Characters:

Female lead: Ophelia Mae Cellestine

Age: 13 years old

Xavier Angelo Celestine

Age: 26  years old

Damien Ezra Celestine

Age: 25

Benjamin Auri Celestine

Age: 24 years old

Lennox Blake Celestine

Age: 20 years old

August Kai Celestine

Age: 17 years old

Asher Kai Celestine

Age: 17 years old

(This story is also Available in Wattpad)-------------------------------------------------------------------

A young girl darted through the dense woods, her footsteps leaving imprints on the soft forest floor. Her eyes wide with fear, strands of her disheveled hair stuck to her flushed cheeks. The cacophony of her rapidly pounding heart drowned out the sounds of her pursuers, who were swiftly gaining on her. With each nimble leap over fallen branches and dodging between thick trunks, her determination fueled her desperate escape. The rhythmic thumping of her shoes echoed through the secluded woods,creating an eerie symphony with the rustling leaves and distant calls of nocturnal creatures.

Every breath she took was a sharp gasp, her chest heaving in exhaustion as she pushed her small frame to its limits. Her eyes flicked with fleeting glances to her rear, paranoia fueling her every move. The moonlight peeking through the dense foliage cast ominous shadows around her, racing minds urging her to go faster. Fear mingled with determination as she weaved through the forest, utilizing her knowledge of the terrain to her advantages. Her senses were heightened, acutely aware of the slightest sound and motion around her.

Adrenaline surged through her veins, momentarily boosting her fading energy. She pushed herself further, driven by raw instinct and the overwhelming desire to escape her 'enemies' clutches. The forest seemed to blur around her as she pushed through the pain, her focus solely fixed on survival. As she dashed onward, leaves brushed against her skin leaving small scratches and imprints of her journey. She was like a fleeting shadow, disappearing into the depths of the woods,leaving behind only wipers of her presence. Her legs burned but she pressed on refusing to succumb to fatigue.

The young girl's perseverance led her deeper into the heart of the woods, where silence reigned supreme. She finally found a moment to catch her breath, her heaving chest slowly calming as she tucked herself into a hidden alcove beneath a canopied tree. There, she paused , her eyes still scanning her surroundings, forever vigilant.

OPHELIA'S POV

As I dashed through the dense woods, my heart was pounding like a wild beast in my chest, I couldn't escape the haunting memories of my fallen crew. Every stride I took was laced with guilt and sorrow, their faces etched into my mind like a painful reminder of my failure. Each rustling leaf and broken twig seemed to echo their final moments, replaying in my mind like a never ending nightmare. I blamed myself, questioning every decision that led us to this point. Why couldn't I have protected them? Why couldn't I have seen the danger lurking in the shadows before it was too late?. As my footfalls resounded in the hushed silence of the woods, I couldn't shake the overwhelming weight of their sacrifice. They selflessly chose to stay behind, diverting the attention of our enemies so that I could escape. Their sacrifice was not lost on me; it was a burden that I carried with me, each step a solemn reminder of what they had done for me.

The sounds of shouts and cries faded into the distant recesses of my mind, drowned out by the sound of my own labored breathing. Tears streamed down my dirt- streaked face, intermingling with the sweat and grime of the relentless pursuit. I wished with all my being that I could turn back time, and find a way to rewrite our fate. But in the midst of my despair, a flicker of determination emerged. I owed it to my fallen crew to survive, to honor their memory. With each pounding heartbeat, each desperate gasp for air, I silently promised them that I would carry on, that I would make their sacrifice count.

As I wove through the labyrinth of trees, dodging obstacles and pushing my body to its limits, their faces flashed before my eyes like bittersweet ghosts. The camaraderie we shared, the laughter and trust we had built, now lived solely in my memories. I yearned for their guidance, their presence but they now existed only in the corners of my mind. I knew I had to keep running, keep evading my enemies, for their sake. The pain in my legs and the exhaustion threatening to consume me paled in comparison to the weight of their loss. It was their unwavering belief in my ability to escape and seek justice that fueled my determination to press on, to make their sacrifices meaningful.  In the depths of the woods, a glimmer of hope ignited within my weary soul. With tears streaming down my face, I promised my crew that I would not let their deaths be in vain. I would find a way to fight back to bring justice and peace to their memory. Their tragic loss would become my catalyst for resilience, an unyielding fire burning within me as I sprinted forward, running away from my enemies but forever carrying the memories of the brave souls who had given their lives for mine.

