6 V | Shadows

In the end, Lauriel learned that, indeed, they were not mortals.

They were called as 'Shadows'—things that lurked in the dark. Doing demonic and evil things. Extinguishing life as if killing a mosquito in just a snap. The majority of Chronos' population are aware of the existence of such beings and are guarded to mot be victimized by them—but no one really knows what they are like, for no one who encountered them ever lived to tell the tale.

There are speculations, like they are creatures with hideous countenance, a monstrous appearance. Never in their wildest dreams did they thought that these 'Shadows' might just be their neighbor, or close friend, classmate, teacher or boss—or even the founder of the company that they place their utmost trust in terms of security.

But if Lauriel would base it on today's events, it seems that people's ignorance about their appearance and possible locations of their dwellings are not at all legible.

And it was further confirmed when she heard the discussions of the three adults in front of her, not minding her presence one bit.

Then she remembered that she's still an infant—how stupid!

Even more so, Lauriel knew that Urielle didn't mind her there, especially after the attack, the angelic woman became even more anxious to leave her precious daughter alone.

And besides, she's just a babe, who is not aware of the gravity of their conversation, in their eyes. What could she possibly do, yeah?

"...The Order must be so desperate to take you in their side after all."

Julian's chilling voice pierced through Lauriel's incessant train of thought, as she instantly perked up from Urielle's arms.

Feeling her mother go limp behind her, Lauriel could not help but pay attention to the details of their conversation, becoming even more alarmed with every word she heard.

Urielle: "They're nothing but a delusional cult that wanted to reach the heavens."

Julian: "Heh. Who said that you should be a mortal-born angel?"

"Doesn't matter. As if I would let them take my child."

"You better should. Who knows how much power you and that con-artist's offspring can produce—oomph!!"

"My husband is not a con-artist! And more importantly, DON'T PERTAIN TO MY CHILD AS IF SHE'S AN ANIMAL! Sheesh, Julian. I wonder how much Sebastian have to endure because of you..."

And so on.

Even though the grave atmosphere that once enveloped the mini library was lifted, the dread in Lauriel's heart would not be eased, as if a storm ransacked her whole being, making her extremely distressed.

Power...

She never wanted to have power over anything all her life from her past life, due to the fact that power itself made her family self-destruct, and be a vulnerable prey for the oriole behind the them*—to say that she loathes it is an understatement. It was power that built them, and it is also the catalyst of their fall. Of her fall.

Who knows that when she was reincarnated, she'd be born into someone who has a potential for destruction.

Damn luck, alright.

--

Seven years later, in the same peculiar abode, a firl about the age of six, turning seven, sat on the polished grass of their front lawn, her small back leaning against a cherry blossom tree, that her father specifically cultured for her, holding a thick, hard-bound book.Her solemn demeanor blended perfectly with the calm ambiance that the Spring season brought, highlighting her exquisite features—especially those heterochromatic, blue-platinum eyes that held intelligence beyond her age. Her hair was tied up in a high ponytail, the long raven strands dancing gracefully with the wind—a contrast to her pale skin flushed with the little heat from the sun.

Her small and thin fingers lightly flipped the page as she continued scanning the contents of the book, her lips drawn in a lax manner as she exude an aura that forbids anyone to disturb her leisure time.

Unfortunately, the visitors of their home are an unruly bunch. Not much minding the calm atmosphere and the warning signs that she figuratively built around her.

"Lory!" a high-pitched, childish voice destroyed the calm surrounding the area, as a girl about the same age as Lauriel bounded to her. Unceremoniously draping her smaller body to the raven haired girl.

At this moment, anyone who would see this scene would not thought that the blood that runs in their veins are of those creatures that lurk in the dark, rather, are deities that descended from the heavens. For their beauty, despite the young age, are already otherworldly.

And that, behind the smiles that they exchanged, thousands of dead souls plead for their lives to be spared, only to be slashed away in vain—this is a premonition for the future they would take.

But at that moment, everything was still beautifully pure, innocent, untainted. Even though in their minds, the awareness of their parents' blood-stained hands are lingering behind their minds.

"Jacqueline, I told you not to disturb me," said the aloof Lauriel, her brow twitching in mild irritation. Jacqueline pouted as she rubbed her head on the former's right shoulder, like how Zero does it to appease her when she's throwing a tantrum, and whined, "Lory...drop that book and play with me!"

A tick formed on Lauriel's temple as she moved her left arm to push the annoying Jacqueline beside her, when an even more angering voice reached her ears.

"Heh. As if you could make that nerd drop her rubbish books!"

Sending a death glare on the direction of the voice, Lauriel saw the overly-familiar figure of a chubby boy, his signature black and white sweater loosely hanging on his little body.

"Can you not, James?" Lauriel hissed as she closed her book. James just stuck out his tongue, much like how his mom does it, and then walked away snickering to himself.

"I HOPE YOU'LL TRIP AND FALL FACE FIRST ON A POOP!"

Lauriel shook her head when Jacqueline yelled beside her, hoping to have covered her ears because the other girl's voice is just too high-pitched.

Foot steps were heard, leisurely walking towards their direction, making Lauriel lift her head. A small smile grazed the lips of the ravenette as she saw her mom smiling down on them.

"It looks like your friends are already here, Darling." Urielle greeted, extending her arms to her sides as a gesture of a hug.

Lauriel gleefully stood up and run in her arms, hugging Urielle tightly, not minding the sticky fluid that stained her pristine white dress. Crimson blotches bloomed on her dress, as the stench of death wafted in her nose—but she didn't mind it at all as she absorbed the warmth of her mother.

"Welcome home, Mom."