In the darkness, a girl was walking through an alley with the suitcase in her hand.
Out of the blue, her footsteps halted.
She stood frozen. The sudden stillness was palpable, as if time itself had paused. Her heartbeat echoed in her chest, and the world around her melted away.
Her eyes locked onto the figure leaning against the car ten feet away from her. His head is lowered, as if lost in thought, and his eyes are cast downward, hiding his expression. However, from where she was, she could sense that his aura threatening, shadows seemed to deepen around him.
Despite the air growing around him heavily with intimidation, she felt an inexplicable pull, as if some unseen force was guiding her toward him. Her feet seemed to move of their own accord, drawn to him with a quiet curiosity.
And she stood before him. Her gaze met his golden eyes that gleamed with an intensity. She could feel the shadows lurking behind his eyes. His features were chiseled perfection. A straight nose, thin lips, and angular jaws that framed his face perfectly. He was strikingly handsome and looked like a demon disguising as a mortal in the darkness around them.
She yearned to touch his face and her hand instinctively rose towards his face. Her fingers brushing mere inches from his cheek before he caught her wrist in a gentle yet firm grasp, his eyes locking onto hers with an unreadable intensity.
Leaning against the car, he sensed approaching footsteps and raised his head, his gaze piercing as he locked eyes with the person bold enough to intrude on his space.
His gaze fell upon her, a girl clutching a suitcase, her eyes glazed over as if she was in a trance. He didn't care about her, what mattered was that she'd crossed into his territory without permission.
As if overstepping wasn't enough, she had the audacity to reach for his face. But before her fingers could make contact, he caught her wrist, he growled, his voice low, deep and menacing. "Little girl, what do you think you're doing?"
She snapped out of her daze and she finally understood what she was going to do a second before, and the realization made her eyes widened in surprise.
But unlike others, she didn't flinch or show a hint of fear. His eyes narrowed.
Her words tumbling out in a nervous cadence. "I...I'm so sorry, sir. I, I think I'm just in a trance..." Her voice trailed off, her gaze remaining fixed on his, filled with a puzzled apology.
His gaze lingered on hers, searching for fear or defiance, but all he saw was a faint worry, as if she was concerned about her own actions rather than his reaction.
A slow smirk spread across his face, tinged with mockery. "Little girl, you are brave." he said, the words heavy with sarcasm.
With a swift motion, he released her hand and bellowed, "LEAVE" the word echoing through the space like a command, his voice intentionally startling as if testing the limits of her bravery.
"D.. Don't get angry. It... It's my mistake. I'm leaving. I am really sorry sir." Her voice trembled as she apologized again, the words spilling out in a rush as she seemed eager to escape from the unknown stranger. With a hesitant glance, she turned to leave, her footsteps quiet as she retreated from the tense encounter.
His eyes lingered on the girl's retreating figure before he turned to face the person who had approached him. "Who's that girl you're talking Alaric?" His eyes darting towards the girl's disappearing form.
"A stranger. Let's focus on why you're here," he said, steering the conversation away from the girl.
The person handed Alaric a chilled bottle of alcohol, saying, "Here, take this drink."
Alaric's eyes met the person, as he accepted the chilled drink.
He took a sip, the liquor burning slightly as it went down.
His gaze drifted back to where the girl had disappeared, his thoughts still lingering on their encounter.
The girl hastily distanced herself from the stranger, her rapid footsteps leaving her breathless. She halted abruptly, taking a deep breath to calm herself. "What a man... he looks so intimidating," she thought, relief was washing over her. "Guess he was in a good mood, I escaped from him safely."
She lightly slapped her forehead, chiding herself. "What was I thinking, approaching him like that? And touching his face? I'm such an idiot. Was I possessed or something?"
As she continued walking, the girl soon found herself exiting the narrow alley. Just a short distance ahead lay the familiar facade of an orphanage, its presence a comforting sigh to her heart. She walked towards it, her footsteps steady. The girl's pace quickened slightly, a sense of belonging and solace drawing her closer to the place.
As she stepped into the orphanage, a wave of nostalgia washed over her. Though others might see it as just a place for children without families, to her, it was home. The sisters in the orphanage are already waiting to receive her. The warm smiles of the sisters, who had become like family, greeted her like a beacon of love.
Their faces lit up with joy as they welcomed her back. Her own face broke into a heartfelt grin, a sense of belonging and warmth enveloping her. The familiar surroundings, the kindness of the sisters, and the memories they had shared all came flooding back.
"WELCOME BACK, sister Lizzie" All children shouted together to welcome her.
