A few days had passed since the final resolution.

  The atmosphere in the Sungley mansion seemed to have recovered a certain outward calm, but not every heart was at peace.

  On a large and comfortable bed, covered with clean and soft sheets, rested a small girl burdened by traumas that still chased her even while she slept. Her body was in a safe place, but her mind remained trapped in cruel memories.

  In her dream, she relived the harsh and painful days in the land where she was born.

  Barren and devastated lands.

  Dry fields where dust rose with the wind, as if the earth itself were slowly dying.

  Older children beating her for no reason, only for fun or frustration.

  Living at a social level barely above slavery.

  The constant feeling of being worthless.

  And the cruelest memory of all: accepting to pay with her own life so that her village and her parents would not die.

  That had been the price.

  That had been her destiny.

  And that destiny brought her to her current situation.

  Suddenly, the girl woke up.

  Her breathing was fast. Her eyes opened in fear… and met something that did not match her memories.

  There was no dry soil.

  There was no dust.

  There were no chains or screams.

  She was in a completely decorated and clean room. The walls were well maintained, the furniture was orderly, and the air smelled of wood and freshly washed fabric.

  At a desk in the corner, a boy was reviewing some blueprints with concentration. The light coming through the window illuminated his hair, giving it a soft glow.

  He felt familiar…

  She knew that boy.

  The boy turned when he sensed movement, and when he saw her awake, he stood up immediately. He walked toward the bed with enthusiasm and calmness.

  — Oh, hello, girl! I’m glad you woke up! —Kael exclaimed with clear relief—. Tell me, how do you feel? Do you have any pain?

  The girl, still confused and worried, tried to sit up, but her body did not respond as she expected. Weakness betrayed her and she almost fell from the bed.

  Kael quickly held her carefully and laid her back down gently.

  The girl tried to get up again.

  The world spun.

  A sharp pain went through her side, as if something had stabbed her from the inside. Her breathing stopped immediately.

  The physical memory of the impact came back all at once.

  Kael held her before she could fall.

  — Easy. Don’t try to get up like that.

  She pressed her lips together.

  Taking a deep breath was difficult.

  There were no visible wounds.

  But her torso was still fragile, as if any sudden movement could break her from the inside.

  — Your ribs are not ready for that —Kael added with unusual seriousness for a child.

  the girl lowered her gaze.

  In her village, no one expected ribs to heal properly.

  If you were still breathing… you were alive.

  That was enough.

  — Relax… don’t push yourself —Kael said in a firm but warm tone—. You suffered a lot of damage and you’re still recovering. Don’t force yourself. No one will hurt you or try to do anything bad to you… just relax and rest. Chocolo and I will take care of you.

  At that moment, a bark broke the silence.

  — Woof!

  The girl turned her head and, for the first time, saw the creature beside the bed.

  It was strange. It did not look like anything she had seen before.

  Her heart started beating fast. Her hands trembled. Fear did not disappear easily.

  With a broken voice, she murmured:

  — S-sorry… s-sir… I shouldn’t be here… I don’t want to dirty anything… please forgive me…

  Guilt was marked in her tone. As if her mere existence was a nuisance.

  Kael took one of her hands. Her fingers were small, cold, and trembling. He held it firmly, but gently.

  — Relax. You are my guest… and my savior —he told her with a sincere smile, without a trace of mockery—. Nothing bad will happen… I promise.

  The girl looked at him with teary eyes.

  She did not fully understand that kindness. She was not used to it.

  But she decided to believe him.

  She nodded slightly.

  Kael tilted his head a little.

  — Can I know your name?

  The girl swallowed before answering.

  — My name is… Zarina… sir…

  Kael opened his eyes with genuine enthusiasm.

  — Oh! That’s a beautiful name. I’ve never heard it before. Zarina… it sounds cool, like the name of a serious and strong girl. —He smiled widely—. Let me introduce myself, I’m Kael. Nice to meet you.

  Zarina looked at him shyly. Her world was cold, but that boy did not seem to follow the rules of the world she knew.

  Carefully, she asked:

  — Excuse me, Lord Kael… what happened?

  Kael sat beside her, resting one arm on the bed. With patience, he explained everything that happened after she fell unconscious. He told her how they brought her here, how they treated her, and why she could not return with the other children because of her health.

  Zarina only nodded.

  She accepted reality little by little.

  Deep inside, a part of her had always known that would be the outcome.

  Kael noticed the lack of light in her eyes… the absence of will… and decided to go straight to the point.

  — Hey, Zarina… I know this is sudden and maybe rushed… but do you have any idea what you want to do now?

  The question caught her off guard.

  But her answer was immediate. Painfully clear.

  — Well… I don’t want to be a burden to you, my lord. As soon as I can stand on my own, I will leave so I won’t trouble you any further. I’ll find something to survive… it won’t be very different from how I lived in my village…

  Kael looked at her with sincere concern.

  There was no anger in her words.

  There was no rebellion.

  The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Only resignation.

  — So… you don’t know what you’ll do? —he asked softly.

