I stood watching the sign hanging on the office door, written in a fine, precise script: "Lawyer Aiden Wilson."
Then I followed my mother after she asked for permission to enter.
His office was meticulously organized, the marble floor reflecting my face. I lowered my gaze, then looked up—my reflection was repulsive. I quickly shifted my eyes toward the man seated behind an exquisitely crafted wooden desk.
He appeared to be in his forties, his hair neatly slicked back, his formal suit more elegant than all my clothes combined. He extended his hand, gesturing for us to sit on the chairs facing his desk.
I sat on the comfortable leather chair. Aiden cleared his throat before finally speaking.
"I am the agent, assistant, and lawyer of Mr. Glanis Roxy. My family, the Wilsons, has served the Roxy family for many generations. However, there was a branch of this family that was cast out, which led to the extinction of the Roxy name. And you are the closest heir to Mr.—Miss Melissa Roxy, compared to the others, you are—"
He paused briefly, but the silence didn't last long, broken by the sound of papers in his hands.
"According to these files, you, Miss Melissa, possess an ability… meaning you are capable of living there."
My mother stared at him for a few seconds, then smiled calmly.
"But it is a weak ability."
Aiden returned his gaze to the paper after looking at my mother, and began reading.
"Miss Melissa Roxy, thirty-eight years old, daughter of David Roxy. Graduated from Almoord University, and most likely you did not find a job in your field of specialization."
My mother fell silent for a few seconds upon hearing his words, then spoke steadily.
"Primarily, before graduating, I was busy raising my daughter. I see no problem in not having found a job."
He continued reading the file without lifting his head.
"Your blood type is B-, and you are single—meaning you have never married."
I saw the tension clearly etched on my mother's features. I didn't want her to remember that idiot… her deranged former fiancé. I intervened immediately and spoke firmly.
"I am her adopted daughter, Mr. Aiden. If you wish to confirm, you may review my file."
He lifted his gaze to me and stared for a few seconds, without any surprise or change in expression, then said briefly,
"I understand."
He continued speaking as he neatly arranged the papers on the desk.
"Miss Melissa, your ability is distinctive—freezing."
My mother sighed in visible frustration and said,
"Sir, I understand your point, but my ability is weak. I can only freeze small objects. And as you know, the reason we were expelled was the near absence of an ability. Possessing one at all is a miracle in itself for me."
Aiden interrupted her with calm firmness.
"Miss, I know that the Roxy family law was strict in rejecting individuals without abilities, unlike other families, and that is what led to its complete extinction. But know that Mr. Glanis abolished this law within the family. Since you are the closest to him, all his properties have been transferred under your name. As of today, I will be your assistant and personal lawyer. As for other members, they will be reinstated, meaning you will become the head of this family, Miss Melissa."
Her eyes widened in astonishment, then her features quickly transformed into pure joy. He continued, interlacing his fingers calmly.
"Miss, you most likely know the laws. And the clan of gifted humans has come under the protection of the werewolf clan."
I saw my mother nod in understanding, while I felt the shock nearly swallow me whole. Werewolves?
My mind sank into a tangled mass of thoughts, but his voice interrupted me again, adding something that deepened my astonishment.
"We will depart this evening, if you do not object. There is no need to bring unnecessary luggage. Just take essential personal items."
Then I saw my mother hand him a paper with our home address written on it. We were about to leave, but Aiden cleared his throat, and I turned back to him.
"I remembered something important. I will be responsible for transferring you to a new high school, and I will take care of everything."
I thanked him, then we bid him farewell respectfully and left, both of us in a state of shock on the verge of explosion.
I turned to my mother and said firmly,
"What do you mean by werewolves? You told me there are humans born with powers called the gifted."
I crossed my arms over my chest, while she merely smiled calmly, then took my arm and pulled me outside toward the taxis.
"I'll answer you at home, Eily."
It didn't take long before we arrived home. I went straight inside and headed to my room, which I had left exactly as it was—complete chaos.
I sighed, then dropped my body beside the closet where my bag was and quickly gathered my belongings. There weren't many.
I closed the bag, carried it out of the room, and placed it in the living room.
Then I went to my mother's room and found her arguing with her overstuffed suitcase, stubbornly trying to close it until she finally succeeded. I laughed at her behavior while she yelled at me in annoyance.
I approached and sat on her bed, speaking calmly, tinged with anticipation.
"Now tell me—what are you hiding?"
She joined me, gathered her scattered strands of hair back despite its shortness, and said,
"Eily, as I told you before, my grandfather was expelled due to his lack of an ability. So he married an ordinary woman and had my father. My father was the same way, which is why I know very little—only what my grandfather told me. All I know is that it is a private land belonging to clans of different races. On one of its territories lives the clan of gifted humans. He also told me about the werewolves and said they are the most trustworthy clan. And there is a vile clan—the vampires. That's all I know."
She finished her words, then stood and began emptying her closet into another bag, while I tried to process the amount of information dumped on me all at once.
I asked randomly, staring at the corner of the room,
"Can anyone enter there?"
She answered while folding her clothes,
"No. Only those who possess an ability, or those who have a contract with one of the clans."
A clear, mischievous smile spread across my face as I stood up.
"Mom, then I'm going to say goodbye to my dearest friends."
She looked at me with concern because of my expression and called out in an anxious voice,
"Eily…"
She sighed, then finally said in a hollow tone,
"Don't be late."
I walked aimlessly through a semi-crowded street, hiding my face beneath my black cap and mask that gave me a false sense of comfort.
My steps were steady, as if carrying out my mind's commands without hesitation, until I reached my intended destination—the alley we used to frequent for smoking. They were often alone there, or they would bring another girl to bully her.
A mocking side-smile formed on my lips the moment I heard their voices at the end of the alley, which was drenched in thick darkness.
As I drew closer, one of them shot me a sharp look, as if they had identified a new prey.
"Look who showed up, as if she heard us planning to bring her."
One of them approached me mockingly, trying to grab my arm, but she didn't understand what happened until she found her body thrown to the ground, pierced by sharp pain coursing through her entire body.
I spoke in a gentle voice, though the sarcasm was clear in my eyes.
"You know how much I loved you. But unfortunately, I'm leaving today. That means I won't see you again, so I came to do you a favor… a favor you will never forget."
I saw the other two tremble. I approached them, broke one girl's arm, and most likely broke the other's leg, then shoved them to the ground as they tried to flee. Their bodies writhed in pain as they began to beg for forgiveness.
I sighed in disdain at their pitiful state—a group of rich girls who knew nothing but bullying.
I approached one of them, searched her pockets, and pulled out her phone.
"I'm not like you. I like to give my dear friends gifts, despite the level you think you float above."
I pressed randomly on the screen, watching their faces turn pale. I brought the phone to my ear and answered with a calm smile.
"Hello, emergency services? There are three girls here who appear to be seriously injured."
I gave the address, ended the call, then smashed the phone and threw it into a nearby trash bin.
"I only hope my farewell to you remains a secret."
I shot them one final sharp look, then turned and left.
A sense of relief I had never known before washed over me, and I headed back home so I wouldn't be late.