Chapter 1 – The Meeting
In the corner of Ash City stood an old yet well-kept orphanage. Its brick walls were faded, but the sound of laughter and running footsteps gave it life. Children between the ages of five and fourteen chased one another in the yard, their smiles shining as brightly as the afternoon sun.
But today, the familiar peace broke when a car rolled to a stop in front of the orphanage gates.
The vehicle was sleek, its polished surface reflecting the sunlight. From the driver's side, a woman stepped out. She appeared to be in her late thirties, with reddish-brown hair tied neatly, her features refined and her posture calm. She opened the passenger door with a practiced motion.
From the car emerged another woman, younger in appearance yet carrying a presence so sharp it silenced the children's laughter. Her beauty was striking—long black hair that fell smoothly past her shoulders, and eyes of deep, vivid red that seemed to pierce through everything they landed on. She didn't speak, only stood with quiet elegance.
The caretaker and manager of the orphanage, Lily Windshell, quickly hurried outside. Her uniform was plain, but her polite smile warmed the atmosphere as she bowed slightly.
"Welcome, Miss Gray," Lily greeted, her tone respectful.
The black-haired woman, Vanessa Gray, gave her a short nod. She didn't add anything else.
The reddish-brown-haired woman stepped forward, extending her hand with a graceful smile."It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Windshell. My name is Amaya Heart." She shook Lily's hand lightly before continuing, "As we informed you, Miss Gray would like to adopt a child today. I apologize if this interrupts your schedule."
Lily shook her head quickly. "No, no, Miss Heart. The pleasure is all mine. Please, come inside."
She led the two women through the modest halls of the orphanage, stopping in her office where neatly prepared files were already stacked. She handed the papers to Amaya, who then passed them on to Vanessa.
"There are only thirteen children here at present," Lily explained.
Vanessa flipped through the papers quietly, her red eyes moving over the details with sharp attention. Meanwhile, Amaya smiled again and said, "Miss Windshell, could you please gather the children here?"
"Of course," Lily replied. She stepped outside and called out, her voice carrying gently through the halls. Within minutes, the children gathered inside the office, standing in a loose group.
"Little ones," Lily said warmly, "this is Miss Heart. She's here with Miss Gray, and they would like to adopt one of you."
The children shifted nervously, some curious, some shy. Vanessa's gaze swept over each small face, expression unreadable. Then her eyes paused.
Among the group stood a boy who seemed about eight or nine years old. His hair was black as night, his eyes dark, and his features unusually delicate—so much so that, without knowing his file, one might mistake him for a girl.
Vanessa's steps echoed softly as she walked toward him. Her gaze locked onto his as though the others had already vanished from the room.
She stopped before him and spoke, her voice calm and low."Hello. My name is Vanessa Gray. What is your name?"
The boy lifted his eyes to meet hers. His lips moved, voice quiet but clear."Es. My name is Es."