so much. I didn't understand why I cared.

My feet led me to the makeshift grave laying underneath the canopies of the oak tree. I had been tending to it for months, placing fresh flowers on it in a futile attempt to honor Elliot's memory. But as I approached, I saw that the flowers I had placed there only yesterday were already wilted and dying. It was as if the curse that Noelle had accused me of carrying had seeped into the very earth, poisoning everything I touched. Something in me truly was off, and I myself couldn't even tell what.

I sank to my knees beside the grave, the tears finally spilling from my eyes as I allowed myself to sob. The weight of Noelle's words and the guilt and shame that had been festering within me for so long all came crashing down upon me in that moment. I was nobody. A cursed, loathsome creature who brought only pain and suffering to those around me. And as I wept, my tears mingling with the damp soil beneath me, I closed my eyes.

I would leave the orphanage. I would leave Mamori, Bryce, and the others behind, sparing them my poisonous touch. I would find a way to know my past, to understand it, and perhaps, if fate allowed, to atone for the destruction I had wrought.

But first, I needed to say goodbye. To Elliot, to the only person who had ever truly cared for me.

"I'm so sorry," I whispered, my voice barely audible through my sobs. "I never meant for any of this to happen. But I know I had to leave. I'm really sorry."

And then I stood, wiping away my tears and taking a deep breath. I left the oak tree and managed to walk near the bubble that enclosed the orphanage. I stood before the almost impenetrable forcefield that encased the orphanage like a protective bubble. The wind gently tousled my hair as I clutched my necklace. As I neared the forcefield, I noticed the once-dormant necklace began to emit a faint glow.

Tears streamed down my cheeks, my heart heavy with the weight of the day's events. I felt like a puzzle piece that didn't quite fit, as if I were a stranger even to myself. As I wiped away my tears, I became aware of the forcefield in front of me, its ethereal blue hue shimmering and casting an eerie light on my surroundings. I couldn't escape from here. But I know I should.

To my amazement, as my necklace glowed brighter, the forcefield seemed to respond, and the once solid barrier began to disintegrate before my very eyes. I could hardly believe it. Could it be that my necklace held some hidden power I was unaware of? Is this a mere coincidence?

As the barrier weakened and a gap began to form, my tears ceased, curiosity temporarily overriding my despair. I glanced back at the orphanage. Its once grand facade is now weathered and worn. My heart ached for the others, but I knew that I could no longer stay in a place that only fueled my inner turmoil.

Ophelia meowed softly beneath me, and I took her into my arms. I then stroked her fur, trying to convey a sense of reassurance despite the uncertainty that consumed my thoughts. "We can't stay here," I whispered, my voice barely audible above the rustling leaves. "I need to find out the truth, where we belong. Only then can we be truly free."

With a deep breath, I stepped forward, my body tensing as I braced for the impact of the forcefield. But instead of the expected resistance, I felt nothing, as if I were simply passing through a veil of mist. Ophelia followed close behind, her nimble form easily slipping through the gap. Then, a familiar voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Prim," he said, with a tinge of sadness in his voice.

I looked at him once again, at his face. I remembered his story and how he shared his vulnerability with me. I remembered how he stared at the stars in the night sky and how he stroked Ophelia's black fur. My heart broke, because once again, it felt as if I had lost another person in my life.

"I'm sorry," I said. I'm sorry, Bryce. "I just can't stay here, not anymore."

As I stood on the other side of the barrier, I couldn't help but feel the weight of my decision. I was leaving behind the only world I had ever known. Yet I felt a budding sense of hope within me, a belief that perhaps there was more to my identity than Miss Alice would have told me.

My necklace continued to glow, its luminescence casting a warm light on the path before me. Cradling my pet cat with me, I took my first steps into the unknown, my heart filled with nervousness, anxiety, and a sense of desire. The truth awaited, and I would not rest until I unraveled the mystery that had shrouded my life for so long.

So long for having a place to call home.