When I opened my eyes, the first thing I noticed was the smell of disinfectant—cold and sterile. The ceiling light was blinding, but my blurred vision soon began to clear. I tried to move, but pain coursed through my body like an electric shock, forcing me to remain still. The faint beeping of a monitor reached my ears.

—Take it easy, don’t push yourself too hard —said a voice from somewhere in the room.

I slowly turned my head, and there she was—sitting in a chair beside my bed, legs crossed, her expression calm. The woman from the night before, the one who had arrived just when I thought everything was over for me. The same woman who had faced that thing that destroyed my personal hell.

—Where am I? —I asked, my voice hoarse, as confusion and fear overwhelmed me.

—You’re in a hospital —she replied calmly, standing up to approach the bed—. I brought you here after what happened at the convent. You were badly injured, but now you’re safe.

—Who... who are you? —I pressed, my heart pounding. My mind was filled with blurred images of that night: fire, screams, blood...

The woman smiled softly, leaning slightly toward me.

—You can call me Aura.

—Are you... an angel? —I asked, my voice trembling.

For a moment, I thought she might smile or laugh at my question, but her expression remained serene.

—Not exactly, but something like that —she replied, her tone offering no clear answers, yet oddly making me feel a little calmer.

Before I could ask another question, she stood up, stretching lightly.

—Now that you’re awake, I can leave —she said, her tone lighter than I expected, as if her presence there was no big deal.

My heart sank immediately, and the words escaped my lips before I could stop them.

—No, please! Don’t leave me alone... —My voice broke, and tears began to stream down my cheeks. The weight of everything that had happened hit me like a tidal wave. The images of my friends, the nuns, the fire, the screams... they all returned in an unbearable rush.

Aura stopped and looked at me, her expression now more serious. She walked back to the bed and placed a firm hand on my shoulder, as if anchoring me to reality.

—You’re safe. The worst is over —she said, her voice soft but firm.

—Did... did anyone else survive? —I asked through sobs, dreading the answer but needing to know.

She hesitated, as if searching for the right words, but in the end, she opted for the truth.

—You were the only one.

My chest tightened as though I’d been struck. All the air seemed to leave my lungs, and the pain in my body multiplied.

—No... that can’t be... —I whispered, my voice breaking.

Aura sighed and leaned slightly toward me, her gaze filled with a strange mix of compassion and determination.

—I’m sorry, Seraphine. You’ve been here for three days. You had a fever and some severe injuries, but the doctors say you’re going to recover.

I couldn’t process it. Three days. Three days since I lost everything. I remained silent, unable to respond, as tears continued to fall. Aura straightened and took a step back.

—I promise I’ll return when you’re discharged. You won’t be alone. But for now, I need to go.

I wanted to beg her to stay, but I knew I couldn’t keep her. Her promise was all I had, so I clung to it like a lifeline as I watched her leave the room. The door closed with a soft click, leaving me alone in the cold, silent hospital room.

The emptiness was unbearable. I tried to take deep breaths, but each attempt brought back memories of the night before: the fire, the screams, the faces of my friends. I felt lost, broken, and at the same time, furious with the world, with God, with everything.

Aura had promised to return, but I didn’t know if I could bear the weight of my own existence until then.

The following two weeks felt like a strange dream, a mix of new sensations and a constant ache in my chest. For the first time in my life, I experienced things I never thought possible. The food wasn’t just scraps or leftovers but warm meals served three times a day. They tasted so good that I often found myself crying while eating, unable to stop thinking about my friends. They never had the chance to taste anything like this.

The baths were different too. The water was warm and comforting, not a freezing bucket that made me shiver to the bone. The nurses were kind, some even stayed to chat with me, though I didn’t always respond. After a week in bed, they took me to the hospital’s courtyard. It was a small space but full of light, with the open sky above me and fresh air filling my lungs. I walked slowly, leaning on one of the nurses, my legs trembling but feeling alive.

Yet that thought tormented me as much as it comforted me. Why me? Why only me? My friends, the girls who shared my pain, who grew up with me in the shadows of the convent, would never get the chance to experience any of this. They would never know what it felt like to have a day without cold, without hunger. Their laughter and voices still echoed in my mind, now like the remnants of something that would never return.

Many nights, I cried, clutching the hospital sheets and speaking to God.

—Why did you take them and not me? —I asked over and over, knowing I wouldn’t receive an answer.

But over time, the guilt began to transform into something different. An idea slowly formed in my mind, almost like a whisper: if I survived, it was because He had a purpose for me.

That night hadn’t been a simple disaster; it hadn’t been a coincidence. It was the divine punishment I had always hoped for. As a child, I had wished for the lies, sin, and hypocrisy to be cleansed by God’s judgment. And that was what had happened. He had purified the house bearing His name of those unworthy of uttering it. That thought gave me strength, reinforcing my faith, but it also placed a weight on my shoulders.

