An Empire at War: The Chronicles of the Valenko Empire

By Laurie Bowler

Rhya Sinclair is caught in a dangerous web of power, secrets, and rebellion. As a young orphan with an extraordinary, forbidden gift in the mystical land of Valenko, Rhya must tread carefully amidst the anarchy and chaos spreading throughout the empire. Trusting only her loyal friends, Olga and Adil, she conceals her powers from outsiders while they flee the confines of their orphanage.

But fate turns sinister when Rhya stumbles upon a brutal magical assault. Acting selflessly, she aids a wounded man, Robert, unaware of the darkness that lurks within him. As death and destruction surround them, Rhya and her friends become determined to fight back against the oppressive rulers who have plunged Valenko into turmoil.

United in their revolt, Rhya and her allies embark on a treacherous journey, their hopes set on liberating Valenko from its tyrannical overlords and saving as many people as they can. Will they succeed in overthrowing the empire and rescuing their land from the clutches of darkness? Or will they succumb to the abyss of an empire at war?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jan 8, 2024
• ISBN: 9781304921024

Laurie Bowler

Laurie Bowler is a bestselling fantasy author residing in Hampshire, a county in the United Kingdom, where she started writing fantasy fiction in late November 2009.    After reading hundreds of fantasy novels, Laurie knew she wanted to write within that genre. She set her mind to writing her first novel, 'Vanquished', which was then quickly followed by the award-winning Moon Rising series.  Laurie attended college and has gained qualifications in Creative Writing, Music and Health and Social Care. She is still undertaking as many academic courses as possible to improve her knowledge.  Laurie lives with her daughter, fiance and a houseful of pets, including eight cats and three dogs, to name just a few. Her new novel Mythical and its sequel, The Battle of Evov, have both been an immense adventure and creativity of her mind. 

Book preview

An Empire at War

Laurie Bowler

Contents

Title Page

Foreword

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-One

Chapter Forty-Two

Chapter Forty-Three

Chapter Forty-Four

Chapter Forty-Five

Chapter Forty-Six

Chapter Forty-Seven

Chapter Forty-Eight

Chapter Forty-Nine

Chapter Fifty

Chapter Fifty-One

Chapter Fifty-Two

Chapter Fifty-Three

Chapter Fifty-Four

Chapter Fifty-Five

Chapter Fifty-Six

Chapter Fifty-Seven

Chapter Fifty-Eight

Chapter Fifty-Nine

Chapter Sixty

Chapter Sixty-One

Chapter Sixty-Two

Chapter Sixty-Three

Chapter Sixty-Four

Foreword

All royalties are donated to The Mental Health Foundation and Young Minds. Both of these charities raise awareness and provide support for adults and children with Mental Health.

Please be sure to tell your friends and family of my work to support these charities.

The Chronicles of the Valenko Empire: An Empire at War Copyright © 2024 by Laurie Bowler

All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America and the United Kingdom. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organiza- tions, places, events and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

For information contact; address www.lauriebowler.com or email [e-mail]

Book and Cover design by Blackhawk Publishing and Laurie Bowler

First Edition: January 2024

Published by: Lulu

ISBN:

978-1-304-92102-4

Imprint: Â Lulu.com

Prologue

The world can be enigmatic; sometimes, events beyond our comprehension happen when we least expect them to. Rhya Sinclair had lived a life filled with sorrow, a burden that would have been difficult for anyone, especially someone her age, to bear. Despite this, she was resilient, and her strength never faltered. She had an unwavering conviction that she was meant to fulfil a specific mission in life. As she gazed up at the sky, she witnessed the new moon’s radiance, and an inexplicable feeling of anticipation washed over her. It was a sign, she knew, that a new queen was about to enter the world, bringing with her a whole new era of possibilities.

Rhya sat on the worn-out steps of the dreary orphanage, her gaze wandering over the towering grey walls that enclosed her world. The orphanage looked daunting, like a fortress guarding its unwilling occupants. It mirrored the unloving atmosphere that filled every nook and cranny within.

As the wind whispered through her auburn locks, Rhya’s thoughts swirled like the leaves dancing in its embrace. She had spent countless days and nights within these suffocating walls, yearning for something more, something different. Her heart ached for a family, for a place she could truly call home.

