The room seemed frozen, every child holding their breath as Richard Norman's chilling presence filled Sacred Virtue's Orphanage. Miss Agatha's comforting smile faltered when their eyes met.
Kai, who had just led the prayer, stood still, his heart pounding with fear and disbelief. It was like a nightmare come to life—a notorious killer was standing right there.
Before them stood a tall, thin man with long, messy hair, wet from the rain. His face was rugged, shaped by years spent in darkness, reflecting his criminal past.
For a brief moment, the world seemed to stop. The man they'd seen on the news was now right in front of them.
"Stay close to me, children," Miss Agatha whispered, her voice full of worry. She had increased security after the news broke, but it clearly wasn't enough.
"Oh, why the long faces, little ones?" Richard asked with fake concern. They all knew he was pretending.
He let the tension build, then added, "You're acting like I'm not welcome here."
"You aren't. Why are you even here?" Kai asked, his voice shaky but trying to sound brave. Fear crept through his words.
"Oh? You know who I am?" Richard said with fake surprise. "I'm curious—what gave me away? Was it the outfit?"
He paused, a wicked smile spreading across his face.
"Or maybe it was the bloodstains."
Then he laughed, a sound that sent chills through the room.
"He's crazy," Kai thought, desperately searching for a way out.
Minny clutched Kai's hand, trembling. Kai could feel her fear.
Miss Agatha finally spoke, her voice cautious. "Please, ignore the boy's words, and forgive me, but…"
She paused, choosing her words carefully. "Why are you here? If you need a place to stay, we would help, but you must know this is the first place the authorities will—"
"I'm not staying long," Richard interrupted calmly.
"If you want money," Miss Agatha offered, "I come from a wealthy family and—"
"I don't want your money," Richard cut her off again.
Miss Agatha, her fear showing, asked, "If it's not refuge or money, what do you want?"
Richard stayed quiet for a moment, his eyes locked on Miss Agatha. Finally, he said, "You seem like a woman of faith, like my mother was." His voice grew thoughtful. "So, tell me, Miss Agatha—do you believe in salvation, even for someone like me?"
"Yes," she replied gently but firmly. "I believe anyone can change and find redemption, no matter their past."
A cynical smile crossed Richard's face. "That's what I thought."
He paused, his voice becoming reflective. "I came here on a whim. I was passing by, wanting to leave… until I heard something I hadn't heard in years—children's laughter. It struck me as strange, so I watched more closely. What I found was unbelievable—a place for the lost and broken, filled with happiness and laughter."
His disbelief was clear as he spoke. "I wanted to see it for myself."
Then his tone darkened. "And now I want to destroy it with my own hands."
Gasps filled the room. His words hung heavy in the air. Richard's eyes locked on Miss Agatha, full of a dangerous intensity.
"I want to crush the happiness in every one of you," he said, his voice twisted with madness. His eyes glowed with malice, casting a dark shadow over the room.
"Happiness shouldn't exist in this world," he muttered bitterly. "That's what I told my mother before I…" He trailed off, the weight of his unspeakable actions hanging in the air.
He looked back at Miss Agatha, his eyes empty. "So, I ask again—do you think there's salvation for someone like me?"
This time, Miss Agatha couldn't answer. The darkness Richard carried left her speechless.
The orphans looked at each other in terror, their innocence shattered by the threat before them. Fear spread as they huddled closer for comfort.
Kai's heart raced as he processed Richard's words. Despite the fear, determination surged within him. He couldn't let this man destroy the safe haven Miss Agatha had created.
In a bold move, Kai grabbed a knife from a nearby table. His hands shook, but he threw it at Richard, aiming to stop him and protect the others.
Chaos erupted as the knife flew through the air, hitting Richard's shoulder. Blood oozed out, but Richard didn't even flinch.
"Just like always," he said coldly, smirking. "I don't feel pain."
Suddenly, his gray eyes glowed a dark red.
"I don't feel anything," he said, his voice empty of emotion.
In an instant, Richard moved with unnatural speed toward Kai. Before anyone could react, he kicked Kai with such force that he flew through the wall, landing outside in the pouring rain, unconscious.
"Kai!" Miss Agatha screamed in horror.
Richard remained calm, his tone cold. "He's dead."
He looked around the room, showing no remorse.
"Now then," he sneered, his voice full of malice, "who's next?"