I felt the panic rise within me as I turned the corner, only to be greeted by a tall brick wall, boxing me in. Taking quick, shallow breaths, my heart pounded against my ribcage. My footsteps echoed loudly, betraying my presence in this forlorn alleyway. Looking behind me, I saw them. The crew. Their sinister grins, twisted with malice, sent a shiver down my spine. A cluster of shadows closing in, their steps growing closer and closer. My mind raced, searching for an escape route that didn't exist. With trembling hands, I pressed against the cold. Unforgiving bricks, futilely hoping for an exit to reveal itself. Tears blurred my vision, but I fought back the trembling fear, forcing myself to focus.

Through the cacophony of adrenaline and fear thundering in my ears, their laughs pierced the silence. Mocking, taunting, enjoying the desperation etched across my face. I sized up their every move, their every gesture. No possible ally in sight, only darkness echoing their chilling presence. I could feel the cold sweat trickling down my temple as hot tears streamed down my face. But I couldn't let them win. Couldn't show them my vulnerability, Not like this.

Clutching my trembling fists, my confidence took hold. Desperation often brings out hidden strength. I would fight for my life, even if they thought I was nothing more than a defenseless girl, easy prey. In this moment, a fierce determination ignited within me. I would fight, tooth and nail, until my last breath. Their wicked laughter grew louder, sending tremors down my spine. But now, it resonated with a different sentiment- a reminder of their underestimated foe. They had cornered me, but they didn't have me yet.

As they closed in, my mind sharpened with defiance. I donned the armor of  resilience, preparing to face the impending storm. They may have thought I was an easy kill, but that was their mistake. I would make them regret it. With every ounce of my being , I vowed to fight back, to survive, and to prove that even a young girl can be a force to be reckoned with.

The young girl's heart raced as she locked eyes with the leader of the crew, the one who sought to end her life. A mix of fear and defiance swirled in her chest as she glared at him, refusing to let her vulnerability show. Their gazes remained locked for what felt like an eternity before the leader finally spoke. His words pierced through her, blaming her for the deaths of her crew, accusing her own family of abandoning her. She listened attentively, her face betraying no emotion, as he pronounced her careless and alone. Without missing a beat, the young girl responded calmly, her voice steady. " You're right, I think I must have lost my mind. After all, the people I held dearest are now gone because of me''. Pausing briefly, she continued. ''That's why I'm giving you this opportunity..... To end it all'' . Her enemies stared at her in confusion, their expectations shattered. One of them, a man in all black clothing, scoffed. ''You must be joking''.

''No, my mind has never been clearer''. She replied, her resolve firm. ''This is my choice. So, take this opportunity to kill me''. Silence fell upon them, the weight of her conviction sinking in. And then, finally, their leader spoke. ''You have earned our respect, my lady. If there is another life, me and my crew shall gladly follow you wherever you may lead''. A small curved the young girl's lips at his words. She positioned herself, ready to face the bullets that would soon be fired at her, accepting her fate with bravery. As the men raised their guns and aimed, she noticed their hesitation. Seizing the moment, she urged them. ''Don't hesitate. Remember, this is your choice. Live up to it''.

Closing her eyes tightly, she braced herself for the gunshots that would seal her fate. The deafening sound echoed in her ears as the bullets tore through her body, sending her crumbling to the ground. Opening her eyes for one final glimpse, she beheld the beauty of the clear night sky and the radiant moon. Blood spilled from her wounds and her vision began to blur, but before everything faded, she saw her enemy draw closer, kneeling down to check if she was still alive. A serene smile appeared on her face as she whispered. ''Thank you''. And with those words, she surrendered to the darkness, her eyes fluttering closed for the last

In the enveloping darkness, she found solace. It was a still and tranquil darkness, perfectly suited for her state of being. The weight of the countless events that had unfolded throughout her many lives had become too much to bear. All she yearned for now was respite, an escape from the relentless struggles that had burdened her shoulders. As she succumbed to the weariness and drifted off to sleep, a sudden burst of light shattered the darkness, flooding her surroundings. Blinking back the remnants of her slumber, she searched for the source of the blinding radiance. And there, standing before her, she finally realized where she was - Heaven. Before her stood an angelic being, reminiscent of a Greek god, his gaze fixed upon her.