Her mind wandered to the two constants in her life: Adil and Olga, her best friends. Adil, with his mischievous grin and heart of gold, was the one who always managed to make her sorrows fade, if only for a moment. And then there was Olga, the bookish dreamer who ignited Rhya’s imagination with her stories of faraway lands and mythical creatures.

Rhya turned her gaze towards the empty swing set, its chains swaying aimlessly in the breeze. Childhood laughter seemed like a distant memory, swallowed by the walls of the orphanage. She longed to break free from this monotony, to chase her dreams beyond these confining bars.

Adil’s footsteps echoed behind her, and Rhya turned to see her friend approaching. His eyes, as bright as the morning sun, sparkled with hope. He plopped down beside her, his muscular frame settling comfortably on the steps.

She noticed he was wearing the same clothes he had been wearing to bed--a white shirt and shorts that reached his knees--and said, Hey, Rhya. Wearing night clothes outside the building was considered a significant violation of the orphanage’s rules.

Has Olga woken up? 

Not yet, he said. ‘You know what she’s like; she could sleep for everyone in Algeria. She will probably be up later in the evening because we have the afternoon and evening off from chores today. What are you thinking about?"

About the future. I wonder what will happen to us in the next three years, she replied.

Rhya and the other seventeen-year-olds at the orphanage were at a crossroads. Graduation meant leaving the safety of the only home they had ever known and venturing into the chaotic Valenko Empire. The city was a battleground between good and evil, and its inhabitants struggled to make a name for themselves and create something meaningful. The orphans faced an even more significant challenge with no support system and only their own wits to rely on. They had only experienced hardship and loneliness, and the prospect of surviving in such a place was daunting. The question of what will become of them weighed heavily on their minds.

Adil rested his head on Rhya’s shoulder. I think of that all the time. I wish things were different.

Do you think we will make it? Rhya asked, chewing thoughtfully on her lower lip while Adil raised his eyebrows in shock. He hadn’t thought that far ahead.

Adil was a sturdy young man standing the same height as Rhya. He had developed a muscular build through the years of carrying heavy barrels to the ships outside the orphanage. His daily task seemed to have given him a rugged look that was only heightened by his black hair, cut short and styled in a way that made him look like a sailor. He had deep, dark brown eyes that seemed to sparkle in the sunlight and a charming dimple on the right side of his cheek that could light up anyone’s day.

Despite the strict rules established by the orphanage to prevent boys and girls from fraternising, the girls couldn’t help but be drawn to Adil’s magnetic personality and rugged looks. Rhya and Adil had been close friends since Rhya was a young child, and their friendship grew stronger. They knew the rules could not keep them apart, for their bond was too strong to be broken by any restrictions.

After his parents were tragically killed in one of the deadliest wars in Valenko, he was brought to the orphanage. He would always cry because of the terrible loss he had faced. There wasn’t a single day he didn’t. He was often called a crybaby because he tended to cry. Rhya constantly asked questions about everything around her; she was incredibly intelligent and wanted to know and understand everything she could. When she wasn’t breaking the rules, she often spent her recreation hours in the library with her head buried in a book.

One day, as she and her closest friend, Olga, crept away to the dense woods, the leaves rustled beneath their feet, and the branches swayed in the breeze. Although they knew it was prohibited for the orphans at home to venture into the woods, they craved a sense of freedom, the feel of fresh air on their skin, and the opportunity to escape into a fantasy world. On that day, the two young girls had gone to the woods to pretend they were the rulers of a kingdom, with each step taking them further away from their daily struggles. The sound of someone crying caught their attention as they were lost in their game. Curious, the girls followed the sound until they stumbled upon a lone child named Adil. The boy was sitting amidst the trees, tears streaming down his face and his slight frame shaking with sobs. The girls quickly realised that Adil was lost and afraid. Using their vivid imaginations, they comforted the child and stayed to talk to him. Since that day, all three of them remained firm friends.

Are you okay? Rhya had asked.

He sniffled. I just want to see my mommy.

Where are your mommy and daddy?

I don’t know. Some bad men came and took them away. He cried more at the memory.

The two girls looked at each other. We’re sorry. Maybe they got lost. Are you from the city? Olga whispered.

He nodded.

I heard the city is an enormous place. I think people get lost sometimes, Rhya offered.

You think so?

But aren’t they adults? Olga asked her friend.

