Читать бесплатно онлайн книгу автора  Anna Alexander: queen of fire

Alana K. Solomo

Contents

Chapter 1.
Unusual images

Herman Alexander was a man with a settled, sometimes whimsical, outlook on life, where he most often found solace only in his secret work.

Short, and sometimes long, journeys with Sanya, his faithful companion who was genuinely devoted to their shared endeavor, the intrigue of cities, and the whisper of distant stars brought a gentle and measured movement forward into their lives.

According to their host, Owner, the two of them gained not only riches but also invaluable experience from traveling to distant shores. This enriched both the entire clan they served and themselves, opening up new horizons for personal growth.

All of this granted them serenity and contentment, meant to ease their difficult lot and at times dispel the grayness of everyday life.

However, a recent event darkened Herman’s heart, leaving an indelible mark on his mind. Now he had to bear this burden, and the future would reveal how this situation would affect his life, as well as the fate of Sanya and Anna, their daughter.

— What a wonderful house! Whose is it, Dad? — rang the bright voice of nine-year-old Anna, cheerfully walking beside the stern, tall man.

Herman flinched immediately, as if struck, realizing his blunder. He quickened his pace, trying to lead his daughter away from the house they were passing for the first time.

— Dad, why are we in such a rush? We went out for a walk while Mom is busy with lunch! — the girl persisted.

Tormented by anxiety, Herman hurried to leave this marvelous place as quickly as possible. His annoyance at his own carelessness gnawed at him. Fury boiled inside, and when only the top of the roof remained in view and the blurred reflection of the windows still shimmered in the distance, he stopped sharply and began looking around.

The thought that they could have been seen there haunted him for a long time afterward.

Crossing the street between the quiet lanes lit by lanterns, the girl noticed a pair of eyes watching from the window of that very house. Their bluish gleam and alluring beauty mesmerized her. And even though she didn’t know who was looking out at that moment, the house radiated warmth, and she couldn’t help but smile.

— Dad, why aren’t you answering? — Anna asked again.
Herman Alexander seemed not to hear her, and perhaps he really didn’t, for his thoughts were elsewhere: to instill in Anna’s soul such fear that the mere memory of this place would drive her to flee.

At that moment, the calm and timid man transformed into someone cold and unfamiliar to her. His eyes darted around as if he had acted recklessly, and barely restraining himself from rudeness, he sharply grabbed his daughter’s hand, causing her mouth to open in surprise.

— Listen, Anna, our walk here was a huge mistake! You know we don’t go places like this! I beg you, don’t come here again, neither with friends nor, especially, alone. No one has lived in this house for a long time, and who knows who might have taken it over while it’s falling apart! — Herman snapped angrily.

— Okay, Dad. If you ask me, I’ll do it, — the girl replied.

— And another thing, don’t say a word to Mom about us being here. She’ll scold us! You know we have to listen to her, right? — he added after a pause.

The girl nodded, while the man continued to ponder the situation he had put himself in. His usual self-confidence, which normally served him faithfully, had now turned against him, weaving a complicated web of contradictions. He was used to solving any problem with ease, as if they were simple tasks, but this situation exceeded all his expectations.

— How careless I am! Sania will never forgive me if he finds out! But the main thing is that Anna keeps quiet, and I won’t say a word! — he muttered to himself so loudly that the girl kept peeking at his face.

The memory of that day is etched in my mind, like a photograph. How I longed back then to see the silhouette in the window, the one who was watching us! What warmth was hidden behind those walls, which I felt from afar!?

Over the years, my interest in that house never faded; it only grew. From a distance, I would always steal glances in its direction, hoping to see someone nearby. Since then, all my thoughts were connected to that building and the eyes I saw from afar. They haunted me in sleep and in waking life, intertwining into whimsical patterns on the canvas of my imagination. I tried to explain to myself what I had seen, to understand what exactly made such a strong impression on me.

It turns out that this place, shrouded in mystery and fear, was referred to as the “Gates of Shadows”. And now, driven by curiosity and fear, I decided to enter that house at all costs and uncover its secrets. But I also understood that this path was full of dangers and trials, for which it was impossible to prepare in advance, yet.

At fourteen, still very young, I spent a lot of time with books. The thirst for knowledge was boundless, as was the desire to learn about the inhabitants of that wondrous house.

Its walls seemed to whisper stories, and its windows, like eyes, watched the world with a wise condescension.

Every rustle of the leaves in the garden surrounding the house felt like a message. Every ray of sunlight filtering through the stained glass scattered into a thousand sparks, each holding hints. What if the house’s inhabitants were indeed guardians of ancient knowledge, keepers of forgotten rituals, or the last of those who remember my true name?

My heart beat with anticipation of discoveries. My hand involuntarily reached for the carved door, decorated with symbols whose meanings were yet to be deciphered. Taking a deep breath of the cool autumn air, I steeled myself to enter.

Stepping over the threshold was a step into the unknown, into a world where reality intertwined with the past and future, where the thirst for knowledge could finally be quenched or perhaps only ignite with renewed force.

The only person who shared my passion for knowledge and home was my faithful friend Lina, my support and fortress. After all, true friends are always few.

A person with a pure soul, angelic gaze, and soft voice, she never complained, scolded, or shouted, except perhaps at me, sensing that some cheeky boy was soon in for trouble.

At fourteen, I learned what loss and pain are. The only person who understood me was leaving, and I felt it so sharply that I began to dissolve in her sorrow myself. Lina had been diagnosed with a serious illness that was rapidly shortening her life.

Lately, the hope for Lina’s recovery had been fading, like a candle burning out in an impenetrable darkness, and one day at her doorstep, I was met by Lina’s older sister. She was trembling with grief, and tears were streaming down her face. It was then that I realized my friend would never hear new stories again.

The loss of a loved one, around whom all your thoughts revolve, is a heavy trial at any age. And the sooner you let go of the thought of a loved one leaving, the easier it becomes. After all, those who have passed must be released with ease, for you will meet again in another form and in another dimension.

