Rambixs Academy

Chapter One: The Prophecy of Raven

In this world, you can sit back and watch a revolution or become the revolution, but the world is changing.

My professor said it was time for a motivational speech because she couldn't get the teenagers in her classroom to do what they were told. It was more for her sake than ours. I raised my hand and asked Miss Rosa a question.

“The Darkness have been terrorizing the city for years since the Queen and King disappeared. Nowhere is safe since the Darkness came into town. How can you teach us to start a revolution when the Lights can't do anything but wield a weapon?”

After I said that to Miss Rosa, in my head, with curiosity, I thought about the Darkness and what they had done. I told myself that if I were one of the Crystals in Rambix Academy, I could teach the Darkness a thing or two about disrespecting our city. Still, I'm here learning about starting a revolution, not being in one, and I'm in class with many teenagers who don't give a crap about the subject.

Miss Rosa just stared at me. She looked at me before taking the time to answer my questions. She smiled like it didn't even faze her.

She then said,
“Miss Adams, if you did more time studying the revolutions instead of dreaming of being in one, you would know that the Lights are just as unique as Rambixs. The Lights were once trained to be knights for the Queen and King, and they fought beside one another, defeating the Darkness. One day it will happen again.”

I looked at Miss Rosa and said,
“You believe that this world can change for the better.”

She looked at me and said,
“The world constantly changes, Miss Adams. Even when we can't see it, the world has shifted—and just like the world, we can change and shift as well. What I believe does not matter. Everyone believes in something different. If we were to fight with only our opinions and beliefs constantly, we would always have war due to others' ideas of what's suitable for the world. But what I teach does matter. It teaches you to decide what the world needs and what you can do to change it for the better or the worse.”

After she finished that sentence, the bell rang, and Miss Rosa said,
“That's a wrap for today. Please go outside for training.”

At training, everyone was wielding a weapon of their making, fighting one another in drills. I was in a tree I had climbed, hiding from the world once again. I couldn't stop thinking about the subject Miss Rosa was discussing. This world is scary even though we have protectors like Crystals. The kids in my class never learn that the Darkness will always hunt us unless we do something about it. The Darkness are always there at night, hunting us and stealing our abilities—trying to control the uncontrollable. At least we have the Crystals, the people who swore to protect us.

But sometimes I dream of the world that Amoura used to be, the world that it could be again. But I can't do anything about it. I am a Light, not a Rambix. I could never be a Crystal.

“Raven!”

I heard a voice call my name out of nowhere. I looked down at the ground. Leon—my best friend—was the only one besides me in this school who took being a knight and a protector seriously.

I smiled, jumped down from the tree, and said,
“Leon, hey, it's been a while.”

He smiled and said,
“Raven, you wouldn't believe what I heard in town. Everyone is talking about how the Crystals saved a little girl from Vex, the leader of the Darkness. They said that Vex tried to experiment on her.”

Vex, I said in my head in a furious notion. He sounded so familiar to me somehow. I read about him in the newsletter once as a child—a warning to the town explaining to stay inside and shut your doors at night to keep you away from the Darkness. They said that Vex was the one who caused all this chaos. He was the one who supposedly made the Queen and King disappear, but no one knew for sure. He corrupted this land.

Vex and his followers believed that to be truly free, they had to gain more power and control or take away other people's abilities.

I looked at Leon with such fire and said,
“Leon, you know how the Darkness are. They always want to gain more power and control, and you shouldn’t listen to the news. It will only cause you to fear.”

Leon laughed and said,
“You’re one to talk, Raven. You have been listening to the news since you were five and met that Crystal chick who saved your life.”

I smirked and said,
“I was one to talk, huh? But I was serious. Leon, just be careful. I am worried about you. The Darkness are not ones to fool around with.”

“I know, Raven, but you know how I am. My dream has always been to become a knight. I want to serve my King and Queen, fight the Darkness, and not be stuck in this town.”

I knew Leon was confident. He knew his path. He wanted to become a knight—not become another story they tell about a kid dying on the news because they couldn't defend themselves against the Darkness.

But for me… what is my path?

I never knew where I came from. I never knew who I was. I never told Leon this because my mom told me not to say it to a soul.

I was adopted as a baby and found on my parents' doorstep—or at least that's what they told me. My parents told me that I had to keep my identity a secret because of how unique I was in this world. Some Lights can wield a weapon with the power of the knights. They can heal themselves and others while defending the kingdom with their weapon of choice.

On the other hand, the Darkness are people of power who want to inflict pain and suffering to gain more control. They wield gifts based on their desires—usually selfish and dangerous.

Last, there are Rambix-trained royalty. Their ability is based on their personality, and some are chosen to become part of the Crystals—a group of social justice warriors who help the world by taking on the Darkness in battle.

Once, when I was three years old, the doctor told my foster parents that I had a birthmark of a royal bloodline. They said that particular royal lineage was wiped out by the Darkness. They told my parents I could wield all three abilities: the Lights, the Darkness, and the Rambix.

Scared to death of what the Darkness could do, my parents hid me and decided that it was safer for me to live an everyday life away from them. I was better off hidden with the Lights to be trained as a knight.

I dreamed of the day the Darkness would find out and kill my family and me—I woke up with nightmares every night. But I also dreamed of becoming a Crystal, fighting the Darkness, and finding my place in the world.

Still… I’m sixteen and haven’t even left the city. There is no way on earth that day will ever come.

After training, Leon and I headed to class. The teachers gathered students for the school festival, where the Rambix Academy students compete for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a Crystal. The Lights were invited, even though we couldn’t participate due to our status.

I thought it was a dumb way to show power—but I won’t get into that.

Every year during the spring festival, the Crystals held a competition where challengers fought Abigail, the leader of the Crystals. If you got close to beating her, you could join them—but it didn’t come easily. Abigail was known for being the most brilliant and powerful of the Rambix students. She was head of her class, the future Queen of Sparks… and an overachiever.

I met Abigail once before when I was five years old. She saved my life from the Darkness.

I remember it like yesterday. It was raining and cloudy. My parents told me to stay near the preschool and not wander off. But I was daydreaming, as usual. I didn't remember how I ended up in the forest, or how I stood on top of that hill.

My teacher yelled at me to get down because the Darkness would come for me.

I slipped on the wet mud. I felt the ground tilt beneath me. But a hand pulled me up before I could fall.

A girl a little older than me stood before me. Looking at me curiously, she said,
“You should be more careful. It’s raining and slippery. It's not the time for daydreaming about a better world.”

She grabbed my hand and said,
“If you want to change the world, instead of wandering where you're not supposed to—find a better way to communicate how you feel about it.”

“My name is Abigail,” she said. “It's nice to meet you.”

Abigail. I repeated it over and over in my head.

At the festival, Leon and I stopped at the kettle corn truck. He tried all the flavors—chocolate, caramel, strawberry swirl. I started laughing.

He said, “Raven, don’t judge. You know food is my life.”

I laughed again.
“You and food are too much for me to handle.”

Then I told Leon I wanted to watch the fight between Abigail and Brandon.

The arena was already packed. Abigail was preparing to fight Brandon. I only knew a little about Brandon, but I had read about him in the Evermore Post, a weekly blog the Rambix students publish. His father was the king of Dallis, and his mother was a Light who served as a knight. After she died, Brandon wanted to serve Abigail—not rule a kingdom.

As I found a seat, the music started playing, the coaches’ whistles blew, and Abigail and Brandon rushed toward each other.

Abigail quickly pulled out a pocket knife and slit her finger. Her blood became water, and the water mutated into a sword.

As she ran toward Brandon, the ground started thumping.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

The concrete rose and cracked. Brandon controlled the vibrations of the earth.

“So he’s an Earthbender,” I said, jumping out of my seat.

Leon looked at me with a confused expression. “Raven, this whole place is about to collapse and you’re not even scared.”

“This fight is awesome,” I said.

Abigail ran across the rising concrete, using the uneven pieces as her steps. She slashed Brandon’s leg, sending him to his knees. He used the vibrations in Abigail’s body to crush her arm so she couldn’t use her sword. He punched her in the stomach, sending her stumbling.

But Abigail used the water from her fallen sword to heal herself. Then, with her other arm, she created a new sword and struck Brandon in the ribs.

Brandon, severely injured, yelled to Abigail. She rushed to him, healed him, and for a moment, even from afar, I could see how much she cared.

I wished I had friends like that.

Leon was like my brother—but sometimes, that scared me. He was all I had.

After the competition, Leon and I looked around the festival. My favorite booths were the art booth and face painting. I painted a butterfly on my face while Leon got a sword on his arm.

Meanwhile, Abigail and Brandon were searching for their friend at Rambix Academy.

Back at the academy, they went to the secret garden where the Crystals held council meetings about the Darkness.

Brandon asked, “Did you sense that presence at the arena, or was it just me?”

With a worried look, Abigail said, “I sensed it too, Brandon. It was her.”

Suddenly a guy with light brownish-blonde hair, blue eyes, and a chiseled chin appeared with a charming smile.

“Brandon, how could you let Abigail just beat you up like that?” he teased.

“Christopher,” Brandon said. “You said you weren’t going to watch the festival.”

“I can’t help what’s on the news, dude. It’s everywhere—the whole fight with you and Abigail,” Christopher said.

Abigail rolled her eyes.
“We have better things to discuss than our stupid fight. We found her, Christopher. She was at the Lights school.”

Christopher looked confused.
“Why would she be there? Wouldn’t they know the powers she possesses?”

Abigail said, “It makes more sense than sending her to Rambix. Think about it—she is more hidden away from her true potential in the Lights school. If she were here, she’d have to face her abilities sooner or later.”

Brandon said, “Okay, Abby, what do you want us to do?”

“We need to find her,” Abigail said. “We should check the town, split up, and ask around. The Lights have a small village—they’re going to know where she is.”

So the group went to search for me.

After the festival, I walked home with Leon. It was still early enough to be safe. He dropped me off before heading home. He’d walked me home every day since middle school. My parents worked nights to keep their business alive, and Leon promised them he would keep me safe.

I knew my parents would be home later, so I decided on a detour. I needed an outlet—somewhere to breathe. To rebel.

The Whisper Woods.

“The Whisper Woods?” Leon asked.

“They’re part of the city forest,” I said. “The border surrounding the Lights City. On the other side is the Rambix city of Amoura. They call them the Whisper Woods because at night, when everyone is asleep, the trees whine as the wind caresses their leaves and the birds chirp like they're whimpering.”

Leon said, “So you want to go where there are no people and the birds sound like they’re in pain? It sounds like a place the Darkness would go. No way—we’re not going there, Raven.”

“Don’t you want to explore? Don’t you want to see what it’s like outside this small town?”

“Of course I do,” he said. “I study every day so I can become a knight. But I won’t put you in danger. You are the most important thing to me in this world.”

His words hurt. He knew exactly how deadly the real world was. But he still craved something better. So did I.

“I understand if you want to stay,” I said. “But I'm going.”

Leon looked at me, wide-eyed. “Did you hear a word I just said?”

“Yes, Leon. But my whole life is mapped out for me. I need one thing—just one—to be mine. I need this.”

He wiped my tears and said,
“I understand. But you’re not going without me. After all, I’m your knight.”

I smiled, and we headed into the Whisper Woods.

The woods were nothing like the rumors. I felt at peace. The wind was melodic. The animals were in harmony. A cottage stood surrounded by a magical barrier.

Leon and I were surprised anyone lived here.

“It’s so peaceful,” Leon said. “The energy aligns with my soul.”

I felt a strong presence from the cottage. Leon warned me not to go near it, but something inside my body moved on its own. The pull was unbearable. I walked toward the cottage as if it were my only escape from the life I knew.

Leon called my name repeatedly, begging me to stop.

But when we reached the barrier—it lifted.

A woman emerged: long wavy dark-brown hair, a lace gown made of flowers, vines curling from her hands and hair. She levitated gracefully, calm and non-threatening.

Leon summoned a sword made of Light, but the woman gently touched his arm.

“I am no threat to you or your friend. You may lower your sword, my dear knight.”

Leon lowered his weapon reluctantly.

She faced me.
“I’ve been waiting a long time for you to show your face to me, Raven. Tell me—what would you like to discover about yourself?”

“How do you know my name?” I asked.

“I am a friend of your mother’s.”

“My mother doesn’t have any friends.”

The woman smirked softly.
“Your birth mother, Raven.”

Leon said she must be mistaken, but she ignored him and looked only at me.

“You know who I’m talking about, dear one.”

I told Leon it was okay—she meant no harm.

I looked at the woman and said,
“Show me my future. If I choose the path I'm on now, will it lead to a safer life for me and my people?”

She took my hands. Her eyes glowed. The earth shook.

Of course. She was an Earthbender—one connected to the spirits. She could see the future.

She was Terra. The mother spirit. Daughter of Gaia. Sister of Thor. The goddess who once befriended my birth mother.

Terra spoke:
“I see two paths you may take. One path leads to the outcome you desire—safety for your people. But it comes at a great cost. I see you losing something important. A loved one, perhaps. To get them back, you must reclaim your power and do what you never expected to do.”

“What… what do I need to do?” I asked.

“The next path shows safety, fear, and protection. But happiness is not guaranteed. You hide from the world and feel lost. Though people around you are at peace with this outcome, the people who need you are scared and shattered. This path will not save your people. It will lead to death and war and loss.”

“Raven!” Terra’s voice boomed like something not of this world.
“You can cower to others all your life—or you can rise up and save your people. This choice is yours and yours alone.”

My choice.
I was only sixteen. Was anything truly mine?

