Rhea

Chapter one

Rhea slipped into her red dress, the fabric hugging her waist snugly before flowing freely from her hips downward. She admired how the dress accentuated her figure. Her black, shiny hair cascaded down her back, nearly reaching her lower waist. She brushed it carefully, making sure every strand was smooth before leaving her room.

Sliding into her slippers, Rhea stepped out and walked into the living room. Almost immediately, a small figure launched itself at her. She laughed softly as her little brother, Sam, wrapped his arms around her in a warm hug.

"Good morning, Rhea! I love your dress," Sam said, his tiny voice ringing with excitement.

Rhea crouched down to his level, her smile widening. "Good morning, Sam. Did you sleep well?"

"Mmhm," he nodded enthusiastically. 

"That’s good," she replied, taking his small hand in hers. "Come on, let’s go see Mom and Dad."

Hand in hand, they walked into the kitchen, where their mother, Danielle, was busy cooking at the stove. The smell of something savory filled the air.

"Good morning, Mom," Rhea greeted warmly, rolling up the sleeves of her dress. "What’s cooking today?"

Danielle glanced at her daughter and smiled. "Good morning, dear. I’m making something simple—potato porridge."

Rhea tied her hair into a ponytail, stepping closer to her mother. "What can I help with?"

Danielle shook her head lightly, her hands deftly peeling potatoes. "Nothing for now. Everything’s under control."

"Are you sure?" Rhea pressed.

"You can set the dining table if you’d like," her mother said. "Your dad will be back soon; he went to the market to get some beef."

"Alright," Rhea replied. She moved to the dining area and began cleaning the table before carefully arranging the plates, cups, and utensils. Afterward, she stepped outside, enjoying the cool morning breeze as she watered the garden, swept the porch, and picked fresh vegetables from their small patch.

Time passed, and soon her father, George, returned, carrying a bag of beef from the market. They all gathered at the dining table for breakfast, saying grace before digging into the warm, comforting meal.

"This is delicious," George said, his voice filled with approval. The family agreed, smiling as they ate. The peaceful moment made everything feel perfect, the kind of morning that felt like a warm hug.

The rest of the day was uneventful. The small town buzzed with its usual liveliness: neighbors chatting, children laughing as they played, and the distant sounds of shopkeepers calling out to passersby. By evening, the sun dipped low in the sky, painting the horizon in hues of orange and pink.

In their room, Rhea sat on the floor with Sam, reading to him from one of his favorite storybooks. Her voice was animated, bringing the tale to life as Sam listened with rapt attention, his eyes wide with wonder.

Meanwhile, in the living room, a sharp knock broke the quiet. George opened the door, his face quickly falling into a cautious expression as he took in the sight before him. Four tall men stood on the doorstep, dressed in black from head to toe. There was something unsettling about their presence—the coldness in their eyes, the grim set of their faces.

"Who are you, and how can I help you?" George asked, his voice steady but wary.

The tallest of the men stepped forward, his piercing gaze locking onto George. "We’re looking for a girl named Rhea," he said flatly. "From what we’ve learned, you’re keeping her here."

George’s stomach sank, his protective instincts kicking in. "I don’t know who you’re talking about," he replied firmly, though a trace of unease lingered in his tone.

Danielle stepped into the room, stopping short when she saw the men. Her face paled, an inexplicable fear gripping her. "Who is it, George?" she asked, her voice shaky.

The memory of Rhea’s arrival into their lives flashed through both their minds. Years ago, they had found her unconscious near a tree on the outskirts of town. She had been barely five years old, her body battered and bruised. Compassion had driven them to take her in. Despite her unusual appearance—silver eyes and long black hair,they had come to love her as their own. 

To protect her, they had told the townsfolk she was a distant relative. Contact lenses disguised her striking eyes, and over the years, Rhea had seamlessly blended into their family. But deep down, they had always feared this day would come.

"She isn’t here," George said again, his voice firmer this time. 

The man’s gaze remained cold and calculating. "You’re lying," he said bluntly. "The girl you’re protecting isn’t human. She’s a seed of destruction, a force that will bring this world to its knees. Surrender her to us, and we’ll spare your family."

George’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. "If she’s as dangerous as you claim, why do you want her?"

The man smirked faintly, his expression unreadable. "That’s not your concern. Hand her over."

Danielle’s voice trembled as she stepped forward. "We told you years ago—there’s no one here by that name. Please, leave us alone."

The man’s expression hardened as he straightened his stance. "If you won’t cooperate, we’ll find her ourselves." With a sharp nod, he signaled to his companions, who moved past George into the house. 

George stood in their path, his voice rising in anger. "You’re not welcome here! Get out of my house!"

Ignoring him, the men began searching the rooms. George and Danielle exchanged panicked glances, dread settling deep in their chests.

0ne of them began climbing up the stairs, George stopped him, "there is no one in my house, get out." he said.

"step aside." the man said but george didnt move, the man cursed under his breath, frustration evident his features.

"then you leave me with no choice." he said, they didn't understand what he ment but george was scared, he knew his live was at stake.