"Well, it depends on what my father decides," Luzia said, glancing at her father. He watched her silently, then his eyes widened as if realizing why she had looked at him. "You can stay here as long as you want for today, Luzia," he said, his tone more relaxed.
Luzia turned back to Camila with a gentle but noncommittal smile. "You heard my father. Let's go."
Alicia clapped her hands lightly. "Alright, please follow me, Luzia."
Camila took Luzia's hand, and the three of them walked together into the estate.
Ramiro and Esteban followed Sister Isabel into the drawing room.
As Luzia, Camila, and Alicia walked further in, Luzia felt a tug on her sleeve and looked down to see Camila gazing up at her with bright eyes. "Can you read to me today, Lady Luzia?"
A faint smile tugged at Luzia's lips. "We'll see," she repeated softly, though deep down, she already knew she wouldn't be able to resist.
They continued through the corridors of the estate, Alicia led them toward a cozy sitting room adorned with well-worn chairs and bookshelves filled with stories of all kinds. The comforting scent of freshly baked pastries wafted from the adjoining kitchen, and Luzia felt a rare sense of calm settle over her.
Camila tugged on her hand again, pulling Luzia toward a small nook by the window, where a few of the children had gathered, eagerly awaiting her presence. Alicia, smiling brightly, went to select a book from the shelf.
"Which one should we choose today?" Alicia asked, her eyes scanning the rows of colorful covers.
Luzia returned the smile, glancing at the children, their faces alight with excitement. "How about something adventurous? The ones with dragons and faraway lands," she suggested, her voice warm.
Camila's eyes sparkled. "Yes! Dragons!" she exclaimed, practically bouncing on her feet.
Alicia quickly pulled a book from the shelf and handed it to Luzia, who settled into a chair, her hands smoothing the pages. As the children gathered around her, their eyes wide with anticipation, Luzia began reading in her soft, melodic voice, the words flowing effortlessly.
The hours passed in a blur of laughter and stories, and Luzia found herself lost in the joy of it all. Here, surrounded by the innocence and warmth of the children, it was easy to forget the burdens and expectations of her life outside the orphanage.
When the reading finally came to an end, the children had drifted off to sleep, their faces peaceful and content.
Alicia quietly made sure each child was resting comfortably, adjusting blankets and pillows with gentle care. Once she was satisfied, she turned to Luzia, her soft voice barely a whisper. "Thank you, Lady Luzia," she said, her gratitude evident. "They adore you."
Luzia smiled softly, glancing at the children once more before standing up. "It's the least I could do," she replied, her heart lighter than it had been in a long while.
---
As they sat in the quiet room, Alicia turned to Luzia with a hopeful smile. "Why don't we go out?" she suggested. "Let's explore like we used to."
Luzia glanced at her, considering the idea. A walk did sound nice after the long morning. I guess I do need some fresh air, she thought.
With a nod, she stood up. "Alright, let's go."
Alicia beamed and led Luzia toward the forest behind the estate. The afternoon sun filtered through the dense canopy, casting dappled light along the narrow, winding paths. The familiar scent of damp earth and wildflowers surrounded them as they walked deeper into the woods.
As they strolled, Alicia excitedly pointed out various plants and herbs growing along the path. "Lady Isabel has been teaching me all about these," she said, kneeling to pluck a leaf and show it to Luzia. "This one helps with fevers, and over here—this flower can ease stomach pains."
Luzia observed her with a hint of surprise. "You've become quite knowledgeable." She paused for a moment, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "If you ever want to further your education, Alicia, just let me know. I'll help you."
Alicia's eyes widened, and she smiled gratefully. "Really? Thank you, Luzia! I'd love that."
Luzia returned the smile, pleased by Alicia's enthusiasm.
As they walked further, Alicia glanced at the trees around them and said, "We should head back soon. Lady Isabel warned me that the deeper parts of the forest are dangerous."
Luzia was about to agree when something caught her eye—a fleeting glimpse of silver moving between the trees. Her heart skipped a beat. Silver hair...? Without a second thought, she took a step forward, following the flash of movement.
"Luzia, wait!" Alicia called after her, hurrying to catch up.
Deeper into the forest, the thick foliage grew darker, and an eerie silence fell over them. Luzia slowed down, her eyes scanning the shadowy undergrowth. A creeping sense of unease settled over her when a soft rustling caught their attention.
A creature stepped into view—a stag with a ghostly silver coat, its antlers branching out like frost-kissed branches. Its luminous eyes, reflecting the dim light, seemed almost otherworldly. But something was wrong. The beautiful creature staggered, black ichor dripping from a deep wound in its side.
"A Pale Stag…" Alicia whispered, awe mixing with fear in her voice.
Is that what they call it? It looks like a deer. Luzia thought, her eyes fixed on the injured beast. It looked fragile despite its ethereal beauty, and she felt an odd tug of sympathy. She took a cautious step forward.
Before she could get any closer, a guttural snarl rumbled through the trees.
From the shadows emerged a hulking, nightmarish creature. Its mottled, sinewy form was wrapped in dark, bristling fur, its eyes glinting with a dull hunger. Long, jagged claws twitched at its sides, and its maw, lined with rows of needle-sharp teeth, dripped with the same blackened blood that oozed from the stag.
With terrifying speed, it lunged, jaws snapping shut around the Pale Stag, tearing into it with gruesome efficiency.
Luzia's stomach churned, and she instinctively grabbed Alicia's hand, pulling her behind a tree.
"What the hell is that?" Luzia whispered, her heart hammering in her chest.
Alicia trembled beside her, too frightened to move. In her panic, her foot slipped on a dry branch, producing a loud snap.
The beast's head jerked toward them, its milky eyes locking onto their hiding spot. With a low, guttural growl, it charged forward, its massive frame crashing through the undergrowth like a living nightmare.
"Ah, damn it," Luzia muttered, grabbing Alicia's arm tightly. "Run!"
They bolted through the dense forest, branches whipping past them as the beast thundered after them, its heavy footfalls shaking the earth beneath their feet. Every breath burned in Luzia's lungs, but they couldn't afford to stop—not with that thing right behind them.