Chapter 32: Chapter 32 - Valeriana's Past
In a disheveled room, three figures stood amidst the chaos: Zeph, Thalia, and Professor Adriannel Riantain.
"Professor, please accept me as your student," Zeph pleaded, his desperation clear in his eyes.
"Nope."
Professor Adriannel remained unmoved, shaking his head.
"I will give you the best cigarette available in the market!"
Zeph was determined, even resorting to bribery.
"You are a kid. Boy, be aware of what you're saying."
Professor Adriannel raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.
Zeph sighed, realizing that bribery wouldn't work. "Forgive me, Professor, but I need your guidance."
"And why is that?"
Zeph leaned in, earnestly. "I just want to know everything there is to know about mana."
Professor Adriannel couldn't help but smirk. "Oh, so you mean you want to learn everything there is to learn about magic. Are you joking?"
"Then, at least accept me as your student and teach me."
Zeph persisted, refusing to give up.
"Really?" Valeriana asked, her expression genuinely curious and slightly forlorn.
"Oh my, as always, you take my jokes so seriously, kiddo," Deventhia said, realizing her niece's emotions had taken a somber turn. She embraced Valeriana and patted her back, continuing, "Maybe I am, and maybe I'm not. But what I want you to know is I will always be there for you, okay?" Deventhia smiled, reminiscing about the past, as she patted Valeriana's head.
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.
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In a serene corner of the garden, my niece Valeriana sat alone, her silver hair shimmering like moonlight.
She was a unique child with her small, golden thread woven through her hair and unreflecting eyes that saw the world in a way most couldn't comprehend.
Her tears flowed freely, a visible manifestation of the turmoil she often felt due to her extraordinary gift.
Approaching Valeriana, I knelt beside her, my heart heavy with concern.
Placing a comforting hand on her small shoulder, I spoke gently, "Valeriana, my dear, what troubles you today?"
Valeriana sniffled and looked up at me with her striking, unreflective gaze. "Aunt Deventhia, it's just... it's so hard sometimes. I see people's thoughts, and it's like I can't escape their emotions. It makes me sad."
My heart ached for my niece, burdened with the ability to perceive the innermost thoughts and feelings of those around her.
I pulled her close into a warm embrace, holding her as if to shield her from the world's overwhelming emotions. "I know, dear. Your gift is both a blessing and a curse. But remember, you're not alone. I'm here for you, always. And one day, you'll find someone who loves you just the way you are, mind-reading and all."
Valeriana nestled into the embrace, finding comfort in my words.
I continued to hold her, reassuring her that, regardless of the challenges she faced, I would always be by her side, guiding her through life's intricate web of emotions.
Power stones!!!