It was a quiet afternoon in my house in New Orleans. I had spent the morning organizing shelter paperwork and reviewing reports from completed missions. I had barely had time to sit down with a cup of hot coffee when my phone began to ring. It was Eleanor, as always, straight to the point.

—Seraphine, I wanted to confirm that you’re already registered for the annual anómalas meeting on December 28th.

—Annual meeting? —I asked, puzzled.

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line, something unusual for Eleanor.

—Didn’t Aura mention it to you?

—Mention what? She never told me about any meeting.

I could hear Eleanor exhale in frustration.

—This is... strange. She should’ve informed you long ago. The annual meeting is mandatory for all anómalas, especially someone of your category.

—Well, she didn’t tell me anything —I replied, feeling irritation start to bubble in my chest.

—We’ll speak with Aura later —Eleanor said firmly—, but the important thing is that you need to prepare. The meeting is on December 28th, and all anómalas must attend. It’s the only time of year when we gather to discuss what’s happening in the world, the most dangerous anomalies, and global strategies to combat them.

—Understood —I said, though my mind was filled with questions.

Before hanging up, Eleanor added:

—Remember, Seraphine, this event isn’t like any mission or meeting you’ve had. You’ll be surrounded by the best and most experienced anómalas in the world. Prepare yourself, because I know you’ll make an impact.

After ending the call with Eleanor, my mind kept racing. How was it possible that Aura hadn’t mentioned something so important? I grabbed my phone without thinking twice and dialed her number. The call was answered almost immediately.

—Seraphine! —said Aura, her voice as cheerful as ever.

—Aura, I need to ask you something —I began, trying to stay calm—. Did you know about the annual anómalas meeting on December 28th?

There was an awkward silence before she responded.

—Oh... yes, of course, I knew about it.

—Then why didn’t you tell me?

—I forgot... —she admitted with a slightly embarrassed tone.

—How could you forget something so important? —I replied, my disbelief clear in my voice.

—Come on, Seraphine, it’s just a silly annual meeting. It’s not like it’s an urgent mission or anything.

—That doesn’t matter, Aura —I responded, trying not to sound too annoyed—. You should’ve mentioned it at least once.

—You’re right, I’m sorry —she said sincerely—. But now you know, and you have time to prepare.

—Anything else I should know? —I asked, crossing my arms, even though she couldn’t see me.

—Ah, yes. This year it’ll be in Mexico, at 8 a.m.

I paused for a second, processing the information.

—Thanks for telling me that. No one else mentioned it.

—You’re welcome, Seraphine. And hey, don’t worry too much. These meetings are usually boring... although I think you might be one of the stars this year.

—Yeah, well, I’ll prepare anyway. Thanks, Aura.

—See you soon!

I hung up and placed the phone on the table. It was typical of Aura to downplay things like this, but for me, it wasn’t a minor issue. If the meeting was an opportunity to learn more about the world of the anómalas and what I might face in the future, I wanted to be ready.

The day before the meeting, my phone vibrated with the notification of the exact location. The meeting would be held in a large event hall in Mexico City. I decided to travel early to have time to visit Aura before everything started. The anxiety was already making its presence known, but I wasn’t going to let it consume me.

I arrived at the Mexico City airport several hours ahead of schedule. The fresh air and bustling city activity gave me a sense of nervousness and excitement. I hailed a taxi and headed straight to the academy where Aura spent most of her time.

When I arrived, I didn’t have to search for her; she was already waiting for me at the entrance, with her characteristic smile and arms crossed.

—Look who it is! —she exclaimed, approaching me—. Happy belated birthday! You’re 18 now, a full-fledged adult.

—Thank you —I replied, smiling shyly as she hugged me.

—Ready for later? —she asked as we walked into the academy.

—I guess... although I’m a little nervous —I admitted.

—That’s normal. But, Seraphine, this will be special. You know? The higher-ups asked me to introduce you personally.

My steps froze, and I looked at her in surprise.

—What?

—Yes, so it’ll be a big meeting —she said with a smile, though her tone suggested she was expecting my reaction.

—Aura! —I protested, feeling my nerves intensify—. That means everyone will be watching me...

—Of course, because you’re the star, Seraphine, and they know it.

My heart started racing. Without saying anything else, I closed my eyes and clasped my hands to begin praying. I needed calm.

—Ah, there goes my devout friend again —Aura commented, laughing softly as we continued walking toward the car we’d use to get to the meeting venue.

The drive to the hall felt endless. As the car moved forward, I kept repeating prayers in my mind, asking for strength and confidence to face what was ahead. Aura, as always, tried to distract me with her lighthearted chatter, but I knew this meeting would mark a turning point in my life as an anómala.

