It Started with Rain {2024}

• Prologue •

It was dark. Cold. Wet.

The only sounds that echoed in her ears were the heavy rain, and the distant sound of cars passing.

Her body ached with how much she shivered.

Her tan skin was riddled in bruising and cuts, which welcomed the dirt and pebbles beneath her to creep into her bloodstream.

She couldn't move her legs.

She was physically thrown out of her home, beaten bloody and cast aside like used meat. Her dark makeup ran, staining her cheeks with dark streams.

She swallowed a sob. If she was seen vulnerable, she'd surely be taken into a situation much worse.

As per usual, she jinxed herself.

As wet footsteps came into earshot she froze, whipping her head around sharply.

Black slacks, pricy dress shoes to match. As her eyes slowly crept up, the stranger appeared taller, and taller, until she froze at bluebell eyes.

The eyes were riddled with concern, umbrella in his hand faltering slightly. He crouched down to her level.

"Are you lost?" His voice was deep and aged, making her jump slightly. All she could do was nod as she recovered.

He pressed on, "What's your name?"

She swallowed thickly, "Faelynn. Black."

Her stomach dropped when his eyes glimmered in recognition. He furrowed his brows and added urgency to his voice.

"How...old are you?"

She looked at him squarely, responding coldly. For someone her size she shouldn't have gone through what she did.

"I'm 17."

He fell silent. His eyes searched her for a moment, taking in her appearance. As if he made a decision, his face hardened and he stood, "Let's get you some place warm, yeah?"

For some reason, those words made her stomach drop in a panic.

Like a good girl, she kept silent. She struggled to stand, weak arms trembling as they tried to pick up her weight.

The man took pity and lifted her up by the elbow. He handed her the umbrella and picked her up bridal style. It was like she weighed nothing- she was a whopping 90 pounds.

Still, Faelynn obliged with his order and elevated the umbrella,  attempting to keep them dry.

Although, the rain water was already soaking into his suit.

* * *
Cozy, oversized clothes. Warm fire, a warmer blanket around her shoulders.

Behind her, the man sat in his recliner in silence. It made her anxious, as she felt those eyes burning a hole in the back of her head.

The heavy silence remain for another minute. Then two.

The only thing that broke it was the sound of the large front doors creaking open. She didn't dare look behind her.

"Ah, my children", the large voice echoed against the walls. Small footsteps approached them; it was now she decided to turn.

Twins, looking to be her age, if not older. Their skin was fair, their hair a dark brown. The girl had a few birthmarks on her face; the boys face was clear. They stared at her with wide blue eyes.

"Celine. Sora. This is Faelynn. She was abandoned on the streets."

The pair looked her up and down. Neither one had a readable expression on their faces.

Faelynn learned, however. No emotion meant no approval. And no approval meant another hell hole.

There really was no escape from it, was there?