Terra looked at me with a sad expression.
“Choosing the path that aligns with the soul is rarely easy.”

She told me the answers were inside me—but for now, I must go home. Someone was waiting.

I looked at the sky. It was nearly dark.

I panicked. Leon and I ran. As we left, Terra watched us with the face of a mother who had just entrusted the fate of the world to a sixteen-year-old girl who had no idea what lay ahead.

Leon had questions—so many.

“That was crazy! Who was she? Who are YOU?”

“I need to get home,” I said.

“Your parents are going to freak out! Their daughter just interacted with a goddess who basically told her she’s fated to save the world or doom it!”

“Maybe keep that part between us,” I said.

“WHAT?! Raven, we are teenagers. How are we supposed to save a whole kingdom?”

“Bet you’re thinking about a career change right about now,” I said nervously.

Leon grabbed my wrist.
“This isn’t a joke, Raven.”

“I know. I’ll tell you everything tomorrow. But right now, I have to go home.”

He let go reluctantly.
“You better.”

I smiled sadly. My world was about to change forever.

When I reached my house, the door was cracked open. The energy was dangerous. Cold.

Death seemed to linger on the doorstep.

I rushed inside.

Everything was destroyed. Papers everywhere. Shattered frames. Bookshelves overturned.

Where were my parents?

 Five hours earlier…

Abigail and Brandon were searching for me. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was going to need their help—and they were going to need mine.

As they left Rambix Academy, they were followed by Ivy, one of the Darkness’s clan leaders. Ivy was Vex’s right-hand woman and had a particular past with Abigail. She used her desires to create poisonous, deadly vines and used other people’s sins against them, hypnotizing them to do the darkest of deeds. She was flirty, rageful, envious—and deadly to any woman she envied.

“Ivy!” Abigail shouted. “We don’t have time for this.”

Abigail, Brandon, and Christopher were headed out of Rambix Academy to find me only to be followed by what awaited them. Ivy stepped forward with a wicked grin.

“Abigail!” Ivy yelled. “Where is the girl?”

Abigail looked at Brandon and Christopher.
“There isn’t much time. We need to find her. Julian—me and Brandon will go look for her. Can you take care of this?”

Christopher smirked.
“You guys always leave me. I’ve gotten used to it. I can take her on.”

Brandon smiled.
“You’re feeling sentimental today, huh? Ha!”

Abigail rolled her eyes.
“Boys.”

Christopher’s playful expression faded into seriousness.
“You two just find the girl. We need her. I can take care of this.”

Both of them exchanged a look that said, We trust you.

As Abigail and Brandon ran off, Ivy’s patience snapped.

“Christopher, is it? You’re really getting on my nerves. Why are the Crystals so cocky? You think you have a chance against the Darkness?”

Christopher shrugged with a confident tilt of his head.
“Maybe we’re just that good.”

The battle lasted one minute.

A single blow—ice magic exploding through the air—and Ivy was defeated. With a worried expression, Christopher steadied the lingering frost around his hands, then headed back into the academy.

Abigail and Brandon raced toward the Lights city as if their lives depended on it.

“Do you think Christopher will be okay?” Brandon asked.

Abigail answered, “Yes. We both know Julian can handle himself. He’s always been a mystery—but he’s never lost a fight.”

They reached the city and began asking people if they knew anything about me. No one helped. Some weren’t interested. Others refused to answer.

Brandon grew impatient. Abigail grew worried about the Darkness finding me first.

“Abigail, we’re running out of time. Let me use my power to find her,” Brandon said.

Abigail shook her head.
“If you do that, the Darkness will know we’re searching for her. They’ll track us—and find her first.”

Suddenly, Abigail clutched her head. A sharp pain, then a presence—a familiar presence she hadn’t felt since she met me all those years ago.

A voice whispered:

“Please save her. Please save my little girl.”

Without hesitation, Abigail grabbed Brandon’s hand and started running.

“Abby! You’re scaring me!” Brandon yelled.

“I’m following a light!” she shouted.

Brandon’s eyes widened.
“Abby, I don’t want to scare you… but I think you’re going insane.”

“I’m not hallucinating, Brandon!”

“Sure, sure. Not crazy at all,” he said with sarcasm. “You’re just following a light that no one can see but you. Totally normal.”

Abigail glared at him, picking up speed.
“Keep talking and I’ll show you crazy.”

Suddenly, the glowing path she followed led them toward a small shop tended by an old man and his wife. Flowers surrounded the storefront. It looked ordinary… but something felt off in the most magical way.

“Abigail,” Brandon whispered, “I think they know something.”

“Good,” she said. “Then let’s ask.”

“But if they don’t,” Brandon warned, “we use my power to track Raven. Got it?”

“Fine. Let’s go.”

When they stepped inside, their jaws dropped.

The shop wasn’t ordinary at all.

Talking plants breathed healing air.
Potions shimmered with magic for every need.
Books flew above their heads.
Shelves shifted, revealing hidden rooms—technology in one, magic relics in another.
Narrow portals hummed quietly, each leading to a different realm.

There were castle tiles, cooking ingredients, outdated wands (“Who even uses wands anymore?” Abigail muttered), and artifacts humming with ancient power.

Walking deeper, they found the old man. Abigail greeted him kindly.

The old man turned—and transformed into his true self.

A centaur.
Human above the waist.
Deer-like nose and antlers.
Hooves where legs should be.

Brandon burst out laughing.
“Abby—he’s a deer man!”

Abigail elbowed him.
“Don’t be rude, Brandon. He’s not a deer. He’s a centaur.”

The old man smiled warmly.
“Welcome to my shop. How may I be of service?”

“We’re looking for someone,” Abigail said. “A girl named Raven. Someone with an energy like ours—the energy of a royal bloodline.”

The old man froze.

Brandon and Abigail exchanged a knowing look.

They were in the right place.

“These are dark times,” the centaur said softly. “I need proof of who you are.”

Abigail revealed her family symbol.

He nodded.

“Once you know the truth,” he warned, “there is no turning back.”

“We know,” Abigail said. “We’ve waited a long time for a sign. Now is the time.”

“Very well,” he replied. “Let me tell you the story of the long-lost child of Amoura—the one destined to save us from Darkness.”

“Long ago, Amoura had no true ruler. Only a tyrant—the King of Darkness. No one remembers his name. We only know he was Vex’s father.

He corrupted the land.
The goddess Terra, guardian of Amoura, vowed to intervene only through divine will. But when the king began stealing children—corrupting them, experimenting on them, trying to create a perfect divine being who could wield Light, Darkness, and Rambix—Terra could no longer stand aside.

He failed again and again. Children died from overwhelming power. Terra swore such horror would never happen again.

She found a potential queen—Valentina. Trusted ally. Fearless maiden. She wielded the strongest Rambix ability ever known: True Love’s Flame, a pink fire gifted by Terra herself.

But Terra saw that Valentina alone could not defeat the King of Darkness. Not without help.

She sought divine guidance. They told her: Look within.

Then Terra had a vision—a child. Valentina’s daughter. A girl who could wield all three abilities.

The prophecy said that on her seventeenth birthday, she would face Vex—with brave allies—and destroy him.

No one knew how this child came to exist. Only that she was the rightful heir to the throne. The one who could stop the King of Darkness… and save the world.”

Brandon exhaled and shook his head.
“Yeah, that sounds like a lot of responsibility to put on a kid. Are you saying a goddess like Terra couldn’t stop the king herself? Like she just… needs us to do it for her?”

“Forgive his rudeness,” Abigail muttered.

The old man laughed gently.
“The divine laws of free will, young man. Divine beings cannot interfere unless asked—or unless someone is in mortal danger. Terra needs allies. She cannot kill without consequence, even if ending this war is her deepest wish.”

Brandon shrugged.
“I get divine principles. I just think sometimes—if you want to stop a war—you have to be willing to get your hands dirty.”

“And this,” Abigail said dryly, “is why you are not the leader of the Crystals.”

“Just because I’m willing to kill,” Brandon argued, “doesn’t mean I’d be a bad leader. If I were in charge, the war would have ended by now.”

“With what army?” Abigail shot back.

The old man laughed again.
“You two remind me of a pair I met long ago. Now go—she is waiting for you.”

Abigail blinked.
“What do you mean?”

The old man handed her a slip of paper.

“Her address. I’ve kept it safe for years. I was part of the first Crystals—the ones who worked with Terra and Valentina. I’ve seen many generations take on this duty.”
He smiled at them.
“You two make a fine couple.”

Brandon snorted.
“Yeah, right. In her dreams.”

Abigail smacked his shoulder.
“We’re just friends.”

The old man’s wife giggled.
“That’s what he told me before we married.”

The old man grinned.
“Best decision I ever made.”

Abigail and Brandon ran toward my house.
They saw the door cracked open.
They sensed danger.

They stepped inside—

Just as I did.

And that is where the world changed.

Chapter 2

I started to freak out, calling my mom and dad, but no response. Running upstairs to see if they were in their room. You only realize how much you rely on your parents once they're gone. I heard footsteps entering my house, and filled with anger and tears, I started to head downstairs with a pocket knife I had in my back pocket that my parents gave me for protection if I ever needed to walk home without Leon one day.

I wasn't scared heading down; I had to pull myself together. Anger is a powerful tool and a big motivator. I thought in my head, Raven, you need to find your parents. This is not the time to be a scaredy cat. As I headed down the stairs into the kitchen, I heard footsteps and shattered glass. I was startled by two figures that looked like Brandon and Abigail, but in a world where Darkness is involved, you can't be too careful, especially if one's Dark ability is shapeshifting. They were just looking at me, sitting on the chairs at my kitchen table.

Brandon, with a sly smile, said, "Abby, is this her?" As I wiped my tears, the girl who looked like Abigail came up to me and, with a gentle smile, took the knife I was holding out of my shaking hand. She then said,

"Raven, I know you're frightened, but it's me, Abigail. I'm not a shapeshifter, and I can prove it." It's like this girl could read my mind.

"How?" I said in a whimpering voice.

Abigail took my pocket knife and slit her wrist, and her blood suddenly became a water key. She then told me shapeshifters could steal my looks but not my abilities.

In my head I thought, I guess that's one way to prove you're not a shapeshifter. This girl is crazy. She just slit her own wrist without blinking—doesn't she know that could have killed her? Abigail, with a look that wasn’t phased, said she could use her abilities to form a water key the same shape as my house key. That's how they got in.

I looked at Abigail and said, "Even so, Abigail, that's still a little creepy—breaking into someone's house like that." Not to mention she just used her ability by cutting into her flesh. This girl is insane, but I won't mention that part. "I mean, we haven't seen each other since kindergarten. How did you think breaking into my house was the appropriate approach?" I said to her.

Abigail sighed and said, "It was Brandon's idea. He thought it was best since we already saw that the Darkness broke in." Brandon, who was quiet till now, just said to Abigail, "It wasn't the best plan, but we had little time." He then looked at me and said, "We looked all over the city for you. When we reached your house, we saw that the Darkness had already broken in."

Abigail smiled gently again and said, "We're usually more planned out than this. I promise, Christopher is the one who is better at making plans." Brandon just rolled his eyes and said to Abigail, "I make one bad move, and you scold me."

I just thought, Who the hell is Christopher, and why am I in this mess? They both looked at me with a concerned expression. Abigail told me and Brandon that she thought they should take me to the Rambix Academy.

I then stopped them and said, "Okay, look, I know I'm surprisingly calm for someone whose parents are missing and for you both breaking into my house, but this is going too fast. Please just tell me what's going on."

Brandon looked at me and rolled his eyes. He crossed his arms and said, "Since last month, we slowly started to realize the world we live in. Ya, powers are fantastic, but the danger of the Dark abilities and how they use them are not. We had no choice but to take action into our own hands and protect the ones we love. Since then, me and Abigail decided it was time to bring the Crystals back and start our own team to stop the Darkness, but we didn't realize the consequences to our alliance, and we made some very bad people angry."

Abigail just sighed and said, "The Crystals team has been fighting the Darkness for centuries. They had never retaliated this way. We expected some war, yes, but it is like they were scared or something. They felt threatened by our certain team of Crystals, and we don't know why."

Brandon then took Abigail's hand to comfort her and said to me, "Raven, they took our parents, the last kings and queens standing. We have no one protecting our cities anymore. Yes, it is one thing that the Queen and King of Amoura went missing years ago, but even then, we still had protection from other kingdoms like my family's and Abigail's—but now we don't."

Abigail said, "We don't know why they wanted your foster parents. All we know is you are somehow an important piece to this war, and we need your help. If you know anything, please tell us."

I was completely shocked. My parents were missing, and the Darkness knew where I lived. I was no longer protected. I was on my own. And even so, my mind wandered to the thought of me not having to hide anymore. I could team up with them, and I would be safe. I would be a part of something great just like I wanted—but war… I never wanted war or for my parents to be kidnapped. My parents always warned me to be careful of who I trusted. It even took them years to trust Leon.

Should I trust them? Can they protect me? I mean, they couldn't even protect their own parents. I mean, it's not their job, but on the other hand, they're Crystals—so it kinda is.

All I knew was I was in danger, and I needed to survive so I could save my parents. And the only way I knew how was to trust them—to trust someone for once. So like a foolish idiot, I said,

"How can I trust you? I don't even know you both. I just found out my parents were kidnapped or worse—dead—and you want me to transfer schools and become a part of some team that can't even keep their shit together."

Brandon said, "We're your only shot at finding your parents, and you are our only shot at finding ours. We risked everything to come and find you. So you might not trust us, and we might not trust you, but we need each other. So deal with it. Take that pain and fuckin' deal with it."

