Nyx sat quietly in the small bathing chamber, the steam rising from the wooden tub filled with warm water. She hadn’t had the luxury of a proper bath since leaving the forest, and the sensation of warm water against her skin was a welcome relief. She closed her eyes, letting out a small sigh as she tried to relax, though her thoughts remained restless.

The lavender-scented soap lingered on her skin as she carefully rinsed her hair, her silver locks flowing like liquid moonlight down her back. As the warmth seeped into her muscles, she felt the tension begin to ease. Yet, in the quiet, her mind wandered to the unfamiliarity of it all—this place, these people.

When she finally stepped out of the tub, Nyx wrapped herself in a soft linen towel and glanced around the chamber. A simple mirror hung on the wall, its surface slightly warped, reflecting her covered eyes. Her fingers brushed the edges of her Stormweaver Veil, the fabric feeling like both a comfort and a shield.

“Uriel, are you still there?” she asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Always, Nyx. What’s on your mind?”

Nyx hesitated, glancing at her reflection in the small, foggy mirror hanging on the wall. “Do you think… Do you think I’ll be okay here? It’s so different from the forest. I feel like I don’t belong.”

Uriel’s tone was calm and steady. “You’ve already adapted so much, Nyx. This is just one more step. We’ll find your way.”

Nyx smiled faintly, gripping the towel tighter. “Thank you, Uriel. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“That’s why I’m here. To guide you when things feel uncertain. Just take it one step at a time.”

She nodded, feeling a little more grounded as she slipped into the simple brown tunic Sister Clara had left for her. The fabric was soft and worn, with delicate embroidery along the collar, sleeves, and hem that gave it a touch of elegance despite its plainness. She fingered the stitching, appreciating the care that had gone into it.

The scent of warm stew greeted Nyx as she stepped into the dining area. Sister Clara, her gentle eyes filled with kindness, placed a steaming bowl in front of her. Alongside it were a slice of crusty bread and a cup of warm tea.

“Here you go, child,” Sister Clara said with a soft smile, speaking slowly and clearly. “Eat up. You must be hungry.”

Nyx didn’t understand the words, but the tone was unmistakable—encouraging and caring. She nodded in thanks, her hands clasping the edges of the bowl as she leaned forward to take a sip.

Uriel’s voice echoed in her mind, translating the nun’s intent. “She’s asking you to eat, Nyx. She wants you to feel comfortable.”

The stew was hearty, filled with chunks of vegetables and tender meat. Nyx let out a quiet hum of appreciation as the warmth spread through her, easing the hunger that had gnawed at her for hours.

Sister Clara watched her with a smile, clasping her hands together. “It’s good, isn’t it?”

Nyx glanced up, her silver hair catching the dim candlelight as she nodded vigorously, her smile wide.

Sister Clara tilted her head slightly, curiosity shining in her eyes. She gestured to Nyx’s veil, speaking slowly again. “You don’t have to wear that here, child. It’s safe.”

Nyx hesitated, her fingers brushing the edge of the veil. She didn’t understand Sister Clara’s words, but the gesture was clear.

“She’s asking about your veil, Nyx,” Uriel explained. “She’s likely wondering why you’re still wearing it indoors.”

Nyx offered a small shake of her head and pulled the veil more snugly around her, the motion deliberate but not defensive.

Sister Clara sighed softly, nodding in understanding. She didn’t press further, instead offering Nyx a gentle pat on the shoulder.

After Nyx finished her meal, Sister Clara spoke again, her tone light and reassuring. “You’ve had a long day, little one. Come, let’s get you ready for bed.”

Uriel translated the sentiment, and Nyx stood, following Sister Clara toward the small room she’d been prepared for the night.

The room was simple and cozy. A small wooden bed with a woolen blanket sat against one wall, a single candle flickering on the bedside table. Nyx climbed into bed, pulling the blanket up to her chin.

“She said goodnight,” Uriel translated as Sister Clara tucked her in.