Rhya nodded and shrugged. Still, they could. They’re human beings. Then turned towards Adil. Come with us. I’m sure they will come here to look for you. Don’t worry. She soothed him.

He wiped away his tears and looked at the two girls kneeling beside him. You’ll get your dress dirty.

It doesn’t matter. Don’t worry about me. Are you feeling better now?

Yes, he nodded. I know my parents, and they will come for me. I just have to wait for a little longer. Are you two in the big house?

Yes. On the other side. Wing, they call it. It’s for girls. There’s a lot of us in there.

The three of them walked together into the deeper part of the forest.

Oh. There are a lot of boys, too. They are very loud, and they always fight.

Tell me about it. From then on, a friendship and bond grew that no one dared to break.

Now Adil looked at her, a smile on his face. He had always had a soft spot for her. I believe we will make it, he reassured. Don’t you worry. We just have to stick together.

The blades of grass tickled their skin as they lay down on the lush green ground, their eyes gazing up at the vast expanse of the sky. A sense of uncertainty filled their minds as they secretly pondered their future. Would they ever find true love in this world and pursue a career that they truly believed in, or would they be left to wander the city streets, feeling unwanted, hungry, and homeless? The questions lingered in their thoughts as they stared into the endless blue horizon above them.

Rhya slowly ran her hand through the grass, then paused momentarily before turning back to look at her friend. She was unaware of the transformation that had taken place, her hands working a magical spell that brought life to the barren grass, leaving it a vibrant green and thriving.

Chapter One

The day had a slow and lethargic start. The birds sang their melodious tunes enthusiastically, and the sun’s gentle rays filtered through Rhya’s window, casting a warm glow in the room. Rhya lay flat on her back, lost in contemplation, gazing out the window at the serene landscape stretching before her. She lay in bed, her heart pounding with anticipation and anxiety, unable to shake the feeling that today was going to be a momentous day. She rose from the bed and looked at herself in the mirror, feeling excitement and fear as she realised she was seventeen.

As she stood there, her heart raced so fast and loud that it seemed to engulf everything around her. The moment of truth had finally arrived, and she couldn’t help but feel unprepared for it. She would be venturing into the world in just a few months, but at least she would have her two best friends to share the journey with. Despite the comfort of not being alone in the vast city, fear still gripped her tightly, making her wonder what awaited them all in the unknown world beyond. She sighed deeply and gazed into the mirror before her, studying her reflection. She had matured into an innovative and sophisticated young woman. Although many people complimented her physical appearance, she could not see the beauty in herself. Everywhere she looked, she could only see sadness and grief. A sense of dread and uncertainty towards the unknown.

Today was a day of mixed emotions. It started well but took a turn for the worse after an unexpected event. While hurrying to finish her shower this morning, the soap slipped from her hand and fell to the ground. She quickly reached down to retrieve it, but that split-second decision resulted in a moment of complete shock. The rest of the day was a roller coaster of sadness and fear. Her heart was heavy with despair. She sighed deeply as she gingerly stepped out of the shower, her body still slick with water. Bending down to retrieve a bar of soap, she suddenly found herself startled as it was flung towards her in a split second. She knew about the positive and negative magical energies that coexisted in her homeland and the stigma behind dark magic. Though blessed with remarkable and wondrous power, she couldn’t shake off the persistent feelings of dread and fear that gnawed at her.

Eager to delve into the realm of magic, she scoured the shelves with almost desperate energy, her eyes hungrily scanning the rows of mystical tomes. These books held a coveted status within the Valenko Empire, for their authors were revered as individuals with extraordinary magical talents. Their profound works had even been deemed necessary additions to the educational curriculum, expertly crafted to deepen the young minds’ comprehension of the intricate wonders and dangers that shaped their world.

After countless hours immersed in the pages of numerous books, she finally mustered the courage to step into the outside realm. With cautious determination, she sought refuge in a cosy enclave of trees nestled discreetly behind the towering walls of the orphanage. In this secluded haven, she tapped into the depths of her knowledge. She skillfully wove a series of enchantments, elegant in their simplicity yet potent in their efficacy. Through diligent studies, she encountered passages alluding to a malevolent force known as dark magic, a sinister manifestation of power harnessed by those harbouring ill intentions and a thirst for devastation.

The powerful, dark magic possessed by some was always used with malicious intent. It was highly sought after by the empire. No one knows what transpired once they were captive, but they were never released from the empire’s grand castle. After long contemplation and practice, she came to the realisation that she possessed both light and dark magic.