I was an adopted daughter, a quiet shadow in my parents’ home, obedient but with a spark of willfulness in my character. My love for my parents was pure, like the first spring flower, and it blossomed with every glance, every word, every sigh from them. Their affection for me also grew year by year, and my love strengthened like the roots of an ancient tree, penetrating deep into the heart.

The life given to me by my family was wonderful; they surrounded me with care and attention, helped me grow and develop, nurturing a personality that was being prepared for the future.

I knew nothing about my real parents. How many sleepless nights I spent trying to understand what could have made them give me up? Where was that line beyond which I became 'unwanted'? But, probably, this mystery will remain unsolved forever. The years dulled the sharpness of the desire to meet them, leaving only a faint echo of curiosity.

— Mom, did you know my parents? – I asked one day, and the woman’s face froze for a moment in a mask of astonishment.

At the time, I didn’t attach any importance to that question. But after a while, I asked my father the same question. Unlike my mother, he didn’t hesitate and replied that he had only seen them once!

— What are these questions about, Anna? You didn’t care about this before, — asked Herman.

A flush of embarrassment touched my cheeks. An unexpected feeling of guilt pierced my heart, though I didn’t understand what I had done wrong.

— I’m just curious about what kind of people betray… — I replied, looking my father in the eyes.

Herman and Sania exchanged glances, and an unpleasant chill ran down my spine. Somewhere deep in their troubled hearts, they understood where their daughter was leading the conversation, but they preferred to stay silent, changing the subject and only said:

— We saw them briefly, just once. And then they disappeared from our lives, and we became happy. So, dear, don’t think about it. It’s the past, there’s no way back. We are happy as a trio, aren’t we?

Anna nodded, feeling the question echoing in her mind, finding no answer.

— Why did I see the shadows outside the window then? — I asked aloud.

They pretended not to hear my question. After all, all questions regarding the past held no significance for them.

I continued to look at my parents, but my thoughts wandered somewhere far away. Sania and Herman were watching me, seeing how a child turns into an adult asking uncomfortable questions.

— I’m a little scared for Anna. She is our daughter, and… you know, she’s strong in her… — Sania began, but she didn’t finish.

— It’s better to leave everything as it is, Sania. Be quiet and don’t raise suspicions! — Herman interrupted her.

— We need to consult with the boss. Maybe there’s a way to take us back to… — she fell silent again.

— When will you stop bringing trouble upon us?! Stay quiet until Anna gets to the truth! If she finds out who we really are, we’re all in deep trouble! — Herman raised his voice loudly.

— Who gave her those figurines, Herman? — Sania whispered quietly.

Herman shrugged, silently denying his involvement, and headed for the exit. His thoughts were focused, his gaze concentrated. He didn’t want to interfere in Sania’s affairs, but he couldn’t just let things take their course, knowing her impulsiveness.

Our eyes met for a moment. I, like a lost person, was collecting my thoughts, pretending not to be interested in their conversation. But every word, every movement did not escape my attention. The desire to learn even a little about my real parents grew immense.

— Anna, please come here! — Sania suddenly asked.

I obediently got up and approached her. Herman, almost at the door, froze. He sensed that the conversation might take an unpleasant turn and decided to wait for it to finish.

— Don’t be angry with us, Anna. We only wish you well and are not hiding anything from you, except… — Sania hesitated, as if searching for the right words.

Herman’s pupils momentarily elongated into horizontal slits. Feeling that Sania could ruin everything, he quickly approached us.

— Girls, how about we take a walk? — Herman suggested, clearly bewildered.

Four black pupils flared up in his eyes, their glare was unbearable. The desire to cloud my mind, to make me forget everything, grew in him with every passing second.

— Wait, father. I want to hear her out. She has something to tell, right, mom? — I asked, momentarily looking into my father’s eyes.

Herman, beside himself with rage, was covered in a cold sweat. He knew that if he didn’t fix the situation, all his efforts to keep the family together would be in vain. Clenching his fist until the bones cracked, he slowly rolled his eyes, and when he opened them, I was scared as if a monster was before me. Staring at him in disbelief, I asked:

— Father, what’s wrong with your eyes?

And just then, I fell into darkness.

About an hour passed before I woke up. The sleep was brief, but my mind was clouded, heavy thoughts making it difficult to view the situation through the eyes of a teenager. I vaguely remembered what had happened, why I had fallen asleep in the middle of the day, and I didn’t remember either the conversation with my parents or my father’s strange eyes…

I had forgotten everything that had happened some time ago, and upon waking, I found neither Herman nor Saniya at home. All I wanted was to take a walk down the spring street, inhale the scent of blooming lilacs, bask in the rays of the sun to dispel my distraction, and perhaps clarify the situation I had found myself in, a situation that I might not even be aware of.

Chapter 2.
Strange creatures

Anna walked up the road, winding like a river stream, cutting through the narrow streets of the quiet village of Mikhhau. Meeting her was an old man, slightly bent under the burden of years, his face marked with wrinkles like a map of lived years. Quiet fragments of a melody, seemingly forgotten by time, escaped his lips. He moved with a confidence and calmness more characteristic of youth than of an old man. In his hands was a small box, which he tossed from palm to palm as if playing dice with fate itself.

Unbeknownst to her, as if enchanted, Anna found herself at the house. Her mind was calm and serene, like the surface of a wonderful lake.

Surfacing from the stream of thoughts swirling in her consciousness, she discovered that she was standing before it — the house, magnetic in its pull.

Words could not convey the strange mix of feelings that overwhelmed her. Her heart raced like a bird caught in a cage, and her breathing became intermittent. She had always felt that this house was infused with magic, just like its ancient inhabitants. Even on the gloomiest day, in the midst of a snowstorm or intense frost, it radiated warmth, giving her strength and filling her with life energy. It was no surprise that her feet had led her here, on a path that deviated from her usual route.

The warmth streaming from the walls, thickly draped in emerald ivy, was painfully familiar, as if something dear and close was hidden behind them. Not a single leaf rustled, creating a feeling of seclusion, as if she had found herself in the heart of a dense thicket. Trees surrounded the house on all sides, shielding it from prying eyes. Through their intertwining branches, timid rays of sunlight broke through. There wasn’t a single cloud in the sky, and this calmness felt ominous. In a fraction of a second, her whole life flashed before her eyes. Squinting, she discerned a group of people in the distance, animatedly chatting about something. A sweet scent of lilacs lingered in the air. Her mind was clear, which initially frightened Anna, for it was here, by this house, that strange things always happened to her.

