Tears of midnight Crystal

Chapter 16

### Hestia's Point of View

Ang apuyan ay dahan-dahang naglagablab, naglalabas ng mainit at kumikislap na liwanag sa mga batong pader ng aking santuwaryo. Pinanood ko ang sayaw ng mga apoy, sinusubukang pakalmahin ang aking nerbiyos. Sa loob ng aking dibdib, sa ilalim ng mga patong ng banal na laman, ang batong hiyas ay tumitibok nang may makalangit na liwanag. Ang liwanag nito ay parehong biyaya at pasanin. Hindi pa dapat malaman ng iba tungkol dito.

My fingers trembled slightly as ata Amara mixed the final ingredients of the potion. Nightshade petals for concealment, essence of moonflower for soothing, and a drop of my own ichor to bind the magic. The concoction shimmered a deep violet, promising a brief respite from the gemstone's incessant glow.

"Huwag ka munang gumalaw." Ata Amara said.

With a deep breath, I downed the potion. The cool liquid burned as it slid down my throat, but almost immediately, I felt the glow within me begin to dim. Relief washed over me, though I knew it was fleeting. The potion was a temporary fix, a fragile shield against the prying eyes of gods and mortals alike.

"Ayos ka lang ba?" Tanong niya sa akin.

Hindi ako makasagot, dahil pati ako'y di ko alam kung ayos ba ako o hindi.

Nagsisimula nang humina ang epekto ng gayuma. Nararamdaman ko ang pagkilos ng batong hiyas, ang liwanag nito'y tumutulak laban sa pansamantalang dilim. Nagsimulang mag-panic ako. Ano ang gagawin nila kapag natuklasan nila ito? Paano kung hindi nila maintindihan ang layunin.

The gemstone within my heart was a secret I had to keep, for now. Its glow would reveal truths not yet ready to be known. I steeled myself, turning back to my work, determined to find a solution before the light exposed everything.

Kinabukasan ay may apat na lalaking naka uniporme sa harap ng bahay ni ata Amara. May dala silang kasulatan.

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Nais po naming ipaalam sa inyo na batay sa mga tradisyon ng ating nayon, kailangan na pong ilipat si Hestia mula sa inyong tahanan. Hindi po kayo magkamag-anak, kaya't hindi na po siya maaaring manatili sa inyong pangangalaga.

Upang mapanatili ang kaligtasan at kaginhawaan ni Hestia, inililipat na po siya sa Elgen's House, kung saan naninirahan ang mga batang ulila. Siguradong magiging maayos ang kanyang pagtira doon at makakasama niya ang iba't ibang kabataan na mayroong katulad niyang karanasan.

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I guess staying here for a month was a good experience for me, for the first time in my life I've never experienced that kind of love and care from a stranger.

The morning sun cast long shadows across the cobblestone path as I stood in front of Ata Amara's house, my small bag of belongings clutched tightly in my hand. I had grown fond of this place, with its cozy rooms and Ata Amara's gentle presence. But I understood the village customs well enough; I couldn't stay here any longer because we weren't related by blood.

Ata Amara stood beside me, her weathered face softened by a tender smile. She rested a hand on my shoulder, her touch warm and comforting. "Hestia? Iyong isinabi namin saiyo ha? Huwag mong kakalimutan hija."

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Opo, Ata Amara. Hindi ko po makakalimutan."

She embraced me tightly, and for a moment, I felt the weight of her love and concern. Then, with a final squeeze, she released me. I watched as she waved to the approaching cart, driven by one of the village men who would take me to Elgen's House.

The ride was quiet, save for the creaking of the wooden wheels and the occasional chirping of birds. My thoughts were a whirl of emotions – sadness at leaving Ata Amara, anxiety about what awaited me at Elgen's House, and a sliver of hope that maybe, just maybe, I would find a new family among the orphans there.

When we arrived, Elgen's House loomed large before me. It was an old, sprawling building, its walls covered in creeping ivy. Children's laughter echoed from within, a sound both foreign and familiar. The man helped me down from the cart and pointed me towards the door.

As I stepped inside, a flurry of activity greeted me. Dozens of children, of all ages, bustled about, engaged in various chores or games. I felt a pang of loneliness, realizing I was just one more face in the crowd.

A woman approached me, her kind eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiled. "You must be Hestia. I'm Kiala, one of the caretakers here. Come, let me show you around."

I followed her through the halls, taking in the worn but welcoming atmosphere. Elgen's House was alive with energy, a stark contrast to the quiet serenity of Ata Amara's home. Kiala introduced me to some of the other children, their curious eyes sizing me up. I tried to smile, hoping to make a good impression.

That night, as I lay in my new bed, surrounded by the soft sounds of other children sleeping, I felt a mixture of apprehension and cautious optimism. Ata Amara's words echoed in my mind, reminding me of the promise I made to myself and to her. I would not forget what she taught me, and I would strive to find my place here, just as I had in her home.

Elgen's House was different, but it could be a new beginning. And maybe, in time, it could become a place I could call home.

One afternoon, while I was helping to clean the common room, I met a girl. She was a bright, energetic girl with a smile that could light up a room. She introduced herself with a warm handshake, and I felt an instant connection.

"Hi! I'm Sun. You're new right? Ano ang pangalan mo?" Masigla niyang tanong sa akin.

"I'm Hestia. At oo bago lang ako." I smiled.

"This is my twin sister, Moon."

Ngumiti si Sun nang malawak. "Magkasama kami sa kwarto, at may extra kaming kama. Pwede kang sumama sa amin kung gusto mo."

Tumango ako nang masigla, labis na nagpapasalamat sa kanilang kabutihan. Ang paglipat sa kwarto nina Sun at Moon ay parang isang bagong simula. Ang kanilang kwarto ay komportable, may mga kama na maayos na nakaayos at mga personal na gamit na nagkalat, nagbibigay ng pakiramdam ng pagiging tahanan.

Ang kaibigan ni Moon na si Lina ay kasama rin namin sa kwarto. Medyo mahiyain siya pero mabait naman kapag nakilala mo na.

Gabing iyon, habang kami'y nag-aayos na sa aming mga kama, naramdaman ko ang pakiramdam ng pagiging bahagi ng isang pamilya na matagal ko nang hindi nararanasan.

Si Sun ay masayang nagkukuwento tungkol sa kanyang araw, habang si Moon ay tahimik na nakikinig, paminsan-minsang nagsasabi ng kanyang mga iniisip. Si Lina naman ay paminsan-minsang sumasali sa usapan, ang kanyang mga salita ay sukat at maalalahanin.