enigma // rewriting

i.

It was nighttime. The horizon was exceptionally dark that night, followed by the eerie howl of faint cries. The stars which danced and glowed could not be seen. It was as if someone stole it and used it to terrify people. The only source of light was the moon, smirking mockingly with its brightness.

A young girl with a pale complexion was standing alone in the middle of an isolated road.

She was utterly beautiful, only a fool would disagree. Her face was adorned with faint freckles, with eyes of blue that felt like the ocean. However, behind such exterior lies a broken girl, yearning for affection she have not received her whole life, or at least, from what she remembers.

She stared intently at the sky, her face expressionless. How could such scenery be marvelous? She muttered in her mind.

It was then a person seemed to take notice of her, despite the almost pitch black darkness. As the person made its way towards her, she couldn't help but feel a bit frightened. After all, she thought she was alone.

"Who are you, my dear? What are you doing in such perilous place?" asked a kind looking lady, voice laced with concern, kneeling down and putting both of her hands above Luna's shoulders.

She merely looked at her, repulsed that someone took notice of her. She was flabbergasted as nobody has ever been concerned of her whereabouts.

After a minute of silence, she cleared her throat and replied, "I'm Luna."

The lady seemed to be in a conflict with herself, struggling to find the appropriate words to utter. And then after heaving a sigh, "What are you doing here? Where are your parents? You should have known better to stay at such dark place, perhaps we can find your parents if you are lost."

Luna blinked. Then the thought struck to her. Where are my parents? Why can't I remember anything?

As she pondered into it deeply, she just couldn't remember. She racked her mind with any memory she has but to no avail. It was as if there was a barrier between her mind and memories, bounded by a tall and sturdy stone wall. She doesn't even know why she was here. And she despised it. She loathed not knowing anything besides her name; it made her feel powerless and utterly useless.

Frustration filled her and through gritted teeth she replied, "I don't know. I can't remember."

The lady stared at her, eyes softening at the sight of the girl. She looked like an angel with stolen wings. Pity, the lady thought to herself. After what seemed like eternity she pursed her lips. "Come, we shall get you to the orphanage. In the meantime, it is highly imperative for you have no guardian, we shall take care of you."

Luna narrowed her eyes, she was young but that doesn't mean she was imbecile. Seeming to have understood her stare the lady offered her hand, "I'm Mrs. Cole, a matron of a nearby orphanage, Wool's Orphanage.

She hesitated at first, her mind battling if Mrs. Cole was trustworthy. But after witnessing her genuine concern for her, she slowly took her hand and together they walked further. Further away from the said dark and perilous place. But what she didn't know was that peril was far much worse at her new home.

----------

Upon the arrival of the orphanage Mrs. Cole sought, she couldn't help but feel rather odd.

Far away from the isolated road she once had been, was an old building of sorts, secluded by a tall and tarnished steel gate which was engraved with the words, "Wool's Orphanage." The atmosphere was strange. She could sense a haunting yet intriguing force that crept within its stone walls. She knows not what to feel, it was a combination of many, mainly fear, awe and curiosity.

Luna heard a sudden rustle from behind the gate which perched a humongous tree. Mrs. Cole, having diverted her attention to the rustling, squinted her eyes, searching for the person of cause. It was apparent that Mrs. Cole could not find the culprit due to the darkness and multiple trees that surrounded the building.

Luna, however, could distinguish a murky figure. Despite the darkness, she could discern its features. It was a handsome young boy, perhaps the same age of hers, eyes flashed with a look of coldness yet his face expressionless.

How interesting, she thought to herself.

Her eyes diverted to Mrs. Cole who fumbled with her pockets and took out a key, unlocking the gate which opened with a creak.

"Follow me, we shall arrange a few paperworks for you. And remember, just stick with me temporarily, some children here are a bit," she paused, her eyes distant before continuing, " peculiar." Mrs. Cole said as she walked in small strides, considering Luna's height.

Lost for words, Luna merely nodded and took a sharp inhale of breath, preparing to uncover its enigma.

----------

Luna expected the interior of the orphanage to be a horror- struck sight and soon found out that her expectation was indeed a fact.

Inside the orphanage were supposedly crème colored walls, however have been stained due of its old age. Upon entering, a dusty mahogany desk stood, stacked with piles of papers. In the middle seemed to be a living room, a rug on the floor with a chest of toys. Surrounded by the room were three old and dusty bookshelves, which contained children's books. There was a large door across the room which Luna guessed was the matron's office. And beside it was a staircase leading to the second floor.

It was ordinary yet the atmosphere seemed spooky which made Luna unconsciously step backwards.

She was snapped out of her thoughts when Mrs. Cole suddenly spoke. "Forgive me dear you must be starving, would you like to eat first?"

Having her appetite drained, she simply shook her head and offered a false smile.

Mrs. Cole then walked straight into the desk, rummaging through the drawer and handed Luna a pen and paper. "By signing this paper, we shall ensure your safety until when you turn eighteen." She spoke, her eyes observing Luna's expression.

Luna hesitated, she was doubting the place itself. There was something strange looming the entire perimeter. Nevertheless, she took the pen, knowing that she doesn't have any choice since she had nowhere to go and signed it.

"You've made a wise decision Luna, welcome to your new home." The matron said with a small smile. She surrounded her arm into Luna's and led her to the staircase which lies a long hallway filled with bedrooms.

Her room was quite small, though it was alright for she didn't really expect a spacious room in such poor facilities. The walls were painted dull grey, a plain room with merely a dusty wooden bed and cabinet in sight.

Mrs. Cole cleared her throat, "I take it that you may find it difficult to cope up with this lifestyle, but please Luna, do cooperate with our rules. Breakfast will be served at seven. Sleep well." She closed her door softly and disappeared into the hallway.

Luna stared at the room for a few minutes. Her feet were glued to the same spot, taking it all in. She couldn't help but feel drained, physically and mentally.

And so, taking her shoes off, she went straight to bed and looked at the ceiling, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she mentally readied herself for the future doom that she'll face.