Shadow's Embrace

Chapter 12

The scent of freshly baked bread hung heavy in the air, a comforting aroma that usually brought a sense of peace to the orphanage. But today, the air crackled with tension, a palpable unease that even the warmth of the afternoon sun couldn't dispel. Xian, busy guiding the children through their homework, felt a familiar knot of anxiety tighten in his stomach as he heard the sharp knock on the door. He excused himself, his heart pounding a little faster with each step he took towards the entrance hall.

Opening the door, he found himself face to face with his estranged older sister. Her once-familiar features seemed hardened, her eyes cold and calculating. "Daniella," he said, his voice a touch too loud, a touch too strained. "It's been a long time."

Daniella stepped forward, her gaze sweeping over the modest interior of the orphanage. "I've come to see how you're squandering our family's legacy," she said, her voice laced with disdain. "This place looks like it hasn't changed since I last visited. Still stuck in the same rut, Xian?"

"Daniella, we do the best we can given the resources available," Xian replied calmly, trying to maintain his composure. "Our mission remains unchanged: to provide a safe haven for these children and give them opportunities they wouldn't otherwise have."

Daniella scoffed, her eyes settling on the teenagers gathered around the coffee table. "What is this?" she asked, her voice echoing through the room. "Study time, or social hour?"

Renzo, the eldest of the orphans, looked up, his brow furrowed. "Uh, we're discussing the merits of To Kill a Mockingbird versus The Great Gatsby," he said, offering Daniella a polite smile. "Would you like to join in?"

Morgana, felt a shiver run down her spine. She recognized the venom in Daniella's voice, and her instincts told her to steer clear. "I-I think we've got this," she stammered, her cheeks flushing with discomfort.

Daniella snorted derisively. "Clearly, you lack discipline. These children are coddled and spoiled, Xuan. They should be doing household chores, not wasting time debating literature." She turned to Xuan who just enter from the kitchen, her voice dripping with disdain. "You're creating a culture of entitlement here, not self-sufficiency."

Xuan, stood tall, her voice even and measured. "While I understand your concern, Daniella, I disagree. The teenagers here are actively involved in maintaining the orphanage. They contribute significantly to the upkeep of the facility, from cleaning and cooking to helping with younger children." She paused, choosing her words carefully. "Their academic pursuits are equally important, as they seek to build better futures for themselves."

Xuan continued, her tone unwavering. "Furthermore, encouraging critical thinking and analysis through discussions about literature helps develop essential life skills. It fosters creativity, empathy, and problem-solving abilities." She folded her arms, meeting Daniella's disapproving stare with a calm, steady gaze. "I believe our approach strikes a balance between practical responsibilities and intellectual growth."

Renzo spoke up, his voice clear and confident. "Actually, we do a lot of work around the orphanage. We all pitch in to keep things running smoothly." He looked directly at Daniella, his eyes challenging. "If you think we aren't doing enough, maybe you could lend a hand?" The other teenagers exchanged nervous glances, uncertain how Daniella would react to Renzo's boldness.

Daniella's expression darkened as Renzo dared to defy her. "How dare you!" she snapped, her hand shooting out to strike Renzo's cheek. The sound echoed throughout the room, causing the other teenagers to gasp in horror. "You should be grateful for everything we've provided," she sneered. "Without our generosity, you'd be living on the streets."

Xuan rushed forward, intervening before Daniella could further abuse Renzo. "That's enough, Daniella," she said firmly. "Your treatment of these children is unacceptable." Xuan positioned herself between Daniella and the stunned Renzo, shielding him from further harm. "Leave immediately. Your presence is clearly detrimental to the well-being of those in our care."

"Auntie, please stop!" Renzo cried out, clutching his cheek. "You're hurting him!"

"Auntie?" Daniella scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous. I am not your aunt, and I will never accept all of you as part of our family."

Xian, who had been watching the scene unfold with a mixture of anger and despair, stepped forward. "Daniella, this is enough," he said, his voice trembling with barely contained rage. "You have no right to speak to these children like that. They are under my care, and I will not tolerate your disrespect."

"Papa, please!" Alisha, the third eldest, cried out, her voice choked with fear. "She's hurting Renzo!"

Daniella's face twisted in indignation. "How dare you question my authority?" she demanded. "I am the eldest here, and I will not be dismissed by a younger child such as yourself."

Xuan stood firm, refusing to back down. "Regardless of birth order, your actions are still unacceptable," she countered. "As someone who cares deeply for our brother and the children he protects, I will not stand idly by them while you abuse them."

Daniella's eyes narrowed, her gaze fixed on Xuan. "You think you can control me?" she hissed.

"You are not my sister anymore, Daniella," Xuan said, her voice steady and unwavering. "You have abandoned your family and chosen a path of bitterness and resentment. You have no right to dictate how we live our lives."

Daniella's face contorted in anger. "You will regret this, Xuan," she snarled. "I will make sure you pay for your defiance." She then turned her fury on the youngest, Morgana, who stood frozen with fear. Grabbing Morgana's arms tightly, Daniella said, "And you, little one, you're nothing but a burden. A reminder of everything I've lost."

Xian lunged forward, pulling Daniella away from Morgana. "Get your hands off her!" he roared, his voice shaking with rage.

Daniella laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "You think you can protect them? You think you can stop me? This is just the beginning." With a final, venomous glare, she turned and stormed out of the orphanage.

Xian watched his sister leave, a wave of sadness washing over him. He had always hoped that Daniella would eventually come to understand his choices and accept the life he had built for himself and the children. But now, he realized that his hope was in vain. Daniella's bitterness had poisoned her heart, leaving her incapable of compassion.

As the door slammed shut behind Daniella, Xian turned to the children, his expression softening. "I'm so sorry, everyone," he said. "I know that was difficult to witness. But please know that I will always be here for you, and I will never let anyone hurt you."

The children looked at Xian, their faces filled with a mixture of fear and relief. They knew that Xian was their protector, and they trusted him implicitly.

Renzo, still clutching his cheek, looked up at Xian. "Thank you, Papa," he said, his voice shaky. "We're glad you're here."

Xian smiled gently. "I'm here for you, always," he said. "Now, let's get back to our studies."

But as the children settled back into their books, a sense of unease lingered in the air. Daniella's words echoed in their minds, her threats a chilling reminder that she wasn't gone for good.

As Daniella walked away, her anger simmered, a venomous fire burning within her. She had been rejected, dismissed, and ridiculed. She would not be forgotten.

"This is not the end," she promised herself, her voice a low growl. "I will be back. And Xian and Xuan will regret what they've done." She clenched her fists, her eyes burning with a cold, calculating fury. This was just the beginning.