The next morning, my carriage stopped in front of the orphanage gates.
Everything was quiet.
Too quiet.
Kara stepped out first, scanning the surroundings. I followed her, my hands trembling slightly. I wasn't sure if it was because of what happened last night… or because I would have to face Riven again after seeing the terrifying version of her in the throne room.
Where were the children?
This garden had always been filled with laughter—little feet running across the grass, bright voices calling each other's names.
But now it was silent.
Cold.
As if joy itself had been driven away.
I hurried inside, my heart pounding. When I reached the living room, I found mother Mary and Riven sitting on the couch, arguing in harsh whispers. Riven looked exhausted—dark circles under her eyes, shoulders tense, as if she hadn't slept a second.
When mother Mary noticed me, she immediately stood and bowed.
Mother Mary:
"What a wonderful surprise, Princess Lyria! Please, come in."
I stepped closer and sat beside Riven…
only for her to immediately stand up.
My chest tightened painfully.
Did I do something wrong?
Is she avoiding me… because of what happened last night?
Riven:
"I'm going to check on Rin."
She didn't look at me.
Her voice was rough—tired in a way that worried me.
She left the room before I could say anything.
Mother Mary called after her sharply:
Mother Mary:
"Riven! Don't you dare treat Rin with that ability of yours! I'm warning you!"
That startled both me and Kara.
Kara:
"What do you mean… that ability?"
Mother Mary sighed heavily.
Sister Mary:
"It's a strange ability she has. She doesn't heal—not truly.
She transfers wounds from others onto herself.
She's been doing it since last night—she healed all the injured children… she even healed me. But it drained her terribly."
My stomach twisted.
So that was why she looked so pale.
So tired.
So broken.
Mother Mary:
"But now she wants to heal Rin and Lira too. Their injuries are far worse. If she uses that ability again, it will seriously harm her.
But she's stubborn… unbearably stubborn."
I didn't wait for her to finish.
I stood up and ran.
⸻
Rin's room
I pushed the door open—and froze.
Rin's body was covered in deep wounds.
The poor boy could barely open his eyes.
And Riven was sitting on his bed, holding his hand, preparing to use her ability.
Lyria:
"Riven—stop!"
She looked up at me.
Her face…
She looked dead tired. Empty. And yet determined.
Lyria:
"What are you doing in this condition?"
Riven (quietly):
"I am healing him."
Lyria:
"Not like this! Mother Mary told us what you're doing. Transferring wounds onto yourself— It's the same way you healed me, isn't it? how can you endure that?!
Riven:
"I can endure pain.
But they don't have to.
These kids shouldn't bleed because of the games of nobles.
They're just children.
So… the responsibility is mine."
My eyes burned.
Tear slipped down my cheek before I could stop it .
Lyria:
"I should have come yesterday… I should have helped them. Helped you.
All of this happened because of me. because of us ."
Riven reached out and brushed away the tear on my cheek with her thumb.
Riven:
"This is not your fault, Princess.
Do not carry blame that isn't yours."
I stared at her—really stared.
Is this truly the same terrifying monster who walked into the throne room last night?
The girl who killed nobles without hesitation?
Because right now…
She was only a tired, wounded girl trying to protect the only family she had.
I should have been afraid of her and stayed away, but something was drawing me to her even more. I smiled at her and said, "Thank you."
I took a deep breath and placed my hands above Rin.
Lyria:
"Let me heal him.
Please—rest for a moment."
White light blossomed from my palms, warm and steady. Little by little, Rin's wounds closed until they disappeared entirely.
Morrivayne (in Riven's mind):
"Her healing magic still amazes me every single time…"
Morrivayne:
"You copied her magic once before—why not use it now? Instead, you used that painful absorption ability on the children."
Riven answered her internally:
Riven:
"I have another use for healing magic."
Riven stayed silent, but I felt her gaze on me.
Once I finished healing Rin, I turned.
Lyria:
"Where is Lira? I'll heal her too."
Riven stepped closer, worry flickering in her eyes.
Riven:
"Are you sure you're alright? I can heal her later."
Lyria:
"I'm fine. Ever since you removed the curse from me, my powers have grown.
Please—show me where she is."
She nodded, reluctantly.
⸻
After healing both Rin and Lira, we returned. Mother Mary greeted us, and I sat beside Kara while Riven remained standing.
Mother Mary approached Riven—and bonked her lightly on the head.
Mother Mary:
"I told you not to do anything! You're exhausted!"
Riven rubbed her head.
Riven:
"I didn't. The Princess healed them."
Mother Mary turned to me, surprised.
Sister Mary:
"You did?
Thank you, Princess. Truly."
Lyria:
"You don't need to thank me… I'm just glad they're safe."
Then I noticed them—several children peeking shyly from behind the door, fear written across their faces.
Mother Mary waved them inside gently.
But they ran straight to Riven and clung to her legs tightly.
Mother mary
Come On Now kids go outside and play
Children:
"We don't want to go outside…
What if the bad men come back?!"
My heart broke.
Lyria (kneeling):
"You're safe now. I promise.
All the bad men are gone."
Children:
"No they're not! They hurt mother Mary! They hurt Rin and Lira!
And if Riven wasn't there, they would've killed everyone!"
Riven bent down and looked them in the eyes.
Riven:
"No one will hurt you again.
I promise.
I will always protect you."
Their fear melted away into smiles, and they hugged her, and they hurried outside to the garden, laughing again.
Finally.
Laughter had returned.
⸻
I stood up and looked at Riven.
Lyria:
"I should go. You… need rest. You look exhausted."
I hesitated, then asked softly:
Lyria:
"Can I… come again tomorrow?
I want to check on the children."
She didn't answer at first.
But then… she gave a small, soft smile.
Riven:
"You can come anytime."
My heart fluttered unexpectedly.
Outside the orphanage, Kaira elbowed me with a smirk.
Kara (mocking my earlier voice):
"I want to check on the children~"
Lyria:
"Kara!"
My face burned with embarrassment as she laughed loudly.