Nyx looked up at Sister Clara and smiled, nodding as she mouthed the words, “Thank you.”

Sister Clara returned the smile before extinguishing the candle and closing the door behind her.

As darkness enveloped the room, Nyx stared at the ceiling, her thoughts a swirl of emotions.

“Uriel,” she whispered in her mind, “do you think this is where I belong now?”

“That is for you to decide,” Uriel replied gently. “But for now, rest. We’ll figure it out together.”

Nyx let out a small sigh, clutching the blanket tightly. She still missed her family, still felt the ache of their absence, but for the first time in days, she felt safe.

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“Goodnight, Uriel,” she murmured.

“Goodnight, Nyx. Sleep well.”

As her eyes closed, she allowed herself to drift off, her heart just a little lighter than it had been before.

————————————————

The Next Day

The soft rays of sunlight filtered into the small room, bathing it in a warm glow. Nyx stirred under the woolen blanket, her body still heavy with sleep. The muffled sounds of children laughing and clinking dishes in the distance brought her to full wakefulness. She sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes beneath the veil that concealed them.

“Good morning, Nyx,” Uriel’s steady voice echoed gently in her mind. “Ready to face the day?”

She sighed, running a hand through her silver hair. “Do I have a choice?”

“Not really,” Uriel replied with a faint trace of humor. “But you’ll do fine. I’ll be with you.”

The sound of footsteps in the hall caught her attention, and a moment later, Sister Clara’s kind face appeared in the doorway.

“Good morning, little one,” she greeted warmly. Her voice was gentle but carried the practiced authority of someone used to caring for many. “Come, let’s get you ready for the day.”

Uriel translated the words seamlessly, and Nyx nodded in response.

Nyx stood, adjusting her Stormweaver Veil, which draped gracefully over her head. She reached for her dark veil that Uriel had fashioned for her eyes, ensuring it was secure. Together, they walked through the hallways of the orphanage, the sounds of children chatting and laughing growing louder.

Sister Clara smiled, her tone soft and encouraging as she gestured for Nyx to follow her.

The orphanage halls were bustling with activity. Children ran past, their chatter echoing off the walls as they headed toward their morning chores or the dining hall. Sister Clara led Nyx to a modest room with tiled floors and a row of sinks. The faint smell of soap and clean linen lingered in the air.

Sister Clara handed her a toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste. “Here you go. Time to brush your teeth.”

Nyx tilted her head, holding the items in her hands like foreign artifacts. Her brow furrowed in confusion, and she looked up at Sister Clara.

Sister Clara noticed the puzzled expression and crouched down to her level. “What’s wrong, dear?”

Nyx held up the toothbrush and toothpaste, her veil shifting slightly as she gestured. She didn’t need to say anything; her body language was enough.

Sister Clara blinked in surprise. “Oh… you don’t know what these are, do you?”

Nyx shook her head, her silver hair brushing against her shoulders.

Sister Clara’s face softened. “That’s alright. Let me show you.” She opened the tube and squeezed a small amount of toothpaste onto the toothbrush, demonstrating the motions of brushing. “You just do this, like so, and it keeps your teeth clean.”

Uriel translated the instructions, but Nyx still hesitated, turning the objects over in her hands. She’d never seen anything like them.

“She’s showing you how to use it, Nyx,” Uriel explained patiently. “Follow her example.”

Sister Clara smiled reassuringly as Nyx mimicked her motions. The bristles felt odd and ticklish against her teeth, but she soon got the hang of it.

“Good job, dear,” Sister Clara praised, her tone light and encouraging.

Uriel translated the sentiment, and Nyx felt a flicker of pride at the small accomplishment.

Once the routine was done, Sister Clara led her down another hall, this one filled with the mouthwatering aroma of bread and stew. They entered the dining hall, where long wooden tables were lined with children eating their breakfast. The noise was overwhelming, and Nyx instinctively pulled her veil tighter around her face, feeling exposed.