Every time she left the house, whether for school or a regular walk, it ended with her being here, and all her feelings and sensations changed fundamentally.

She dreamed of this house, not knowing the reason for this desire, but she knew that entering it was forbidden. Day and night, she longed to inhale the scent of old furniture, to feel the fragrance of flowers planted by someone else’s hands, to lie on the grass in its shady garden.

Something inexplicable began when her father accidentally turned the wrong way and they found themselves near this house. Since then, she could not find peace or focus on anything more important than this strange, dilapidated house.

— There is a place in life for events where everything happens when you desire it the most but least expect it. This is the law of the universe, the law of attraction. Call it magic or enchantment — it’s up to you, but however you name it, it will invariably fulfill your wish, — her astronomy teacher once told her.

And to be honest, our life is a true miracle.

Anna hastily veered off the path forbidden to her by parental command. A chill of foreboding settled in her heart: if even one curious eye noticed her creeping like a shadow by the walls of the cursed house, the ire of her parents would descend upon her with the relentless force of a tempest.

That day etched itself in memory as a dazzling shard of magic, woven from unreality and dreams. After the walk, time seemed to disperse into myriads of moments, eluding awareness. She remembered neither the way back nor the events that left a mark on that enchanted day, as if someone had erased those moments from her memory with a snap of their fingers. The only thing she remembered was the eyes watching her from the window, eyes full of kindness and warmth.

— Why is the world arranged this way? — she asked Lina, and there was genuine pain in her voice. — How much beauty perishes in the shadows, just to gleam once in the rays of someone else’s recognition, to conform to imposed ideals, to rise above others or, on the contrary, to bow down humbly. Is it really impossible to just live, radiating kindness, finding happiness in simple joys, without chasing after the elusive shadows of perfection?

— Perhaps the time will come when those questions will be answered by people wiser than we are now, for the world is changing for the better. But for now, seek only the good in this beautiful world, — Lina replied.

This is how I lived, anticipating a happy life and wonderful moments that I still had to discover and see.

As for Anna’s parents, Sania and Herman were hastily preparing for a trip. They rushed about as if a whirlwind swept through the house and flew out the door, not having the chance to truly talk to their daughter.

— Don’t forget to feed the cat, we’ll be back tomorrow evening! — Sania managed to shout to her daughter, who was watching them in surprise, her mouth slightly open.

At that moment, the girl was standing with a glass of milk in her hands. Puzzled, Anna looked at her departing parents, not understanding what was happening.

— I wish I could talk to someone… I really have no one to talk to, — Anna whispered as soon as the front door slammed shut.

The expression on her face was one of torment, as it was hard for a teenager to admit that she was completely alone in this huge world. She sadly remembered Lina, who was probably happily sitting on a throne next to the angels.

Time passed, and Anna gradually stopped tormenting herself with loneliness. Most likely, she even grew to love it, since one must live in harmony with oneself. The girl found the strength within her to overcome the fear of being without communication, and after everything she had been through, a pleasant surprise awaited her. She knew there were many activities that brought peace to the mind and body… but…

The next day, when sunlight lazily penetrated her room, the silence was shattered by a strange sound coming from the hall. At first, she thought it was the neighbors who had stopped by for a visit, calling out to their family, who, finding no one, had left silently. Only silence remained, interrupted by the creak of old parquet under invisible footsteps, and an unexplainable emptiness, as if the house held its breath, waiting for something. A ghostly rustle, like the breath of the night, and a strange, muffled thud, as if a huge, predatory cat was stalking from corner to corner in unquenchable thirst, reached her ears.

Downstairs on the first floor, Anna froze, struck by an unexpected guest. At her feet, propped up on its hind legs, stood a squirrel. Its tiny claws softly clicked against the parquet, and an unusual, almost plaintive squeak escaped its throat. Anna, forgetting everything, decided to lead the forest creature back home, but catching it proved to be no easy task. After three dizzying laps around the house, her attention was drawn to the squirrel’s strange behavior. In his movements, there was not so much fear as a desperate hunger. The thought of what to feed the little creature firmly took hold of her heart.

— So what should I do with you, and most importantly, what should I feed you? — she asked her new friend and was surprised that she was trying to talk to a wild animal.

— I would like some birch juice, Anna! – he squeaked.

— Right now, mommy! – followed her unconscious reply.

Stopping, Anna realized that something strange was happening in the room.

— Now I will feed you, and you will run back home, right? – she said, and her eyes widened in surprise.

— Of course, Miss Anna! – the squirrel again hissed, changing in appearance.

She looked at him in fear. After all, you don’t see something like this every day, let alone in real life!

In the blink of an eye, his eyes rounded, ears and nose took on human features, paws elongated into hands, and his body became male. The squirrel transformed into a man she had never seen before.

— I am the servant of the gentleman who sent me to you, asking to deliver this letter, – and he rummaged in his pocket.

A few seconds later, he handed her a white sheet of paper, folded several times.

She stood like a statue, unable to utter a word. His movements were quick, making her head spin like a globe.

— Here, I found something else for you! – said the strange companion, extending a small pencil that resembled an ordinary wooden stick.

— What kind of pencil is this? – she whispered, holding the light stick in her hands.

— Review this letter and give a response to the gentleman; he is impatient, – squeaked the little squirrel, sparkling its eyes. – And hurry up, time is money, and it is very valuable to me!

Anna was in a daze, her mind refusing to piece together what was happening into a coherent picture. He had appeared as if out of nowhere, and in every word of his, there was such unyielding seriousness that it was impossible to deny it. Disbelief paralyzed her; it seemed like unreality, a bad dream, and the main question was – why her?

Unfolding the paper, she read the following:

Miss Anna, I beg you to hurry! The heart of our village keeps a quiet aquarium on Karaliokha street ∞. Time is quicksand, do not wait a moment! I.L.