Abigail then said, "I think what Brandon is trying to say is: we are your best shot. Please come to Rambix Academy, tell us who you are, and let's figure this shit out together—with a cherry on top."

I rolled my eyes and just thought in my head, This speech of theirs can't possibly work on the whole city. Are people really naive enough to trust them? I mean, I was naive to want to join them sure, but that was before my parents went missing. And now they want me to pretend nothing happened and join their school only to team up with them and use me against the Darkness?

Abigail said, "Please, Raven, we need you. Tell me the truth. There is way more to you than you let people see, isn't there?"

I took a deep breath and thought, I need them, and they need me. Just suck it up, Raven. You need to find your parents. So I said to Abigail,

"Yes. Yes, there is."

I told Abigail and Brandon the whole truth. I told them about my abilities, my past, and why the Darkness was most likely after me. I didn't know why I was venting my whole life to these strangers, but they asked, and it felt like I needed their help more than I wanted to admit.

Brandon then looked at Abigail and said, "Guess the old man was right, this little girl really is going to save us from the Darkness."

I looked at Brandon with disgust and said, "You know we're only like one year apart in age, right?"

Abigail laughed and said, "Don't mind him, Raven. He can be immature sometimes."

"So Raven, if I am hearing you right," she continued, "you said that you are a celestial being who can wield all three abilities: the Light, the Darkness, and Rambix. While others like me and Brandon are mythical beings who can only wield one of these. This is not good."

Brandon then said, "So you're like the Avatar of the wizard realm! Wow, that's so cool!"

"Ow!" Brandon yelped as Abigail smacked his head in a teasing way and said, "No, this isn't good. Raven, you're special, but this has put you and our people in danger. The Darkness wants you now, and Vex won't stop hunting you until he can steal your abilities. This leaves me with only one choice. Raven, since you are unable to protect yourself, you will need to come with me and Brandon to train at Rambix Academy."

"What?" Brandon said with one eyebrow raised, crossing his arms with a smirk. "You want to take this girl you only met once as a child into our school and help her unlock her abilities? What if she is evil just like Vex? What then, Abigail?"

I looked at Brandon and said, "I am not evil, and I don't need your help. I can find my parents on my own."

"Yeah? And how are you gonna do that? Are you going to stop them with pretty light and a sweet little sword, when Vex can corrupt your mind with a single touch?" Brandon said sarcastically.

"You know Lights can do more than just wield a sword—they have combat abilities. They can heal people who are injured. All you can do is break rocks and shake the earth for about two seconds."

Brandon grinned and said, "You have no idea what I can do, little one."

Raven then smirked and said, "And you have no idea what I'm capable of. Yet you want to sit and mock my kind when you need a little girl to save you."

"Enough!" Abigail shouted. "Brandon, that was uncalled for. The Lights are heroic knights, and we need them on our side if we want to defeat Vex. Raven, you will come to Rambix Academy and learn to fight. We need you in this fight whether you like it or not. We are all in danger because you haven't learned to fight with your abilities. This is the only way we can make sure she is safe and our people will be safe, Brandon. Understood?"

Brandon rolled his eyes but said, "I understand, Abby."

I just stopped and hesitated and said, "How are you guys going to get me enrolled in Rambix Academy if I can't even pass the entry exam?"

Abigail and Brandon smirked and both said, "We have our ways." This meant that since they are both royalty and have status in the school as Crystals, the school will most likely have to submit to them.

I rolled my eyes and said, "This is going to be a long year." I knew that my life was going to change, and I questioned whether I was even worthy of the abilities I was born with.

I was ready to scream—like full-on Godzilla—but something about Abigail’s presence calmed the storm inside me. She explained everything: about Rambix, the war brewing in the shadows, and how the Darks were taking parents from the Crystals, an elite team of young magic wielders who fought against the Darkness.

And they had taken mine.

I felt like the world had split open beneath me. My parents were gone, and I was supposed to act like everything was fine? I was supposed to hide who I was when the world needed me to be strong again?

"Why me?" I asked, hugging my knees to my chest.

"Because you're not just a Light user," Abigail said softly, sitting beside me. "You're more than you've ever been told. And it's time to stop hiding."

That day, I packed what I could—my pink crystal necklace, my black combat boots, and the courage I had left—and left with Abigail and Brandon to Abigail's home, awaiting me at Rambix Academy.

The next day, Brandon, Abigail, and I headed to Rambix Academy. We had all slept over at Abigail’s home—the palace of Exedora. I’d never slept in a palace before. Leon would freak. Speaking of Leon...

I had not told Leon yet where I was going. Actually, he will probably kill me, as I have been avoiding his phone calls about why I haven't shown up to school for about two hours. But I have a good reason for that. Abigail and Brandon have been watching me like a hawk—no literally, they even followed me to the bathroom. Not in the bathroom, but they stalked the bathroom door. Good thing it had a lock.

Abigail and Brandon both gave me a uniform to put on for Rambix Academy. It was very stylish and unique. They even added a charm for me representing my birth mother—may she rest in peace. After breakfast, they shoved me into the limo that was taking us to Rambix Academy.

The ride to Rambix was nerve-wracking. You could hear the dead silence from everyone in the car and the longing stares between Abigail and Brandon. I was like the third wheel in one of Leon’s chick-flick movies.

When we actually got to the school, there were thousands of students outside waiting for us.

Abigail, brushing her uniform and getting ready to run, said, "Oh Raven, watch your back. Brandon's fans can get a little unpleasant—including with newcomers."

"Fans?" I said.

"They're scary," Brandon replied. "One girl punched Abby one time just to get next to me and Christopher. It was quite a show. Abby punched her back—it was hilarious."

Abigail rolled her eyes. "I did not punch her back. I poured water on her to cool her off. I wouldn’t use violence to calm a storm."

I giggled inside, thinking, Yeah, like that’s any better. That fan probably was more pissed.

"Okay Brandon, we're leaving you," Abigail said.

"Excuse me?" Brandon replied.

"Yeah, I don't have time to baby you in front of your fans today. I have to show Raven around. Come on, Raven," Abigail said, taking my hand and pulling me out of the car.

Brandon said, "Wait—don't leave!"

"Good luck," I replied back.

Chapter 3 — Rambixs Academy

Rambixs Academy

The academy was a castle-like school nestled in the rainbow cliffs of Amora. Magic pulsed in the air like music. Floating lanterns lit the halls, spellbooks flew on their own, and crystal creatures roamed freely.

Abigail walked me to the front gates, her blue and purple hair flowing like waves in the wind.
“Welcome to Rambixs, Raven. This is where your real story begins.”

I didn’t know it yet, but the day I stepped into Rambixs was the day I would find my true family.

Stepping into Rambixs Academy felt like walking into a dream I didn’t even know I’d had. The castle-like school perched on rainbow cliffs, with waterfalls cascading below and the air alive with the hum of spells and laughter.

The halls were lined with glowing lanterns floating above lockers painted in swirling colors of pink, blue, and gold. Enchanted paintings whispered secrets, and spellbooks flapped their covers like wings as they zoomed by students. Everywhere I looked, there was color, movement, life.

Abigail walked beside me, pointing out classrooms filled with magic:
a room where students shaped water into glowing creatures,
another where a fire user created dancing flames to a piano melody,
and a glass greenhouse where plants sang when you touched them.

“This is your new home, Raven,” she said gently.

“Feels like a fairytale,” I whispered.

She nodded. “It is. But it’s also a battleground.”

We stopped at a large oak door etched with crystal symbols. She placed her hand on it, and the door swung open, revealing a classroom filled with students of every magical type—light, water, fire, ice, shadow, wind, earth. Some had glowing auras; others wore gemstone accessories that pulsed softly.

That’s when I saw him.

Christopher.

His silvery-blue hair—almost white with a hint of blond—shimmered under the crystal chandeliers. His ice-blue eyes glanced at me, sharp but soft, like he could see every secret I tried to hide. He gave me a crooked grin and raised an eyebrow.

“New kid?” he asked, leaning back in his chair.

I crossed my arms. “Yeah, what of it?”

He chuckled. “Feisty.”

Abigail rolled her eyes and pulled me toward an empty desk. “Ignore him. He’s annoying.”

Christopher smirked. “Only to you, Abby.”

“Don’t call me that!” she snapped, cheeks turning pink.

I sat down, feeling something I hadn’t felt in years—belonging. For once, I wasn’t the odd one out. I was just another magic user in a room full of others like me.

Mr. Andrews walked in with a stack of spellbooks. His kind eyes landed on me, and he smiled.

“Ah, the new student. Raven, welcome to Rambixs Academy. Abigale’s parents said you would be joining us.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, clutching my necklace. I leaned toward Abigale and muttered, “You said your parents were missing.”
She winked. “He doesn’t know that.”

Mr. Andrews handed me a book, the cover glowing softly in my hands.
“Your journey begins today. Let’s see what kind of magic you truly hold.”

I glanced at Abigale for reassurance—and for the first time, determination. I would find my parents.

In class we learned spells, spells that would come in handy when I faced Vexs. Christopher kept glancing at me, which was confusing and honestly annoying. What was his deal?

Mr. Andrews gathered everyone around. He wanted Abigale to demonstrate a spell for the class. I always knew she was the strongest wizard at Rambixs Academy, but being a teacher’s pet was something else.

“Abigale,” Mr. Andrews said, “please show the class how the spell is done.”

She opened the spellbook. With a wave of her hand, she conjured water and shaped it into a shield.

“This is how you conjure a shield. Remember it—it will be a lifesaver against the forces of darkness,” Mr. Andrews said. Then he looked at me. “Miss Ravens?”

“Yes?” I answered nervously.

“Please perform the spell Abigale just demonstrated.”

My heart raced, but I forced myself to breathe. If what Terra and my foster parents said was true, then I was destined to have Rambixs powers too.

I chanted the spell…
and nothing happened.

The class went silent. Panic rose in my throat.

Then suddenly the ground trembled. The spellbook flew from the desk, landing open on the floor—open to a sealed page no one had noticed before. Words glowed in the air, forming a name:

Valentina.

A name I had never heard before.
Abigale looked shocked… but not surprised.
Christopher stared at me, first startled, then studying me with a seriousness that chilled me. A symbol—an elegant heart—glowed on his wrist, and I swore I had seen it somewhere before.

Then the book snapped shut, and a symbol formed on my forehead: a pink heart with a sword through it and black wings. My hands burned with the essence of a pink flame.

Even Mr. Andrews looked stunned.

As the symbols faded and the book closed, my powers quieted.
But something inside me had awakened.

Mr. Andrews cleared his throat quickly.
“And that is how you don’t perform an energy shield. Alright class, turn to page thirty-five. We’ll discuss animal shifting.”

I whispered to Abigale, “Did you see that?”

She smiled. “Yes. You did amazing.”

Christopher said, “Amazing? She almost blew up the school.”

“I did not!” I snapped.

He smirked. “Keep telling yourself that.”

I glared at him.

His face softened. “You did great.”

Something in his voice sounded familiar.

Christopher shrugged. “Glad you’re on our team. You’ve got some pretty destructive abilities. Could come in handy when we defeat Vexs.”

My glare returned. “Vexs… I’m coming for you.”

After class, Christopher asked Abigale where Brandon was.

I said, “We left him to die with his fans.”

Christopher whistled. “I’m shocked the new girl has the courage to face Brandon’s wrath.”

“Wrath?” I said.

Abigale sighed. “Let’s just say it comes with being an earth-bender.”

Suddenly the ground shook. Pieces of rock lifted off the floor. Brandon marched toward us, sunburned and dramatic.

“Abby! You left me! Do you know teenage girls are crazy? They literally pulled my shirt—IT HURT!”

Abigale laughed. “I’m sorry, Brandon. I had to show Raven around. I had to get her to her first class on time.”

Christopher cracked up. “Dude—you got beat up by a girl.”

Brandon scowled. “You try fending off thousands of girls with abilities, all trying to rip your shirt apart!”

I looked at Christopher. “You’ve got fans too, huh?”

“Yup,” he said. “They can’t resist me.”

I rolled my eyes. “I can’t imagine why.”

Abigale whispered, “Christopher’s fans are way worse than Brandon’s. They look you in the eye and smile before they end your existence.”

“Remind me never to piss you two off,” I muttered.

Brandon said, “Too late, little bird.”

“Oh, I get my nickname,” I replied. “Cute. Couldn’t come up with anything better?”

He smirked, annoyed.

After two more classes, Abigale insisted I sit with them at lunch. Gossip spread like wildfire about why I was invited to join the Crystals when I hadn’t even taken the tests. I guess I understood why people were annoyed—they’d been trying their whole lives, and here I was joining before them.

To be fair, none of their parents had been kidnapped by a murderous psycho trying to end the world, but hey—who am I to judge?

“Raven,” Abigale said, “me and Brandon are getting juice and lunch. Want anything?”

“Yes please,” I said. “I’ll have a slushie, a grilled cheese, a cheeseburger, ramen, a cinnamon bun, and fries.”

Brandon stared. “Are you feeding an army with that stomach of yours?”

Christopher smacked him. I huffed, “No. I am the army. And I’m hungry. And Brandon—you do not want to see me when I’m hangry.”

My eyes glowed with fire.

“Right. Got it. Food. Immediately,” Brandon said.

Abigale laughed. “See, Brandon? This happens when you piss off a queen. Good training for when you find a wife.”

Brandon smirked. “No, Abby. You will be my wife.”

Abigale dropped his arm. “What happened to the ‘in your dreams’ speech?”

“I was joking,” Brandon said. “You’re the one who put me in the friend zone.”

