Irene had not been feeling well for some time. Her old age, combined with the constant stress and pain she carried in her heart, had weakened her greatly. The healer advised that she rest as much as possible. Because of this, Alora and her younger brother, William, agreed to start working so they could earn enough money to take care of their mother.
Alora found work at a bread factory, while William became an apprentice in a tailor's shop.
Within a short period, Alora learned the work quickly and began helping around the shop. The owner, Benjamin, was a man in his fifties who had run the bakery for over twenty years. He was well known and respected for his bread, but he was also a very strict man. The workers feared him greatly. Alora did her best to avoid his attention and focused on working efficiently. Ever since her father's disappearance, she avoided trouble at all costs.
One busy afternoon, a man dressed in royal attire arrived on horseback with four others. He introduced himself as Nicholas, the personal assistant to Lord Skender, and placed an order for a dozen loaves of bread. Benjamin and Nicholas reached an agreement, and the entire bakery buzzed with excitement. It was the first time such an influential customer had ordered from them.
Benjamin was overjoyed. If this delivery went well, his bakery would gain recognition—and wealth. He made sure everyone worked extra hard, checking every detail personally. After days of tireless work, the bread was finally ready for delivery.
Then a problem arose.
"Mr. Benjamin," one of the workers said nervously, "Mr. Noah is sick. He cannot deliver the bread, and no one else knows how to handle the carriage."
Benjamin frowned. "Very well. I will go myself. Tell the others to pack the bread carefully. Do not squeeze it."
After loading the bread, Alora felt extremely weak. She had not eaten since morning, so she sat down beside the carriage to rest. Moments later, Benjamin and a few workers prepared to climb onto the carriage. Benjamin noticed Alora sitting there.
"You," he said sharply. "Come with us."
Alora wanted to refuse, but fear held her back. She did not want trouble. Quietly, she joined them.
After what felt like a long journey, they arrived at Lord Skender's mansion. It was enormous—tall walls, wide gates, and servants moving busily in every direction. Alora froze.
She had not seen a place like this since she and her family were driven from their town.
Memories flooded her mind—her mother, her father, their home, the maids who used to wake her gently, bathe her, and dress her like a princess. She remembered how her father played with her and William, how they rode in carriages together.
All of it was gone.
Only memories remained.
Lost forever.
Suddenly, someone bumped into her.
"Ahh—my hand!" Alora cried.
"Oh, I'm sorry," the girl said quickly. "I didn't see you—the bread blocked my view." She smiled apologetically. "Why are you standing there? Shouldn't you be packing the bread?"
"I… I forgot," Alora replied softly, wiping tears from her face. "I'll start now."
"Why are you crying?" the girl asked gently. "Did someone hurt you?"
"It's nothing," Alora said quickly. "Let's just pack the bread."
As they worked, Alora's strength failed her. She suddenly collapsed. Thankfully, the bread remained intact. She hurriedly stood up, embarrassed, brushing dirt from her clothes. The girl—Roxana—quickly took the bread from her hands and gave it to the servants.
"Thank you," Alora said weakly as she sat down.
"You're welcome," Roxana replied kindly. "Just be careful. You don't want Mr. Benjamin complaining."
"I understand."
"Alora," Benjamin barked suddenly. "Come here."
He grabbed her arm and dragged her aside.
"Are you foolish?" he snapped angrily. "First you delay packing the bread. Then you start crying. Now you fall down? Are you trying to ruin my business?"
"I'm sorry, sir," Alora said, bowing her head. "I was just weak. It won't happen again."
"If the lords complain because of you," Benjamin growled, tightening his grip, "I will sack you immediately."
"What is going on here?"
A deep voice interrupted them.
They turned.
Standing there was a tall, dark, muscular man, his presence