— What does this incomprehensible address mean? And in general, there is no such address in our village; apparently, your master has confused something? – she said.

The squirrel chuckled, and then a slight tremor pierced through him. The strange metamorphoses began again. He stretched upwards, like a young tree, then dissolved into the air, becoming almost an elusive ghost, then produced strange, otherworldly sounds, reminiscent of the whisper of the wind in an empty pipe…

— Please hurry, I need to deliver the answer as soon as possible; it is very important! – he replied in millions of strange voices, merging into one incomprehensible roar.

I raised my hand, and the pencil, like a captured bird, fluttered in my fingers. Struggling to suppress a shiver, frightened by its unusual liveliness, I felt the graphite tip, like a tiny spark, burn my skin. And then, obeying an unknown impulse, it began to dance across the paper, and the pen, as if possessed, traced whimsical signs. In an instant – and beneath the initials I.L., a concise response emerged: “Good.”

A sudden ray of sunlight pulled my guest’s face out of the shadows, and before me, as if nothing had happened, stood the same little squirrel, clearly pleased with the effect he had created. He hesitated for a moment, then nodded toward the door, indicating that it was time for me to follow him.

Like an arrow released, he darted away, leaving me to swallow the dust of his swift run. Casting aside modesty, I dashed after it like a child entranced by the dance of an elusive ball. Soon we found ourselves by a modest earthen mound, barely discernible in the green grass of the meadow – a secret concealed beneath a veil of ordinariness.

The hill, rising above the even grass by no more than three and a quarter elbows, resembled an anthill more than an entrance to a dwelling. A tiny door and a window, each no taller than an elbow, did not match the image of the mysterious place described in I.L.‘s letter.

The absence of a handle on this miniature door seemed like a verdict, dispelling the last wisp of hope for the wonders hidden behind it.

— And how am I supposed to get inside now? There isn’t even a handle, – I muttered aloud, looking at the little squirrel in confusion.

In response, the little creature merely pointed with its paw at the door, remaining standing a little distance away, as if hesitant to enter first or simply yielding the way.

— Are you really going to leave me alone? – I whispered with a pleading look, gazing at the little squirrel.

— Don’t worry, madam, you have been awaited for quite a while! – came the unexpected reply, and the squirrel swiftly turned and disappeared into the meadow grass.

Gathering my will, with a bitter taste of fear on my tongue, I flung open the door as if plunging into icy water.

The sight that greeted me was astonishing. The little room was so tiny that it resembled a mole’s burrow. Tiny windows allowed only a meager amount of sunlight to enter, while a huge, disproportionate chandelier with many small candles emitted a soft, magical glow, reminiscent of a sprinkle of fireflies. Gilded cuckoo clocks, beige walls, and the paintings adorning them created an atmosphere of coziness and mystery. It was clear that a refined and incredibly detail-oriented nature had labored over the creation of this little room. Despite the modest selection of items and colors, the harmonious combination of tones and restrained furnishings filled this strange place with a special atmosphere.

Particularly striking was the canvas depicting a knight on a black horse. It seemed alive, its gaze fixed directly on me. Suddenly, the rider appeared to recognize me, jumped off the horse, and bowed deeply, as in ancient tales. In astonishment, I stopped blinking, managing only to stammer that it wasn’t necessary.

— You must have mistaken me for someone else! – I stammered, feeling the crimson flush ignite on my cheeks, as if betraying my composure before this impassive knight.

A few more agonizing moments passed, and the rider was already seated on the horse, as if he had never left the saddle.

And then I asked myself the question: what is actually happening? Why do they address me in the formal ‘you’ and treat me with such honors, as if I were of royal blood?

While I was enchantingly wandering my gaze around the strange decor of the room, I caught a distant muted roar, as if an invisible waterfall was crashing down somewhere. Could this be just a trick of my imagination? Forgetting about the examination, I froze, cautiously listening, trying to catch the elusive echoes of the element.

— What aquarium, let alone a waterfall… in this cramped little cell? – I murmured almost soundlessly.

Despite the tight space, I managed to look around, although with some difficulty. Having taken a few timid steps toward the enticing sound, anticipating the promised aquarium behind the carved door, I stumbled upon a miniature crystal washbasin. From its wide tap, as if challenging gravity, water was slowly flowing… upwards! Rays of light, timidly making their way through the stained glass window and reflecting off the facets of the antique chandelier, scattered into a myriad of sparks on the ascending streams, creating the illusion of a magical dance. It seemed as if the water, obeying an unseen music, was performing its spring ritual. Enchanted by this wonderful sight, I was ready to dance my way in search of the aquarium, but suddenly came to my senses, drawn by the strangeness of the tap, and froze in hesitation.

As expected, there was no aquarium or even a hint of a waterfall. Taking a step toward the door, I noticed a narrow crack under the chest of drawers on which the washbasin stood.

— What an interesting purpose this gap has, especially under the dresser! – I thought.

A fresh breeze wafted from under the sink, and a few cool drops touched my hand. I immediately bent down to look into the gap.

The opening turned out to be so narrow that it was impossible to see anything. The wind blowing from under the sink pleasantly refreshed my skin. There were almost no splashes, but a faint scent of freshness lingered in the air. After long and futile efforts to move the stubborn dresser, I, not noticing the treacherous handles on the sides, hit my forehead hard on one of them. It is unknown how long I would have lain on the floor, but finally, through the haze of pain and dizziness, I managed to open my eyes.

My eyelids were heavy, pain throbbed in my head, and the huge bump that had appeared on my forehead persistently reminded me that I was once again doing something nobody asked me to do!

— And the squirrel? The envelope? The aquarium?! What is all this?! – forgetting for a moment about the pulsating pain, as if driving away the hallucination, she slapped her palm against the unfortunate bump once more.

Surely every person is familiar with that unpleasant feeling when it can be unbearably painful!

I reached for the crack again. But strangely, it was no longer there. As if scared off by my curiosity, it disappeared. Just recently, a breeze was blowing from there and droplets of water were scattering around?