Abigale smiled. “Yes. Friends. We’re fighting a war—no need for romance.”

Brandon muttered, “When have we not fought a war? We’ve been fighting since we were babies.”

Christopher groaned. “Oh my god—just fuck already.”

I looked at him. “You know, for a prince, you have zero manners.”

He grinned. “It was God-given.”

“Your mouth?”

“That… and other things,” he said, winking at me.

“Gross.”

He leaned back. “You could lighten up, you know.”

“My parents are missing and the Darkness want to murder me. And you want me to chill?”

Christopher said softly, “Yes… well, that’s true. But you have us.”

“Oh, I feel sooo safe,” I said sarcastically.

He didn’t flinch. He just looked at Abigail then back at me and said “You should. I’ve never seen Abigale this worried before. She cares about you. A lot. And whether you like it or not—so do me and Brandon.”

“Why?” I asked.

His eyes softened for a moment. There it was—the mystery Abigale talked about. The thing he hid behind jokes and smirks.

“Because the Crystals protect people,” he said quietly. “That’s why. And we’re protecting you now.”

“That’s sweet,” I said. “But is that the truth? Or the lie you tell to hide the truth?”

He froze—something unspoken in his eyes—and just as he opened his mouth, Abigale returned with the food.

“Here,” she said. “One large Icee and a cinnamon bun. They didn’t have grilled cheese, but they had fries.”

“Thank you, Abby,” I said.

She smiled. “First time you called me that.”

I shrugged. “Well… Brandon calls you Abby, so I thought I’d try it.”

She laughed. “It fits me well, doesn’t it?”

I nodded. “Yeah—it does.”

“Wow,” Christopher said. “So this is what it feels like having another girl on our team. You see that, Brandon?”

Brandon huffed. “Abby never smiles at me like that when I call her by her nickname.”

Abigale smirked. “Well duh.”

I laughed.

Christopher sat forward. “Okay—so what’s the plan, Abby? We can play cute team all we want, but Vexs is still out there. We need a plan.”

Brandon groaned. “Way to ruin the mood, dude.”

“No,” Abigale said. “He’s right. Lunch is the perfect time to rehearse and practice what we talked about.”

I blinked. “Want to fill me in on what that is?”

They all looked at me.

“The Crystal Gardens.”

I stared at them.

“Oh great… I’m screwed.”

Chapter 4 — The Crystal Gardens

Everyone knew about the Crystal Gardens. They were created by the first Crystals when Valintina reigned as Queen. A beautiful garden with a class table carved from crystal, seven chairs representing all its members. So far, Abigale, Christopher, and Brandon were the only active members.

Beneath that beauty was the real legend — an extreme underground base where the Crystals trained in combat, magic, and strategy to protect the city.

Abigale looked at me.
“Raven, here’s the plan. While Brandon and I try to find Vexs through the computer database, you’re going to learn from Christopher how to activate your powers in combat. Okay?”

“But before… it just happened because of the book,” I said. “I don’t know if I can do it again.”

Abigale took my hand.
“You are your powers, Raven. No book can ever take that from you. You’re capable.”

I wasn’t sure. A part of me still felt like someone who needed saving, not someone who saved others. All my life I’d been told I was some hidden savior, someone meant to stay out of sight. All I knew was this: if I wanted to defeat Vexs, I needed my powers. And pain, anger, fear — those were emotions I understood too well.

“Okay,” I said. “Let’s do it.”

The atmosphere shifted as we entered the underground base. Cold. Metallic. Completely different from the gardens above. Red leather couches, a snack bar, tech walls, and a full arena for the Crystals. Honestly… it made sense to hide something powerful in a place no one would think to look.

I put on my combat boots and training clothes while Abigale and Brandon sat at the computers pretending to be tech geniuses, hacking into Amoura’s security servers to track Vexs.

Christopher and I stepped into the training arena.

“Raven, read this,” he said, handing me a spellbook. “It’s from our class. It’ll help you build a foundation for your powers.”

As I read, the lights around us flickered. My hands glowed soft pink again.

“Good,” Christopher said. “Now focus. Choose an emotion that activates your power.”

“An emotion?”

“Yes. Powers magnify through emotion — rage, joy, sadness…” He hesitated, then quietly added, “and love.”

“I’m trying,” I said. “But all I feel is fear.”

“Fear is an emotion. Use it. Focus on an image. When was the last time you felt truly afraid?”

I closed my eyes and the flashback hit instantly — me as a child, running through the woods with a woman who had reddish-pink hair. She wore a lace gown embedded with diamonds and starlit threads. She held my hand, breathless but steady.

“Raven… this world is no stranger to darkness. But I promise, sweet child… no matter what, no matter when… I will find you again.”

Tears streamed down my face. My powers exploded. Flames burst around me, swirling like a storm ready to swallow us whole. Black feathers fell from nowhere. My eyes turned pitch black as my body lifted from the ground.

A ghostly voice echoed through the base:

“Please… please protect my Raven…”

The screeching sound tore through the room. Abigale and Brandon covered their ears, chanting a spell. Christopher grabbed my shoulders, shaking me.

“Raven! Can you hear me?!”

“I’m so scared!” I screamed. “I can’t save them — I can’t save anyone!”

“Raven, listen to me,” Christopher said, his voice low and steady. “I know it’s hard. You’ve been thrown into a world you’ve been hiding from your whole life, surrounded by strangers. I get it. I do. I’ve felt this way before.”

“You have?” I cried.

“Yes. I’ve been lost. Afraid to lose control. Afraid to embrace who I was. But then I met Abigale and Brandon. People I trusted. People who believed in me. And Raven… you’re not alone anymore. I’m not leaving you. Not again.”

And just like that, my body dropped to the ground. I reached for Christopher, and he pulled me into a hug.

“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry,” I whispered.

“I know,” he said softly. “It wasn’t you.”

Abigale and Brandon rushed over.
“Are you okay?” Abigale asked, hugging me.
“Yeah, are you good?” Brandon added.

I teased him. “Wow… no sarcastic comment?”

Brandon snorted. Abigale laughed.
“There you are,” she said.

“Here I am,” I whispered.

Brandon looked between me and Christopher. “So this isn’t awkward at all.”

“Yeah, man,” Christopher replied. “While you and Abby stood there like freaked-out statues, I helped.”

“I did not stand like a freaked statue,” Brandon protested.

“Kinda did,” Christopher said.

I laughed with Abigale.

“I need answers,” I said. “Why do my powers activate so intensely? I need to know how to control them — and I think we need help.”

“There’s one person at this school who knows every power in Amoura,” Abigale said.

“Who?” I asked.

Brandon sighed. “Mr. Andrews.”

“Then we talk to him,” I said.

“What if he’s involved?” Christopher asked.

“At least we’ll get answers,” Abigale said. “We need them if we’re going to defeat Vexs.”

I felt drained, but determined. Mr. Andrews knew something — I could feel it.

We walked to his classroom.

“Mr. Andrews?” Abigale asked.

“Ah, Abigale.” He looked at me. “Hello to you as well, Miss Adams.”

“Do you know anything about why my powers activated today in class?” I asked.

His expression shifted with concern.
“Is this about Vexs? Are you searching for answers about the past?”

“Yes,” I said. “I had a glimpse — a woman with red and pink hair. She had powers like mine. Who was she?”

“Please, Professor,” Brandon said.
Christopher added, “Any time now.”

Mr. Andrews sighed.
“There is only one person I’ve known who possessed abilities like yours, Raven. Queen Valintina.”

“Who?” I breathed.

Abigale and Brandon exchanged a look.

“So that old man was right,” Brandon said. “Raven… you’re Queen Valintina’s daughter.”

“No. I had parents. My birth parents died. I never knew them — that’s what I was told.”

Christopher’s eyes glowed bright blue for a moment. His wrist shimmered again. Then it faded as he looked at me.

Mr. Andrews rolled out a cart and opened a large archive book.
“Here. The history of Amoura.”

Abigale pointed.
“Look — Queen Valintina’s daughter, born 2009. Documented at her coronation with the Prince, who was destined to marry her. Queen Valintina died in the Great Battle… but the bodies were never found. Neither was her daughter.”

“Great,” Brandon muttered. “Eighteen pages I’m never getting back.”

“So what?” I said. “Just because she and I share a birth year doesn’t mean I’m her daughter.”

“True,” Mr. Andrews said. “But your powers do. Queen Valintina’s True Love Flame only activated on her daughter’s sixteenth birthday. The power was passed down by blood. Chosen by the goddess Terra herself. Raven… you possess the True Love Flame.”

The room fell silent.

“The facts add up,” Abigale said gently.

“I know,” I said. “I don’t have to like it… but I know.”

Mr. Andrews continued,
“I may be able to help you on your quest.”

“Huh? How did you know we were on a mission?” Christopher asked.

“I’m part of the Council. I know the importance—and the danger—of what you’re facing. I valued the days when the Council didn’t rely on teenagers. But Raven… your mother asked me to protect you if I ever found you.”

He handed me a bracelet.

“A… bracelet?” I asked.

“A charm bracelet with a time-watch. Twist the charm, and it opens a portal.”

“A portal?” Brandon echoed.

“Why would we need a portal?” Abigale asked.

“To reach Amoura’s castle,” Mr. Andrews said. “That is where your answers lie. But be warned… the darkness guards it now.”

Christopher stepped closer.
“We’ll keep her safe.”

I looked at all of them. “Are we really doing this?”

“Yes,” Abigale said. “Together.”

“Together,” I repeated.

Brandon grinned. “What could go wrong?”

As we stepped into the portal, one thought echoed in my mind:
I’m the daughter of Queen Valintina… and I’m returning home.

Oh gods. How did I end up in this mess?

“By being born,” Brandon said.

“Shut up,” Abigale groaned.

We laughed — but the silence that followed said everything.
We were one step closer to the battle that would change everything.

Chapter 5 — The Kingdom of Amora and the Echoes of Vexs

When we arrived, we all thought we would’ve ended up near the castle, but instead we appeared on the other side of the castle gates, deep inside the castle’s forest.

“Great,” Brandon said. “Mr. Andrews left us on the wrong side of the island.”

“It’s okay,” Abigule replied. “We’ll find a way. I have a map—Mr. Andrews gave it to me to find our way back to the portal.”

Christepher looked at me. “Do you recognize any of this?”

“No,” I said. “It feels familiar… but I don’t recognize this place at all.”

As we walked through Amora’s forest—its towering trees, roses blooming in impossible colors, and a winding path through the woods—I felt a sudden chill run down my spine, sharp enough to stop my breath.
Something was coming.
Which was strange, because sunlight filtered through the branches in soft, warm beams.

“Well, at least we have clear skies,” Brandon said.

“Really, Brandon? You want to talk about the weather right now?” I muttered.

“Someone’s gotta put us in a good mood.”

As it grew late—almost dark—we climbed a small mountain hill. Below us, in a narrow passage leading to the castle, stood a group of knights.

“Shit,” Brandon whispered. “It’s Vexs’ crew.”

“We need a plan,” Abigule said. “If they see us, we fight.”

I stared down at them. They felt… familiar. Almost like family. But this was the Darkness Territory, and we had to stay alert.

Suddenly Christepher grabbed my wrist and pulled me behind him.

“Hey—what are you doing?” I hissed.

He winked. “Protecting you, love.”

I tried to yank my arm away, but he didn’t budge.
“I don’t need protection—”

The guards turned at the exact moment Christepher moved, as if he predicted every shift of their bodies.

“Yes. Yes, you do,” he whispered.

I rolled my eyes, but a tiny smile slipped out anyway.

“Stay back!” Abigule called. “I’ll use my abilities!”

The guards raised their spears to their chests, ready to attack—until a strand of my hair slipped forward, glowing faintly in the dim light. Their faces froze.

“Who are you?!” they yelled.

“Who are you?” I replied, stepping out from behind Christepher.

Their eyes widened. “Princess…? It can’t be. You’re dead.”

Confusion rippled through them. Then they saw Christepher.
Recognition hit instantly.

“We see… we are sorry, Princess. We are the last guards of Amora. We heard the knights of Vexs have taken over this kingdom, and we swore to protect the Queen and King from being found.”

Abigule, Brandon, and Christepher exchanged looks.

“We heard the Queen was dead,” Christepher said. “We heard Vexs killed her.”

“That’s what Vexs wants the kingdom to think,” one guard replied. “He’s been trying to break through the castle walls—trying to shatter Goddess Terra’s spell. But the spell protects them still.”

“Who?” Abigule asked.

The guards turned to me. “I’m sorry, Princess. We swore under oath not to say.”

“I’m not a princess,” I said. “My name is Raven. I don’t want you to bow. I want to find my foster parents. Will you help me? As comrades—not worshipers?”

They lifted their heads.
“Yes, Your Highness.”

I shot Abigule a look. “Your Highness?”

She smirked. “Just go with it.”

“How did you know Raven was the Princess?” Brandon asked.

“Only one person has pink hair in this kingdom—the royal bloodline. If she were not of royal blood, she wouldn’t possess Queen Valentina’s hair. And Christepher… he is with her.”

“Christepher?” Brandon repeated.

The guards led us toward the castle. Christepher stayed close, and I noticed—he always did.
He never left my side in the forest.
Always checking on me more than Abigule did.
Offering water, rest… or just silence when I needed it.

I felt less alone with him near. I felt more myself.

Inside the castle walls, the guards lifted the veil of Terra’s spell and let us through.

What waited for us on the other side… none of us expected.

The first room was the old kingdom library.
Searching for answers, we found a book about Amora’s history…
and a picture of me as a child.

It confirmed everything Mr. Andrews feared.

