THE LIGHT IN HIS DARKNESS

Chapter 1: The meeting

Ring! Ring! Ring!

The alarm clock on the bedside table blared loudly, signaling the start of a brand-new day.

Curled up peacefully beneath her blanket was Sofia Gonzalez, a girl whose smile was bright enough to chase away even the darkest clouds. There wasn't much in the world capable of dimming her light...

Well, except for her alarm clock.

With a sleepy groan, Sofia reached out from under the covers and fumbled for the annoying device until the ringing finally stopped.

"Sofia! Get ready for school!" Mrs. Gonzalez called from downstairs.

Those words instantly chased away the last traces of sleep lingering in Sofia's eyes.

"Oh, right... Today's my first day of school!"

A wide smile spread across her face as excitement bubbled inside her once again.

Although she had never stepped into the four walls of a school before, she had always been homeschooled. She was a quick learner who understood lessons almost immediately, so she was ninety percent sure—no, one hundred percent sure—that she'd fit in just fine.

Jumping out of bed, Sofia hurried through her morning routine. She brushed her teeth, took a quick shower, and changed into her neatly pressed clothe.

Standing in front of the full-length mirror, she adjusted her clothes before her confidence suddenly faltered.

What if they don't like me?

What if I don't fit in?

She quickly shook the thoughts away.

"I'm big. I'm brave. I'm beautiful," she whispered to her reflection.

A smile slowly returned to her face.

"There we go."

Feeling much better, she grabbed her bag and headed downstairs.

The moment she stepped into the dining room, her eyes widened.

The table was covered with pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, toasted bread, fresh fruits, and a pitcher of orange juice.

She couldn't help but wonder why people in movies always rushed out of the house with nothing but an apple or a slice of plain toast.

Well... that definitely isn't me.

Grinning to herself, Sofia pulled out a chair, already preparing to devour the delicious feast before her.

"Good morning, Denton, Ryan, Dexter."

"Morning, princess," the three brothers replied almost at the same time.

"You look really excited for your first day," Dexter said with a chuckle.

"I am!" Sofia squealed. "I seriously can't believe I'll finally be going to school. I've been waiting forever for this!"

Her excitement was contagious, and the three brothers couldn't help smiling.

Deep down, however, they still wished she had chosen to attend the same school they did. At least then they could keep an eye on her.

"Have you washed your hands?" Mrs. Gonzalez asked as she walked out of the kitchen, wiping her hands with a towel before hanging it neatly on the rack.

"Yes, Mum."

"Good."

Without wasting another second, Sofia reached for the pancakes, drizzled maple syrup over them, and eagerly took a large bite.

"Mmm..."

She happily washed it down with a sip of fresh orange juice.

"Sofia," Mr. Gonzalez called as he entered the dining room with a newspaper tucked beneath his arm. "Be safe today. And if anyone bullies you, tell your father, alright?"

Sofia smiled.

As the youngest child and the only daughter in the family, she had always been spoiled with endless love and affection. Still, her father believed she needed to experience the real world for herself.

"And if anyone gives you trouble," Denton added, "tell us. Your big brothers will always have your back."

Ryan and Dexter nodded in agreement.

"Thanks, guys." Sofia laughed. "You're making it sound like someone's going to beat me up on my very first day."

She stood up and playfully saluted them.

"But if that somehow happens, I'll definitely report them to my soldiers."

The entire family burst into laughter.

"Alright, bye, everyone!" she called, slinging her backpack over one shoulder as she walked toward the front door.

"Young lady."

Sofia stopped in her tracks and turned around.

"You forgot something," Mrs. Gonzalez said, placing her hands on her hips.

"I did?" Sofia frowned, trying to remember if she'd left anything behind.

"What is it?"

"My kiss."

"Oh!"

Laughing sheepishly, Sofia hurried back and kissed her mother's cheek.

Not wanting the others to complain about favoritism—as they always did—she kissed her father and each of her brothers too.

"There." She giggled. "Happy now?"

"Much better," they answered with satisfied smiles.

"Bye!"

"Bye!" they chorused.

Still smiling, Sofia stepped out of the house and began walking toward her new school.

The cool morning breeze brushed gently against her skin as birds chirped happily from the trees.

It was peaceful.

Too peaceful.

Then...

A loud cry shattered the silence.

Sofia froze.

A few meters ahead, a boy lay helplessly on the ground while several teenagers mercilessly kicked and punched him.

Her eyes widened in horror.

Not far from them stood another boy, his hands tucked lazily into his pockets as he watched the brutal scene unfold.

A cruel smile played on his lips.

He wasn't stopping them.

He was enjoying it.

Without thinking, Sofia ran toward them.

"Stop!"

Her voice rang through the air as she spread her arms in front of the injured boy, shielding him with her body.

The beating stopped.

Several pairs of eyes turned toward her.

The boy with the cruel smile slowly lifted his head, his gaze locking onto hers.

His dark eyes gleamed with dangerous amusement.

"And what do we have here?" he asked, his voice calm yet intimidating.

He wasn't the tallest person there, but his lean, athletic build made it obvious he was strong. Every movement he made carried effortless confidence.

The corner of his lips curled into a smirk.

Looks like a little rabbit has wandered into the wolf's den.

Interesting...