“This is where we have breakfast,” Sister Clara explained, guiding Nyx toward a long table where food was laid out. The scents of warm bread, eggs, and other dishes wafted through the air, making Nyx’s stomach rumble softly.

Her steps faltered slightly as her nerves kicked in.

Uriel’s calm voice grounded her. “Stay steady, Nyx. This is just another step.”

Sister Clara guided Nyx to a buffet table laden with steaming plates of eggs, bread, and bowls of vegetables. “Help yourself,” she said, gesturing to the food. “Eat as much as you need.”

Uriel translated, and Nyx hesitated for only a moment before choosing eggs, meat, and a slice of bread with vegetables. She held the plate close, the warmth of the food calming her nerves as Sister Clara led her to a seat at one of the tables.

Sister Clara placed a reassuring hand on Nyx’s shoulder. “Everyone, this is Nyx. She’ll be staying with us for a while. I expect all of you to behave and make her feel welcome.”

The children nodded, their gazes flicking between Nyx and Sister Clara.

“Good. I’ll be back shortly to check on you,” Sister Clara said before leaving to tend to the other children.

Nyx stood there awkwardly, clutching her plate. As soon as she sat down, the room seemed to quiet. The other children at the table turned to stare at her, their curiosity palpable. Nyx felt her pulse quicken. The weight of their stares made her shoulders tense.

“Uriel, they’re staring,” she thought nervously.

“Let them,” Uriel replied reassuringly. “They’re just curious. Focus on your food.”

Nyx nodded subtly and began eating, though she could feel the children’s eyes on her.

“Why are you wearing that thing on your head?” a boy asked bluntly, breaking the silence.

Uriel translated, and Nyx froze, unsure of how to respond.

“Shake your head, Nyx,” Uriel advised. “Don’t answer directly.”

She shook her head slightly, keeping her expression neutral. The boy frowned, leaning closer. “What’s wrong with your eyes? Are you blind?”

“Uriel, what do I do?” Nyx thought, her heart racing.

“Shrug your shoulders. Let them think it’s a mystery,” Uriel suggested.

Nyx shrugged, and the boy leaned back, clearly dissatisfied but not pushing further.

Another child, a girl with curly hair, spoke up. “Can you even talk?”

“Maybe she’s mute,” one boy whispered to another.

“Or she doesn’t understand us,” another added.

Uriel translated, and Nyx hesitated.

“Shake your head again,” Uriel instructed. “It’s better if they think you’re mute for now.”

Nyx shook her head slowly, and the girl’s face softened. “Oh… that must be hard,” she murmured.

Nyx kept her gaze low, trying to remain as unassuming as possible. She picked up her fork and began eating, letting the warm food distract her from the tension at the table. The eggs were soft and savory, the bread warm and fresh. For a moment, the familiar flavors brought her comfort.

The children whispered amongst themselves, their curiosity unabated, but they didn’t press her further. Nyx focused on her food, grateful for the reprieve.

A boy sitting beside her leaned closer, his voice kind. “Don’t worry about them. They’re just nosy. You can sit with us anytime.”

Uriel translated, and Nyx glanced at him, offering a small smile of gratitude.

Once breakfast was over, Sister Clara returned, her gentle hand resting on Nyx’s shoulder. “Come along, little one. The priests are waiting.” she said, her tone soft but encouraging.

Uriel translated as Nyx stood, following Sister Clara out of the dining hall. As they walked, the children’s chatter faded behind them, and Nyx felt her nerves begin to settle.

As they walked out of the dining hall, Sister Clara glanced down at Nyx. “I hope the children weren’t too overwhelmed,” she said, her tone gentle.

Uriel translated, and Nyx nodded in response, offering Sister Clara a small smile.

“See? That wasn’t so bad,” Uriel said lightly.

Nyx smiled faintly. “Yeah… not bad at all.”

The day ahead still felt uncertain, but with Uriel’s guidance and Sister Clara’s kindness, Nyx felt a little more prepared to face whatever was to come.