Suddenly, a voice echoed through the halls—a woman’s voice—weak, trembling:

“Please… please find me, daughter… please do not wait any longer…”

“Abigule! Brandon!” I yelled. “Check the corridors!”

They ran—only to be confronted by Ivy.
Vexs’ right hand.

“I finally found you,” Ivy hissed. “Abigule… did you miss me?”

Brandon groaned. “Girl, this chick hates you. She always comes after us.”

Abigule ignored him. “We’re really doing this again?”

Ivy shrieked and her vines snapped to life—hissing, cracking, whipping through the air like angry serpents.
A thick vine wrapped around Abigule’s ankle and snatched her off her feet, slamming her to the ground.

Brandon jumped in, trying to fight her off, but Ivy’s power was overwhelming.
His search-bending wasn’t enough.
He hesitated—fear mixed with anger.

This was the moment he always avoided…
the moment he had to choose between being the knight he wanted to be
or becoming the king his father demanded.

Ivy’s vines tightened around Abigule’s throat—creaking, squeezing, the sound like bark snapping under pressure.

Poison pulsed through them, inching toward Abigule’s heart.

Abigule gasped, using her water abilities to slice through the vines—water sheared the vines cleanly, the sound a sharp slicing hiss—cutting Ivy’s cheek in the process.

“You cut my face?!” Ivy screamed.

Abigule coughed. “Brandon… anytime now!”

Ivy lunged again, screaming, “Do you remember?!”

“Remember what?” Abigule snapped.

“Remember who he was—who you took from me!”

Abigule smirked. “I remember you becoming a jealous bitch when I wouldn’t join Vexs. That’s what I remember.”

Ivy shrieked, slashing Abigule’s arms open.

Brandon froze—his father’s voice in his head, every expectation weighing on him.

Then courage snapped inside him like lightning.

His royal power surged.

Lightning exploded from his hands—electricity cracking, burning, rattling Ivy’s vines.
Ivy fell, her body twitching.

Vexs appeared behind her—silent, furious.

“What have you done?” he growled.

Before anyone could react, he grabbed Brandon—
slammed him into the wall—
the crack echoing through the castle—

Brandon’s head hit stone. Blood poured down.
Vexs crushed Brandon’s arm—the one he used against Ivy—until bone cracked.

Abigule screamed.
She dropped beside him, hands trembling, breath faltering.

“Brandon—Brandon—stay with me—”

His blood warmed her palms. Too much. Way too much.

Christepher and I sprinted in just in time to see Vexs smirking.

“Hello, Raven,” Vexs purred. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

He snapped his fingers.

And I vanished.

Christepher shouted my name, searching for me through the fading magic.

Abigule could barely breathe through her crying.

“Abby,” Christepher urged, “you have to heal him!”

“I—I can’t—there’s too much blood—Christepher, I can’t lose him—”

“Yes, you can,” Christepher said firmly. “Because you love him. And love unlocks power. Focus.”

Her hands shook violently as she held Brandon’s head and arm.

She focused on:
his stupid jokes,
their arguments,
the week he was gone and how empty the castle felt without him,
how she never admitted she needed him.

Her healing power glowed—a soft golden light —warming Brandon’s body.

Christepher’s eyes flickered blue.
“I’ll find you, Raven,” he whispered. “I promise.”

Brandon stirred, blinking. “Abby… why are you crying?”

She sobbed and laughed at once. “Because you almost died, idiot.”

He smirked weakly. “You must really love me, huh?”

She rolled her eyes. “Shut up. I’m glad you’re back.”

Christepher hugged them both.
Brandon groaned. “Awww, you love me too, hu?”

“If you ever die again,” Christepher said, “Abby will heal you so I can kill you.”

Brandon snorted. “Glad I was missed. But uh… where’s Raven?”

They froze.

“We don’t know,” Abby whispered.

A hidden door creaked open behind them—a door unseen by Vexs, but familiar to Abigule from her visions.

“I’ve seen this,” she said. “In the vision where I was looking for Raven.”

“You mean when you were hearing voices?” Brandon asked.

Christepher raised an eyebrow. “Like creepy voices or sexy voices?”

Abigule glared. “And this is why Raven is my favorite.”

They muttered “rude” under their breath.

Inside, the air dropped instantly.
Cold—so cold their breath turned white.

The room was made of glass shards embedded into the walls, like the room had been frozen mid-explosion.
A massive window was cracked, showing claw marks and vines—evidence of a failed escape.

Queen Valentina was strapped down by vines, her arms and legs cut and bruised, her skin turning faint blue from the cold.
Beside her, the King hung unconscious, vines wrapping around his body like restraints.

Abigule gasped. “Queen Valentina…”

The Queen lifted her head weakly. “Where… where is my daughter?”

“She was taken,” Christepher said, kneeling beside her. His voice softened—gentle, protective.
A child promised long ago to guard his future wife… and now facing the family he failed.

The Queen recognized him instantly.

“You… let her get taken…”

“Brandon was dying,” Abigule whispered. “Christepher didn’t mean to—”

The Queen trembled. “You must find her, Christepher…”

“I will,” he vowed. “I promise.”

Abigule stepped forward. “We need to free them.”

“I cannot leave my husband,” the Queen said. “Only a healer can help him. I am too weak…”

“I can do it,” Abigule said.

The Queen looked at her with desperate hope. “Please.”

Abigule used her healing abilities to revive the King.
He gasped awake, eyes landing on his wife.

“Valentina… who has done this to you?”

“I am fine now that you’re awake,” she whispered. “It was worth it.”

“We have to find Raven,” Abigule said.

The King steadied himself. “Go. We have fought darkness before.”

“No,” Christepher said. “Brandon will go with you. You both must be protected.”

“Christepher’s right,” Abigule added. “Now that you’re awake, Vexs will hunt you. We’ll take you to the school—Rambix Academy—until he’s defeated.”

She grabbed Brandon’s hand.
“I’m glad you’re safe. Our talk will have to wait.”

Brandon squeezed her hand. “I’ll keep them safe. You two find Raven.”

He guided the King and Queen to the portal.

As they left, I opened my eyes somewhere dark.
Cold vines wrapped around my arms and legs—tight, pulsing with magic.
I couldn’t move.

A voice breathed against my ear—

“Raven… we’re finally alone.”

Vexs.

“Let’s talk.”

And the real battle began.

Crimson Secret

Genre: short story, murder mystery,thriller, family bonds

Chapter 1: The Body Beneath the Oak

The rain fell in a steady rhythm, a haunting melody against the ancient stained-glass windows of the Rosewood estate. The mansion sat atop a hill, its gothic spires piercing the storm-heavy clouds. To the casual observer, it was a vision of grandeur—sprawling gardens, a wrought-iron gate, and ivy creeping along stone walls. But to those who lived within, it was a cage of secrets.

Inside, the three sisters gathered in the dimly lit living room. The flickering glow of the fireplace cast long shadows on the walls, making the room seem even larger than it was. Tiana, the eldest, sat rigidly in a leather armchair, her fingers interlocked and her jaw clenched. She was always the composed one, the leader who kept the family together. But tonight, her calm exterior was strained.

Isabella paced the room, her delicate hands clutching a lace handkerchief as tears streamed down her face. Her sobs filled the silence, punctuated only by the crackling fire and the distant sound of rain. She wore a black silk dress, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders, and her beauty was undeniable, even in grief. But there was something off about her sorrow—it was theatrical, practiced.

Dawn, the youngest, lingered by the window, her face pale and her hazel eyes darting toward the garden where the body of Ethan, Isabella’s boyfriend, had been found. She hadn’t looked away from the oak tree since the discovery. Her quiet presence was often overlooked, but Dawn had a gift—a dark, unsettling intuition that allowed her to see what others tried to hide.

“He’s dead,” Isabella wailed, breaking the silence. “Ethan is…he’s gone!” Her voice cracked, and she collapsed onto the nearest sofa, burying her face in her hands.

Tiana’s gaze didn’t waver. “We need to call the police,” she said firmly, her tone devoid of emotion. “We shouldn’t touch anything in the garden. The detectives will need to see it exactly as it is.”

Dawn finally turned from the window, her voice soft but steady. “I already called them. They’ll be here soon.”

Tiana nodded approvingly, but Isabella’s head shot up. “The police?” she hissed, her face streaked with tears. “Why would you do that so quickly? What if they think—what if they think one of us did it?”

Tiana raised an eyebrow. “And why would they think that, Isabella? Unless there’s something you’re not telling us.”

Isabella’s lips parted in shock. “How dare you? How could you accuse me of something so—so monstrous? Ethan was my boyfriend! I loved him!” She dissolved into sobs again, but her eyes flickered toward Dawn, who caught the subtle glance and stored it away in her mind.

“I’m not accusing anyone,” Tiana replied calmly, though her gaze remained sharp. “But this is a crime scene now. We need to cooperate with the investigation.”

The tension in the room was palpable, each sister weighed down by their own thoughts. The storm outside intensified, thunder rumbling in the distance, as if nature itself was mirroring the chaos within the house.

An hour later, the police arrived, their flashing lights illuminating the darkened estate. Detective Lawson, a seasoned investigator with graying hair and a weary expression, led the team. He surveyed the scene with practiced efficiency, his sharp eyes taking in every detail.

“Miss Rosewood,” he addressed Tiana, who had taken it upon herself to meet the officers at the door. “We understand that the victim, Ethan Carter, was found in your garden. Can you confirm who discovered the body?”

Tiana gestured toward Isabella, who stood a few feet away, wringing her hands. “My sister, Isabella, found him,” Tiana said. Her voice was steady, but the way she glanced at Isabella spoke volumes. “She came inside, screaming for us.”

Detective Lawson nodded, jotting something in his notebook. “And was anyone else outside before the discovery?”

“No,” Tiana replied. “We were all in the house.”

Lawson turned to Isabella, his gaze narrowing slightly. “Miss Rosewood,” he said, his voice gentler now, “I know this is a difficult time, but I need to ask you some questions. Can you tell me what happened?”

Isabella dabbed at her eyes with the handkerchief, her voice trembling as she recounted the moment she found Ethan. “I—I went to look for him. He’d said he needed some air, but he was gone longer than I expected. I thought maybe…” She broke off, her sobs choking her words.

“It’s all right,” Lawson said. “Take your time.”

“I thought maybe he was upset,” she continued. “We’d had a…a small argument earlier, but nothing serious. When I found him, I—” Her voice broke again, and she buried her face in her hands.

Lawson waited a moment before turning to Tiana and Dawn. “Did either of you notice anything unusual earlier tonight? Any arguments, suspicious behavior?”

Tiana shook her head. “No,” she said. “We were all inside, and everything seemed fine.” Her voice was calm, but Dawn could see the faint flicker of anger in her sister’s eyes—a buried emotion she rarely let surface.

Dawn hesitated before answering. “I didn’t notice anything,” she lied. She wasn’t ready to reveal the subtle tension she’d picked up on between Ethan and Isabella earlier in the week.

Lawson studied them all carefully, his expression unreadable. “We’ll need to interview each of you separately,” he said. “I’ll also need to examine the garden.”

As the officers moved to the crime scene, Dawn watched from the window once again, her mind racing. She couldn’t shake the feeling that the truth was buried somewhere in the shadows of their family—and that each of them had something to hide.

Chapter 2: The Interrogations

The police presence transformed the atmosphere in the mansion. Officers moved methodically through the rooms, taking photographs, collecting evidence, and questioning the three sisters. Tiana, Isabella, and Dawn were instructed to remain in separate areas of the house to avoid contamination of their statements. The air was thick with unease, and the storm outside continued to batter the windows.

Detective Lawson called Isabella into the study first.

The room was dimly lit, with only a single desk lamp illuminating the detective’s notepad and the tense face of the grieving sister. Isabella sat in the high-backed leather chair, clutching her handkerchief tightly, her posture slightly hunched as though shielding herself from judgment. Her tear-streaked face painted her as a portrait of tragedy, but Lawson had seen enough in his career to know that appearances could be deceiving.

“Miss Rosewood,” Lawson began, his voice calm but firm. “I understand this is a very difficult time for you. I want to start by asking some basic questions to establish a timeline. Can you tell me when you last saw Ethan alive?”

Isabella sniffled, dabbing her eyes. “It was just before dinner,” she said softly. “We were…we were in the sitting room. He said he needed some air and went out into the garden.”

Lawson jotted down her words. “You mentioned earlier that you and Ethan had an argument. Can you tell me what it was about?”

Isabella hesitated, her eyes darting to the floor. “It was nothing serious,” she said quickly. “Just…something silly. He thought I was being too controlling. I told him he was overreacting.”

“Controlling?” Lawson’s eyebrow arched slightly. “What do you think he meant by that?”

“I don’t know,” Isabella replied, her voice rising. “I just cared about him, that’s all. I wanted to make sure he was happy.”

Lawson leaned back in his chair, studying her. “When you found Ethan’s body, you said you saw something that made you suspicious. Can you elaborate?”

Isabella’s face paled slightly, but she maintained her composure. “I…saw Tiana in the garden earlier,” she said hesitantly. “I didn’t think anything of it at the time, but now…I don’t know. They were alone together.”

Lawson’s pen paused over his notepad. “Are you suggesting that your sister might have had a motive to harm Ethan?”

“I’m not suggesting anything,” Isabella said quickly, her voice trembling. “I just think you should talk to her.”

Tiana was called in next.

The eldest sister entered the study with her head held high, her movements measured and deliberate. She sat across from Lawson and met his gaze evenly, her hands resting calmly in her lap.