I had survived for a reason, and though I didn’t understand it yet, I knew I had to honor it. My friends hadn’t died in vain—I repeated it to myself every day. Everything had happened for a greater cause, and I had to discover it.

When the day of my discharge finally came, I felt a knot in my stomach. I didn’t know what to expect as I crossed the hospital doors, but I knew something inside me would change forever. I walked slowly toward the exit, the nurse’s words echoing in my mind.

—There’s someone waiting for you outside.

When the automatic door opened, there she was. Aura, leaning against a car, her arms crossed and her expression calm but firm. The moment our eyes met, she smiled and said softly:

—I promised you, didn’t I? I’m here.

In that instant, all the emotions I had been holding back over the past weeks overflowed. My legs moved before I could think, and I ran toward her. Tears streamed uncontrollably down my face as I threw myself into her arms like a child seeking comfort.

Aura held me firmly, placing a hand on my back while gently stroking my hair.

—There, there, it’s okay —she murmured, her voice so calm it almost made me believe everything would truly be fine—. Everything’s okay now. I’m here, and I won’t leave you alone.

I didn’t want to let go. For the first time in my life, I felt something I couldn’t describe. Her embrace was warm, protective—something I had never experienced before. It was the closest thing to what I imagined having a mother would feel like.

—I’m sorry, I can’t... I can’t stop —I said through sobs, clinging to her even tighter.

Aura smiled a little, gently patting my head.

—You don’t have to apologize. Cry as much as you need to. But before we move on, I think you need to eat something. How about I take you to a nice place to eat? Then, we can buy some clothes. Does that sound good?

I pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, nodding with tears still streaming down my face.

—Really? —I asked, my voice shaky.

—Of course. After that, I’ll take you to what will be your new home. But first, food. And I won’t take no for an answer.

I didn’t know what to say, so I simply nodded, leaning back on her shoulder as if I couldn’t bear to lose that warmth.

Aura stayed still for a moment, then laughed softly as she led me to the car.

—Looks like you’re not letting go of me anytime soon, huh? —she teased.

—I don’t want to let go... —I admitted quietly, feeling a bit embarrassed but too drained to hide it.

—That’s okay. You don’t have to. Let’s go.

We got into the car, and as she drove, I began to relax a little more. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I could let my guard down. The sadness was still there, lingering, but in that moment, in those small gestures, something inside me sparked—hope.

Stolen novel; please report.

First, we went to a restaurant. It was a warm and cozy place, with the smell of freshly baked bread that made my stomach ache with hunger. I wasn’t used to hot food, much less to a place as nice as this. Aura insisted I order whatever I wanted, so I chose a dish that sounded exotic and delicious.

When it arrived, my eyes widened. It was a feast of colors and aromas. As I took the first bite, it felt like an explosion of flavors filled my mouth. I had never eaten anything so delicious in my life.

—Do you like it? —Aura asked, smiling from across the table.

—It’s amazing! —I exclaimed enthusiastically.

She chuckled softly.

—I’m glad you like it.

After we ate, we started exploring the city. We went to a huge park where the flowers were in full bloom, their vibrant colors like something out of a dream. We walked together, and she told me stories about places she had visited and things she had seen.

She took me to a clothing store. I had never in my life had the chance to choose my own clothes. Aura insisted I try on several outfits, and though I felt uncomfortable at first, I soon started to enjoy it.

—That one’s perfect for you —she said, referring to a simple but beautiful white dress.

I turned in front of the mirror, feeling almost unrecognizable.

—Really? —I asked shyly.

—Seraphine, you’re beautiful. You always have been, but now you can see it for yourself.

I felt my cheeks warm. No one had ever said anything like that to me before. For the first time, I felt… special.

The day continued with more places and moments that felt like they came out of a dream. We went to a bookstore, where Aura bought me a few books she thought I’d like. Then we wandered through a fair where I tried sweets I’d never imagined. Every place, every moment, was magical.

By the end of the day, as the sun began to set, Aura brought me to an elegant building. We took the elevator up to a small but cozy apartment. She opened the door and led me inside.

—This will be your home for now —she said, placing a set of keys in my hands.

I looked around, unable to believe it. There was a living room with modern furniture, a small but fully equipped kitchen, and a bedroom with a bed that looked incredibly comfortable.

—For me…? —I asked, still in disbelief.

—Yes, Seraphine. You can be at peace here while you adjust to everything.

I turned to her, unsure of what to say.

—I don’t know how to thank you…

Aura smiled and gently patted my head.

—You don’t need to thank me. Just live, Seraphine. Make this place your refuge.

She said goodbye, promising to return soon, leaving me alone in this new world I didn’t understand but was already beginning to love. As the door closed behind her, I felt a mix of emotions: gratitude, sadness, hope…

I walked over to the window, looking out at the city lights. This was a new beginning, and although the pain was still there, something was different now—a spark of something I hadn’t felt in years: hope.

