The manor gate slammed loudly behind me as I stepped inside. The cold night air burned my skin, but I didn’t care. The rough gravel pressed harshly against my bare feet, but I didn’t slow down. My heart pounded, panic raged in my chest.


    — Uncle! — I cried out desperately, my voice breaking with emotion.


    The familiar surroundings of the manor now felt foreign. The guards stood in their places, but something was missing. That warmth, that sense of peace that always surrounded this place… was gone.


    Hilda rushed to me immediately, her face filled with concern.


    — Madam, you are still unwell! Walking around like this, you’ll catch a cold! — she urged the servants beside her. — Bring slippers and proper clothing!


    The servants hesitated, as if they feared my mere presence would bring misfortune.


    — Where is my uncle? — I demanded, my voice sharper than I had intended.


    — He left in a hurry this afternoon, but I am sure he will be here soon—


    Her sentence was cut off by the roar of engines. Beams of light sliced through the night as a convoy sped down the gravel road. I knew it was him.


    I didn’t think. Barefoot, still in my hospital gown, I ran toward the cars. The gravel bit into my feet cruelly, but I didn’t care. The car screeched to a sudden halt, the door swung open, and he stepped out.


    I didn’t hesitate. I didn’t ask anything. I simply collapsed into his arms and started sobbing uncontrollably.


    — Did you hear? — I gasped. — They said they died… I heard it… the smell of oil, the crash, the fire… and their bodies…


    My uncle held me tightly, firm yet gentle.


    — Calm down. I’m here — he whispered. — Bring water! — he ordered the servants.


    The pain was deep, so deep that I could barely cry anymore. I let the servants bathe me, wipe away the traces of the hospital, the dust, and the frozen tears. The water was hot, yet coldness seeped into my bones. The pain reached a level where it refused to fade, not even for a moment.


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    Hilda led me into the living room, where the fireplace crackled. The man sat on the long couch, and I lay down beside him, resting my head in his lap. His fingers slowly slid through my hair, just as he used to do when I was a child.


    — Was it an accident? — I asked quietly.


    A brief silence.


    — Probably.


    His voice was rough, measured. But I knew he was suffering too.


    — Whoever did this… will pay for it — he said quietly. — No one harms my little flower.


    My heart clenched again.


    — They died… — I repeated, as if saying the words would help me accept them.


    — Don’t grieve. Grief is not for our kind. Pain can kill a person if they let it. Instead, be grateful that you survived.


    I looked up at him; his gaze was as hard as steel.


    — But how? — I whispered. — How am I still alive? I wish…


    — We do not think like that! — he cut me off. — Mourning may weigh us down, but it must not take our minds.


    I saw the anger in his eyes. He wasn’t angry at me… but at the one who had done this.


    — I promise you, your friends will rest in peace — he said softly. — Your heart is young. It will love again.


    I knew who he meant. And I hated him for taking it so lightly. But I was glad I had him. However he was, he was my family, and family was the best refuge.


    The Next Morning


    Loud chatter woke me. The leather couch in the living room had molded under my weight. The servants rushed back and forth, packing.


    — What’s going on? — I asked as Hilda placed a cup of tea in front of me.


    — The master has approved your departure — she said quietly. — You will be traveling for a while, to recover from the ordeal.


    — And no one thought to ask me about this? — I stared at her tensely, but she didn’t answer.


    Just then, the door opened.


    My uncle.


    — I hope they didn’t wake you — he said calmly. — We must leave as soon as possible. It will do you good.


    — It’s too soon! — I glared at him. — Their bodies aren’t even cold yet, and I’m supposed to rest?


    My uncle’s face remained impassive.


    — Sometimes it’s better not to overcomplicate things, Lucy. I’ve hired investigators; they will look into the matter. You need to rest.


    At that moment, one of the guards entered, carrying a pair of red velvet-adorned shoes. They were dirty, covered in scuff marks.


    My heart skipped a beat.


    — See? — my uncle said. — The investigators are already doing their job. They found your shoes. The doctors took them off your feet.


    My eyes locked onto the shoes. My body tensed with icy dread. Slowly, I reached out and took them. My fingers trembled.


    — That’s not much of an achievement — I tried to mask my fear with sarcasm.


    My lungs struggled for air. My heart pounded as if it wanted to break free from my chest.


    Fear crept into me, silently.


    I gathered myself and looked up again.


    — Maybe this break isn’t such a bad idea after all — I said, forcing a smile onto my face.


    My uncle smirked triumphantly.


    — Good. I have a few matters to attend to, then we’ll leave.


    I nodded and watched as everyone left the room. When the cars roared to life again, I slipped out towards my uncle’s basement entrance.


    And for the first time… I did something I never had before.


    I started searching.