“Miss Rosewood,” Lawson began, flipping to a fresh page in his notepad, “your sister mentioned that Ethan might have been speaking to you alone in the garden earlier. Can you confirm this?”

Tiana nodded. “He did speak to me,” she admitted. “But it wasn’t an argument. He came to me because he was worried.”

“Worried about what?” Lawson pressed.

“About Isabella,” Tiana said, her voice steady. “He said he thought she was…unstable. That she might try to hurt me.”

Lawson’s pen moved rapidly across the page. “Did he explain why he felt that way?”

“He said she’d been acting strangely,” Tiana replied. “That she seemed paranoid and obsessed with the idea that he was interested in me. He asked me to run away with him.”

Lawson’s eyes narrowed. “And what did you say?”

Tiana’s jaw tightened. “I told him no. I would never betray my sister like that.”

“And then what happened?”

“He left,” Tiana said simply. “He said he needed to think. I assumed he went back into the house.”

Lawson leaned forward. “You didn’t think to warn anyone about what Ethan told you?”

“I didn’t believe him,” Tiana said, her voice softening. “I thought he was exaggerating. Isabella can be dramatic, but I didn’t think she was dangerous.”

Finally, it was Dawn’s turn.

The youngest sister entered the study with a quiet confidence that surprised Lawson. She sat down gracefully, folding her hands in her lap and waiting for the detective to begin.

“Miss Rosewood,” Lawson started, “your sisters have given conflicting accounts of the evening. I’d like to hear your perspective.”

“I don’t know what you want me to say,” Dawn replied softly. “I wasn’t in the garden. I didn’t see or hear anything unusual.”

“Your sister Tiana mentioned that Ethan expressed concern about Isabella. Did he ever share similar concerns with you?”

Dawn hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “Ethan was…observant,” she said finally. “He noticed things about people. I think he might have seen something in Isabella that scared him.”

Lawson’s gaze sharpened. “And what do you think? Did Isabella scare you?”

Dawn met his eyes evenly. “Isabella has always been…intense,” she admitted. “But she’s my sister. I don’t think she would hurt anyone.”

Lawson leaned back in his chair, his pen tapping against the notepad. “Miss Rosewood, it seems like all three of you had complicated relationships with Ethan. Do you think anyone in your family might have had a reason to harm him?”

Dawn’s expression didn’t falter. “I think everyone has secrets,” she said quietly. “But secrets don’t always make you a murderer.”

The chapter ends with Lawson and his team convening to review their notes. Each sister’s testimony points a finger in a different direction, and the detectives are left grappling with a mystery that grows more tangled with every new detail.

“We’re missing something,” Lawson says, frowning at his notepad. “There’s a piece of this puzzle we haven’t found yet.”

As the rain continues to fall outside, the Rosewood sisters remain isolated in their respective rooms, each grappling with their own guilt, fear, and suspicions.

Chapter 3: The Garden of Lies

The Rosewood estate felt like a living, breathing entity as the storm raged outside. The creaking floors and rattling windows seemed to whisper accusations, amplifying the tension within the mansion. The police presence only heightened the unease, with officers combing through the garden and documenting every inch of the crime scene.

While the detectives worked, Dawn ventured back to the living room, her mind heavy with the fragments of truth she’d gathered during the interrogations. Tiana and Isabella sat on opposite sides of the room, their silence louder than any argument. Dawn could feel the weight of their unspoken words, the tension coiled like a spring ready to snap.

“We need to talk,” Dawn said softly, breaking the silence. Her voice was calm but firm, drawing both sisters’ attention.

“About what?” Isabella snapped, her tone defensive. She had swapped her tear-streaked sorrow for cold hostility.

“About what really happened,” Dawn replied, her gaze flickering between them. “Because it’s clear none of us are telling the whole truth.”

“I’ve told the truth,” Tiana said, her voice even. “If anyone’s hiding something, it’s Isabella.”

Isabella shot to her feet, her face flushed with anger. “How dare you? You’ve been waiting for this, haven’t you? Blaming me the moment something goes wrong!”

“Because you’ve given me every reason to,” Tiana said sharply, rising to meet her sister’s glare. “You’re obsessed with control, Isabella. You couldn’t handle the idea of Ethan being his own person, let alone the idea that he might care about someone else.”

“I cared about him!” Isabella screamed, her voice echoing in the vast room. “He was everything to me! Do you think I wanted this? Do you think I wanted him dead?”

Dawn stepped between them, her voice cutting through the argument like a blade. “Stop it. Both of you.”

The sisters fell silent, their anger simmering but contained. Dawn took a deep breath, her mind racing. She needed to understand what had happened—and quickly.

A Visit to the Garden

Later that evening, after the police had retreated for the night, Dawn slipped out of the house and into the garden. The storm had lessened to a drizzle, and the air was thick with the smell of wet earth and decaying leaves. The oak tree loomed ahead, its branches stretching like skeletal fingers toward the dark sky.

Dawn knelt near the spot where Ethan’s body had been found. The police had removed him, but the area was still cordoned off with yellow tape. She scanned the ground, her keen eyes catching small details: footprints, crushed grass, and the faint trace of something shiny near the tree’s roots.

She reached out, her fingers brushing against a silver cufflink. It was engraved with an unfamiliar symbol—a small, intricate rose. It wasn’t Ethan’s style, and it certainly didn’t belong to any of the sisters.

“What are you doing out here?”

Dawn spun around to find Tiana standing a few feet away, her arms crossed and her expression unreadable.

“I could ask you the same thing,” Dawn replied, pocketing the cufflink.

“I couldn’t sleep,” Tiana admitted, stepping closer. “This whole thing…it doesn’t make sense. Ethan wasn’t perfect, but he didn’t deserve this.”

Dawn studied her sister carefully. “Do you think Isabella did it?”

Tiana hesitated, her gaze dropping to the ground. “I don’t know. She’s…fragile, but murder? I want to believe she’s not capable of something like this.”

“She’s not the only one with secrets,” Dawn said quietly.

Tiana’s head snapped up, her eyes narrowing. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means Ethan didn’t trust any of us,” Dawn said. “Not really. He thought we were all hiding something. And maybe he was right.”

Tiana frowned. “You’re deflecting. What do you think I’m hiding, Dawn?”

“I don’t know,” Dawn admitted. “But I think you know more than you’re saying. About Ethan, about Isabella, about why he was so scared.”

Tiana’s expression softened, and for a moment, she looked vulnerable. “Ethan told me he thought Isabella wanted to hurt me,” she said. “He said she was jealous, that she couldn’t stand the idea of him caring about someone else. But I didn’t believe him. I thought he was just being paranoid.”

“Was he?” Dawn asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Tiana didn’t answer. Instead, she turned and walked back toward the house, leaving Dawn alone beneath the towering oak.

Isabella’s Confession

Later that night, Dawn cornered Isabella in the parlor. The middle sister sat on the sofa, her legs curled beneath her, her tear-streaked face a picture of despair.

“You were in the garden before Ethan died,” Dawn said bluntly, taking a seat across from her.

Isabella’s head shot up, her eyes wide. “What are you talking about?”

“I know you were there,” Dawn pressed. “And I know you argued with him. Tiana saw you.”

“She’s lying,” Isabella said quickly. “She’s trying to frame me.”

“No, she’s not,” Dawn said, her voice firm. “She’s just as confused as I am. But I can’t figure this out if you won’t tell me the truth.”

Isabella’s lower lip trembled, and for a moment, Dawn thought she might break. But instead, she shook her head and turned away. “You wouldn’t understand,” she muttered.

“Try me,” Dawn said.

Isabella hesitated, her fingers twisting the hem of her dress. “I didn’t mean to hurt him,” she whispered finally. “I just wanted him to listen. To understand how much I loved him.”

Dawn’s stomach twisted. “What did you do, Isabella?”

“I didn’t kill him!” Isabella cried. “I just… I told him I knew about Tiana. About the way he looked at her. I told him he had to choose. And when he didn’t—when he just stood there, like I didn’t matter—I lost control.”

“Lost control how?” Dawn demanded.

“I don’t know!” Isabella sobbed. “I can’t remember. I just wanted him to love me.”

The Chapter’s Closing Clue

Dawn left the parlor feeling more conflicted than ever. Isabella’s confession had raised more questions than answers, and Tiana’s reluctance to share the full truth weighed heavily on her mind.

As she climbed the stairs to her bedroom, she pulled the silver cufflink from her pocket, turning it over in her fingers. The engraved rose seemed almost mocking, a delicate detail in a brutal crime.

Whatever the truth was, Dawn knew it was buried deep—both in the garden and within the hearts of her sisters.

Chapter 4: The Family Secret

The storm had finally passed by morning, leaving the Rosewood estate shrouded in a damp, gray mist. The garden, where the investigation had taken place the night before, was quiet now. The heavy presence of the police was gone, but their questions lingered in the air like the faint scent of rain.

Dawn sat in the library, her thoughts swirling as she turned the silver cufflink over in her hand. The engraved rose glinted faintly in the dim light. It was beautiful, intricate, and entirely out of place in their world. She couldn’t shake the feeling that it was important, but she had no idea how—or who—it belonged to.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. Tiana entered, her expression weary. “The police are coming back later,” she said softly. “They want to speak to all of us again.”

Dawn nodded, slipping the cufflink into her pocket. “Did they say why?”

“No,” Tiana replied. She hesitated, then stepped closer. “Dawn, I need to tell you something.”

Dawn looked up, her curiosity piqued. “What is it?”

Tiana sat down across from her, her hands folded tightly in her lap. “It’s about our father,” she began. “There’s something you don’t know.”

Dawn frowned. “What are you talking about?”

Before Tiana could answer, the sound of the front door opening echoed through the house. The sisters exchanged a look before rising to investigate.

An Unexpected Visitor

Standing in the grand entryway was their father, Richard Rosewood, a man they hadn’t seen in years. His once-imposing figure was now slightly hunched, and the lines on his face spoke of a hard life. His sharp gray eyes scanned the room until they landed on Dawn.

“I need to speak to you,” he said, his voice rough but commanding.

Dawn’s heart sank. She had always known there was something distant and cold about Richard, but the way he looked at her now sent a chill down her spine.

“What do you want?” Tiana asked, stepping protectively in front of Dawn.

“This doesn’t concern you, Tiana,” Richard replied. His tone was dismissive, and it ignited the fire that always lingered just beneath Tiana’s calm exterior.

“It concerns all of us,” Tiana snapped. “You don’t get to show up after years of silence and act like you’re in charge.”

Richard ignored her, his focus solely on Dawn. “You deserve to know the truth,” he said.

Dawn felt a knot form in her stomach. “What truth?”

Richard hesitated, his face hardening. “You’re not my daughter,” he said finally.

The words hit Dawn like a physical blow. She staggered back, her mind racing. “What are you talking about?”

“You’re the result of an affair your mother had,” Richard explained, his voice devoid of emotion. “I raised you because it was expected of me, but you’re not my blood.”

Tiana’s face was a mix of shock and fury. “How dare you come here and say that to her?”

Dawn barely heard her. The world seemed to tilt as she struggled to process the revelation.

“Who is my father, then?” she asked, her voice shaking.

Richard’s expression darkened. “You don’t want to know,” he said simply.

Meeting the Real Father

Despite Richard’s warning, Dawn couldn’t let the truth rest. Later that evening, while Tiana tried to comfort her, Dawn slipped away and made a phone call to one of the few contacts Richard had left behind. What she discovered led her to a small, decrepit house on the edge of town.

Her biological father, Victor Marlowe, was nothing like Richard. Where Richard was cold and distant, Victor was sharp and magnetic, with a dangerous glint in his eye. He greeted her with a knowing smile, as though he’d been expecting her.

“So, you’re the daughter she never told me about,” Victor said, leaning against the doorframe.

“I didn’t have much of a choice,” Dawn replied, her voice steady despite the unease she felt in his presence.

Victor chuckled, stepping aside to let her in. The interior of his home was sparse, but the walls were lined with books and old photographs. It was clear that he was a man who valued intellect—and secrecy.

“You’re like me, you know,” Victor said, pouring himself a glass of whiskey. He offered one to Dawn, who declined. “I can see it in your eyes. The way you think. The way you read people.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Dawn said, though a part of her knew he was right.

Victor smirked. “You’re smart. Resilient. But there’s something darker in you, isn’t there? Something you keep buried.”

Dawn clenched her fists. “If you know so much, then tell me: did you have anything to do with Ethan’s death?”

Victor’s smirk widened. “Ethan Carter? No. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t impressed by the mess your family has made. Secrets, lies, murder—it’s almost poetic.”

Dawn stood abruptly, her heart pounding. “I don’t want to be anything like you.”

Victor leaned closer, his expression suddenly serious. “You don’t have a choice, sweetheart. It’s in your blood. You can deny it all you want, but one day, you’ll realize what you’re capable of.”

The Sisters’ Bond

Dawn returned to the mansion late that night, her mind swirling with Victor’s words. Tiana was waiting for her in the library, her arms crossed and her face a mixture of worry and relief.

“Where were you?” Tiana demanded.

Dawn hesitated. “I met him,” she admitted. “My real father.”

Tiana’s expression softened. “Dawn…”

“He’s dangerous,” Dawn said, her voice trembling. “And the worst part is, I think he’s right about me.”

“What do you mean?” Tiana asked, stepping closer.

Dawn hesitated, then met her sister’s gaze. “I’ve always felt…different. Like there’s something dark in me. Something I can’t control.”

Tiana placed her hands on Dawn’s shoulders, her voice firm. “Listen to me. You are not him. You’re not Richard, and you’re not Victor. You’re my sister. And no matter what, that’s never going to change.”

