Orphaned from Love

Chapter One

21 years later

"The human capacity for burden is like bamboo – far more flexible than you'd ever believe at first glance." – Jodi Picoult, My Sister's Keeper

I sit against the window sill in the attic. The warm rays of the sun shining against the orphanage.

I sigh. Today was open house. People would come in from all the different kingdoms to find their perfect child. Like always, i was sent up to the attic so no one knew my existence. I never knew why they sent me up here, I just always did so.

I've seen kids come and go. Some who were let go because they were 18. But I was forced back in. Had to stay in the shadows of all the other hybrids.

A hawk soared above the grand cliff before it dropped down. The shimmering blue of the ocean waves contrasted against the hawks stormy gray wings.

When will I get my wings? Be able to soar above all my problems and not worry about the simmer power below my skin. Not worrying about what my wolf tells me or whether my fangs will come in. When will I be able to brew potions or get a tail or when I'll get my wings.

A knock was heard from the door and in walked King Ambrose and Queen Mia, the rulers of the Fae kingdom. Their long and elegant wings were like wisps of flowing magic.

They claim to have known my parents and their decision So every year on open house they come and have like a therapy session to see how I'm holding up. Not that I mind. King Ambrose can have quite some funny jokes.

"Elva! It's so good to see you again!" Queen Mia said hugging me in a tight embrace.

"Hey kiddo." King Ambrose said joining the hug.

"Im glad you could make it." I said, breaking away from the hug.

" you know that every year we clear all our plans and come straight here." Queen Mia said.

"So how have they been treating you?" King Ambrose asked.

It's always this question and I never know what to say. Oh, yeah, they've been treating me like trash and I have a line of bruises along my stomach and back from the beatings I get daily. They will flip and then I'll be put in another orphanage or some place where all they eat is knuckle sandwiches.

"Good. But I think you should talk to the other kids about it." I said trying to lean the conversation somewhere else.

He placed his hands on either of my shoulders and looked me in the eyes. "Elva, if anyone is harming you, either verbally or physically, you tell us and we'll deal with it." His voice was serious like he was trying to pry the secrets from me.

"Honey, she knows when to tell us." Queen Mia said softly, placing a hand on his back.

A soldier wearing golden armor encrusted with the Fae symbol stumbled into the room.

"My king, my queen, there is an unexpected danger approaching you kingdom and your leadership is required back as soon as possible." The soldier said.

"But you just got here." I whined. This was my only chance to have a connection with people who knew I existed.

"Then we'll have to drop by another time. I'm sorry Elva." Queen Mia said, linking her arm with King Ambrose before walking away.

I sat there in the attic for the rest of the day. My stomach grumbling from the lack of food. My throat was dry and sore from no water.

Long after the sun had set did I hear a soft click and Ms. Huil stepped in.

"Okay you little pervert, you know the drill. A glass of water and a piece of bread and off to bed." She said with annoyance. She never seemed to like me. But she doesn't like anyone.

I got up and descended the stairs until I reached the kitchen. The cool liquid felt refreshing against my chapped lips. The bread wasn't enough to fill the void in my stomach but it felt natural not having to be completely full.

I walked back up the stairs to the second floor where I opened the door quietly. I passed the sleeping cots of the tiny little girls.

All of them would get adopted tomorrow or be put in foster care.

Slipping into my cot at the end, I snuggled into the scratchy blankets. My lids were heavy and I was soon in a deep slumber.