When we arrived at the marked location, it appeared to be a large and elegant event hall. But as we entered, Aura led me toward a side door guarded by two security personnel. One of them, upon seeing Aura, didn’t hesitate for a second and opened the door, revealing a staircase that descended into a dark and mysterious area.

—Wasn’t this supposed to take place in the hall? —I asked, confused.

—The hall is just a façade, Seraphine. This is much more private —Aura replied, leading me confidently.

We descended the stairs and entered an impressive underground dome. It was a massive space, illuminated by warm lights and surrounded by structures that seemed otherworldly. Anómalas from all over the world were gathered there, chatting in small groups and laughing among themselves.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

—Where are they all from? —I asked, impressed by the diversity of people I saw. There were faces and styles from every culture imaginable.

As we walked, many greeted Aura with friendly gestures, some even crossing the room just to shake her hand or hug her briefly. She returned the greetings with a smile while I, clinging to her arm, couldn’t stop observing with curiosity.

—Aura... how do I understand what they’re saying? —I whispered, leaning toward her so no one else could hear.

—Oh, that’s the interesting thing about this meeting. —She smiled with a hint of mystery—. Every year, new anómalas acquire a special ability. It’s a welcome ritual so we can all understand any language. It’s automatic, so you don’t even have to think about it.

—Really? That’s... —I began to say, but Aura interrupted.

—Yes, yes, fascinating, I know. But that’s not the important thing right now.

—What’s more important than that? —I asked, still processing the idea.

Aura didn’t answer, and only then did I realize we had reached a circular platform. Before I could ask what was happening, the platform began to rise slowly.

—Aura? —I said, feeling my heart begin to race.

—This is your official welcome, Seraphine. Everyone is waiting for you —Aura said with a calmness that did nothing to reassure me.

I looked around and noticed the murmurs in the dome had ceased. Every eye was on us—more specifically, on me. The feeling was overwhelming.

—What? Why didn’t you tell me this would be so... public? —I whispered urgently.

—Relax —Aura replied with a mischievous smile—. Just breathe and smile.

I tried to pray mentally as the platform continued to rise, but the pressure of being the center of attention made even my thoughts scatter. All the anómalas in the dome kept watching us, and my nervousness grew with each passing second. Aura, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying the moment, as if she had planned this to test me.

When the platform stopped at the top, leaving us in the center of the dome, the silence was almost unbearable. I could feel every gaze on me, and for a moment, the weight of it all felt overwhelming. I could barely breathe, and my only refuge was to pray in my mind with all the focus I could muster.

"God, please give me the strength not to faint right here..." I thought, my hands trembling slightly.

Aura, however, was completely in her element. She stepped forward, her head held high and confidence radiating from every word she spoke.

—Anómalas! —she began, her voice resonating throughout the dome—. Today is a special day, and I am honored to introduce someone who will change the course of our fight.

A murmur spread through the crowd, but Aura raised a hand, calling for silence.

—Today, I present to you Seraphine, our new Divine category anómala.

The impact of her words was immediate. The murmurs ceased abruptly, replaced by expressions of astonishment. I could feel the change in the atmosphere, as if the very air had become charged with electricity. Some looked at each other in disbelief, while others simply stood speechless.

—The organization grows stronger with each of you —Aura continued without missing a beat—. But having not just one, but now two Divine category anómalas among us is proof that we are moving toward a better future.

The applause I expected never came; everyone seemed too shocked to react. Aura took advantage of the moment to continue her speech, her voice filling every corner of the space.

—You fight every day for a greater good. To protect those who don’t know of our existence and who rely on us to maintain balance. Thanks to your efforts, the world remains a habitable place.

Meanwhile, I felt like a statue. I couldn’t move or even smile. All I could do was keep repeating my prayers in my mind, clinging to them as if they were my only salvation in that moment.

—I hope the day comes when we don’t have to wait a decade to see another Divine category anómala among us. I hope that every year we can welcome more than one, because that will mean we are ready to face any challenge that comes our way.

The passion in Aura’s words seemed to ignite something in everyone present. I saw some nodding with determination, while others even raised their fists in support. It was clear that Aura wasn’t just respected but deeply admired by all of them.

—Aura... —I whispered, trying to keep my question discreet—, shouldn’t they at least question my category a little? Or is it common for them to accept it so quickly?

Finally, Aura turned to me, smiling with that proud big-sister look that was so characteristic of her. She leaned toward me with a mischievous grin.

—Well, let me tell you —she said, her grin never fading—, the last time anyone tried to oppose me, I ended up humiliating all of them at once.