  — For now… I don’t know, my lord…

  Kael remained silent for a few seconds. Then he smiled.

  — Then why don’t you stay here with me? —he said suddenly—. You know? I need a personal assistant to help me with my training and research.

  Zarina looked at him in shock. Her eyes widened as if she had heard something impossible.

  — But, my lord, I… I don’t know anything… I will only get in your way…

  Kael changed his expression. His gaze became serious.

  — Of course you don’t know anything… —he replied without softening the truth—. But you can learn. Tell me, do you want to give up your life to loneliness and pain… or do you prefer to take this opportunity and prove that you can be someone important in this life?

  The words went straight to the girl’s heart.

  No one had ever offered her something like that.

  No one had ever spoken to her about importance.

  No one had ever given her a real choice.

  She swallowed. She felt something new… something small… a spark.

  — If you believe I can be of help to you… I will do my best to be useful.

  Kael smiled widely, with genuine happiness.

  — That’s what I’m talking about! Did you hear that, Chocolo? I have my first assistant!

  — Woof! —the animal responded with enthusiasm.

  And so, the first days after Zarina woke up passed.

  But they were not easy days.

  The girl’s body still carried the consequences of the fight. Her ribs had been cracked, her back was covered in dark bruises, and the blow to her head left her with occasional dizziness. Even breathing deeply caused a slight stab of pain that she tried to hide.

  Kael had not come out unharmed either. Although he acted energetic as always, more than once he had to grit his teeth when he moved his left arm or went down the stairs too fast. His internal injuries were still healing, even if he pretended they were nothing.

  During those days, Zarina remained in bed most of the time. The maids brought hot infusions and medicinal ointments prepared by the house healers. When no one was watching, Kael checked her bandages clumsily but with almost obsessive attention.

  Little by little, she began to sit up without help.

  Then, to place her feet on the floor.

  Her first attempts to stand were humiliating and painful. Her legs trembled as if they did not belong to her. The simple act of taking three steps left her out of breath.

  But she insisted.

  As the hours passed and she made small trips around the room, she began to walk again. Her steps were unsteady, short, and stiff, as if the floor could disappear at any moment. Even so, each day she regained a little more strength.

  Sometimes the pain returned at night, in the form of sharp stabs or nightmares. And in those moments, the silence of the room reminded her of everything she had lost.

  Even so, she was visibly worried and uncomfortable.

  Not only because of the physical pain.

  She knew she was a stranger in that house.

  And above all… she was a demon.

  The next morning, Kael arrived at her room and greeted her. But this time there was something different in his posture.

  He was more serious. More tense.

  During those days, the only ones who had entered that room were him and a few maids.

  And now the moment had come.

  He stood in front of her.

  — Zarina… the great lord of the Sungley house and the most important members are waiting for us in the meeting hall… are you ready?

  Zarina felt her stomach tighten.

  She nodded with clear nervousness.

  Kael carefully took her hand and led her out of the room.

  With each step, the atmosphere felt heavier.

  When they entered the meeting hall, the air felt denser. The tension was almost tangible.

  Zarina raised her gaze… and saw serious faces. Severe faces.

  Especially three of them.

  The two children stood in the center of the hall.

  The session began.

  Lord Garbard stood up with a firm and calm posture. His presence commanded respect even without raising his voice. The light from the large windows highlighted the marked lines of his face.

  — I hereby begin this extraordinary session to determine what decision we will take regarding the future of this child —he declared solemnly.

  Then he fixed his gaze on Zarina.

  It was not a cruel look… but neither was it indulgent.

  It was the look of someone who had to protect a house, a territory, and a lineage.

  — Child, step forward and introduce yourself.

  Zarina felt her heart pounding in her chest. Her hands were cold. She glanced at Kael, looking for support.

  He held her gaze firmly and nodded calmly, as if telling her without words: you can do it.

  She took a small step forward, still injured.

  — G-g… good morning, my lord… —her voice trembled—. My name is Zarina.

  Awkwardly, she bowed in respect, despite the pain it caused her.

  Garbard gave a slight nod.

  — Tell me, Zarina… could you tell me a little about yourself and how you ended up in this situation?

  The silence in the hall was absolute. No one was breathing normally.

  Zarina felt the pressure of every gaze on her. Her fingers intertwined nervously in front of her body.

  With difficulty, she began:

  — I am from a small village on the border with the demon forest… the land there is somewhat fertile… that is why there are many farms… my parents were workers who labored for the farmers in exchange for a little food… we belonged to the lowest social class… that is why, when the conflict with the bandits happened… to avoid a massacre… they handed me over, along with other children…

  The words came out broken. Each sentence seemed to demand enormous effort.

  The impact was clear.

  Some frowned.

  Others clenched their jaws.

  Garbard maintained his composure.

  — And tell me, Zarina… do you remember the path you took with the bandits?

  Zarina slowly shook her head.

  — No, my lord… I did not pay attention to the road we followed… I was only worried that the other children would not fall… so they would not be beaten or killed…

  That last detail fell like a stone in the middle of the hall.