A smile played upon the angel's lips as he recognised her presence. She, too, knew who he was and the purpose of his visit. Perhaps she had believed that her arrival in 'heaven' would grant her the long-awaited peace she so desperately sought, but she quickly realized that the angel had a different intention. A surge of rage coursed through her veins as the truth dawned upon her. The angel had come to discuss the events that had occurred in her tumultuous life, to offer her a chance to rewrite her story once again. Anger overtook her, and she confronted the angel, her voice trembling with emotion. ''Haven't I suffered enough? Haven't I already endured the loss of those dearest to me?!''.

Overwhelmed with emotion, she covered her tear-streaked face, not wanting the angel to witness her vulnerability. The angel, aware of the pain and suffering she had endured, felt a stirring of pity within his celestial being. However, bound by the divine will, he had no choice but to fulfill his duty. In that moment, there was only one thing the angel could offer- solace. He approached her slowly, reaching out a compassionate hand towards her quaking form. Though he couldn't alter her circumstances, he could provide a comforting presence, a balm for her wounded soul. With gentle words, he sought to alleviate her despair, silently conveying that she was not alone.

And so, as the darkness receded and the angel's presence embraced her, she found a glimmer of solace amidst her anger and grief. She understood that the path ahead would be arduous, but the angel's compassion provided her with a spark of hope- a reminder that even in the face of insurmountable challenges, she possessed the strength to rewrite her fate.

An hour had passed, and the young girl finally ceased her tears, glancing at the angel beside her. Their eyes locked momentarily, and she mustered the strength to speak. ''Shall we talk now?''. The angel nodded in response, rising to his feet and extending his hand towards her. Without hesitation, she took his hand, and together they embarked on a path unknown to her. After what felt like an eternity, they reached a door. With a graceful motion, the magnificent angel swung it open, revealing a breathtaking garden that no mortal had ever laid eyes upon. A warm smile spread across the young girl's face as she took in the sight. She took her time to observe the magnificent garden, amusing the angel with her awe-struck reaction. ''Come on''. He gently urged her, redirecting her attention. Hand in hand, they made their way to a table adorned with tea and biscuits. Settling into their chairs, they indulged in the fragrant tea, savoring its comforting taste.

''Now, let us return to our discussion''. The angel said, capturing her attention once more. Placing her teacup down, she assumed a serious expression and prepared herself to listen intently. The angel revealed that this was her tenth life and that she had passed away at the age of twenty-two, the longest she had managed to survive. She remained silent, hanging onto every word spoken by the heavenly figure before her. ''What is your plan now?''. He inquired, probing her intentions. ''Will you continue with your old plans and bear your burdens?''

''No''. She replied firmly, her gaze wandering around the wondrous garden. Suddenly, her eyes fell upon a peculiar flower. With a sense of purpose, she stood up, plucked the flower, and returned to the table, offering it to the angel. He accepted it with gratitude, his face reflecting slight amusement. ''I will change my destiny and strive for a life filled with happiness.'' She declared, her determination shining through. Amusement danced across the angel's face as he realized the young girl he had observed throughout her life was finally breaking free from her constraints. ''Very well''. He responded simply.

Curiosity piqued within her, and she inquired about the exceptional flower she had handed to the angel. ''It is a crystal moon flower, planted by God himself''. He revealed.

After further conversation, they journeyed to a different location. Before her stood a plain white door, a sight that felt strangely familiar. It was the door to her old room when she had been living with her aunt. A gentle smile crept upon her face as memories flooded her mind. ''This is your stop. Are you ready to go in?''. The angel asked. She nodded in response, her heart filled with anticipation. Stepping towards the door, ready to embark on the next chapter of her journey, she suddenly froze as the angel held her back. ''I have just received a message from God''. He revealed, causing confusion to cloud her thoughts. Before she could question him, a sudden gust of wind forcefully pulled her towards the door. Barely able to resist, she heard the angel's parting words. ''I hope in your eleventh life, you will find true happiness.''