The plane landed softly on the helipad of another building, this time in Mexico. As soon as we disembarked, Aura guided me to a car waiting for us. The drive was long but fascinating. From the window, I observed a world completely new to me: streets bursting with colors, unfamiliar scents, and a constant buzz of activity that was both exciting and overwhelming.

Eventually, we arrived at a private parking area leading to a quiet neighborhood surrounded by small houses and apartments. Aura led me to one of the houses. It was modest but cozy, with a small garden in the front and a wooden door that creaked slightly as it opened.

—Welcome to your new home —Aura said with a smile.

We stepped inside, and she showed me around: the living room, the kitchen, the bedroom, and the bathroom. She helped me organize the few belongings I had and assured me that if I needed anything, I only had to ask.

—Rest well tonight, Seraphine —she said as she prepared to leave—. Tomorrow will be… interesting, to say the least.

—Interesting? —I asked, intrigued.

—You’ll understand when the time comes —she replied with a wink before closing the door behind her.

That night, as I settled into my new bed, I couldn’t stop thinking about what Aura had said. I prayed, as always, asking God to guide me through this new chapter in my life.

At dawn, the sound of the doorbell woke me. I opened the door, and just as she’d promised, Aura was there, smiling and holding a cup of coffee.

—Good morning, Seraphine. Today, we start something important.

—What is it? —I asked, rubbing my eyes.

—I’m going to teach you to understand and use the power you have.

Her words surprised me.

—Understand the power of God?

Aura smiled and shook her head gently.

—Not exactly. Let me explain. What you call God’s power, I call aura. Everyone has an aura, Seraphine, but not everyone knows how to use it.

I looked at her, confused but intrigued.

—Then, if everyone has it… why can only some people use it like I do?

Aura looked at me seriously before answering.

—If that’s how you see it, let’s say those who can use it are chosen by God.

I nodded, feeling a little more at ease with her explanation.

—So, you’ll teach me how to use it?

—Exactly. Let’s head to the yard; there’s something I want to show you.

I followed her outside, where the fresh air and clear sky created the perfect setting for whatever she had planned. Aura extended a hand in front of her, and without saying a word, a translucent portal appeared in the air. From this portal, she drew a stream of ice that swirled in her hand before solidifying into a crystalline sphere.

My eyes widened.

—How… how did you do that?

—This is what aura can do when you control it. But everyone uses it differently. You have your own gift, Seraphine, and I want to help you discover it.

Aura lowered the sphere of ice and turned to me with an unexpected request.

—I want you to pray right here, in the yard.

—Pray?

—Yes. Just as you always do. Just… focus on your faith, on what you feel inside.

I didn’t fully understand, but if Aura was asking, it had to be important. I knelt on the grass and clasped my hands, closing my eyes.

—Lord, grant me the strength to fulfill Your purpose. Give me the courage to help others as Aura has helped me.

As the words left my lips, I felt something different, like a warmth spreading through my body. It was subtle but comforting, like an invisible embrace. When I opened my eyes, Aura was watching me intently, as if waiting for something more.

—Did you feel anything? —she asked curiously.

—Yes… but I don’t know how to explain it.

—That’s a good start. From now on, we’ll work together to help you understand and use your aura. It’ll be a long journey, but I know you’re ready to take it.

I couldn’t help but feel both excited and nervous. Something inside me told me this was the first step toward the purpose I had been searching for.

The year that followed was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Each day was a challenge but also an opportunity to grow. Aura didn’t just teach me to channel the aura I cherished as a divine gift—she also helped me hone my physical abilities. I could now move faster, lift more weight than I ever thought possible, and react in fractions of a second. My mind had also changed: it was sharper, more analytical, capable of dissecting situations with a clarity I had never known.

More than anything, I felt a deeper connection to my purpose. Throughout this time, Aura had been my guide, my support, and my mentor. However, there was one topic she avoided speaking about in detail: the creature that had destroyed my life that fateful night.

One day, after an especially grueling training session, Aura sat beside me as we rested in the backyard. Her expression, usually calm, carried a more serious tone.

—Seraphine —she began, her voice indicating that what was coming was important—, there’s something I need to tell you.

I looked at her, confused but attentive.

—What is it?

—This past year, I’ve avoided certain topics because I didn’t want to burden you more than you already had been. Your life hasn’t been easy, and the last thing I wanted was to overwhelm you. But now, I think you’re ready.

I felt my heartbeat quicken slightly.

—Ready for what?

—To understand the world we belong to. What happened that night at the convent… it wasn’t the work of a demon, Seraphine.

My eyes narrowed as my mind returned to the chaos, the horror of that night.