In horror and confusion, she silently questioned what this meant for her future. During their time in school, they studied all of this material. The evil magic had to be wiped out and extinguished. She felt entrapped because she possessed the forbidden dark magic and desperately wanted to eliminate it.

A select few saw the power of their magic as a gift, yet many regarded the use of dark magic as a curse. The idea of possessing light and dark magic within her sent a shiver down her spine. Rhya had determined that it would be best to keep it a secret from all those at the orphanage except for Olga and Adil. As her friends, they had a thorough knowledge of her habits and personality, and they would immediately identify that something was bothering her. Besides, she knew not telling them the truth would be heartless, upset her friends and cause friction.

Are you still here? Common, let’s go! Sara, another girl at the orphanage, called to her as she waited impatiently for Rhya to walk outside to the yard with her.

To commemorate the children’s birthdays in the orphanage, the benevolent headteacher would bestow upon the lucky celebrant a luxuriously ample serving of succulent meat. On the contrary, the remaining children, though slightly less fortunate, would be awarded a modest portion of a savoury cut. Despite its minuscule size, this allocation of meat served as a vibrant source of delight for them, far surpassing their usual dietary provisions of vegetables, fruits, and an unsavoury synthetic meat-like substitute that boasted an assortment of essential vitamins and minerals typically found in genuine meat, yet left an unpleasant taste lingering upon their palates.

The orphanage’s survival hinged on the meagre financial aid it received from the empire. It was barely enough to cover the children’s most essential needs, such as food and basic supplies. In a desperate bid to sustain themselves, the youngsters were compelled to subsist on whatever paltry sustenance they could grow and the empire’s altered imitation meat substitute—a sorry reminder of the real thing they could only dream of.

Yet, miraculously, the indomitable spirit of these resilient children and teenagers triumphed even in the face of their dire circumstances. Unbeknownst to the watchful gaze of the adults, they secretly devised a plan to create a miniature celebration without the children's caretakers knowing.

Rhya’s face brightened with joy as a cherished image from several years ago resurfaced in her mind. It was a time when the bleak walls of the orphanage welcomed a radiant new presence - a teacher whose sole purpose was to provide the children with a richer, more fulfilling education. This sprightly educated person possessed an undeniable youthful vibrance, allowing her to effortlessly understand and connect with the myriad of emotions that filled the hearts of every child. Not content with merely providing an intellectual feast, the teacher had secretly smuggled tantalising snacks and cakes into the orphanage.

With these unconventional treats, she aimed to give the children a small glimpse of the diverse culinary wonders that thrived beyond the confines of the orphanage. But on those sacred, extraordinary occasions - the cherished birthdays of a select few - this spirited teacher showed the love every child had only dreamed of. Meticulously selecting one lucky child, she would devote herself wholeheartedly to crafting an unforgettable celebration amidst the untamed beauty of the surrounding woods. She wanted to invite them all to the event.     

Still, the number had to be limited to six because of the rules, so she encouraged them to invite up to six of their friends. She understood that this could result in her being dismissed. Still, she didn’t care and continued to do it even though it jeopardised her job. Her primary focus was on ensuring the children’s happiness.

I’m coming, Rhya replied.

In this highly anticipated year, it was finally Rhya’s turn to bask in the limelight, not just in the presence of her usual teacher but alongside the entire orphanage community and the headteacher. With eagerness pulsating through her veins, she scurried out of her dimly lit dormitory, dashing through the numerous winding corridors before finally bursting into the sun-drenched yard. Waiting patiently for her arrival were Olga and Adil, her best friends.

Swiftly, they leapt forward, their feet propelling them towards the large field behind the orphanage. Drawing nearer, they joined the cheerful throng already gathered there, animated conversations and laughter filling the atmosphere. Amidst the sea of eager faces, Rhya’s sharp eyes scanned her surroundings. She sought a secluded spot to change into the iconic azure gown, a tradition cherished by every celebrant before her.

Let me try this. I saw the same style on Mrs Ada once, and she showed me a little trick of how to do it.

Olga gently styled Rhya's hair, curling small sections by wrapping them around a spoon handle. Although the curls weren't perfect and didn't last long, Rhya felt an otherworldly beauty she had never felt before. In that short moment, she tasted freedom and came close to experiencing a life without constraints.