And then surrounded by darkness, she felt herself descending and falling through an endless sky. As her vision faded to black, uncertainty mingled with a renewed sense of hope, as she once again began her journey.

Ready to embrace the unknown.

Opehila's POV

Chip* Chip*

I could hear the sound of a bird chirping coming from nowhere. Unsure of what to do, I instinctively followed the melodic call, my curiosity driving me forward. Step after step, I walked, allowing the sound to guide me, oblivious to my destination. It led me to a warm, inviting light that beckoned me with an irresistible pull. Without hesitation, I continued walking, drawn towards the shimmering glow, unaware of what awaited me.

Awakening from the dream, I found myself bathed in the gentle embrace of sunlight pouring in through my bedroom window. Rising from my bed, I moved towards the full-length mirror, captivating reflections dancing before my eyes. Staring back at me was a younger version of myself, a child filled with innocence and wonder. Chubby cheeks, rounded turquoise eyes and a cascade of wavy blonde hair adorned this youthful image that gazed curiously at the world. As I maintained my gaze in the mirror, caught in a nostalgic moment, my bedroom door creaked open, revealing the loving face of my aunt. Her warm smile illuminated the room, instantly comforting me.

My Aunt Cassandra was truly a kind and cheerful soul. Sadly, I never had the chance to know my parents as they had long since passed away. How did I discover this unfortunate truth? Well, it's quite simple, really. In my seventh life, I happened to overhear my brothers conversing in my eldest brother's office and at that moment, everything became clear. ''Good Morning, sweetheart.'' Aunt Cassandra greeted me with her ever-warming smile, to which I returned a smile of my own. ''Good morning''.

After exchanging pleasantries, I proceeded to prepare for the day ahead and made my way downstairs to indulge in a delicious breakfast. As I descended the staircase , the scent of freshly made pancakes and the tantalizing aroma of honey syrup filled the air. I followed my nose to the kitchen, where I found my Aunt Cassandra busily arranging two plates of pancakes on the table.Taking a seat in one of the chairs, I eagerly began to enjoy the meal that my dear aunt had prepared for me. Each bite was a delightful blend of fluffy pancakes and the sweetness of Aunt Cassandra's love. In that serene moment, I couldn't help but feel immense gratitude for her presence in my life, providing warmth and comfort like a loving guardian. As I savored the breakfast, my thoughts lingered on the family I had never known, wondering about their presence in my seventh life.

**********************************

After finishing our breakfast, my aunt and I made the decision to head out to town and explore the city. With my school starting next week, we also planned to do some shopping for school supplies and groceries. While my aunt took care of washing the dishes, she suggested that I change out of my pajamas. Taking her advice, I went to my closet and selected a letter print t-shirt and a gray skirt with red and black lines on the sides. Once I had put on the outfit, I picked a pair of shoes with laces and sat on the floor to tie them.

As I was trying my shoe laces, I heard the sound of my door opening, indicating that my aunt had come to check on me. ''Sweetheart, are you ready?''. She asked as I got up from the floor and turned to face her. ''Yep''. I answered. Her smile widened when she saw what I was wearing and she came over and gave me a tight hug. "Kya\~, my baby is really cute!". She exclaimed. After cuddling for about ten minutes, my aunt finally let go of me. We left my room and made our way downstairs to the living room, where I noticed our bag sitting on the couch. My aunt grabbed it and handed me my bag. She then grabbed her keys and we headed to the garage. I got out first as my aunt checked to make sure all the doors and windows were closed and locked. Once she finished, we both got into the car, and the engine started as we drove away from our house.

Finally, when we arrived in town, my aunt parked our car in a public parking lot. She turned off the engine, got out of the car and came to my side to open the door for me and unbuckle my booster car seat. I stepped out of the car as I heard the door close. ''Well, let's go now''. She said, holding my hand as we walked along the bustling streets of the city, surrounded by tall buildings and busy pedestrians. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow on everything around us. As we made our way through the streets, I looked around in awe, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant city. We first made our way to the grocery store to pick up some essentials for the week. The store was filled with rows and rows of fresh produce, colorful aisles, packaged goods, and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. My aunt guided me through the store, checking off items from our list. We filled our shopping cart with fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and all the necessary ingredients for our meals.

