The wind blew softly, as if the world was
at peace—yet there I was, chained in a dark room, unsure of how I'd gotten
there. All I ever wanted was a normal life, but what I got was far from it.
When did it all begin? Or better still—how
did I end up in such deep trouble?
We were once a happy family: my parents, my
little brother, and I. Life was simple, filled with warmth and laughter. Until
the day a letter arrived—sealed with a bold letter "H". I heard them
whisper it was from the HIVE.
After that, everything changed.
My parents started fighting—endlessly. At
first, I thought it was normal. Couples argue, right? But this felt different.
Every night, their voices rose in anger, and I would hear my mother repeat the
same words over and over: *"I won't let them take my babies from me."*
I didn't understand what she meant. I was
only seven. The world still felt safe to me.
Then came my eighth birthday—July 8th,
2015. I remember the cake, the candles, the warmth. I was about to make a wish
when a knock echoed through the house. Three men dressed in black stood at the
door. My father grabbed his jacket, kissed my forehead, and left with them.
He never returned.
The museum trip he promised never happened.
That day was the last time I saw him.
The very next morning, my mother packed our
things and moved us to Windwale City. It felt like we were running—from what, I
didn't know. But we never looked back.
Now, ten years later... everything makes
sense.
"Shine, wake up!" my younger brother,
James, called out. "Mom's waiting for you at the restaurant," he added. "She
said to hurry!"
"Okay, okay—I'm up!" I groaned, rubbing my
eyes.
Life had gone on, like nothing ever
happened. Windwale became home, and I made new friends, started over. After
getting ready for the day ahead, my phone rang. It was Claire.
(Phone ringing)
"Shine!" she snapped. "Where the hell are
you? Don't tell me you're skipping class again?"
"No, silly!" I laughed. "I just need to
check on Mom at the restaurant. Don't worry, I'll make it to lectures. Besides,
Mr. Grumpy Pants is teaching today—I'd rather not end up on his blacklist."
"At least you're learning," Claire
muttered, then hung up.
*At the restaurant:*
"Good morning, Mom," I greeted as I walked
in. "How was your night?"
"It was great, baby," she smiled. "I made
breakfast—it's in the kitchen. I packed some for James too, but he wouldn't
eat. I hope he's okay and not being bullied again. Keep an eye on him for me,
alright? Take this to his school and make sure he gets it."
*"Seriously, Mom? Now I have to
babysit him at school too?"* I grumbled. "I have a life, you know."
---
*At James' School*
I went straight to James' school to drop
off his lunch, just like Mom asked. But when I got to his classroom, he wasn't
there.
"Where could he be?" I muttered,
scanning the hallway.
Just then, a girl about James' age
approached me. Her voice was soft, almost timid.
"Hi… are you James' sister?" she asked.
"Yes, I am. Have you seen him? I've been
looking all over."
She leaned in and whispered, "He's behind
the boys' restroom. Hurry. He's not safe."
Before I could ask more, she ran off.
Alarmed, I rushed to the back of the
building. There, I found James surrounded by a group of boys—his classmates.
Peter, the school's infamous bully, towered over him.
Peter smirked and stomped on James' foot.
"Oops! Sorry, loser. How's your mama, huh? Still clinging to her skirts?"
His gang burst out laughing. James clenched
his fists. "Leave me alone! I did what you asked—why can't you just leave me
be? You promised!"
Peter leaned in, cruel amusement in his
eyes. "Where's the fun in that? Now take off your trousers. Let's see if you're
a man or just another pathetic little boy."
I'd seen enough—and thankfully, I'd
recorded everything on my phone.
I stepped out and said loudly, "Hey,
losers."
They all turned, surprised.
"I know bullying classmates is your idea of
fun. Well, guess what? Beating up trash like you happens to be mine."
They stiffened, but I continued, "Let's not
resort to violence today. You've got two choices: one, stay away from James. Or
two, try him again, and I swear I'll show the whole world what you really are.
I have it all on video. And trust me—I *will* post it."
Their faces paled. Without another word,
they took off.
I turned to James, concern flooding my
voice. "Why didn't you tell me this was happening? Are you okay? What did they
make you do?"
He didn't answer at first. His eyes were
full of sadness.
"I reported it," he finally said. "To my
teacher. She told the principal… but he laughed. Said it's just how kids play.
He didn't care—Peter's dad is rich."
I handed him the lunch. "Go back to class.
I'll handle this."
Then I stormed straight to the principal's office.
I played the video and looked him dead in the eye.
"If anyone lays a finger on my brother
again, I will make sure everyone knows your school is unsafe and unfair. You
have one chance to fix this."
He didn't say a word—but from the look on
his face, he got the message.
—
*Later that day*
From that day forward, no one dared to
touch James. They were scared of him. Or rather… of me.
"Thanks, big sis," James said with a grin.
"You're the best."
"It's okay," I replied, ruffling his hair.
"But never let anyone bully you again. Fight back. Hit harder. And do me a
favor… don't tell Mom."
James laughed. "I got you, sis."
Then I glanced at the time. "Oh no. I'm
late! That lecturer is going to kill me…"
I turned on my heels and dashed out. *To
the university.*
"
Luckily I got to the university, just in time , the
lecturer came in right after me , Claire said to me where were you? your late, I replied with a smile , sorry an emergency came up at James school , the lecturer called for everyone's attention ,and he began the
lectures,
Mean while at HIVE palace
The Queen sat regally in the throne room,
surrounded by five elderly men, their white hair symbolizing age and wisdom.
Her voice echoed through the chamber in fury.
*"You fools! You still haven't found Bell
and her children? Am I surrounded by incompetence? I need them
found—*immediately!* Or must I do it myself?"*
One of the elders stepped forward, speaking
calmly but firmly.
*"Your Majesty,"* Elder One began, *"these
things take time. And may I ask—why such urgency? There are others fit to
succeed you when the time comes."*
Elder Two added gently, *"Indeed, Your
Majesty. You've ruled wisely for forty-five years. Perhaps it's time to pass
the mantle to the younger generation."*
*"Silence!"* the Queen snapped, rising from
her seat. Her eyes blazed with fury.
*"How *dare* you question me? What if my
sister's granddaughter comes of age and claims the throne? She carries the
heir's blood—*true royal blood!* She is a threat, just like the rest of them.
They *must* be eliminated."*
Before anyone could respond, a royal guard
entered the chamber and knelt.
*"Pardon the interruption, Your Majesty,"*
he said. *"We've located them—in Windwale City."*
The Queen's expression shifted into a
wicked smile.
*"Finally,"* she whispered. *"Bring them to
me."*