Chapter 3
"I'm hoome!" Linnea's voice echoed through the tall entrance hall, bouncing off polished floors and pale walls bathed in the amber glow of evening.
Ellian followed quietly, the door shutting behind them with a soft click. Warmth welcomed him—faint scents of baked cinnamon, the low hum of a heater somewhere in the house, and a living stillness, like the place had a heart gently beating.
He bent down, slipped off his shoes, and looked up just in time to see a boy coming down the staircase. Around sixteen, in a hoodie and loose sweatpants, holding a bowl of chips. His black hair was slightly messy, like he hadn't bothered brushing it after waking up.
He blinked at them and said, casual and half-chewing, "Hey. Who's that?"
Linnea nudged Ellian forward. "This is Ellian."
The boy's gaze met Ellian's for a beat. "Ellian. Nice to meet you. I'm Kane." Then, looking at Linnea, he added, "Details in the group chat, yeah?" And without waiting for an answer, he walked off toward the kitchen, the rustle of snack bags trailing behind him.
Linnea smiled. "Come on. Let me show you your room."
The second floor creaked softly under their steps as they walked through a spacious, dimly lit hallway. There were five doors, each painted the same clean white, but each with a unique handle. Linnea walked him to the farthest one.
She opened it, and warm air rushed out. "You can stay here for now. We'll figure out the rest tomorrow."
The room was large and simple. A wardrobe stood against the wall. A desk, neat and empty, was placed near the window. The bed was freshly made with dark blue sheets. Through the window, Ellian could see the neighboring house, its lights glowing gently in the distance like someone was still awake.
Linnea stepped back. "It's quiet here. You'll sleep fine. Good night." Her voice softened before she shut the door.
Ellian stood still for a moment. He walked over to the bed and slowly sat down, letting the silence wrap around him.
How is this even real...?
A sharp memory flashed — the sound of a gunshot, the burning pain in his stomach, the voice yelling, "No one's supposed to be here..."
He stared at the wall.
Two days ago I nearly died... and now I'm here? A house full of strangers, and somehow… it feels safe.
The bed creaked softly as he lay back. The moment his head hit the pillow, the world dissolved.
---
The morning light streamed through the curtains in thin golden lines, tracing shapes across the floor. It reached Ellian's closed eyelids, forcing him to stir.
His body felt heavy. His shirt was wrinkled, pants still on — he hadn't even changed. Rubbing his eyes, he sat up slowly, wincing as the dull ache from his wound reminded him it was real.
Downstairs, muffled voices echoed. Quick. Focused. Like something serious.
Ellian moved quietly, heading down the stairs with careful steps. He reached the bottom and paused.
I should just go.
He glanced at the front door, then shook his head.
No. I should at least thank Linnea.
He stepped into the kitchen.
The room was filled with soft morning light, filtered through white curtains. Around the wooden table sat six teens — three girls and three boys. All conversations stopped when they noticed him.
Ellian opened his mouth. "Linnea, thank you for—"
"So this is our Ellian, huh?" interrupted a girl with deep green eyes and flowing dark hair. She leaned on her elbow, wearing a hoodie two sizes too big and socks that didn't match.
"Yep." Linnea grinned from her seat.
The green-eyed girl nodded approvingly. "Okay, I've changed my mind. Let him stay."
"Four against two!" Linnea beamed.
Ellian blinked, confused. "Wait… what's going on?"
"Don't worry," Linnea said. "We voted. You can stay with us — if you want."
Ellian hesitated, glancing around. "I don't really have anywhere else to go. I'd be thankful."
Then, the shortest girl in the group stood abruptly. Her eyes were sharp, her hair tied up tightly. "Just walks in here like it's his place…" she muttered, storming toward the stairs.
"Ellian, please don't mind her," Linnea said quickly. "She's not usually like that. The rest of us are glad you're here."
A boy seated between Linnea and Kane spoke up, looking at the guy across from him. "Man, we all know what it's like to be lost. We've been there. So why're you being like this now?"
The other boy exhaled sharply. "Comfort, maybe. I'm used to things now. As long as he doesn't get in the way.."
Ellian clenched his jaw. "That's more than enough for me. Linnea, thanks for everything. But I'm going."
He turned toward the front door, slipping his shoes on with trembling hands.
Linnea jumped up. "Wait, wait—where will you go? You don't even know the area. Four of us said yes. Don't let two ruin that."
"They didn't even try to know me," Ellian muttered. The door shut behind him.
Linnea stared after him, face darkening. Then turned to the boy at the table.
"You heartless idiot. You forgot what it was like to be lost. To be scared. If someone hadn't taken you in, you'd be on the streets too. Ellian doesn't even remember his past…"
She grabbed her coat and stormed out.
Kane stood slowly. "She's right. We should know better." He looked around, then followed her out.
The green-eyed girl sighed. "He's actually cute. Why'd you have to ruin it?"
She rolled her eyes and went upstairs.
The last boy stood, shook his head once, and left for his room without another word.
---
Linnea and Kane split up on the street, the cold morning breeze brushing past them.
"He couldn't have gone far. No money, no ID," Linnea said.
"Then he's still nearby. Let's search both ways. Call me if you see him."
After several minutes, Linnea finally spotted him — alone in a small, empty park nearby. He sat on the swing set, slowly rocking, head down.
She approached, breath heavy. "Ellian. Stop being dramatic. Come home."
He looked up, startled. "You…?"
"Yes, now come on—" She grabbed his arm.
But he didn't move. "Think about it. I walked out. After that scene. If I go back, I'll just look… pathetic."
"It doesn't matter. They don't matter. We want you there. You belong with us."
He turned to her, lips parting to reply — but another voice cut in.
"Found you!" Kane jogged up, breathing hard. "You're fast for someone with a gut wound."
Ellian let out a quiet laugh, the tension easing slightly.
"You guys… really came after me."
"Of course we did," Kane said. "You're one of us now."
Ellian's lips twitched. "Thanks, both of you. I mean that. I—"
His voice cut off.
A strange sound in his ears. Pressure in his chest. His eyes rolled back—
He collapsed.
---
Darkness.
Endless darkness.
Not cold. Not warm.
Just... nothing.
Then — a light. Faint at first. Growing brighter.
A voice echoed through the void: "Nael."
The light spread until it filled everything. And from it, a figure approached — floating.
A girl. Dressed in flowing white. Hair drifting like silk in slow motion, though no wind blew. Eyes like clear blue skies.
She hovered before him, radiant. Otherworldly.
"Ellian," she spoke, her voice like a song, soft and distant. "So we meet again."
He felt warmth in his chest, unfamiliar but comforting.
"Who… who are you?" he asked.
The girl tilted her head, her expression unreadable.
"You already know, Ellian. Why do you ask?"
She reached a hand forward, but—
She vanished.
Gone.
Silence.
The void returned.