Chapter 1
Celine pov
The moon hung high in the night sky, casting an eerie glow on the orphanage where I had spent the majority of my existence. Being left at the doorstep as a baby, I had been unaware of my true lineage. My parents were unknown, a mystery that haunted me. The orphanage administrator, a woman of great strength and compassion, had become a mother figure to me. She shared stories and whispered secrets, treating me as one of her own.
She had revealed that I was found near the airport, lost and alone, prompting an investigation. It was believed that my parents were foreigners, distant figures from a faraway land. Yet, despite their efforts, the authorities never unearthed a trace of them. The truth remained concealed, buried in the depths of the night.
But now, as darkness blanketed the orphanage, a different truth was unveiled. It was the eve of my eighteenth birthday, marked by a celebration thrown by the staff and my fellow orphans. Laughter and warmth filled the air as we indulged in festivities, the veil of worries temporarily lifted.
Yet, while my companions succumbed to slumber, the administrator summoned me, her face etched with concern. An unsettling sensation coursed through me, my mind conjuring dark scenarios. I had not anticipated the weight of her impending revelation.
Yawning, as fatigue crept upon me, I politely asked if the matter could wait until morning. She shook her head vehemently, demanding my immediate presence in her office. An unspoken fear hung between us, obscuring the truth that waited to be unraveled.
Reluctantly, I trailed behind her, navigating the flickering shadows that seemed to dance mockingly. The administrator, once gentle as an angel, now donned a disconcerting mask. Uncertainty filled the room, her fingers fidgeting nervously as she prepared to speak, her words shrouded in hesitance.
She exhaled deeply, her voice quivering with emotion, "Celine, you have come of age. It is time for you to depart from this sanctuary in accordance with our protocols."
The revelation struck me like a bolt of lightning, leaving me stunned and gasping for air. Leave? How? Where would I go? The questions flooded my mind, desperate for answers. A fragile smile clung to my lips, a feeble attempt at denial or hope.
But her words remained firm, rigid in their resolution. "You must forge your own path now, find happiness in the world beyond these walls. Seek employment, a home, a family of your own. You cannot remain here forever."
My heart pounded, panic threatening to seep through my veins. Sweat dotted my forehead as I pleaded, tears streaming down my face, "Please, I implore you, do not cast me out into the unknown. This has been my only haven, my sole refuge. I have nowhere to go, no one to turn to. I am but a lost soul."
She stepped forward, cupping my face with tenderness, her own tears mirroring my anguish. "I am sorry, truly sorry. My hands are tied. All I can offer you is this meager sum, a token gesture. Take it, and may fortune smile upon your journey."
The words caught in my throat, unable to escape. As I stumbled away from her office, the weight of the world pressed upon my trembling shoulders. The streets stretched out before me, cold and unforgiving. This was my fate now, to wander alone, bereft of the sanctuary I had cherished.
The darkness embraced me, tears blending seamlessly with the night. With each step, I accepted my newfound destiny, steeling myself for the trials that awaited. It was time to leave, to venture into the unknown abyss. And so, with a heavy heart, I embarked on my odyssey as the sun timidly peeked on the horizon.
I didn't enjoy the moment when I had to say goodbye to my packmates, and seeing them cry made me sad too.
I packed my things and dressed in simple clothes - denim and a t-shirt. I didn't have many belongings as I walked through the dimly lit streets, not knowing what lay ahead.
I felt scared as it was still dark, with no one else around. I looked at the moon and silently prayed for help. I was in a tough situation, with hardly enough money to rent a place to sleep for the night.
Just when I was thinking about what to do next, I almost got hit by a car. My heart raced as I shouted and covered my eyes. Luckily, the driver stopped just in time, narrowly missing me.
A good-looking man with golden hair got out of the car and hurried to me. He asked, "Are you okay? Did someone hurt you?" His face showed concern.
I looked into his kind hazel eyes, finding him interesting. I nervously replied, "No, it was my own mistake."
He smiled warmly and gently lifted my chin, "Take it easy, no need to panic. Why are you wandering alone in these empty streets? It's dangerous here. I can take you wherever you need to go." He held out his hand.
I felt speechless and clumsy, not knowing what to say.
He raised an eyebrow and asked, "What's your name?"
Trying to be friendly, I replied, "I'm Celine, and I just turned eighteen."
Being so close to a man for the first time, I felt nervous and embarrassed.
He joked, "I didn't ask for your ID. I'm not a police officer."
I looked away, mumbling an apology.
He then opened the car door and gestured for me to get in, saying, "Come on, I'll give you a ride home."
I snapped at him, "I don't have a place to call home. I'm an orphan. I just turned eighteen, and it's time for me to leave the shelter, and-"
He interrupted me, showing his kindness, "You can stay with me. I wouldn't mind at all."
Our teachers had always warned us to never trust strangers, and I remembered that advice. I shook my head and said, "Thanks, but no thanks. It's time for me to go."
As I tried to leave, he grabbed my arm and my bag, insisting with a strong voice, "I'm not going to harm you. I'm an orphan too, and you won't become my dinner."
Slowly turning towards him, I looked into his captivating hazel eyes. I couldn't tell if he was being genuine, but based on his appearance and the car he had, he didn't seem dangerous. He seemed like an ordinary person.
I sighed and agreed, "Okay, but just for a few days. I need to find a job and a place to live."
He patted my head affectionately, treating me like a little puppy, and said, "Don't worry. I'll help you find work. Let's get out of here; this place is filled with dangerous people. I can't promise your safety."
With that, he took me away. Our future was uncertain, but at least for now, we were together in this journey.
