The air felt heavy as dark clouds filled the sky, warning of a coming storm. Thunder rumbled softly in the distance. At the window of Sacred Virtue's Orphanage stood Kai, a thin teenager with pale skin, black eyes, and messy black hair.
Kai had always been different from the other kids. While many hated the rain, he found it peaceful. Watching the gray skies helped him think. He was quiet and thoughtful—someone who always seemed a little distant.
"Kai, Sister Agatha's calling everyone for dinner," said a young girl named Minny, pulling him out of his thoughts.
"I'll be there soon," Kai said with a gentle smile.
As he walked downstairs, the sounds of laughing children filled the hallway. A group of older kids, around Kai's age, sat around the TV. These moments always made Kai smile. But his face changed when he saw the breaking news on the screen.
"We regret to inform you that the infamous criminal and serial killer, Richard Norman, escaped from North Valley Penitentiary earlier today. Reports say he killed three guards and broke out with other inmates. He is now on the run."
Jeremy, a boy with glasses, turned pale. "Wait… isn't North Valley really close?"
Brad tried to calm him. "Don't freak out. Yeah, it's close, but he's probably trying to leave the country."
"Yeah," added another kid, "he's not coming here."
But Kai spoke quietly, his voice serious. "I read about him. They say he's one of the Awakened."
---
Years ago, strange portals appeared around the world, releasing monsters that normal weapons couldn't stop. Humanity was close to being wiped out—until some people woke up with special powers. These people were called the Awakened, and they fought the monsters and sealed the portals.
The strongest Awakened formed Guilds to protect the world. Their bright blue eyes and amazing powers earned them the name 'Gifted.'
But over time, a different kind of Awakened appeared—those who didn't follow the same rules.
---
Jeremy looked nervous. "Wait… is that serial killer cursed?"
Kai nodded. "Yeah. They say his eyes glow red, like blood."
The room went quiet. Everyone knew about the Cursed—Awakened with red eyes whose powers were dark and twisted. Unlike the Gifted, who used their powers for good, the Cursed followed their worst desires and became dangerous.
The word Cursed made everyone uneasy. It reminded them how easy it was for someone to lose their way.
Just then, a kind woman in her thirties walked into the room, instantly making everyone feel better.
"Good evening, Miss Agatha," the children said together, smiling.
"Good evening, everyone," she replied warmly. With her golden hair and gentle brown eyes, Miss Agatha always made things feel okay again.
"Let's stop thinking about scary stuff," she said, walking over and patting Jeremy on the head. She playfully pinched his nose, making the kids laugh.
"You're all too young to worry about those things," she said kindly. "That's my job."
"Now, how about we sit down and eat?"
The children rushed happily to the big dining table, their worries fading away for a while.
Kai looked at Miss Agatha with deep respect. After losing his parents, she had become like a mother to him. Even though she was from a rich family, she gave up everything to open this orphanage. Kai admired her for that.
"Oh, Kai," she said softly, "can you lead us in prayer?"
Miss Agatha believed strongly in faith, and the kids followed her lead. Kai began the prayer: "Our Father, who art in heaven…"
Everything was calm—until he reached the words, "deliver us from evil."
The room went still.
Then a cold, cruel voice spoke from behind them.
"And all of God's children," said Richard Norman with a sneer, "said Amen."