Tears filled Dawn’s eyes, and she pulled Tiana into a tight embrace. For the first time in days, she felt a flicker of hope.

Chapter 5: The Crimson Path

The Rosewood mansion felt quieter after Isabella’s arrest, but the silence was far from peaceful. It was heavy, oppressive, filled with the unspoken tension of questions yet unanswered. Though the police had taken Isabella into custody, Dawn couldn’t shake the feeling that there were still pieces missing from the puzzle.

The truth of how Isabella’s guilt was uncovered had been a slow unraveling of clues—a process that began when the police found the vial of poison in her room.

The Police’s Discovery

Detective Lawson had arrived at the mansion two days after Ethan’s death, armed with preliminary autopsy results. In the drawing room, where Dawn and Tiana had gathered, he laid out the first significant findings.

“The autopsy confirmed that Ethan was poisoned,” Lawson said, setting a report on the coffee table. “The substance was aconitine, derived from monkshood. It’s a highly toxic compound, and it would have caused the symptoms he exhibited—nausea, disorientation, and eventually cardiac arrest.”

“Monkshood,” Tiana repeated, frowning. “Isn’t that a plant?”

Lawson nodded. “It’s rare, but it can be cultivated. Interestingly, we found several monkshood plants growing in your garden.”

Dawn exchanged a glance with Tiana, her mind racing. “Is it possible someone harvested the plants to create the poison?”

“It’s more than possible,” Lawson said. “In fact, we believe that’s exactly what happened.” He paused, letting the weight of his words settle over them. “And during a search of Isabella’s bedroom, we found this.”

He produced a small glass vial, the inside coated with a faint residue. Dawn’s stomach dropped at the sight of it, but she forced herself to remain calm.

“What is that?” Tiana asked, her voice tight.

Lawson held the vial up for them to see. “It’s a container that held liquid traces of aconitine. It matches the poison found in Ethan’s bloodstream.”

Isabella’s Interrogation

Armed with the evidence, Lawson had gone to Isabella’s holding cell at the police station. Her initial reaction was defiance, but cracks soon began to show in her confident facade.

“We found the poison in your room, Isabella,” Lawson began, sitting across from her. “It’s over. If you want to help yourself, now’s the time to talk.”

Isabella’s hands trembled as she folded them in her lap. “It wasn’t supposed to go this far,” she murmured, her voice barely audible.

“What wasn’t supposed to go this far?” Lawson pressed.

Tears welled in her eyes, and her voice cracked as she confessed. “I didn’t mean to kill him. I just wanted to scare him. He—he didn’t love me anymore. I could feel it. He was pulling away, looking at Tiana like she was—like she was everything. I couldn’t stand it.”

“And so you poisoned him?” Lawson’s tone was calm, almost gentle, but his eyes were sharp.

“I just wanted him to stay,” Isabella said, her voice rising. “I thought…if he felt like he was losing control, he’d realize how much he needed me. I didn’t think it would actually kill him!”

“You didn’t think feeding someone poison would kill them?” Lawson asked, his tone incredulous.

“I only used a little,” Isabella whispered, tears streaming down her face. “I didn’t know it would be so…strong.”

Dawn’s Role in Uncovering the Truth

While Isabella’s confession confirmed her guilt, Dawn had already begun piecing together the details before Lawson presented the evidence. Her discovery of the silver cufflink had been the first clue, though she didn’t yet understand its significance.

Dawn had spent hours researching monkshood after Lawson’s initial visit, combing through gardening books in the library and old notes their mother had kept about the estate’s plants. It was during one of these late-night research sessions that she remembered Isabella’s sudden interest in gardening the previous summer.

“She said she was planting flowers for Mom,” Dawn told Tiana when the memory resurfaced. “But now I think she was doing more than that. She must have planted the monkshood for a reason.”

Tiana frowned. “Do you think she planned this all along?”

“I don’t know,” Dawn admitted. “But it’s not a coincidence. She knew what monkshood could do.”

The final piece of the puzzle came when Dawn confronted Isabella directly after her arrest. Visiting the holding cell was a risk, but Dawn needed to hear the truth from her sister’s own lips.

“Why, Isabella?” Dawn asked, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and heartbreak. “Why did you do it?”

Isabella looked up at her, her tear-streaked face pale and haunted. “You don’t understand,” she said. “You don’t know what it’s like to feel invisible. To feel like everyone you love is slipping away from you.”

“That’s not an excuse,” Dawn said sharply.

“I wasn’t thinking,” Isabella sobbed. “I thought…if he felt vulnerable, he’d turn to me. He’d need me.”

Dawn stared at her sister, the weight of her words sinking in. “You didn’t lose him because of Tiana, Isabella. You lost him because you couldn’t see him for who he really was. He loved you, but you let your fear destroy that.”

Isabella broke down, her sobs echoing in the small cell. Dawn turned and walked away, her heart heavy with grief—for Ethan, for Isabella, and for the family that had been shattered by their father’s influence.

The Father’s Role

It was later that evening, as Dawn processed Isabella’s confession, that Richard Rosewood returned to the mansion, his presence as unwelcome as the truth he carried. In his usual calculated manner, he revealed the role he had played in pushing Isabella over the edge.

“I told her what she needed to hear,” Richard said, smirking as he poured himself a drink. “She was already teetering on the edge, and I gave her a little push. Made her see what she didn’t want to see—that Ethan would never stay with her.”

“You manipulated her,” Tiana said, her voice trembling with fury.

“She was weak,” Richard replied coldly. “If she broke, that’s on her.”

Dawn stepped forward, her voice sharp. “And now she’s destroyed herself. Are you proud of that?”

Richard smirked, raising his glass in mock celebration. “Proud? No. But it’s certainly been entertaining.”

The Bond Between Sisters

Later that night, Tiana and Dawn sat together in the library, the weight of their father’s manipulations and Isabella’s guilt pressing heavily on them. Tiana finally broke the silence.

“We can’t let him win,” she said firmly. “He wants to tear us apart, to make us doubt each other. But we can’t give him that power.”

Dawn nodded, tears welling in her eyes. “No matter what he says, Tiana, you’re my sister. Blood doesn’t matter. We’re in this together.”

The sisters embraced, their bond stronger than ever. Together, they vowed to take down the men who had shaped their family’s darkness and ensure that justice was served—not just for Ethan, but for themselves.

Chapter 6: Blood and Justice

The cold air bit at Dawn and Tiana’s faces as they stood outside the abandoned warehouse. Inside, their father, Richard, and Victor, Dawn’s biological father, were waiting. This meeting wasn’t by chance—it was the culmination of months of investigation, training, and a shared resolve to bring the two men down.

But it hadn’t been an easy road to get here. Tiana and Dawn had made the decision to join the police force months earlier, not just to avenge Ethan’s death or confront their fathers, but to redefine their lives.

The Decision to Join the Force

It was weeks after Isabella’s arrest, and the Rosewood mansion felt like a shell of its former self. Dawn sat in the library, staring at the journal Ethan had left behind. His words haunted her: “Something is wrong with this family. I see the cracks, but I don’t know how to fix them.”

Tiana entered the room, her expression weary but determined. She sat beside Dawn, glancing at the journal.

“He was trying to warn us,” Dawn said quietly. “But we were too late.”

Tiana placed a hand on her shoulder. “We can’t change the past, Dawn. But we can make sure no one else goes through what we did.”

Dawn looked up at her sister, the idea forming in her mind. “What if we joined the police force?”

Tiana raised an eyebrow. “The police?”

“Think about it,” Dawn said, her voice gaining strength. “We’ve spent our whole lives watching this family fall apart because of lies, manipulation, and power. If we had the training, the tools—we could do something about it. Not just for us, but for others.”

Tiana leaned back, considering her sister’s words. “It won’t be easy. The training, the scrutiny—it’s a lot.”

Dawn nodded. “I know. But we’ve already been through hell. What’s a little more?”

Tiana smiled faintly, the spark of determination flickering in her eyes. “You’re right. Let’s do it. Together.”

Training for the Force

Joining the police force was grueling, but Tiana and Dawn were no strangers to hard work. Tiana excelled in leadership and physical training, her disciplined nature and sharp instincts quickly earning the respect of her instructors. Dawn, on the other hand, proved to be a natural at reading people. Her quiet observation skills and knack for spotting inconsistencies made her a standout in investigative exercises.

Late at night, after long days of training, they would sit together and share their progress. They talked about their goals, their fears, and the weight of their family’s legacy.

“You know,” Tiana said one evening, “I always thought being a Rosewood meant being trapped. But now? I think we’re finally breaking free.”

Dawn smiled, exhaustion lining her face but pride shining in her eyes. “We are. And we’re going to make sure no one else gets trapped in someone else’s lies.”

The Confrontation Begins

As Dawn and Tiana entered the warehouse, the voices stopped. Richard turned first, a smug smile spreading across his face. “Well, if it isn’t my daughters,” he drawled, spreading his arms wide. “I was wondering when you’d show up.”

Victor leaned back against a table, his dark eyes gleaming. “Took you long enough. I was starting to think you’d forgotten about me, kid.”

Tiana stepped forward, her voice cold. “You’re both under arrest.”

Richard laughed, the sound echoing in the cavernous space. “Oh, Tiana. Always playing by the rules. Do you really think this is going to go the way you want?”

“I know it will,” Tiana snapped.

Victor smirked and turned to Dawn. “And what about you, kid? Playing cops and robbers with your sister? Or have you figured out what you really are yet?”

Richard’s Final Manipulation

Richard motioned for Victor to stay back as he stepped closer to Tiana. “You’ve always been different, Tiana. Stronger. Smarter. You’ve felt it, haven’t you? That you’re not like Isabella or Dawn.”

“Don’t start,” Tiana said sharply, but her voice wavered slightly.

Richard smiled faintly. “Your mother wasn’t theirs. I had an affair before you were born. You’re the result of that. You’ve always wondered why you felt like you didn’t belong, why I pushed you harder than the others. Now you know.”

Tiana’s heart pounded, but she kept her expression neutral. “It doesn’t matter,” she said firmly. “Isabella and Dawn are my sisters, and nothing you say will change that.”

“Are you?” Richard asked, his tone mocking. “Dawn’s not even my daughter—she’s Victor’s. Do you really think you owe her anything?”

Tiana clenched her fists at her sides. “You’re trying to tear us apart because you know we’re stronger together. But you’re wrong, Richard. Blood doesn’t make a family—loyalty does.”

Richard’s eyes narrowed, his voice growing colder. “You’re standing at a crossroads. Join me, and I’ll give you everything. Power. Respect. Control. Or stick with Dawn, and watch as she becomes just like Victor—a liability you can’t afford to keep around.”

Tiana’s breath hitched as she glanced at Dawn, who stood a few feet away, silent but resolute. For a moment, Richard’s words echoed in her mind. Dawn wasn’t her blood sister. Richard had a point—Victor’s darkness was in her veins. But then Tiana remembered everything Dawn had done to protect their family, everything they had been through together.

“You’re wrong,” Tiana said, her voice steady. “Dawn isn’t a liability. She’s my sister. And I’ll never betray her.”

Richard’s smirk faded, replaced by a cold glare. “You’ll regret this.”

“No,” Tiana said, raising her gun. “You will.”

Victor’s Manipulation

Victor stepped forward, his attention fixed on Dawn. “And what about you, kid? Are you going to let her drag you down, or are you finally going to wake up and realize what you are?”

Dawn held her ground, her jaw tightening. “What are you talking about?”

Victor smiled, but it wasn’t friendly. It was predatory. He circled her slowly, his voice low and smooth. “I know what it’s like to feel out of place. To watch the world through sharper eyes, knowing you’re smarter, stronger, better. You’ve felt it, haven’t you? That fire inside you. That hunger. That’s me, sweetheart. That’s my blood running through your veins.”

Dawn clenched her fists, refusing to let his words shake her. “I’m not like you.”

Victor chuckled, shaking his head. “Oh, you think you’re the hero? You think you’re different? You’ve already felt it—that darkness, that edge. You just haven’t admitted it to yourself yet.”

“Stop,” Dawn said, her voice low but firm.

Victor stepped closer, his eyes gleaming. “One day, you’ll stop pretending to be something you’re not. And when that day comes, you’ll see—I was right.”

Dawn’s mind raced. There was a part of her that felt the pull of darkness, especially during their training. But she thought of Tiana, of the bond they shared, and she realized that her strength didn’t come from her bloodline. It came from the people she loved and the choices she made.

“You’re wrong,” Dawn said, her voice clear and strong. “I’ve felt that darkness, but it’s not who I am. It’s not who I want to be. You think strength comes from power and fear, but it doesn’t. My strength comes from knowing what’s right.”

Victor’s smile faded, replaced by a sharp glare. “Then you’re a fool,” he hissed.

“No,” Dawn said, raising her gun. “I’m your reckoning.”

The Final Fight

The warehouse erupted into chaos as Victor lunged toward Dawn. She sidestepped him, using her training to deflect his attack and disarm him. The fight was brutal—Victor was larger and stronger, but Dawn was faster and more precise. She moved with purpose, every strike fueled by her resolve to take him down.

Meanwhile, Tiana faced off against Richard. The years of manipulation and betrayal fueled her movements as she fought to subdue him. “You’re done, Richard,” she said through clenched teeth as she wrestled him to the ground. “You don’t get to control us anymore.”

Backup officers stormed the warehouse moments later, cuffing both men and leading them away.

As Richard was dragged out, he turned to Tiana one last time, his expression dark. “You think this changes anything? You’ll always be my daughter. You’ll never escape what you are.”

