After their successful prison escape, Ray, Emma, and the other Grace Field children above the age of five venture out into the new world that they know nothing about.
✦ What will they possibly encounter in this world ruled by demons - and demons alo...
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Ninelie stood solemnly by the imposing gate, her small hands tightly gripping the cold, iron bars that guarded the entrance to Grace Field. Having arrived at the orphanage just three days ago, today marked her fourth birthday. A mixture of anticipation and anxiety filled her as she anxiously awaited news of her younger brother, hoping to catch a glimpse of him being brought into the only home she knew.
For three consecutive nights, Ninelie had foregone sleep, sneaking out of the House against the strict prohibition of crossing the small fence. On this seventh occasion, Isabella, the caretaker of Grace Field, caught her in the act. Her tone held more disappointment than anger as she addressed the little girl, "Didn't I tell you not to come here, Ninelie?"
The four-year-old turned, drawing back her hands from the bars, "I'm sorry, Mama."
Isabella sighed and approached Ninelie, her concern evident. "Is there a reason you keep coming here, my dear?" she asked, crouching down to the child's level and placing her hands on Ninelie's shoulders.
"Mhm," Ninelie nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of worry and longing. "It's already two nights and three days, but my brother isn't done with his check-up yet."
"...Are you worried about your brother?"
"Yes," Ninelie admitted, her voice filled with genuine concern. "We've never been apart for this long, and I'm sure he's gotten very hungry. And without this..." She pulled a pair of silver jingle bells from her pocket and showed them to Isabella. "He won't stop crying if he's not holding this."
Isabella hummed in understanding. "You see, I just found out this morning that your brother has been adopted. I've been looking for you so that I could tell you about this," Isabella told her.
"Adopted? What's that?"
"It means that your brother is now under the care of a family in need of a child."
"Oh... so he won't be coming here?"
"I'm afraid so. But don't worry, your brother is now in the care of a loving family. You no longer have to wait for him, alright?"
Ninelie looked down to her feet and started tearing up, "...But I haven't said goodbye to him."
"I'm sure you will meet again, but for now you have to focus on your tests, dear."
"I'll take good care of you, Ninelie. For now..." Isabella comforted, wrapping the small girl in her arms and carrying her, patting the sobbing girl on the back.
