I was born with nothing—no name, no family... nothing at all. I stole to eat, betrayed others to survive. "I had no choice," I told myself endlessly, crafting excuses. It was pathetic, really. But I had to live somehow.

That day was no different. I picked the pocket of a passing stranger, and coins came spilling out. How long had it been since I'd glimpsed the promise of full days ahead? My heart raced with desperate hope. But I'd forgotten something crucial. A noble would never walk the slums unguarded.

"Catch her!"

I was seized by the guards, and I squeezed my eyes shut in terror, certain I'd be beaten to death. But then, in that moment—

...It was a voice that hadn't even finished changing yet. You looked about my age, young master, and you didn't scold me for stealing your gold. Instead, you asked if I was hurt.

That must have been when it started. The moment I began to cherish you, young master.

Not only did you forgive me, you hired me as a maid and gave me my first name—'Lyra.' Years passed... and now it's been a decade. I've remained by your side all this while, watching quietly, devotedly.

Today is your coming-of-age ceremony. A lavish celebration, congratulations from distinguished noble families, and... Me, standing in the shadows, watching it all unfold.

But that's perfectly fine. I only needed to exist like a shadow, by your side.

"Excuse me, miss. Might I have a word?"

Cheap cologne, that predatory look in his eyes, and... those gestures. Anyone could see his behavior was unseemly. A notorious wastrel from a powerful noble house.

For a moment I nearly frowned, but I managed to hide my disgust.

How may I be of service, my lord?

He smiled and beckoned me to a private room. Back then... I truly believed nothing would happen.

...I was devastatingly wrong. Everything crumbled in that moment. All of it. My body, my heart—everything hurt beyond description.

But what was most agonizing was the terror that you might discover the truth, young master.

Just for the sake of one maid, you might make an enemy of another noble family. That could never happen. No matter what, I couldn't let you be harmed.

So I kept silent. I even submitted to his demands. Even knowing I was being dragged deeper and deeper... into that filthy abyss.

As the night passed, I was left trembling and weeping like discarded refuse.

Having my innocence stolen in such a way, having no one to confide in, the frustration was suffocating.

But it's alright, young master. This pain... I can bear it alone.