After finishing our grocery shopping, we decided to explore the shops in the town center. The streets were lined with various boutiques, clothing stores, and gift shops. My aunt and I browsed through racks of clothes, trying on different outfits and giggling as we modeled them for each other. We also found a quaint bookstore and spent some time leisurely flipping through the pages of different books, discussing our favorite genres and authors. Throughout our outing, my aunt made sure to stop for occasional treats. We enjoyed ice cream cones from a local gelato shop, indulging in the sweet and creamy flavors while strolling along the streets. We also grabbed a quick bite to eat at a charming cafe, savoring delicious sandwiches and sipping on refreshing beverages.

As the day went on, my aunt and I grew weary from our adventures in town. We decided to find a peaceful spot in the park to rest and reflect on our day. We sat on a bench surrounded by colorful flowers and trees , enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings. My aunt praised me for being such a good companion throughout the day, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for her presence in my life.

With the sun starting to set, we realized it was time to head back home. We began walking back towards the car park, but before reaching our destination, a shop suddenly caught my attention, causing my aunt to also stop and see what had caught my eye. ''Do you want to go in?''. My aunt asked and I simply nodded in response. With that, my aunt grabbed the door handle and twisted it, allowing us to enter the shop. Once inside, I looked around and discovered that it was an antique shop, where people had let go of their old belongings, along with the memories attached to them. As my aunt and I explored the place, a lady in her early thirties appeared out of nowhere, causing me to flinch at her sudden presence and big smile. ''Customers welcome, what would you like to see in this shop of mine?''. The lady asked, to which my aunt replied. ''For now, we'll just look around.'' The lady nodded in understanding, and so we continued to search the shop.

Some of the items were brand new and untouched, while others held a sense of history and nostalgia. I ventured further into the shop, drawn to the collection of books on display. The genres were interesting and diverse, so I randomly chose a book to read. To my surprise, it was a very old book, and as I flipped through the pages, I noticed that some of them were empty. Intrigued, I closed the book and brought it with me to the counter. ''Excuse me.'' I said, gaining the lady's attention. She looked down at me, as I was quite short, in order to make eye contact. ''Do you need something, dear?''. She asked kindly. ''I think this book got mixed up with the others.'' I explained, handing her the book. She took it and exclaimed it for herself, then replied. ''Actually, dear this book wasn't mixed up with the others''. Confused by her response, I mentioned that there were no written words in it. She chuckled and said. ''That's because the book chose the right person to read it.'' Her statement perplexed me, would there really be a book like that? Perhaps only in fiction. ''Tell you what... since you're so cute, I'll give it to you for free''. She offered, handing me the book. Accepting her kind gesture, I replied. ''Alright''. And we concluded our conversation. I waited for my aunt to finish her shopping, and when she returned to the counter carrying two small boxes , she informed the lady that she would like to purchase them. The lady glanced at me and the book I was holding, gasping at her oversight. ''Oh my, I forgot to charge you for that''. My aunt said, to which the lady replied. ''It's not a problem at all, I gave it to her for free''.

My aunt insisted. ''Oh please don't, let me pay for it''. The lady reassured her. ''It's fine, really''. My aunt asked one final time. ''Are you sure?''. The lady nodded. ''Alright then, I guess we're leaving now''. The lady bid us farewell, and as we walked towards the exit, I overheard her saying. ''Yezalel was right, you do have a pure heart''.

Upon arriving home, we brought the items we had purchased into the kitchen and began organizing them. Afterward, we enjoyed our dinner, and my aunt kindly offered to wash the dishes, instructing me to take a bath. I quickly showered, finished getting ready for bed, and as I was drying my hair, I noticed the book I had received for free. I picked it up and placed it on my desk, pondering the lady's words about the 'book choosing the right person to read it'. ''I wonder if you have chosen me to uncover the words if you have chosen me to uncover the words written within you''. I mumbled to myself.

Curiosity piqued, I opened the first page of the book and reached for my pencil to begin writing. However, as I prepared to put words on paper, something startled me, causing me to drop my pen. How could this be?

''Hello.... Ophelia''.