Rhya stepped out from the dark trees, feeling both shy and excited. She had been waiting for this day for a long time - the day she would finally have a real birthday celebration. Growing up in a strict orphanage, she had watched many birthdays without anyone celebrating hers. But this time, it seemed like fate had given her a chance. She felt she was chosen because she would soon be leaving the orphanage.

And here comes the birthday girl! They all shouted.

Rhya and her friends strolled side by side towards the gathering spot, joining the rest of the group. As Rhya reached the destination, a tantalising plate caught her attention. It held a juicy piece of meat accompanied by perfectly cooked potatoes, vegetables, and a generous serving of savoury gravy. In a surprising twist, Olga pulled a small yet well-worn candle from her pocket. She sneakily inserted it into one of her potatoes.

Meanwhile, Adil, prepared as always, produced a small box of matches from his belongings. Rhya knew he had secretly taken the items from the teachers’ lounge. Adil was incredibly skilled at staying out of sight when he didn’t want to be seen. He was known for ‘borrowing’ items from the teachers, although he always returned them. As she closed her eyes and made a wish, she couldn’t help but smile before taking a deep breath and blowing out the candles.

She had only one wish – to be happy. They sat on the barren grass and enjoyed their meal. Despite not wanting to, Rhya was involuntarily privy to the discussion of the students sitting close by as they discussed what they had either read or been told about their city and the empire.

I heard those with dark powers are being annihilated, she heard a boy say.

What? a girl asked in shock. But I thought the empire had given up on doing that to people.

Rhya froze with her fork in mid-air and listened intently to their conversation.

They did, but well, things have changed. One of them dark-powered magical weirdos murdered an innocent woman, the boy explained through a mouthful of food. So, now the empire enforcers want their own revenge by killing every dark power user out there.

Oh, wow, that’s really scary, another boy said.

They might come for Alex then, an older girl interrupted.

Alex only has light magic, you know that.

Are you sure about that? the older girl questioned. I wouldn’t be so sure! He is weird, so he could be a dark power. Besides, considering your reward, I would turn anyone in.

What reward?

Let’s just say it’s enough to live on for a few years. I definitely won’t hesitate to run to the enforcers with information for that kind of money.

You’re such a bitch, Annalise. What if it’s someone you know?

Annalise snorted loudly. Highly unlikely, considering where we live, don’t you think?

Rhya drowned out the rest of the conversation as she thought about the consequences of anyone outside her circle of friends finding out she was part of the magical community. She felt a sense of fear and foreboding at the prospect of living outside the safe walls of the orphanage.

The empire enforcers were appointed by the Valenko Empire. They were highly skilled in the detainment, capture, and control of any dark magic around them and those who had yielded it. They were often picked from birth and trained from age five to ensure they had the correct, powerful skill set to face anyone in the country where magic was concerned. They policed neighbourhood streets and were well known for being ruthless and barbaric. Most individuals steered clear of them, and nobody dared approach them on the roads. She prayed they would not reach the orphanage to seek magically possessed children until she was gone.

She tried to shift her focus to her friends and join in their conversation, but they noted her interest in the group next to them, and both gave her curious looks.

Is everything okay? Olga asked gently, reaching out to put her hand on Rhya’s shoulder.

What? Rhya asked, jumping from the sudden touch.

I asked if everything was okay? You don’t seem yourself, Rhya, she repeated, looking at her with concern.

Talk to us, Rhya. We are all in this together, so we can help with whatever it is, Adil interrupted, smiling.

Rhya sighed deeply, leaning towards them with a whisper that she needed to discuss something serious and confidential with them later. They would sneak out of their dormitories regularly and meet in a forgotten storage room that had been neglected for years. After locating the empty space, it became a special place for them, and they acquired blankets and lights to store in it for when they wanted to meet up.

Whenever the dorm guards weren’t paying attention, they would seize the opportunity to meet up. Taking advantage of the odds, some escaped to converse with their guard friends, leaving the dorms with no one to supervise the children, which they did whenever the chance came up. Dust and cobwebs had taken over every corner of the room, making it dismal. The walls that had once been white were now blackened with mould, and the paint had flaked off. The floor was made of a cold, hard stone, and shelves ran up the walls on both sides of the room, with empty, abandoned jars placed on them sporadically. They’d cleaned an area where they could sit and talk without getting covered in dust or cobwebs.

