Guardian of the Dawn

Prologue: A Shattered Home

The day began with a bitter chill that seemed to seep into every corner of the Delgado household. For Lana, the early morning light brought no comfort—only memories of harsh words and cold rejection. At just seventeen, she had already endured more heartbreak than most do in a lifetime. Adopted into the strict, devout Delgado family, Lana’s life had been governed by unyielding rules and unspoken expectations. But nothing had prepared her for the moment when her secret was revealed.

In the cramped kitchen of the modest home, her foster mother, Mrs. Delgado, had screamed with a venom that burned like wildfire:
“Get out! You disgusting sinner! I will not allow you under this roof with your innocent brothers and sisters!”

Lana’s cries and desperate pleas fell on deaf ears. Her foster father merely gave her a cold, dismissive glance before walking away, his silence as cutting as any harsh word. As her foster mother forcefully led her to the door, she hurled one final curse: “The sins of the fathers! I should have known you’d turn out to be a wanton child just like your mother!”

Collapsed on the cold sidewalk, Lana’s tears mingled with the rain that began to fall, as she clutched her few belongings. In a final, bitter gesture, her foster father emerged with a backpack and a small, crumpled roll of bills. “Your sister packed some things for you,” he muttered, his tone devoid of compassion. “I’m sorry, but you know your mom.”

“She’s not my mom!” Lana sobbed, feeling abandoned and betrayed by the very people who had once promised unconditional love. With a heavy heart, she gathered what little she had and walked away, leaving behind the only home she’d ever known.