— What if, while I was under the influence of unconsciousness, someone visited here? – that thought, like a shard of ice, pierced my mind.

But there was no one nearby. Not a single sign of anyone’s presence during my brief sleep. The squirrel, apparently, did not dare to enter, or maybe it didn’t even need to be here! No one responded to my calls, and I decided to leave this strange, albeit beautiful, room.

As I made my way to the door, I noticed two orange lampshades standing by the table, which was covered with a snowy white tablecloth. The table was empty, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone had been here. The lampshades were lit, despite it being broad daylight. And then I thought that perhaps uninvited guests had visited this little room while I was lost in thought.

“But who were they and what did they want? Most likely, that will remain a mystery, as it’s unlikely that anyone will tell me about it!” – I thought to myself, and the urge to reach for my forehead overcame me once again.

I remembered what it had cost me last time, and I stopped. A slight smile touched my lips…

— And yet, one shouldn’t make the same mistake twice, causing oneself pain! – I thought, involuntarily saying it out loud.

I approached the door with a calm heart. Perhaps there were suspicions and fears that someone had found out about the letter and my visit here, but since there was no one around, I decided not to think about it. The moments mentioned in the letter had been fulfilled by me!

Everything that had happened some time ago seemed strange, and this time the door opened by itself before I even had time to think about it. In a moment, bright sunlight blinded me, and I found myself outside.

It was easier for me to breathe than in the den, where I felt as if in shackles, where so many strange events had occurred some time ago, leaving me with a headache even now.

Chapter 3.
Unfolding secrets

The next day, the very space seemed to have gone mad. The unstable, capricious weather was reflected in Anna’s health as well. Confusion and quiet sadness enveloped her like a gray blanket. This day brought no joy, for changes that intrude into life without permission do not always bring good.

The desire to hide from the world under a warm blanket was stronger than her parents’ reproaches and the mocking glances of the street children. Moreover, the nagging buzz in her head – whether from yesterday’s blow or from a premonition of upcoming events – would not subside.

— What was that yesterday? And what does it mean for me? An unfamiliar place, a strange little squirrel with its mysterious message, a glade. How is all this connected to me? – I was drowning in a heap of questions that tormented my mind.

Anna felt that from this day her life should change, gain meaning, and a road should open where she could walk without looking back to the past or harboring grievances. Lying in bed, she dreamed of a wonderful miracle, mesmerizing… of a life where dreams would be the guiding star, illuminating the way even in the darkest times.

Her dreams were born from everything unusual, and there were countless of them! Hence arose questions that seemed to have no answers.

But she was certain of one thing: the little squirrel was not a figment of her imagination. She had seen it, talked to it, and it could not have been a product of her imagination!

Anna firmly believed that the darkness, which undoubtedly exists on earth, has as much power as the light. They are inextricably linked, complement each other, and cannot exist separately.

— Why are many so afraid of the dark? After all, all secret rituals and ceremonies take place at night! – she asked herself.

And the matter is not necessarily about black magic, for some reason there were many more theories about darkness than about light, and numerous contradictory views clashed in this irreconcilable struggle. After all, one of the most beautiful things that happens at night is sleep. A blissful physiological process that grants rest to the body and mind.

Anna felt a strange power growing inside her, understanding that it could turn against her and possibly against her family. Everything around seemed strange: the unnaturally bright light of the stars at night, the whims of nature that instantly changed sunny weather to hurricane winds, strange voices in her head. She felt that at night she walked, and maybe even flew, but not in a dream, rather in reality.

— Who can I ask about what’s happening to me? There isn’t a single soul I could ask about the little squirrel! Surely this is not just my imagination? – she asked for the hundredth time.

— No, you are not imagining things. You are completely healthy! – a familiar voice sounded.

Anna turned around and saw that very little squirrel, who was drawing something on his paw.

— I am your friend and a loyal servant of the master, his postman. He asks me to be very quick and nimble. My name is Mark, Miss Anna! – he said, seemingly stuttering.

At that moment, the little squirrel stretched to an enormous size. His twenty centimeters in height transformed in a couple of seconds into a strong and tall man.

In astonishment, Anna opened her mouth. His transformation shocked her. She looked at him as if enchanted, while he laughed and searched in her for that very little girl who had witnessed a real miracle. And it was so!

— Incredible! How did you get here? – she breathed out, slowly leaning back as if something unreal had appeared before her.

— Through the window. I’m not tall, Your Majesty, and I’m quick enough to slip through a crack. Would you like me to demonstrate? – he squeaked, ready to prove his words right there and then.

— No, thank you, I’ve had enough of this magic for today! – Anna smiled, sparks dancing in her eyes.

Mark laughed like a real person, and she felt a little calmer. After all, you don’t meet a squirrel nearly two meters tall every day.

— “The master’s postman”… and what does that mean? – she asked again with curiosity, raising an eyebrow in slight confusion.

It seemed that the question drowned in the void; Mark did not respond, only turned away, directing his gaze to the dark corner. In his silence, there was not a request, but rather a plea for support directed at the invisible master, as if his salvation lay hidden there in the shadows.

— Speak up! What happened yesterday? I couldn’t find anyone in that room. I waited like a child, but no one came out to me, not even a response! And I even got hurt. How is that possible? – Anna exclaimed with impatience.

— They were watching us, and my master decided to postpone the meeting with you, as it could be dangerous for you! – replied the little squirrel, lowering his eyes as if he felt ashamed of something.

— Watched?! – Anna cried out, her voice filled with disbelief that turned into fear. – But there wasn’t a single soul around, not a shadow capable of watching! And how could you have known about this when you weren’t even nearby?

Questions poured from her lips like autumn leaves. He seemed not to feel their weight, accustomed to this continuous stream.

At that moment, Anna remembered the lampshades and the light emanating from them. She decided to remain silent, as she didn’t know who her new friend was and what he was about.

— Everything has its time, madam, do not rush events! – he replied as calmly as in all previous times.

A few minutes later, Mark, like a ghost, dissolved into the air, disappearing as suddenly as he had appeared. Once again, he demonstrated his unpredictability, leaving behind a tenuous sense of peace. The anxiety that had been gripping the heart in icy clamps retreated, giving way to quiet hope.