  The silence grew even heavier.

  Caria, who until then had been watching with a restrained expression, stepped forward. There was confusion and conflict in her eyes.

  — Tell me, Zarina… do you remember the last moments before you arrived here?

  Zarina looked at her with discomfort. The question forced her to return to a moment she would rather forget.

  But she answered.

  — I remember we were resting in a hideout in the forest… and a flying monster was carrying young master Kael in its claws… —her voice became firmer—. At that moment I knew he was not a demon… because of his clothes and the direction they were coming from.

  She struggled to breathe.

  — The bandits said that young master would be the only target of a mage for his experiments…

  Caria felt a cold fury rise in her chest.

  The idea that someone planned to use Kael as material for experimentation twisted her stomach.

  Laret intervened, trying to maintain order.

  — Kael told us that you saved his life…

  Zarina’s eyes widened in surprise.

  She tried to look at everyone at once, as if confirming she had heard correctly.

  — N-no… I didn’t save him from anything…

  The gazes crossed.

  Even Kael tensed.

  Caria frowned.

  — Could you explain why you say that?

  Zarina pressed her lips together. She did not want to contradict them… but she could not lie either.

  — Young master Kael… saved us… —she finally said—. He stood up and started fighting all the bandits… he didn’t kill any of them… and then he fought the leader… but that man began to take advantage of him… because Kael was trying to move him as far away from us as possible… he… he was taking a lot of damage to protect us…

  Her voice began to break.

  — There came a moment when he fell seriously injured…

  The air in the hall seemed to thin.

  Zarina lowered her gaze. Her shoulders trembled.

  — Young master Kael… even then, without being able to move… kept trying to fight to defeat the bandit… I couldn’t keep watching… I ran toward him to try to lift him and tell him to run… he wasn’t like us… he surely had a place to return to… and… I… I tried to give him some time to escape… I stood in front of the bandit… he hit me… and I… I only felt the impact when I fell… and I don’t remember anything else… I couldn’t do anything more…

  Tears began to fall without her being able to stop them.

  Kael did not wait any longer.

  He stepped forward and hugged her.

  Zarina, who until then had been trying to stay firm, clung to him awkwardly, as if that contact were the only stable point in the world.

  Kael raised his gaze toward his grandfather.

  — That’s enough testimony… —he said firmly—. I believe her account was complete enough for you to draw your conclusions.

  The versions matched.

  But there was one key difference.

  Now it was not Kael who was speaking.

  It was a demon girl.

  A girl who, despite everything she had suffered, chose to sacrifice herself to try to save someone else.

  That hit everyone present strongly.

  Especially Caria.

  She remained silent for a few more seconds, processing something that challenged what she had believed her entire life.

  A demon… capable of that act.

  Her mind inevitably traveled to her own past.

  To what her fate could have been… if Garbard had not rescued her years ago.

  The hardness in her expression began to soften.

  Finally, she spoke.

  — Zarina… please, raise your face.

  The girl obeyed. Her face was covered in tears and mucus, part of which had now remained on Kael’s shoulder. Even so, she tried to stand straight.

  Kael discreetly took her hand to support her.

  Caria took a deep breath.

  — Your arrival in this territory will not go unnoticed… you are considered an enemy to our race. If we leave you alone… you would likely be enslaved… or executed.

  Zarina listened in silence. There was no surprise in her eyes. Only acceptance.

  — Kael has firmly expressed that he wants to help you have a peaceful and quiet life… —Caria continued—. The only thing we can offer you for now is a slavery contract with Kael… so that you serve him as an assistant and to avoid suspicion or political complications between our noble house and the others.

  The term was harsh.

  Slavery contract.

  But paradoxically, it was the only thing that could protect her.

  Zarina lifted her gaze.

  There was no fear.

  There was a strange calm.

  — If I can be of help to young master Kael… then I will accept it with gratitude. I will serve him as his slave… for everything he has done for me… I would gladly give my life for him…

  Smack!

  A small hit landed on the back of her head.

  Zarina blinked in surprise.

  Kael was looking at her with clear disapproval.

  — Hey! That was never part of the contract —he said in a serious tone—. No one, absolutely no one, is allowed to sacrifice their life for me or for my nonsense. You are my research assistant. That’s more than enough.

  Zarina looked at him in confusion.

  — But, young master… I can’t!

  The tense atmosphere shattered like glass.

  Some even let out a small breath of relief.

  Warmth slowly returned to the hall.

  Caria, now with a broader view of the situation, watched the scene with a calmer expression.

  Laret gently took her hand and looked at her with restrained satisfaction.

  Lord Garbard stood up once more.

  — Then it is decided —he declared with authority—. The young demon Zarina will establish a slavery contract with Kael and will provide her services until both consider it appropriate. Therefore… Zarina, we welcome you to the Sungley house.

  The words echoed with weight.

  For Zarina, they meant more than protection.

  They meant belonging.

  And so a chapter of pain and sorrow came to an end.

  And a new story began, full of challenges, uncertainty… and, for the first time in her life, hope for a misunderstood young girl.