Winter is coming, bringing along the coldness with every touch. Cecil can be seen in the living room, quietly observing the fireplace's flickering light while leaning on the chair. After the destruction of the mansion and the disappearance of Theodore, this little shack deep in the forest is all they have. The place originally belonged to a friend, who was kind enough to let them stay throughout the arduous winter. The flimsy wooden shack trembles miserably under each blow, yet the loving wings still spread stronger than ever, protecting its expatriate children with all the remaining strength. Residents of the mansion cling to one another while hiding beneath a thin blanket. Their faces, blushing from the cold. How terrified these days was, to live a life without any goals.

“Here, this will warm you up." Sheritre appears from the kitchen, passing cups to the children. In happiness, they grin from ear to ear. Indeed, for them, a warm glass of water is worth more than anything else. Who appears unmoved is no one else but Cecil, gloominess fills her pearly green eyes. A soft pat from her finally wakes Cecil from her world of thoughts. “Thank you.” She clumsily takes the cup while Sheritre pulls a stool nearby, the two then lean on one another. Nothing could beat the warmth of companions gently gulping their hearts, regardless of the hissing wind right outside the windows. In the end, Sheritre could soon feel the steady breath of the girl. Resting on her shoulder, Cecil drifts into a sound sleep. "Sweet dreams, you deserve it," she reassures.

The others, embraced by the warmth of the fireplace, already fall asleep from exhaustion. Left behind Sheritre, bitterly gazing upon every innocent face they have protected. And there were so many more, they couldn’t… The silver eyes catch the sight of the woods. Wherever Theodore and Reid are, I pray for their safety. Drops of tears reached her trembling hands. Unlike them, who could bravely pick up a blade, protecting the home with their might, all she could do was pray and foresee the warnings. At that destined moment, it was the last time she saw Lily. A fragment of the future, a warning that has been revealed before her eyes, is certainly not enough to stop the tragic end. If she couldn’t at least protect her family, then what’s the point of this power? But... that's all they've got for now.

The image of Hyacind once again comes across her mind - the origin of the disturbing hallucination. Despite everything that had happened, the silver necklace remains untouched in her pockets, and a relieved sigh finally escapes after holding for so long. Without a doubt, such a symbol still makes her uneasy. Thoughts run miles. Should she try another time? Sheritre already got a chance to witness the inevitable future, and perhaps she can foresee it once again, yet hesitation still seems to grab a hold of her. Certainly, in such a dire time as this, an answer is worth more than gold. Taking a deep breath, Sheritre removes the silver ring. A beautiful hyacinth is formed from the combination of the two pieces. The silver eyes close quietly, summoning all her concentration on the symbol on her palm. It’s coming. A faint feeling slowly invaded her mind. Fear and furiosity lurking in her path, she trembled violently. Almost there... Sweat soaked her hair, and the hand holding the hyacinth became pale from the intense pressure... No matter how much effort Sheritre poured in, she couldn’t see anything, not even a fragment. Something is different... Turning around to see a pleasant Cecil and the children. Lifting the messy crimson hair, she sighs softly, “What should we do, Cecil?”

Mother, what should I do? The symbol is reflected in her palm.

An unrestful night welcomes the lonely soul.

Soon, the dawn will shine its faithful rays upon the woods. Another day rises over the shack, awakening the forgotten children. The weak sunlight rests on the crystal skin, dyeing the crimson hair a rose color. Under the immersive light, the green eyes unwillingly open. Though the other children have started their days, some collecting the berries for breakfast, some tidying the shack with Sheritre. The sight of her lifelessly lying on the bed is definitely contradictory. Hiding under the blanket, bathing in melancholy. She has tried… Tried so hard to find him in her dreams, forcing her mind to seek his image in every corner. Yet, she couldn’t even catch a glimpse of him. Calling out his name with every drop of her heart, her dreams live on in despair. She could no longer see him, in reality, and in the realm of imagination. You have promised to stay… Then… Where are you? Caressing the ring on her hand, a gentle kiss rested. “If you were here, you would definitely scold me." She laughed to herself. The chaotic heart is somehow at ease with the silver rose blooming gracefully. Just in time, Sheritre peeks in,” Cecil, will you join me in the town?" The silver eyes look at her beseechingly, “Pretty please?”

Next thing she knows, they are already in the bustling town, surrounded by a cacophony of noises. Without any objections, Cecil obediently follows Sheritre to the shops, helping her collect necessities. From loaves of bread to fruits, they are stacked in sacks. Until the next stop is filled with lines of people, interfering with their ways. “Wait for me. I will come back in just a few minutes.” That was what she said before leaving behind a confused Cecil. In no time, the sight of her friend disappeared into the swarm of folks.