Her words left me stunned, making me wonder just how powerful Aura really was. Her presence alone was already overwhelming, and no one could deny it.

—Seraphine, do you have anything to say? —she added as I got lost in my thoughts.

My eyes widened, and I was sure the blood drained from my face at that moment. Say something? Me? I could barely speak from the nerves! I managed only to shake my head awkwardly.

Aura laughed softly and leaned closer, whispering:

—Relax, you’re doing great.

I was grateful that Aura took charge again while I remained frozen in place, praying more fervently than ever, begging for this moment to end soon.

After Aura's speech, the attention in the dome shifted. A large screen appeared in the center of the ceiling, illuminating the space with a soft blue glow. On it, the organization's high command began to project their shadows. Their figures, imposing even through a screen, captured the attention of everyone present.

—Anómalas, your presence here demonstrates your commitment to our mission —began one of them, his voice deep and authoritative—. But before we continue, we want to explain something crucial about this annual meeting and this place.

The atmosphere in the dome was palpable, and I simply hugged my arms lightly, still feeling the weight of so many curious gazes.

—The dome you’re in is not just a meeting place but a mechanism that allows us access to a unique ability: the capacity to understand any spoken language. However, this ability does not become permanent just by being here.

Another high-ranking member spoke up.

—To embed this ability permanently in your brain, a special serum is required, which will now be distributed.

As if they had been waiting for the signal, several people began walking among the groups of anómalas, carrying trays with small vials filled with a transparent liquid that shimmered faintly with a golden glow. One of them approached me and offered me one.

—Here you go, Miss Seraphine —he said respectfully, which sent a chill of discomfort down my spine due to the formality. I took the vial between my fingers, examining it with curiosity, while the high command continued speaking.

—The process is simple. Drink the contents of the vials, and within minutes, the ability will be fixed in your minds. However, we must clarify something important: this effect is exclusive to anómalas.

The screen shifted to show a graphical representation of the dome and the flow of aura surrounding it.

—The dome not only allows us to temporarily experience this ability but also consumes large amounts of aura to make it possible. Applying this worldwide, even with this serum, would be disastrous. Not only would it deplete unsustainable amounts of aura, but it would also cause irreversible damage to the world’s cultures.

Another high-ranking official, with a calmer tone, continued:

—Language is more than words; it is identity, history, and connection. If everyone shared a single language, we would lose an essential part of what makes us human.

Their words resonated through the dome, and I saw several people nodding solemnly.

—Additionally, you should know that the process requires the dome as a catalyst. Without it, the ability could not be transferred to the brain in a stable manner. So it’s not just a limited resource; it’s physically impossible to extend it beyond our ranks.

I stared at the small vial in my hand, feeling the weight of what it represented. An exclusive gift, a tool for our fight, but also proof of the sacrifice and responsibility that came with being an anómala.

—Remember —the silver-haired woman concluded—, this ability is not a privilege to flaunt but a tool to protect and fight for those who cannot do so themselves.

I drank the contents of the vial, feeling a slight warmth as it went down my throat and a brief dizziness that faded in seconds. Around me, everyone seemed to be doing the same. Aura patted me on the shoulder, smiling with her usual calm that always managed to soothe me.

—Welcome back to this side of the world, Seraphine —she said softly.

I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. It was another step on this path, one that seemed to grow larger and more challenging with every step.

After the annual meeting in Mexico, I returned to the United States with a whirlwind of emotions. The weeks that followed were a blur of activity and achievements. I finally completed the shelter I had dreamed of, which now became home to all the children I had rescued so far. The day they first walked through the shelter’s doors, I felt immense satisfaction and profound gratitude toward God and the high command.

I decided to send a message to the high command, sincerely thanking them for the support they had given me. Not only had they allowed the shelter to exist, but they had also coordinated with authorities across the United States to assist me in any situation as long as I showed my anómala identification. This made my work much easier, both in missions and in expanding my rescue efforts.

While continuing to fulfill my duties as an anómala, I never let go of my dream to protect the most vulnerable children. I began funding various shelters across the country, personally selecting those I deemed suitable after visiting them and verifying the children’s conditions and the state of the facilities. I ensured every child had access to proper care, education, and a safe environment where they could grow with dignity.

Not only did I become an investor in these shelters, but I also hired a team of committed and trustworthy people to oversee and maintain everything in order. These individuals were tasked with regularly updating me on the state of each shelter, ensuring everything ran smoothly and met the standards I had established.

It was a job that required time, dedication, and many resources, but it was worth every effort. Knowing that each rescued child had a second chance to live a better life filled me with indescribable joy. And while there was still much to do, I felt more confident than ever that I was fulfilling the purpose God had placed before me.