The next day, Anna woke up very early. Thoughts were spinning at the speed of light, her heart was pounding like a mad beast trying to break free.

The sun, generously pouring its extraordinary light, filled the house from the east with immense energy and warmth. Anna hurried to her lessons in a great mood and with a desire to tackle all the ideas that would come to her mind that day.

On that wonderful spring day, after school, Anna was walking home. Approaching the gate, she turned around, mesmerized by the jubilant chorus of birdsong, as if woven from sunbeams and fresh wind.

The glorious lullaby was sung by the birds nesting near the house. Their trills were like honey on the beaks of the feathered ones, as the neighbors listened in rapt attention to the beauty of this music, equally amazed by the light melody of these marvelous creatures. For a while longer, everyone listened to their delicate singing and could not understand what kind of birds they were, as any composer would envy such music.

Not far away, on an acacia bush, sat a bird of unusual coloration. As Anna learned from her neighbor’s story, it was a golden oriole. It was she who planted the seed of hope and faith in the hearts of everyone who heard her song. The bird, in yellow plumage, sat on a branch, singing her song not to bring joy, but to warn her fellow birds of the danger they faced.

And indeed, nearby, by the fence, cats were watching them – predators, lying in wait for any mistake they might make. But the birds, as if in cahoots with the wind, wove their own plans, having no desire to become a fluffy breakfast.

Having finished their trills, they quickly soared away and vanished, leaving behind unusual notes for the creation of a great song.

After such singing, Anna’s day seemed to flare up anew, like a light bulb in the dark. Not because there was a reason for it, but because a person should be cheerful, even if they are destined to walk a path that will perfect and elevate them. Perhaps this also applied to Anna, as at that moment she did not know what awaited her ahead and how life would unfold.

Everyone has their own path upward, their own summit. Some enjoy routine work, for others, family will be their refuge, and for some, power in all its forms. But in any case, a person will walk their own path. Nothing can be changed if there is no belief that you can.

— Many great people were knocked down by life, but they, overcoming pain, continued to fight, standing on their knees, and still achieved victory! – a passerby once threw this at me on the way to the bakery.

And, to be honest, his words made me think. Most likely, this person has fought many battles within himself, defeated many external and internal enemies, and his advice came in at just the right time. The agonizing headache faded, and if there was still a bump, it now appeared only as a phantom, pale blue gleam, like a memory of past pain dissolving in time.

I didn’t say anything to my parents, and they didn’t ask. I am still amazed at how this otherworldly, azure glow resting on my forehead did not disturb them. My father long gazed at my face with a crafty squint as if hesitating about something, but the question never slipped from his lips, and I kept silent. As if enchanted, we drowned in silence and tranquility, and in this serenity, there was something beautiful.

The street bathed in soft spring warmth and light. The overwhelming memories were so sweet that I found myself again at the house I had sworn never to approach. My thoughts, like unruly birds, brought me back to reality once again.

I suddenly turned around, in a desperate attempt to run, but my body treacherously refused to obey. My head was filled with a leaden weight, and pulsating pain tightened at my temples. As I sank down on the curb by the roadside, I noticed a woman approaching me like a mirage. Her gaze conveyed sympathy and a willingness to help. Gathering my last strength, I politely declined, citing the whims of the weather and the notorious teenage years. And indeed, the weather began to change as soon as I got closer to Lyon’s house. The wind picked up, and heavy clouds slowly gathered above. My thoughts would freeze, then whirl around in my head. Raising my eyes, I felt an inexplicable anxiety nudging me, suggesting that something familiar was nearby.

And there I was again, standing in front of a beautiful but dilapidated house. The piercing cold wind blew from the forest that spread not far from our village. Rare clouds had turned into a sinister veil, threatening to burst into rain. A fog appeared in my eyes that I absolutely did not like. This strange state completely drained me of energy, making it painfully difficult to even get up.

It was impossible to stay in place. The rain started to drizzle, and the clouds, which had covered the sky with a leaden blanket, seemed hostile. Gathering my last strength, I took a step forward and, noticing a male silhouette ahead, hurried away to avoid arousing suspicion. My eyelids were heavy with the desire to rest, and with great effort, I moved just a few steps away from the man.

After a moment, I turned around, but I didn’t see him next to me, yet I could feel his presence, and it frightened me. I was afraid that if he knew my parents, he would surely tell them that he had seen me near that dilapidated house, which was the last thing I wanted.

— Are you lost? – came a sudden question right in front of me, as if this person had sprung up from the ground.

— No! – I replied sharply, my cheeks flushing.

— Then why are you looking around so intently as if you’ve lost your way? – his persistent questions sounded like thunderclaps.

His voice brought me back to my senses a little. I felt like I knew this person and had heard their speech somewhere. But I didn’t dare to look him in the eyes, afraid of giving myself away.

— Who are you and what do you want from me? – I asked, drawing my foot through the dust.

— I don’t want anything from you, I’m just offering my help, that’s all! – he replied.

— Well, that’s great! I blurted out and started to run, feeling the long, studying gaze of the stranger burning into my back.

I turned around and saw that the stranger was so far away that he looked like a small dot. Just as I wanted to sigh with relief and take a moment to catch my breath, I suddenly found myself standing once again in front of Lion’s house.

This strange house, in which, according to the residents of our village, Mikhhau, inexplicable things once happened, drew me in with its energy, and I was very curious to know what was so mysterious about it that no one knew anything?!

Chapter 4.
A premonition of success

Within the walls of this house, which had once echoed with laughter and children’s voices, a tragedy unfolded, abruptly taking away the daughters from the couple. Grief, opaque and all-consuming, burned away the light of hope from their hearts, leaving only a gaping void that became, for some, an abyss.

— Two angels, as if woven from moonlight and morning mist, were beautiful in their otherworldly uniqueness! Their faces, like the imprints of stars on water, etched themselves into memory for a long time. Can one ever forget these wonderful, unearthly beings? – said old man Rolin, the oldest resident of our village, recalling the daughters of the Lion family.

