Backstory
When Audette was born, it was still during times of civil war and uncertainty in their region. Early into her infancy, her parents sent her older brother away, with Audette in tow, to a known sanctuary in Reuya, their mother's hometown. She was just a couple months old, a child who's smile was the joy of her family's, one that'd motivate each during their difficult times. For her brother Remi, he was hesitant travelling alone with his baby sister, but traversed through the forests with the thought of his sister's wellbeing in mind.
For her parents, their children came at the forefront of their decisions, ultimately staying behind to take care in helping others during the war. With the worst case scenario in mind, their children were sent to Maruska's orphanage in reuya should they not reunite, and given that Remi never saw them again, they're assumed to have passed away. Still, raised alongside other children affected by the wars, the Shcheglov siblings weren't lonely and even had each other as support. As Audette grew older, she still felt having one family member at her side was fulfilling enough. There were others with memories fresh of losing those dear to them, those who'd become worn down from the circumstances with a heavy heart, so Audette was grateful of what she was left with.
Naturally, the orphanage was going to be filled with an unexpected amount of children as many were left orphaned or abandoned. The atmosphere was still pleasant given that everyone was individually cared for and solace was found within one another. The town itself also cared for the children as their own despite not taking them in, knowing the orphanage was full of existing friendships and those who considered each other family. Audette and Remi still moved out at one point.
Mr. Mak was a doctor traveling Asia and Europe wherever he was needed, providing care to demons as he was one himself. With Reuya being his hometown that he frequented from time to time, he took a liking to the Shcheglov siblings enough to let them grow up in his former home in Reuya. A handful of other kids lived in empty homes as well so they weren't an exception. Remi especially benefited from the move as he'd study the medical material left behind. Audette still attended the orphanage for schooling, going home and meeting up with her sickly brother in the evenings. Life was simple and repetitive for the most part, but Reuya was always a sanctuary untouched by the war.
There came a day where Audette feared for her life, where a strong blizzard picked up and she was stuck in the forest away from home. Taking shelter under a thick conifer, she was found trembling by none other than an angel watching over their town, Artemii. Since their meeting that day, Artemii has become a dear friend she's since frequented, certain that with him in their town the peace would continue. With his stationing being a precaution for a killer in the region, the safety of Reuya becomes debatable.
Despite previous warnings not to interact with strangers, Audette found herself crossing paths with the angels more than once. By now they were aware that she was a demon like many in the town, but paid it no mind. Others she'd run across were an unfamiliar silent old lady wandering the woods, one who'd allow Audette to speak her mind and lead her into town every once in a while. In actuality, it was a Goddess protecting the town in disguise, not that she'd reveal it. While good experiences existed like that, blessings even, there was danger on the other end of the spectrum. Unknowingly, the child serial killer wandering Russia was one stranger turned acquaintance in Audette's life, and one that'd threaten it.