She had never felt so alone as she sat down on a nearby bench. Silently looking at the people passing by, she can’t help but feel like an outsider... not belonging to this world. No… She shakes her head lightly... This is no time to be weak. She goes, thinking a walk might help clear her mind. Before her, there were rows of streets and houses, beautiful just like in her memories. Then... it came to a stop. On this same road, a faint figure of him walked alongside her. Rain of flowers falling on their heads nurtured their blooming love. For a while, all the people, all the sounds, fade away. All she could see… was him. The surreal figure of him, shimmering under the sun, walks right ahead. The same one Cecil has yearned for all this time. Ignoring everything, with all her might, she must run. Reaching out her arm, glistering pearls now gushing out, “Luke!” Would he turn back? The man she loved kept on his way.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

Just a bit more... bear a little longer.

At last, tripping from the run, to collapse on solid ground. Emotions spill over to the crimson wound on her knee. The moment Cecil glances up, the gloomy street… Is the reality. Prejudicial glances fall upon the girl, only magnifying her miserable look. The man? He is now gone with the wind. The film of blissful memories plays back. That same day, at the mansion hall, she fell into his warm embrace. Felt his soft smile on her head. The strong arms protected her from the cold ground... After all, only pain exists, burning from the wound to her heart. All cruelty whispers to her the devastating truth, the same truth she tries to run away from. “Can I live in those fantasies a little longer?" Cecil sobbed. She knows there is no point in living in grief, no point in torturing herself like this. She knows every fragment of him belongs in the realm of illusions. But, how could she not? Her map was of a world with Luke. Cecil sought his traces instinctively in every passing corner, to the point where even the smallest bits could easily remind him.

She simply couldn’t go back to the old Cecil anymore.

“Are you alright?” A girl kindly reached out her hand, offering to help her stand up. "Thank you," she says as she stands up, only to realize the girl looks strangely familiar. “Please, be careful on your way," she smiles. At that moment, all of her questions had been answered. How could she forget that same tender smile of hers... Lily. Drifting down along her shoulder, she could see a scar hidden under the dress. The scars Lily has told her in countless stories, of them injured from falling down a tree. Never could Cecil believe she is here… Safe and sound. A continuous gaze startles the girl, “Do you feel unwell?” She tried, yet no effort could stop the bitter tears. Sister, the last piece of Lily’s heart... She has finally found her. Cecil hands the woman the hairpin after pulling it from her pocket. The simple flower hairpin, the one Lily has cherished and protected for all her life, “This belongs to you." The girl falls back in astonishment, caressing the piece in her palm. Her fingers traced the lines of the hairpin, and what had been buried for so long burst forth all at once, and rolled down her cheek. “My apologies,” she hesitantly wipes away the tears, “I believed you had made a mistake. I do not remember owning this.” She handed it back.

The accident that day took too much from them. The flame, took away the cherished sister, taking away the memories that have warmed Lily’s heart for so long. How bitter it is. Closing her eyes, she smiles. All of the burdens seem to disappear without a trace, giving back a brave heart. Certainly, knowing Lily, none of this will matter. Even if her loved ones have long forgotten about her, as long as they are striving forward, then all of the sacrifices she has made… Are all worth it. With a gentle touch, she held her trembling hands, “No, this was yours, Eva.” Warmth embraced the hairpin, “Your sister would be so proud to see you like this." Stroking her soft hair just like Lily used to do, Cecil smiled sincerely, “Maybe you have forgotten, maybe you will never remember. But there was a sister who loved you and sought you with her heart. Even at her last breath, all she wished for was to be with you, again and forever.” Cecil tried to ease her heart, “She was Lily, your family.”

Holding the hairpin to her heart, Eva cries out loud. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t remember, as if there were a mist blocking her fractured memory. But this strange girl, her genuine words, and the hairpin elicited unexplainable emotions. Right from the moment she saw the accessory, her heart was more fragile than ever before. And now, she couldn’t answer those swelling emotions of that person named Lily. Yet she wouldn’t let go. “Thank you,” was all she could say through the tears. Eva gives her a bright grin while placing the hairpin in her soft hair.

A man calls out for Eva, his hand carrying a newborn baby, sleeping soundly. They were waiting for her return. Saying the final farewell, she joins them in happiness. To watch them walk away in the sunlight, a soothing breeze lingering on her. Lil, you can rest now. She smiles with strained eyes. Your Eva has grown up beautifully and happy, just like you have imagined…

“Cecil, here you are. I-” words failed to go when Sheritre saw her, Cecil, who is now gazing upon the stranger and her new family. “So that was her," she said, smiling, “beautiful, just like our Lily.” She nods, holding Sheritre's hand, "In the end, she has grown up into a pure lily." A pure white lily gracefully rises from the ashes. Their story ends with a good ending, with a new, joyful life awaiting.

And for them, the new chapter was just beginning. The children, Reid…Theodore needs them more than ever. Hands in hand, Cecil’s eyes sparkled in determination, “Time to fight back, Sheritre. Will you join me?” Under the lights, the crimson hair danced in the wind. No longer a protected rose, but now a reignited flame, a new dawn is coming to this barren land. In a wholehearted embrace, she holds Cecil tightly, “Of course! Finally, my Cecil is back.”

Luke, I’m afraid you will have to wait…