Just us

The Purple-haired child

Chapter Ten

Camila returned to the Everhart estate long after the sun had begun its slow descent, her arms wrapped tightly around the small, fragile figure of the purple-haired child. His head rested against her shoulder, soft breaths ghosting against her collarbone as if the world itself had finally granted him peace.

Yet peace was never something the Everhart household afforded her.At the entrance of the grand manor stood her parents, waiting — as if they had been anticipating her arrival with deliberate malice. Her father’s eyes narrowed the moment he saw the child in her arms.

"Have you finally lost all sense of dignity?" he barked, his voice echoing through the courtyard. "Parading a filthy street brat into my home! Have you no shame left, Camila?"

Her mother scoffed, lips curling in disgust. "Shameless girl. First, you embarrass us before the nobility. Now you bring in strays like some common beggar. What will people say?"

Camila said nothing. She merely watched them — silently, coldly — her eyessharpening into something dangerous, something that made even the servants unconsciously step back. The menacing calm in her gaze felt far more terrifying than any shouted insult.

When their voices finally died down, she turned slowly toward the trembling maid standing nearby.

"Explain," Camila said simply.

The maid, pale and nervous, bowed repeatedly. "M-My Lady, the child had collapsed by the marketplace. You rescued him before anyone else could reach him. He was feverish and starving. You only did what was humane..."

Camila nodded once as if confirming what she already knew. Without sparing her parents' another glance, she walked past her father and leaned in just for him to hear.

“I wonder,” she whispered softly, “would your dear mistress enjoy the chaos you cause me so carelessly?”

Lord Everhart froze. The colour drained from his face like water from cracked clay. He said nothing — could say nothing — as Camila continued down the corridor.

Inside her chamber, she gently laid the child upon her bed, pulling the silk covers around his fragile form. His breathing was shallow but steady. Her fingers moved through his soft purple strands with an unexpected tenderness, memories of her past life stirring painfully within her chest. She had fought relentlessly to protect children like him once… yet still, the streets remained full of abandoned souls.

As the sun dipped into a sea of crimson and gold, the child stirred. His eyes fluttered open, widening in alarm as they settled on her noble attire.

He hurriedly scrambled up and bowed. “I-I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to intrude, my lady!”

“Sit down,” Camila said gently.

Her voice carried no cruelty — only warmth. He hesitated, then obeyed. She brought him food, helped him drink medicine, and personally washed and dressed him in clean garments. His thin frame became more apparent, his ribs faintly visible beneath pale skin.

“What is your name?” she asked softly.

“Cortis,” he replied.

A small smile curved her lips. “Cortis… that is a good name.”

He lowered his gaze. “I don’t remember my parents. I’ve been alone as long as I can remember. I just… live wherever I find shelter.”

A tight ache twisted inside her chest. Even after all her past efforts, children were still sleeping under cold skies and cruel streets. The world had not changed as much as she once believed.

“You won’t be alone anymore,” Camila said quietly, resting a hand atop his head. “I promise to take care of you.”Cortis looked up, eyes shimmering with disbelief and fragile hope. “Really?”

“Yes. You are safe here.”

They spoke for a long while, exchanging small stories and hesitant laughter. The cold distance that often surrounded Camila melted — replaced by something softer, almost sisterly. For the first time in a long while, warmth filled her chamber not from its fire but from genuine human connection.

Outside, shadows stretched across the estate. Inside, bonds were quietly forming — and fate, ever observant, watched with interest.

For Camila Everhart had not only broughthome a child that day…

She had brought back a reason to fight even harder.