Adriana Willison's 18th Birthday
The Willison mansion had never looked so unreal.
Golden lights were wrapped around the tall marble pillars, while white roses lined the entrance, their fragrance floating gently through the air. Every corner of the house shimmered, as if the mansion itself knew how much this night mattered.
Tonight, Adriana Willison was turning eighteen.
She was the only daughter of her parents, their pride and their greatest blessing. They loved her deeply.
Adriana stood in her room, getting ready, her heart racing with excitement. Tonight was special. Tonight would change everything.
A knock echoed at her door.
She was standing in front of the mirror when she heard it and turned around.
"Mom," Adriana said with a pleasant smile.
Her mother stopped at the doorway, staring at her as if she had never seen her before.
Adriana was wearing a beige, pearl embroidered gown that flowed elegantly around her. A delicate crown rested on her head. The lights reflected off her skin, making it glow softly, almost as if her skin were made of glass. Her soft pink lips enhanced her beauty. She looked like a fairy come to life.
"Oh my God," her mother whispered with emotion. "I still cannot believe my baby girl is turning eighteen."
Tears shimmered in her eyes.
"Mom, how do I look?" Adriana asked softly.
"You look beautiful," her mother replied, then paused. "But wait, something is missing."
She turned and called for a maid. Within moments, the maid returned, holding a beautiful diamond locket.
Adriana's mother took it gently and placed it around Adriana's neck.
"As you are turning eighteen today," she said seriously, "it is important that you always wear this necklace. It will protect you."
Adriana smiled and nodded, not questioning her mother's words.
---
Her Grand Entry
Finally, it was time.
The tall entrance doors opened slowly.
Before stepping forward, Adriana paused and looked at everyone gathered inside.
The room erupted in cheers and applause.
Her fingers tightened slightly around the fabric of her gown as she began to walk. Music swelled through the ballroom, wrapping around her like a dream.
While walking, her eyes searched for someone.
And then she found him.
Calvin.
Her childhood sweetheart.
He smiled at her warmly.
Adriana's face lit up instantly. She glanced around the room once more. Her parents were smiling proudly. The man she loved was present. Everything felt perfect.
It was her eighteenth birthday.
She felt overwhelmed with happiness and blessings.
She reached the stage, where the cake was already placed. Everyone clapped again, cheering loudly.
Then the countdown began.
Ten… nine… eight…
Three… two… one.
The musicians started singing.
Happy birthday, Adriana.
Fireworks exploded outside, painting the night sky with beautiful colors.
Adriana cut the cake and fed the first bite to her parents and then to Calvin. Music grew louder as people began dancing. Some laughed, some drank wine, and some simply watched her with admiration.
Then suddenly, the main door opened again.
A woman stepped inside.
A witch.
She was old, yet not weak. Her back was straight, and her steps were steady as her cane struck the marble floor with deliberate rhythm.
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
She stopped near the stage and broke the silence.
"Happy birthday, Adriana," she said.
Before Adriana could reply, her father spoke.
"Finally, you are here. We were waiting for you."
"Your daughter is the chosen one of your family. How could I miss this night?" the witch replied.
Adriana's mother stepped forward, concern clear on her face.
"Are you sure she is the chosen one?"
"Yes," the witch answered firmly.
Before anyone could ask another question, the witch raised both her hands. Slowly, her body lifted into the air. Her feet no longer touched the floor. A purple light surrounded her, glowing brightly.
She began chanting ancient mantras.
"Sera'thyn vel noa…
Anima veris, anima fallis…"
The lights in the ballroom started flickering violently.
The witch formed a glowing ball of purple energy between her hands and hurled it toward Adriana.
Adriana collapsed to the ground.
Moments later, everything returned to normal. The lights steadied. The purple glow faded. The witch gently descended back to the floor.
Adriana's mother rushed forward and lifted her into her arms. Adriana was frightened. She could feel her mother's panic and sorrow. She could also sense that her mother had never wanted this to happen to her.
Her father joined them, holding Adriana's other hand. Through her new power, Adriana sensed something unexpected.
He was happy.
The witch walked closer and gently placed her hand on Adriana's cheek.
"Congratulations," she said softly. "You have finally awakened your superpower."
Adriana looked at her in confusion.
"Superpower? What do you mean?"
"In every generation of your family, one person is chosen and gifted with a unique power," the witch explained. "After thirty years, that person is you."
Shock rippled through the crowd.
The witch continued, raising her voice so everyone could hear.
"And your power is the ability to sense and read people's intentions."
Applause filled the room.
Adriana finally understood. When she was a child, her grandmother had once spoken of such powers. She had never believed it.
The party resumed. Music played again. People danced. The witch and Adriana's parents moved to the living room to talk.
Adriana stood quietly, observing everything.
Then suddenly, something felt wrong.
Calvin was no longer there.
Her heart tightened.
She stepped down from the stage and began searching for him. She walked through the hall, then into different rooms.
She did not know why she was doing this. She only knew that something was terribly wrong.
Finally, she reached another door.
She opened it slowly.
Carefully.
Her heart began to race.
This night was meant to be a celebration.
Instead, it became the beginning of Adriana Willison's awakening.
Truth has a scent.
Love has intentions.
And some gifts are crueler than curses.
What Adriana is about to witness will shatter the girl she was
and give birth to the woman she must become....