Blessing ceremony

As Paul stood on the stage, he looked out at the gathering of Andanch family members.

There was an air of anticipation as he explained the significance of the oath they were about to take.

He spoke about the importance of unity, loyalty, and preserving the family's history and values for generations to come.

"Today, we come together not just as individuals, but as a united family," Paul began, his voice resonating through the hall.

"We pledge to be faithful to one another, to support and protect each other in times of joy and sorrow.

We vow to uphold the legacy of our ancestors and to pass on their wisdom to our children."

One by one, the family members placed their right hand on their heart, repeating after Paul as they recited the oath.

Chris followed suit, though he didn't completely understand the significance of the moment. However, he felt a sense of belonging, knowing that he was now part of this ancient family tradition.

After the oath-taking, the family members settled down, and Paul proceeded with his speech.

He shared stories of their ancestors, tales of courage, love, and resilience that had shaped the Andanch family throughout the ages.

As he spoke, Chris listened intently, eager to learn more about the family he was now a part of.

Then came the time for the blessing ceremony. Paul motioned for one of the trusted servants to bring forward the oil of the family.

The servant carefully carried a beautiful golden jar, adorned with intricate designs that seemed to hold centuries of history within its delicate engravings.

Paul took the jar in his hands and approached the first teenager, a young boy named William.

With a gentle touch, he poured a few drops of the blessed oil onto William's head, speaking words of wisdom and hope for his future.

One by one, Paul repeated the ritual for each of the ten young family members, including the boy, Perry

As the blessed oil touched their foreheads, Chris could sense an aura of love and power enveloping them.

It was as if they were being anointed with the strength of their ancestors, bestowing upon them the courage and resilience needed to face life's challenges.

Finally, it was Chris's turn. Paul looked into his eyes, a glimmer of recognition passing through his gaze.

Chris felt a strange connection with this wise elder, but he couldn't quite place it. Paul proceeded with the ritual, pouring the oil on Chris's head, and then he spoke:

"Chris, may the blessings of our ancestors be upon you. May you carry their strength in your heart, and may you continue to grow into a person of compassion, wisdom, and love.

You are now part of our family, and we welcome you with open arms."

Chris was filled with a mix of emotions - gratitude, happiness, and a touch of curiosity about Paul's mysterious familiarity.

As the blessing ceremony concluded, the family members embraced one another, celebrating the unity and love that bound them together.

Throughout the rest of the evening, Chris was surrounded by his new family, each person sharing their own stories and experiences.

He felt an overwhelming sense of acceptance and warmth that he had never known before.

As the night drew to a close, Chris looked back on the events of the day. He marveled at how life could change so dramatically in such a short time.

From the depths of loneliness and despair in the orphanage to the embrace of a loving family, he had found his place in the world.

After the indulgent feast, Chris decided to escape the vibrant chaos for a moment of solace. Leaving behind the boisterous family hall, he wandered outside to savor the cool night air.

Meanwhile, within the hall, the maids assigned to tidy up had abandoned their

duties, engrossed in a salacious conversation about Chris and Jude.

Comparing their looks and speculating which one could potentially secure the favor of Leonard and inherit the family's fortunes.

The words whispered in hushed tones were soon elevated to truths within the gossiping minds of the maids.

Amidst this buzzing atmosphere, Lina, a captivating maiden known for her beauty, sat in a secluded corner, lost in her own thoughts.

The radiance of her eyes, shimmering like a moonlit pond, seemed to captivate all who gazed upon her. Her lustrous hair cascaded down her shoulders, enhancing her ethereal beauty.

Yet, her thoughts were interrupted as the other maids, unable to control their curiosity, bombarded Lina with questions about Chris.

Her cheeks flushed a faint rose as his name rolled off their tongues. The maids didn't miss this slightest hint of affection, seizing the opportunity to tease Lina mercilessly.

Just when Lina muster the courage to reply, a sudden disturbance shattered the mundane banter in the hall.

The imposing gates at the hall's entrance, normally requiring the strength of five men to open, were now flung wide open with an unexpected, brutal force.

The atmosphere morphed into one of shock and trepidation as a mysterious figure strode forward, their eyes fiery red and their fist clenched.

It wasn't Chris who emerged from the shadows, as the girls had assumed. Instead, it was Jude, his presence emanating a foreboding aura.

His sudden appearance sent their hearts into a frenzy, beating erratically, echoing the unease that gripped them.

The once bustling hall fell silent, save for the whispers of fear spreading like wildfire among the maids.

Every pair of eyes fixated on Jude's menacing figure as he drew nearer, each step resonating with an air of undeniable authority.

The maids who had dared to indulge in idle gossip now found themselves paralyzed with fear, unable to utter a word or even draw breath in his ominous presence.

It was as if a tempest had swept into their tranquil haven, leaving them powerless against its unstoppable force.

Lina, too, froze in awe and terror as Jude's piercing gaze fell upon her. She had only ever seen glimpses of this side of Jude, his eyes ablaze with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.

A myriad of emotions washed over her—fear, admiration, and an undeniable pull towards the enigmatic depths of his being.

As Jude came to a halt before the trembling maids, the room's oppressive silence stretched further, like a taut string waiting to snap.

What would come next, they could only dreadfully anticipate.