The night was quiet except for the rustling of leaves as a cool breeze swept through the orphanage grounds. The air carried a hint of mystery, a weight Safeera could not shake off. She had spent all day thinking about the old book she had seen in the abandoned library, the one that had called to her in a way she couldn't explain. Tonight, she was going back to find it.
Safeera moved cautiously, her heart pounding as she slipped out of her dormitory. She had always been careful not to be caught when sneaking out, but this time, she felt a strange urgency pressing against her chest. Something about that book was important—she was sure of it.
She made her way through the darkened corridors, past the sleeping forms of other children, and out into the cold night. The orphanage garden stretched before her, an eerie silhouette under the moonlight. She took a deep breath and darted towards the broken pathway that led to the abandoned library.
As she neared the entrance, she hesitated. The wooden doors, aged and splintered, loomed before her. Pushing them open with some effort, she stepped inside, her fingers brushing against dust-covered shelves and forgotten relics of knowledge. The scent of old parchment and decay filled her nostrils.
With slow, deliberate steps, she moved toward the book's resting place. It was right where she had left it, half-hidden under debris, its dark cover worn but oddly untouched by time. She knelt and reached for it, feeling the strange pull once more.
The moment her fingers made contact, warmth surged through her hand, traveling up her arm. A golden glow pulsed from the book's spine, and for a brief moment, the symbols on its cover shimmered. Her breath caught as a tingling sensation shot through her veins. Her vision blurred slightly, then sharpened, making her hyper-aware of every sound, every movement around her.
From a distance, Matron Elanor had been making her rounds, checking that the children were safely tucked in bed. As she approached the library, a soft glow from within caught her eye. She frowned and stepped closer. The sight that met her left her breathless.
Safeera stood in the center of the library, her eyes wide and glowing—a mix of gold and crimson. The book in her hands radiated energy, casting strange patterns on the walls. Elanor gasped, her mind racing. She had heard whispers of unnatural occurrences before, stories buried in the past. But this? This was something else entirely.
Safeera, unaware of the matron's presence, turned the book's pages. Strange symbols swirled before her eyes, shifting as if they were alive. A low hum filled the room, growing louder with every second.
Meanwhile, in a distant part of the city, Magnus had sharp feelings and some vision hit him... He saw her "Safeera" a girl with the same fate as him.... and also she is a threat to him and his plans
He bit his lips with frustration his eyes glowing with anger as he clenched his fists "I SHALL KILL YOU BEFORE YOU RUIN MY PLANS"
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At the same time, Lady Myra paced within the grand halls of her hidden sanctuary. Her heart ached with the weight of an impossible decision. She had spent years ensuring that Safeera remained safe, far from the watchful eyes of those who sought to destroy her.
She could not watch from the shadows any longer.
"Valeria," she called, and her maid stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Go to the orphanage. I need you to watch over her. Make sure she remains unseen."
Valeria nodded, her expression unreadable. She had served Lady Myra for years and knew better than to question her orders. Without hesitation, she slipped into the night, heading toward the orphanage.
However, what neither of them knew was that they were being watched.
As Valeria moved through the winding streets, silent figures trailed her. Cloaked in darkness, their movements were swift and precise. They knew she was heading somewhere important, and they intended to find out why.
Back at the orphanage, Elanor finally found her voice. "Safeera!" she called, stepping forward.
Safeera snapped out of her trance, the glow in her eyes fading instantly. She turned sharply, clutching the book to her chest. Her heart pounded as she realized she was not alone.
"What… what are you doing here?" Elanor demanded, struggling to keep her voice steady.
"I—" Safeera hesitated, unsure how to explain what had just happened. She herself didn't understand it. "I was just… looking."
Elanor studied her carefully. She wanted to press further, to demand the truth, but something in Safeera's wide eyes made her pause. This child, so seemingly ordinary, had just displayed something beyond comprehension.
"You shouldn't be here," Elanor finally said, her voice softer. "Come with me."
Safeera swallowed hard but obeyed, tucking the book under her cloak.
As for Valeria, she reached the outskirts of the orphanage. She moved swiftly, her senses alert. Just as she neared the entrance, a shadow flickered in the corner of her vision. She spun around, but there was nothing there.
Then she heard it—the unmistakable sound of footsteps.
Her pulse quickened. She wasn't alone.
Valeria knew she had to act fast. She picked up her pace, weaving through the trees, trying to shake off her pursuers. But they were skilled, their presence growing closer. They were closing in.
One of them whispered something in a language she couldn't understand, and suddenly, a figure leapt from the shadows, blocking her path. Tall, hooded, and radiating an aura of danger.
"Who are you?" Valeria demanded, stepping back.
The figure didn't answer. Instead, they moved forward, forcing Valeria to retreat. More shadows emerged, surrounding her. Her mission had just become far more complicated than she had anticipated.
Inside the orphanage, Safeera sat on her bed, staring at the book in her hands. The events of the night played over and over in her mind. The glow in her eyes. The symbols that had seemed alive. Elanor's reaction.
She had more questions than ever, but no answers.
And outside, unseen forces lurked, their eyes now set on her.
Would they find her before she discovered the truth?