His voice, like a whisper of eternity, carried the echo of that beauty which once illuminated their quiet land.

The man exhausted his grief for his children and, like a shadow, dissolved into the unknown. Whispers suggested that he had fled in haste, escaping either from the wrath of dark forces or from unbearable loneliness. Malicious tongues claimed that malevolent spirits hovered over his house, as if they were his own demons tormenting his soul. Since that day, no one has seen the master of that house, and no one knew whether he had met the fate that gossipmongers discussed with such glee.

His servants seemed to have evaporated, disappearing into the air without a trace. No one saw how they left the estate. The old people, who miraculously lived to our days, swore they watched the house for days on end, hoping to unravel this ominous mystery, but found no answers.

— I remember, sometimes the friend and I would sit on their fence for whole days, like sparrows, – mumbled the old man, stumbling over his words and shaking his head as if to drive away an obsession. – We observed the life of the Lion’s family. But never, you hear me, never did we see a single soul from the household cross the threshold!

Anna felt the inexplicable magic of this house, its attractive coziness, as if woven from dreams, its unique charm. And she responded with her heart to the pain of those who had left a part of their soul here.

— Human gossip, Anna, is like snake venom, – Utata, the janitor at our school, whispered to me, her eyes holding the sorrow of many generations. – Sometimes we do not know what blade is hidden in a word, how a curse can maim a soul!

— So, can one simply poison a person’s life with a whisper behind their back, with a single angry word? – I asked in amazement, feeling a chill run down my skin.

— Are you kidding, Anka! Of course! The worst is when it’s done sneakily! When you’re expected to provide support, and instead, you pour dirt! That’s where the real evil lies! – Utata replied.

— So what does that mean, if I think badly of my parents, does it hurt or upset them?! – I asked again.

— In a way, yes, but it happens somewhat differently, Anka. You need to grow a little more, and you will understand what I’m talking about! – the woman said.

Anna thought for a moment. She was completely confused by the strange adult life, where everyone is ambiguous or betrays. The teenager was going through a difficult period when she had to make many hard decisions.

After all those events, the house was empty. The walls and roof remained intact, while the ivy thickly entwining them hid the house from prying eyes for a long time. All these years, my way to school passed by this house. And while all the villagers of Mikhhau avoided it, I always peered through the gaps, hoping to see at least something in the thick overgrowth.

And once it was said that this house was full of joy and laughter, both from the owners and their guests. Lion has always welcomed an endless number of guests and enjoyed respect from both the residents of nearby towns and those he met during leisure or work in other countries.

Lion adored his wife, and the thought of being separated from her was unbearable, even though the years went by and the heir still did not appear. He protected her like a treasure, like a queen, bathing her in the luxury that his enormous wealth allowed: from dazzling jewelry capable of blinding just by their appearance, to exquisite, rare perfumes that seemed to require almost an expedition to France to acquire! He was ready to do anything just to see a smile on her beautiful face.

Mr. Lion was endowed with a rare gift – a musicality that permeated his being. This gift fueled his passion: he composed melodies himself, and the old piano, inherited from his great-grandfather, became the voice of his soul. Music filled Lion’s home, bringing together all who yearned to touch their dreams. The locals spoke of him with a sigh: “A talent! He is a true talent!”

Lion married late, at the age of forty, choosing a twenty-seven-year-old girl as his life companion. He, like a statue sculpted by an ancient artist – tall, broad-shouldered, with a straight nose and strong build – was a model of masculine beauty. Anastasia Orlova did not dazzle with her beauty, but captivated with her rare charm and elegance. There was an aristocrAtik nature in her and an unhidden pride in her roots. Fragile, big-eyed, with a sweet turned-up nose and thick, raven-colored hair, she seemed the embodiment of ethereal tenderness.

One of the now-deceased neighbors, working as a gardener on their estate, recalled how he saw her in the yard:

— An angel, – the old man used to say, – with curls blacker than night and skin whiter than the first snow.

Behind the couple, disillusioned neighbors whispered, spinning a web of fables. The servants, on the contrary, were devoted to their masters, cutting off any gossip at the root, protecting Lyon’s ears from rumors. However, he was also aware of the malicious tongues and carefully measured the warmth of his home, allowing only the chosen few into his work and future plans. There was no shortage of envious and ill-willed people. As for family, besides the uncle, who had disappeared without a trace after the death of his brother, whom Lyon hated with painful reluctance – he didn’t want to think about them at all.

I stood, enchanted, under the gaze of furtively thrown looks, unable to take my eyes off the house. The sky, refreshed by rain, slowly blossomed with azure. Clouds, like phantom whales, drifted lazily toward the horizon, carrying away the last shadows of darkness, giving way to the bright spring bliss.

On that day, curiosity completely consumed me. After glancing once more at the mysterious facade, I leaned closer to the crack between the green ivy bushes. The miracle I beheld pierced me like a sudden bolt of lightning.

In the courtyard, opposite the ivy-covered veranda, stood an old, long-forgotten fountain. But now, bathed in sunlight, it seemed to awaken, its silent play appearing like magic. It seemed as if time had turned back, and the fleeting life had returned to this old house…

The fountain, which seemed to have fallen forever asleep, suddenly awakened, scattering a kaleidoscope of rainbow splashes in the courtyard. In the sunlight, the streams sparkled and shimmered, sketching ephemeral otherworldly patterns in the air. All worries and anxieties faded away as if they had never existed. There could be no talk of matters – this extravaganza of colors and light transported one to another reality. Along the old fence, as if echoing the miracle, roses bloomed. Delicate buds released an intoxicating fragrance that begged to be inhaled deeply. And I knew, I felt with all my heart – this is not a dream.

Suddenly, as if struck by lightning, a memory of the squirrel pierced through! Doubts retreated, giving way to an exhilarating premonition: such coincidences are not accidental!

— But how could the roses bloom and the fountain come to life? After all, the house has long been abandoned… – this question tormented my consciousness, finding no answer.

