The Farewell ---
wllhen Dinner was quiet that night, the weight of unspoken words heavy between us. Finally, I set my fork down.Dad… I want to go to Ember Island his hand froze halfway to his mouth. For a moment he only stared at me, then sighed deeply, as though a burden he'd long carried had finally caught up. "I knew this day would come."
He rose slowly. "Follow me."
In the attic, dust floated through pale light from a single window. My father opened an old trunk and carefully drew out golden armor my mother's. Beside it lay her sword.
"This belonged to her," he said softly, his voice trembling. He placed the pieces into my arms, then kissed my forehead. Tears rolled down both our faces as the light faded
The Journey Begins---
The next morning I stood at the driveway with my backpack slung over my shoulder, waiting for Selena. She came running up, excitement all over her face.
"So… how do we get there?" she asked breathlessly.
I held up the brittle map. "Professor Anthony gave me this."
She grinned. "So, what… we just take a bus?"
Before I could answer, a car pulled up. Professor Anthony leaned out the window. "You two need a ride?"
Selena smirked at me. I rolled my eyes, but smiled despite myself. We climbed in, and Dad waved from the porch as the car pulled away.
The drive was lighthearted at first, filled with jokes and stories. We stopped once for Selena to use the bathroom, leaving me alone with the professor.
"Thanks for accompanying us," I said quietly.
"There's nothing there, Hope," he replied, though his eyes lingered on me in a way that unsettled me. For a heartbeat, our gazes locked then Selena opened the car door and the spell was broken.
"Alright, let's go!" she said cheerfully.
Hours later, we reached the point where the map ended. All we saw was a stretch of ocean and a barren shore. Confusion rose in my chest.
Then, out of the air itself, Elizabeth appeared — stepping through a shimmering door of light.
"Follow me."
We stepped inside, and the world transformed. Ember Island unfolded before us: skies alive with colors, humans flying overhead, witches practicing spells, guardians training in shining armor.
"This way," Elizabeth said, leading us through winding paths. She showed us to our rooms. "Rest for now. Tomorrow your training begins."
As we walked, the eyes of islanders followed us. Whispers drifted. Outsiders. The queen's daughter.
The Queen's Legacy---
"Hope," Elizabeth called later, her voice carrying authority. "Come."
She led me into a grand chamber where five guardians in silver bowed low. Statues lined the hall — heroes carved in stone. At the center stood one that stole my breath: my mother, tall and fierce in armor, her sword raised high.
"That was your mother," Elizabeth said. "One of the strongest this kingdom has ever known. You have much to learn, Hope. Training begins tomorrow."
I nodded, heart heavy with pride and fear.
As I left, a group of fine-dressed witches approached, their eyes sharp. "So you're the late queen's daughter," one sneered. "Don't get too cocky. Here, we're all equals."
They rolled their eyes and walked away.
I shook my head and returned to where Selena sat, wide-eyed. "This place is insane," she whispered.
My gaze drifted to a girl sitting alone, reading an ancient spellbook.
"Her name's Raven," said a cheerful voice. A boy slid onto the bench beside us. "I'm Karl. Nice to meet you."
"This is my brother Arin," he added. Arin waved, tall and broad-shouldered.
"Raven's one of the most powerful witches here," Karl continued. "Her father was a general who fought in the war. She's top of the class."
Selena leaned forward, curious. "And what about you?"
Karl grinned. "Teleportation. Plus, I can rewind time three minutes. But only once per day."
Arin chuckled. "I just have super strength."
I smiled, but unease prickled me. Professor Anthony wasn't with us.
"Excuse us," I told the boys. Selena and I went searching, finally finding him emerging from the bushes.
"Where have you been?" I demanded.
"I… got lost," he said quickly. Selena and I exchanged doubtful glances.
Karl and Arin reappeared, reminding us it was nearly curfew. As we walked back, I caught a glimpse of Anthony's eyes glowing faint red in the shadows.
The Trial of Flags---
At breakfast the next morning, a guardian in silver armor entered the hall. "Training begins at noon. Be prepared."
The training ground buzzed with anticipation.
"Announcement!" a guardian boomed. "Form groups of five. Your goal: capture one of the five flags atop the mountain. Only then will you advance."
Selena and I struggled to form a team. When she smiled at Raven, the girl ignored her coldly. Eventually Professor Anthony returned with a quiet student who could control plants.
"Your group is short," Elizabeth reminded me. "You may choose another."
"We're fine," I said, forcing a smile.
The horn blared. Teams raced up the mountain, powers flashing through the air. Flare guns fired as flags were claimed — Raven's team already secured one.
"Already?" Selena gasped.
We fought our way upward, my silver eyes igniting as I summoned wind to push back attackers. Karl and Arin's team claimed another flag. Soon, only one remained.
I told Selena and Anthony to push ahead with the plant boy while I held off enemies.
But we were ambushed. Five witches the same ones who mocked me before.
"We don't care about the flag," their leader hissed. "We just want you, little queen."
They overpowered my team, binding me as they prepared to strike Selena.
Then a spell flashed across the clearing. The witches cried out, their leader pinned to the ground.
Raven stood at the edge, eyes blazing with power. "Apologize," she ordered coldly.
Terrified, the witches bowed, muttering apologies before fleeing.
I caught my breath. "Raven," I called. She paused but didn't turn.
"Thank you… for saving us."
Without a word, she walked away.
Karl and Arin rushed in moments later, stunned. "She saved you?" Arin muttered. "She must see something in you.
Raven's Shadow---
That night, I dragged Selena to Raven's table at dinner.
"I didn't save you to be friends," Raven said flatly. "Don't get the wrong idea."
"Easy," I replied. "I just wanted to know you."
"There's nothing to know," she said, standing. Karl and Arin sat down cheerfully in her place, but Raven disappeared into the shadows.
Later that night, I woke to see Professor Anthony slipping out into the dark. I tried to follow, but he was already gone. Unease grew heavier inside me.
The next day was sword training. After practice, I confronted him.
"Where were you last night?" I asked.
He smirked faintly. "You noticed? Couldn't sleep. I went for a swim."
I didn't answer, but doubt gnawed at me.
That night, restless, I wandered to the statue of my mother. Raven appeared silently at my side.
"Couldn't sleep?" she asked.
"Bad dreams. About this place," I admitted.
She nodded, staring at the stone queen. "I that too."
After a pause, I asked, "How did you get your powers?"
Her expression softened slightly. "My dad was one of your mother's comrades. He retired after she passed. He always pushed me to be the best."
"No wonder you're so tough," I said quietly.
She gave a humorless smile. "Still not enough for him."
We stood in silence under the cold gaze of the statue, two daughters of legacy bound by shadows of expectation.
The light slowly faded.