The children's enthusiastic welcome brought tears to Lizzie's eyes. "Thank you, my dear little sisters and brothers," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "Oh, you've all grown so much!" She beamed, hugging them tightly. "Well, I brought so many chocolates for you all."
As she distributed the chocolates she had brought, the children's faces lit up. "Yes, sis Lizzie, we've grown up, and we have new family members now. Come meet them," they chimed in unison.
Lizzie warmly greeted the new additions to the family, feeling a sense of joy and belonging. She turned to the sisters, who had been like mothers to her. "Sister Ruthu, Sister Julia, Sister Sarah, I'm back. How have you all been without me?"
Sister Sarah's eyes sparkled as she replied, "We're doing well, Lizzie. But our home feels complete again now that you're back. Laughter has returned." Sister Ruthu added, "Tell us, how was your time abroad? We were worried about you studying in a foreign country."
The girl's face softened, and she took a deep breath, ready to share her experiences with the people she loved.
Just then, a voice spoke from behind them. "Luzella~"
The warm, gentle voice sent a wave of nostalgia and love through her. She turned around, and her eyes met Mother Lucy's, filled with warmth and affection. "Mother Lucy!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion as she rushed into her open arms.
Mother Lucy enveloped her in a loving hug. "My Luzella is back," she whispered, her voice filled with joy and relief.
"I've missed you so much, mother Lucy."
Mother Lucy's voice was soothing as she stroked Luzella's hair. "I've missed you too, my child." She held Luzella at arm's length, studying her face. "You're looking a bit worn out, though. Long journey?"
Luzella smiled weakly, feeling a mix of exhaustion and happiness. "It was fine, Mother. I'm just glad to be home."
The warmth in Mother Lucy's eyes said she understood more than Luzella was letting on. "Come, let's get you settled in. You must be starving."
The scene was met with gentle smiles from the other sisters and children. Soon, the group gathered around the table to share a meal together.
As they sat down to eat, Mother Lucy said, "Let's give thanks for the Luzella's safe return and for the blessings we have." The room fell silent for a moment as they gave thanks, and then the clinking of utensils and lively conversation filled the air.
The atmosphere was filled with love, warmth, and a sense of togetherness.
After the meal, the children said their goodbyes and headed off to bed, accompanied by the sisters who helped them settle in for the night. As the orphanage grew quiet, Mother Lucy beckoned Luzella to follow her, and they walked together to Mother Lucy's room, the soft glow of the night lights guiding their way. The atmosphere was peaceful, with only the occasional creak of the floorboards breaking the silence. Once inside the room, Mother Lucy closed the door.
Mother Lucy instructed Luzella to take a seat in the chair, and then she walked over to the safe locker in her room. With a gentle click, the locker opened, revealing its contents. She carefully retrieved a necklace from within and closed the locker. Returning to Luzella, Mother Lucy extended her hand, the necklace glinting in the soft light of the room. "It's yours, Luzella dear."
Luzella's eyes widened in surprise as she looked at the necklace in Mother Lucy's hand, and then at Mother Lucy's face. "Mine?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.
Mother Lucy smiled and nodded, her eyes shining with warmth. "Yes, dear, it's yours," she said, her voice gentle and reassuring.
Luzella's gaze returned to the necklace, and she reached out a hesitant hand to take it, her fingers closing around the delicate chain and pendant.
Mother Lucy's eyes gazed into the past as she began to explain, her voice filled with a mix of nostalgia and warmth. "One day, a middle-aged man entrusted you to me and gave me this necklace. That was the day I took you to this orphanage." she said, her words painting a vivid image in Luzella's mind.
"He gave me specific instructions to give you this necklace when you turn 22 years old." Mother Lucy's eyes locked onto Luzella's, her gaze intense. "And he emphasized that after you reach 22, you should always wear this necklace," she added, her voice filled with a sense of importance. Luzella's eyes widened as she listened, her mind racing with questions about the mysterious man.
Luzella looked at the necklace, it featured a golden chain with a sun pendant, adorned with a small stone at its center of the sun shone like a tiny gem, surrounded by intricately crafted sun rays that seemed to emanate from it. The pendant's beauty was both simple and elegant.
Luzella felt a sense of wonder and connection to the necklace who had given it to her. She turned the pendant over in her hands, studying it carefully, and wondered about the story behind it and the person who had entrusted her to Mother Lucy.
"Who is he, mother Lucy?" Luzella asked curiously to know more about him.
"He told me he is your guardian and wants you to live here in this orphanage. He also gave you the name LUZELLA in front of me." Mother Lucy said, her expression softening as she added. "He said that one day, he and you will meet each other again," she revealed, her words sparking a sense of wonder and curiosity in Luzella.