I couldn't contain my excitement as I stood in front of the finished orphanage. The tension from meeting Malik a few days ago, all forgotten in this moment.

"Lady Lina, when will we gather the children." Oden said, standing closely by my side. 

"The mercenaries that I've hired will split into groups to search the city and slums, I want you to pair with the team the will go to the slums. The children that need you most will be there." I felt bad for lying, but he could not know that the 'mercenaries' were really the dukes private soldiers. 

"We are ready for your orders Lady Lina." The leading knight said while bowing. 

"You all know this city inside and out, I will trust your judgement in this." My knowledge of this city is poor. I am after all an outsider in this world, no matter how much I try to make up for that.

"Yes, Lady Lina." 

They all departed with his orders shortly after, I was sad that I could not join them but I was forced to promise father that I would not. I knew it was because of my health, but this body was fine for the time being.

I felt out of place and useless, as everyone around me was busying themselves preparing for the children. All I could do was sit and wait for their arrival. 

*

*

*

As the sky was starting to dim, I could see multiple carriages quickly rushing down the street. 

"They're back, everybody get ready!" I ordered, walking into the building to be heard by everyone. 

I turned around to greet them but Oden had already rushed passed me with a child in his arms. As I looked closer it was a small boy with cold sweat covering his malnourished body. I knew I could do nothing to help, but for reasons unknown I grabbed the little boy's trembling hand. 

Maybe I saw a young Alina, a sick Alina, or even...

Myself.

***

(Oden's POV)

I quickly set the boy in my arms onto a bed so I could grab what was needed to treat him. As I returned I was surprised to see Lina holding his hand.

"You will be okay, I know it hurts but you have only bright days ahead. I promise." She mumbled while rubbing the young boys hand, I could see the desperation in her eyes. It made me think that maybe the words were not only spoken to the little boy.

As if to respond to her words the boy broke out in a coughing fit. I moved quickly to give him antibiotics, to fight against his pneumonia. 

"M-mom?" The boy struggled to get out after taking the medicine. 

"No, no. I'm Lina, could you tell me your name?" To comfort the child she spoke in soft whispers. 

"...Theo. Where am I?" The boy had confusion written all over his face.

"This is a place that takes care of kids that have no parents, until they grow up. You were sick in the slums, so we took you here to treat you until you are better." This time I answered. His eyes darted between me and Lina, showcasing his vigilance towards us.

"I don't have any money, what do you want?" It is sad that a boy at this age knew there was no such thing a free lunch in this world.

"For you to grow up happy and healthy." Lina said while patting his head. He leaned into her touch while a smile made way onto his face.

"Sleep. You need to get better before you can play." She whispered while lying him down. The affection and pity she had for Theo was clearly displayed with her actions.

"Where will you go?" Theo asked in a panic while grabbing her arm.

"I need to go home, but don't worry I'll be back to see you. We can even play once you get better."

"Promise?"

"Promise." She said with a gentle smile on her face.

***

(Alina's POV)

Once I left Theo and Oden I made way to the front office, there I saw the person I was looking for.

"Mrs. Glen. How's everything going?"

"Great. The mercenaries just left, and the children are eating right now." Mrs. Glen said while giving a warm smile. 

"I'll trust everything to you and Mrs. Burk. I have to head home, I don't want to be late." 

"I understand." She said while patting my back. Although she looks strict with her slicked back bun, she has a very sweet and warm personality.

"Please have a goodnight, and let everyone know that they have done a good job."

"I will. Have a good night yourself." 

I left to not be late for dinner, father was very strict with wanting me home by dinner time. I could tell he did not like me away from the mansion in case my health suddenly declined. 

Before I knew it I was home, I rushed to my room to change into clean clothes presentable for dinner. I made way to the dinning room to not keep them waiting, I didn't want to get an ear full from any of them about me being late. 

Once I reached the dinning room, Ethan and Seth were entering. I stood far from Ethan, behind Seth to try and avoid conflict. I know Ethan is not happy at all about my probation being lifted as well as me going out til late in the day.

"Stop hiding like a coward." Seth whispered to me with amusement dancing within his eyes.

"I'm not hiding..." I was just too tired to deal with trivial arguments about things that would not be changed.

"I can hear you both." Ethan said, annoyance dripping from his tone.

"Enough, Lets eat." Father said, already sitting at the dining table waiting for us.

We all obediently sat in our respective seat, and our food was quickly served soon after.

"How was your day father?" I asked. I had to show my gratefulness to the man who made the orphanage possible.

"Fine." He said so but I could see the rings under his eyes. It seems he had a lot of work recently.

"I'm sure you've had a great day." Ethan spat out at me while his eyes shot daggers at me. I don't know if it is because I've grown used to Ethan or because of Alina's emotions but I no longer back down from his gaze. 

"I did." I looked his straight in the eye and smiled.

"Impudent." Ethan growled.

"I only answered your question." I said while feigning a confused expression. I don't know why but fighting with him like this wasn't bad, it felt like we were real siblings. He was just annoyed that I never faced any real punishment for 'my' actions. I knew he did not hold any real resentment.

"You-"

I couldn't hold back my laughter that burst forward. I couldn't explain it, maybe it's happiness from finally gaining a family but there was a sense of bitterness; it might be because I've never had it before, or because its not mine in the first place, I don't quite know.

"I'm sorry, as crazy as it sounds I enjoy being here like his with you all." Once I said this Seth and Ethan gave me looks of confusion, while father looked at me with a deep sadness in his eyes.

"Have you finally lost your mind?" Seth asked dumbfounded.

We continued the dinner with bickering, but the atmosphere couldn't be warmer.

*

*

*

I finally arrived in my room, but I noticed that this time was different from other times. Instead of breathing a sigh of relief, I was reluctant to separate from them. 

I quickly got ready for bed with the help of Chrysta.

"Good night Miss." Chryst spoke while bowing.

"Good night." I wouldn't openly call Chrysta yet. I wanted to wait until I had more answers to my questions before I called her out.

I felt restless as I lay down to sleep, a sense of unease coursed through me. I tried to distract myself from the feeling by focusing on my heart beat but my heart seemed to race as if agreeing with my unease. 

I toss and turn while waiting to sleep, I can only listen to the silence that has settled within the mansion. 

I finally get reach the limit of my patience and sit up.

Only to be met with a pair of blood shot eyes.