I recoiled from the fence as if struck by an invisible force, and was already about to run when my name, like a beast breaking free from its chain, roared in the silence. The echo carried it over the rooftops of the village, causing me to freeze. I turned around, my heart pounding in my chest like a trapped bird. There was not a soul around. Only an empty street, bathed in sunlight, and the whisper of the wind in the branches of an old apple tree nearby. I looked around again, confirming my solitude.

Only in the distance could I see a group of playing children, a pack of dogs, a girl with a pile of notebooks in her hands, and several men animatedly arguing about something. But I didn’t notice anyone who could call me by name. A feeling that I had seen this before suddenly enveloped me, the world swam before my eyes, and I felt the ground slipping away from under my feet.

I woke up at home, in my bed. My parents stood in front of me with faces showing clear displeasure. I raised my hands to look at my numb fingers and noticed how pale they had become, just like my face. A carousel of thoughts spun in my head.

The first thing that flashed in my memory was the sight of a house, a fountain drowning in roses. I began to doubt whether it had been just a dream, but then, like an anchor pulling me back to reality, the image of a little squirrel appeared. The silence, which seemed to last an eternity, was broken by my father’s voice, pulling me out of my stupor.

— What were you doing at Leon’s house? – he asked, not hiding his painful curiosity about that place and my presence near the house.

— Nothing. I was on my way to school, and I woke up here. What happened? – I mumbled indistinctly.

The parents exchanged glances, and their whispering started again, but the words, like ghosts, dissolved into the buzz that rose in my head. How strange: usually their voices rang with crystal clarity when they addressed me, but now it felt as if my ears were filled with a viscosity that muffled the world.

— You tell us what happened! – my father insisted, burning me with his gaze.

“What’s wrong with looking at the house I liked? No one got hurt!” – a desperate justification flickered in my mind.

— I was walking to school, as usual, past that house. And as soon as I took a few steps, I was called by name. I turned around – there was no one around, not a single familiar face… and then, it was like emptiness, and now I’ve come to! – Anna blurted out, trying to piece together the fragments of remembrance into a coherent picture.

The parents exchanged glances again, as if passing on the baton of unspoken words. An awkward silence tightened the room, and I found it hard to breathe – the air seemed to thicken. A volcano was awakening inside me, bubbling with righteous fury. My face burned, as if scorched by flames, and my parents’ words reached me in fragments, losing clarity amidst this internal fire. To my surprise, they no longer scolded me. They, immersed in a silent argument, expressing their disagreement through gestures and undertones, noticed my sleepy face and hurried out into the corridor, taking with them a tangle of unresolved contradictions to continue their silent dialogue without disturbing the fragile silence of my sleep.

“What is it that I should hear?” – this question echoed in my mind.

Suddenly leaping up, as if jolted, I staggered to my desk and, stopping as if rooted to the spot, closed my eyes. I heard my name again, like the whisper of the wind in an empty room. Deciding that this was the work of my father, I remained silent, biting my lip, but a moment later the voice repeated itself more insistently and closer.

— What is going on! – I couldn’t take it anymore, and my voice trembled.

Taking a step toward the door, I felt as if I was descending into a dream as I made my way to the hall, to the first floor. Our house, though not large, comfortably sprawled over two stories: four cozy little rooms, a spacious hall, a kitchen, bathrooms that looked like two drops of water identical to each other, a basement holding the smell of damp mold, and a spacious library where the shadows of old stories lived. Setting my foot on the last step, I inadvertently overheard fragments of my parents’ conversation. They were whispering about some miracle that had almost burned their lives to the ground, and about the need to put a stop to it before it was too late. Their words, like shards of glass, pierced the silence of the house.

— See, I warned you! – said my father in a commanding tone.

My mother wanted to say something, but my father interrupted her with his response:

— And what if she disappeared or went missing? And still, in the evening, we need to thank the Ambassador for his kindness. After all, someone might have noticed her, especially…!

— Alright, I understand everything. We’ll figure it out in the evening! There are countless candidates for our place. We need to be ready for anything, especially for the fact that Anna is no longer a child, and we can’t forbid her to walk that path. She is a smart teenager and might suspect everything. And then everything will go wrong! – the mother said with frustration.

The father rolled his eyes strangely, and the chair creaked pitifully as he struggled to detach his leaden body from it. It was as if some invisible force was pulling him somewhere, as if the breath of another presence was scorching his back. He thought he could hear them eavesdropping, that a web of foreign gazes was enveloping the room. Without saying a word, just nervously nodding, he signaled to his mother, and they, like conspirators, peeked into the hallway.

— I feel like someone is watching us! – whispered Herman, and a shadow of fear passed over his face, distorting his features.

The thought that their secret might be revealed after that unfortunate incident with Anna outside Lion’s house tormented him. The man was suffocated by this uncertainty, this feeling of being cornered. His face changed like a landscape before an approaching storm – from anxious confusion to animal rage, until Sania, alarmed by his expression, snapped him back to reality.

— What’s wrong with you!? Anna is home, I checked. We have nothing to fear anymore. Our home is protected, you set it up that day when we moved here, remember? – the woman asked with hope.

Herman felt that he had done the right thing, and the gloom of doubt slowly dissipated in his mind. He realized that fear could destroy his life, and to avoid bringing disaster upon himself, he vowed to control his fury.

But they were deeply mistaken, for I was right there, an invisible witness. As if waking from a nightmare, I quickly stepped away from the hallway, swept up by a whirlwind of sudden insight and horror. In the room, Sania saw me “sleeping “… but how could this happen, this mystery will be revealed!

Chapter 5.
The strange abode

— What unimaginable things are happening around?! Who are they so afraid of, whom do they crawl in silent horror before? And why does the house of the Lions, forgotten and abandoned by all, evoke such primal fear in them? – thoughts swirled in my head like autumn leaves, driven by a relentless wind.

The rustle of footsteps faded, and ominous silence reigned. Not a single sound, no timid chirping of birds, no quarrelsome whispering of old women, no ringing laughter of children, only a crushing, all-consuming silence, like a shroud thrown over the world.

The opportunity to go down to the first floor and see if my parents had taken even a single step toward reconciliation or continued to maintain their sullen silence, huffing at each other, never presented itself.