Want to meet at our place? Adil whispered.

Rhya nodded and bit her lower lip with apprehension. The teachers called for them to return to their dorms, and she stood up, hugged Adil, and waited for Olga.

I swear it gets earlier and earlier, Olga complained loudly as she leaned forward and hugged Adil.

Together, she and Olga made their way back to their dorm, a heavy weight of exhaustion on their shoulders. As they walked, Olga grumbled incessantly about the absurdity of the early bedtime call, her words dripping with exasperation. Surprisingly, Rhya found solace in Olga’s grumbling, secretly grateful for its diversion. For once, she was spared from prying questions or the pressure to engage in any conversation. She could simply exist in the soothing embrace of silence, shielded from the conversational expectations that often accompanied their walks. Olga always seemed to want deep discussions about life outside the orphanage, and Rhya often got frustrated with the same conversations.

Permission to socialise, or as the orphanage deemed it, fraternise with the male residents was only granted on rare occasions. Strict rules were in place to prohibit contact at all other times, even going as far as separate lessons taught by different teachers. Due to these limitations, the trio of friends would regularly gather in the forest during the day or retreat to their secret storage hideout in the evenings.

When they returned to their dorm, they were greeted by ‘Grizzly’, whose real name was Grizelda Bear, the dorm guard. The name ‘Grizzly’ was given to her because her body was covered in hair; her name also connected to the animal and her physical resemblance to a grizzly bear. Grizzly was feared by many for her quick temper. She would often growl loudly before she yelled at the children in her dormitory. Not a single evening went by where she put up with any foolishness.

If you were feeling unwell and in need of a sympathetic person to assist, you would be out of luck because one thing Grizzly loathed more than anything else was sick children or maybe children in general. The duties of the dorm guards were straightforward, and it was perceived as a way to make money quickly and easily. The sole task the staff members were responsible for was to sit in the common area just outside the dormitory entrance and ensure that no student tried to exit the building all night. Should she ever have caught you, she could administer punishment with the black curled whip she secured to the belt of her green guard uniform.

Their dormitory stretched like a never-ending corridor, immaculately painted in pure, glistening white. Bunk beds lined the walls, standing like sentinels. Each bed was accompanied by a solitary nightstand adorned with a delicate lamp, casting a soft, warm glow throughout the room. Grey linoleum blanketed the floor, its coldness seeping into the souls of their tired, bare feet.

The bedding was a fusion of dark, stormy grey with pristine white sheets, promising solace and comfort amid their shared space. Attached to each dorm were the much-needed facilities: a toilet and a shower room. Conveniently nestled beside each dorm, these private corners offered respite from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives. Inside their dorms, thirty children of varying ages found friendship and warmth with each other. It was their refuge from the strict and unloving orphanage life.

As fate would have it, Olga and Rhya were drawn together by an invisible thread. They became the perfect match as bunk bed companions. From the moment their eyes met, an unspoken bond forged between them, as if they were two pieces of a puzzle fated to find their rightful place in this shared existence.

Get into bed now, all of you, Grizzly shouted, slapping her whip against the wall, which caused the whole dorm to scramble into their beds. Any noise out of you tonight will cost you twenty whips.

Rhya was sure Grizzly loved shouting and threatening them. She climbed into bed, and Olga slipped into the top bunk. Rhya felt the movement of their bunkbed as Olga scrambled under her blankets. The lights were turned off, and the room was enveloped in darkness. Despite the planned meeting later, Rhya was exhausted and fell asleep.

As the night wore on, her peaceful sleep was abruptly shattered by a piercing cacophony of frantic cries and ear-piercing shrieks echoing through the air. Startled, she jolted awake, her heart pounding in her chest. With wide eyes, she saw a fire devouring the delicate structure of the orphanage’s outer wall. The stark realisation washed over her like icy waves - the orphanage was on fire. Amidst the chaos, the authoritative voices of enforcers boomed through the air, their loud commands slicing through the maddening uproar. They ordered everyone to leave the orphanage and to gather in the front yard to be interrogated individually, as well as threats if anyone didn’t comply. Every fibre of her being sprang into action, propelled by an instinctive surge of adrenaline.

Swiftly leaving the confines of her bed, she shoved aside any lingering traces of sleep, her mind acutely focused on the urgent task. She was taken aback when she