—What do you mean it wasn’t a demon? Then what was it?

—It was what we call an anomaly. Anomalies aren’t demons, even though they may look like them. They are manifestations of human beliefs, fears, and concepts made tangible and dangerous.

I couldn’t process it. They weren’t demons?

—To me, they are —I responded firmly—. If they destroy, kill, and sow chaos, they are demons.

Aura sighed, as though she had expected that response.

—I understand, Seraphine. But it’s important for you to know they aren’t absolute evil. Some anomalies are created from good things, though most are born from human fear, hatred, or pain. What matters is that, whatever they are, we must face them to protect others.

I looked at her, trying to reconcile what she was saying with what I believed.

—So… our mission is to exterminate them?

Aura nodded slowly.

—That’s right. Our duty as anómalas is to protect lives, to ensure these creatures don’t destroy more than they already have.

I stayed silent, processing her words. Everything that had happened, everything I had lost… if I could prevent someone else from going through the same, I was willing to do it.

—And what am I supposed to do? —I asked.

Aura smiled slightly, her seriousness easing for a moment.

—I want you to come with me on your first mission. There’s a place that needs our help, and I believe you’re ready to take this step.

My heart filled with a mix of excitement and nerves.

—Save lives?

—Save lives —Aura repeated firmly—. Make the world a better place.

I took a deep breath and nodded.

—I’m ready.

Aura placed a hand on my shoulder.

—I know you are. And together, we’ll make a difference.

I knew this was the moment I had been waiting for my entire life. I had prayed, asking God to give me the strength to do something greater, and now that purpose was in front of me.

Aura and I were summoned to a small town deep in a mountainous region. The place, according to reports, had been completely isolated by an inexplicable phenomenon. Those who tried to enter disappeared, and those who managed to leave came back broken, their minds shattered by an indescribable terror.

The few existing testimonies spoke of a massive figure in the town’s center—a kind of living statue with a religious appearance. It was described as a hooded woman with an exposed, glowing heart in her chest, surrounded by chains that extended like tentacles through the streets. This entity had been identified as a Divine category anomaly.

Aura and I reached the edge of the fog, where the last remnants of human sanity lingered. A small church on the town’s outskirts served as an improvised refuge for the few survivors. As we entered, an elderly priest looked at us with a mix of hope and fear.

—Are you the ones who’ve been sent? —he asked with a trembling voice.

Aura nodded.

—We’ll do what we can. Tell us everything you know.

The priest explained that the anomaly had appeared weeks earlier, after a group of pilgrims brought a relic to the town: a crystal heart that, according to them, contained the repentance of the saints. It didn’t take long for the relic to manifest as “Eternal Penance,” claiming the town as its domain.

Aura decided our first task would be to find the origin of the chains, which seemed to emanate from the central plaza.

As we ventured into the fog, everything grew heavier, as if an invisible presence was crushing us with its judgment. The buildings were covered in chains, and the streets formed a labyrinth that seemed to shift constantly.

Suddenly, one of the chains lashed out at me with surprising speed. Aura reacted instantly, interposing her sword wrapped in icy aura and slicing it in two.

—Be careful. These chains don’t just immobilize —she warned—. If they catch you, they’ll invade your mind.

I nodded, feeling a mix of fear and determination.

Then I saw it: a female figure about three meters tall, made of a cracked, marble-like material. Her chest was open, revealing a glowing heart that pulsed slowly. The chains emerging from her body moved as if alive.

As soon as she noticed us, her chains rose like serpents, and a voice echoed in our minds:

—Sinners, kneel and face your judgment.

The chains attacked again, this time from all directions. Aura and I worked in sync. She cut through them with precision while I repelled them with energy waves I had learned to channel. But for every chain we destroyed, two more emerged.

—We need to reach her heart! —Aura shouted.

Aura instantly summoned a portal in front of the anomaly, releasing a powerful blast that pushed her into another portal that appeared behind her, causing her to vanish. A heavy silence fell over the town. Aura gestured to me that we had to follow, and I nodded, stepping into the portal without hesitation.

Inside, there were no screams, no frantically moving chains.

The anomaly turned slowly to face us, its imposing form even more terrifying in this empty space.

—What have you done? —its voice boomed, deep and resonant, an endless echo. Her heart shone brighter than before, and her chains began to thrash violently—. You will pay for this!

Before she could finish, Aura was already charging at her. Her movements were fluid, almost like a dance, dodging the chains that tried to ensnare her and countering with bursts of ice and fire that temporarily shattered them.

I tried to stay alert, moving to avoid the attacks, but the anomaly seemed to sense my inexperience. One of her chains moved unpredictably, and before I could react, it struck me directly in the chest, piercing my heart.

I didn’t feel physical pain, but my mind was plunged into darkness. When I opened my eyes, I wasn’t with Aura anymore. I was back at the convent.