Tiana met his gaze, her voice cold. “I already have.”

Victor, bloodied and defeated, turned to Dawn. “You’re wasting your potential, kid. You could’ve been great.”

Dawn stared him down, her voice firm. “Greatness doesn’t come from destroying people. It comes from protecting them.”

A New Beginning

With their fathers behind bars, Dawn and Tiana began to rebuild their lives. They remained partners in the police force, using their experiences to bring justice to others.

One evening, as they stood on the balcony of their new apartment, Dawn turned to Tiana and smiled. “We did it,” she said softly.

Tiana nodded, her expression thoughtful. “We did. And no matter what happens, we’ll keep going. Together.”

“Together,” Dawn echoed, her voice filled with certainty.

The sisters had faced the darkness of their past and emerged stronger, united by a bond that no one could break. Though their journey had been painful, they had found something unshakable in the process: each other.

A supernatural story

By Gloria Dalton-Flores , Tina Tangi and co collaboration Zeke Tangi

Character : Tina

Strengths : combat , super strength, fier weapon , loyalty , calm under pressure

Character : Zeke

Strengths : can wield holy water after digesting demon blood in later chapters, kind , brave and cerious

Character : Gloria

Strengths : intution, compassion, holly water sword made from zekes magic in later chapters ,resilience, combat skills

Disclaimer:

This is a fan-created story set in the Supernatural TV series universe. All characters, settings, and original concepts from Supernatural are the property of their respective creators and copyright holders. This story is written for fun and free enjoyment—no profit is being made. I do not claim any ownership of the original material.

Chapter One: The Trip That Changed Everything

—Tina’s Perspective—

I never thought winning a school raffle could change my life. But as I zipped up my suitcase that July morning, something inside me whispered that this trip to Iceland wasn’t going to be just another vacation.

“Mom, are you sure we’re ready?” Zeke called from the hallway, his backpack hanging crooked off one shoulder.

“As ready as we’ll ever be,” I said, forcing a smile. “Passport, snacks, headphones… check.”

Gloria—my best friend, sister in spirit, and chaos twin—peeked into the room with her signature grin. “Girl, this is sosurreal. Two weeks in Iceland? Alone? Without family drama? I feel like we’re living someone else’s life.”

“Let’s just hope that ‘someone else’ packed enough socks,” I teased, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach.

The trip was a prize from my job at the school—two weeks fully paid, plus flights for me, Gloria, and Zeke. It felt like a blessing. Maybe even a reset.

The flight was long but calm. Zeke fell asleep halfway through, drooling onto my hoodie, while Gloria spent most of it watching the clouds. She said they looked like “dreams that hadn’t picked a person yet.” That was so her.

But when we landed in Reykjavik, the dream started to crack.

“My luggage isn’t here,” I muttered, staring at the empty conveyor belt. The hum of the airport felt louder with every passing minute.

Gloria frowned. “Maybe it’s just delayed. Let’s check with the desk.”

We did. And then we waited. And called. And waited some more. The attendant promised they’d “figure it out” and have it delivered in three days. Three days without my clothes, makeup, or even Zeke’s favorite blanket.

By the time we reached our Airbnb, the sky had turned soft gold. I unpacked what little I had left from my carry-on while Gloria lit candles around the small kitchen. The place smelled like cinnamon and ocean air.

“Okay, dinner time,” I said, stirring a pot of pasta. “Zeke, pick something to watch.”

He flicked through channels until he found a cartoon, giggling as he curled up on the couch. The sound made me relax for the first time that day. Maybe things weren’t so bad after all.

Then came the knock.

Three slow, deliberate knocks.

I froze, ladle still in hand. Gloria was in the shower, and Zeke—curious as ever—was already running toward the door.

“Zeke, wait—!”

But he’d already opened it.

Standing in the doorway was a man—tall, striking, dark hair slicked back from the rain. His coat glistened with drops of water, and in his hand was my missing suitcase.

“Mom! He found your luggage!” Zeke’s eyes lit up like Christmas.

I blinked. “Oh wow, I… I thought they said it’d take three days.”

The man smiled faintly. “They must’ve worked fast.”

Something in his tone made me pause, but I shook it off. “Thank you so much,” I said, handing him a few Icelandic króna. “You didn’t have to bring it yourself.”

“It was no trouble,” he replied, his eyes unreadable. “Enjoy your stay, Ms. Rivera.”

Before I could ask how he knew my name, he turned and disappeared into the fog.

When Gloria came out of the bathroom, I was beaming. “Guess what? My luggage came back!”

She raised an eyebrow. “Already? Wait—did the guy wear an airport uniform? A badge?”

I hesitated. “Uh… I didn’t really notice. I was just happy to see my stuff.”

Gloria crossed her arms. “Tina, that’s weird. They said three days. And why would someone deliver it at night?”

I sighed. “You’re overthinking again. He was probably just being nice.”

But as the night stretched on, I caught Gloria glancing at the door every few minutes, her expression clouded. And deep down, I felt it too—a whisper of unease that I tried to smother with laughter and leftover pasta.

The next morning, I woke up to the sound of rain and my phone buzzing. Unknown number.

“Hello?”

A woman’s voice spoke on the other end. “Good morning, this is Kara from the International Education Travel Program. Are you ready to accept your reward for the free Iceland trip?”

I frowned. “Accept it? We’re already here.”

“Ma’am, we don’t have confirmation that you accepted the trip. Your name was selected, but—”

The line crackled, then went dead.

Gloria looked up from her coffee. “What was that?”

I put it on speaker and replayed what I’d heard. “They said we never confirmed the trip.”

Gloria’s eyes narrowed. “That’s impossible. You got the email. I saw it.”

“Exactly. This doesn’t make sense.”

Before I could redial, the lights flickered—then went out completely. The hum of the fridge died, leaving the room silent except for the steady drumming of rain.

Zeke whimpered. “Mom? Why’s it dark?”

“It’s just the storm,” I said softly, reaching for my phone flashlight. But something about the air felt heavy—charged.

Then came another knock. Not hesitant this time. Firm. Urgent.

Gloria grabbed my arm. “Don’t open it.”

But Zeke was already halfway there again.

“Zeke!” I hissed, pulling him back. “Stay behind me.”

I peered through the peephole. A man stood outside—not the same one from last night. This one wore a long coat, with a strange emblem stitched on the shoulder—like a pair of wings crossed by a sword.

When I cracked the door open, his voice was low and steady. “Are you Tina Rivera?”

“Yes…”

“My name is Darius. I’m with the Order of the Crimson Veil. We need to talk—now.”

Gloria scoffed. “Is this some kind of prank?”

Darius shook his head. “No prank. There’s a reason your name was drawn for this trip. You’re in danger.”

I laughed nervously. “Danger? From what, exactly?”

“Not what,” he said. “Who. A demon is loose in this region. The man who brought your luggage last night—he’s not who you think he is.”

The room tilted. “That’s insane. Demons aren’t real.”

But Gloria’s voice trembled. “Tina… I remember reading about the Crimson Veil in high school. It was an old organization—hunters who protected people from… dark entities.”

Darius nodded. “Few of us remain. But we’re gathering new hunters. You and your friend—whether you believe it or not—have been chosen.”

Lightning flashed, illuminating his eyes—an eerie silver glow that didn’t look human.

I stepped back, heart pounding. “Chosen for what?”

He held out a small insignia, shaped like the same winged sword on his coat. “To learn. To fight. To survive what’s coming.”

Gloria whispered, “What’s coming?”

Darius’s voice dropped to a near growl.

“The storm outside isn’t weather. It’s a warning.”

End of Chapter One.

Chapter Two: Beneath the Music Shop

—Tina’s Perspective—

The next morning felt like waking up inside someone else’s dream. I still wasn’t sure if last night had been real—the knock on the door, the man named Darius, his talk about demons and secret organizations.

But when he showed up again at our Airbnb door, dressed in the same long coat, my questions died on my tongue.

“Ms. Tangi, Ms. Flores,” he greeted. “It’s time.”

“Time for what?” Gloria asked, arms crossed, still half-asleep.

He simply replied, “To begin.”

Zeke was the only one thrilled. “Are we going to a superhero base?!” he shouted, clutching his toy gun.

Darius actually cracked a smile. “Something like that.”

The drive was silent—except for the occasional hum of the tires on wet roads. We pulled up in front of a tiny boutique squeezed between a record shop and a coffee café. The sign above it read: ‘Veil Records.’

“This is it?” I asked. “You’re telling me the secret demon hunter headquarters is in a K-pop store?”

Gloria’s eyes widened as soon as we stepped inside. “Oh my God. They sell Blackpink merch!”

She darted straight to the wall display, squealing at the posters and light sticks.

“Of course she’d find comfort in this,” I muttered with a grin. Then my gaze caught on something else—an entire shelf of BTS albums.

“Okay… maybe I can get used to this,” I admitted under my breath.

Meanwhile, Zeke ran to a glowing display labeled ‘Huntrixs Collection’—a futuristic girl band  we had watched on Netflix’s . “Mom, look! They have my favorite group!”

Darius watched us with mild amusement before nodding toward the counter. “Follow me.”

He led us behind the register and into a small break room that smelled like coffee and bubblegum. There was nothing special—except a vending machine humming in the corner.

“Uh,” Gloria said, eyeing it. “Are we getting snacks before demon hunting?”

Darius ignored her question. He pressed a code on the machine: 12A.

At first, nothing happened. Then the floor beneath us rumbled. A glass platform rose from the ground like something out of a sci-fi movie, surrounded by a faint blue glow.

Zeke gasped. “It’s an elevator! Like in Men in Black!”

My stomach did a flip as Darius motioned for us to step on. Gloria grabbed my arm. “Tina… what if this thing drops us into a volcano?”

“Then at least we’ll go out stylishly,” I said, forcing a laugh as we stepped onto the platform.

The glass floor shuddered and began to descend. The sound of gears turning echoed through the shaft as we sank deeper underground. Zeke bounced with excitement, while my hands gripped the railing tight.

“Breathe,” Gloria whispered. “It’s fine. It’s fine.”

But when the elevator stopped, we stepped into a world none of us could’ve imagined.

The underground facility stretched for miles—massive metal hallways, glowing lights, and hundreds of people in sleek uniforms moving between rooms. Signs labeled Weapons, Disguises, Medical, and Combat Training lined the corridor.

“This place is insane,” I breathed.

“It’s beautiful,” Gloria whispered. “Like a spy movie… but with better lighting.”

We were told to pick out our combat supplies in the preparation hall.

I scanned the rows of gear, my heart thumping. Was this really happening?

I ended up grabbing a pair of clean sneakers, a sniper rifle that—according to the weapons tech—had a holy water filter built in, and of course, a giant bag of Hot Cheetos.

Gloria rolled her eyes. “You’re arming yourself with snacks and sarcasm. Perfect.”

“Hey, they didn’t say demons can’t be bribed with flavor,” I joked.

She chose two twin swords etched with glowing runes, a pair of tall boots, and a bag of trail mix. “Practical and aesthetic,” she said proudly.

Zeke, meanwhile, picked a candy bar, a bottle of water, and a toy gun that glowed like a lightsaber. I almost told him it was fake, but then I remembered how much he loved pretending. “It’s a real blaster, kiddo,” I whispered with a wink.

He grinned so wide my heart melted.

After orientation, a man in a black leather jacket strode into the training arena. He had jet-black hair, sharp eyes, and the kind of confidence that made the air hum around him.

“Alright, rookies,” he said. “My name’s Sojin. I’ll be your combat instructor.”

I leaned toward Gloria and whispered, “He looks like a K-pop idol. You sure this isn’t a music video?”

She smirked. “You are not flirting with our teacher are you.”

“I could be,” I teased.

Gloria swatted my arm. “Focus! I’m trying to be a serious demon slayer here.”

Sojin started the training drills—fast, intense, and surprisingly fun. I wasn’t exactly fit, but something about the adrenaline woke up every muscle in my body.

After one particularly hard round, I collapsed onto the mat, panting. Sojin crouched beside me, handing me a towel. “You’re stronger than you think, Ms. Tangi.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You say that to all your recruits?”

His lips curved slightly. “No. Only to the ones who don’t quit.”

That caught me off guard. For a moment, I saw past the teacher and into someone who understood what it meant to fight for survival.

“Why are you helping us?” I asked quietly.

He hesitated. “Because when I look at you… I see someone who still believes the world can be saved.”

Gloria called from across the room, breaking the moment. “Less flirting, more fighting, lover girl!”

“Mind your swords!” I shouted back, laughing.

A few days later, Darius gathered us in the mission room. Maps, weapons, and glowing screens filled the space.

“The creature you encountered—the one posing as an airline employee—is known as the Airport Demon,” he explained. “We’ve traced its energy to an artifact hidden in Reykjavik’s old museum. You’ll retrieve it before it does.”

Sojin handed us a set of keys and a thick envelope. “A million dollars in cover cash, fake badges, hotel cards, and a secure car.”

I whistled. “Better perks than my job at the school.”

Gloria grinned. “And better boots, too.” She twirled one of her swords. “Perfect for killing toxic men—uh, I mean demons.”

Sojin smirked. “Focus on demons first.”

“Right, right,” she said, giggling.

We piled into the sleek black car, music playing softly in the background. I took the driver’s seat—of course—and soon we were cruising through the Icelandic night.

“Set the vibe!” Gloria shouted, scrolling through the playlist.

K-pop filled the car, and soon we were both singing:

“Take down, take down,
So sweet, so pretty on the eyes,
Yet so hideous on the inside…”

Zeke joined in from the back, laughing he snuck into the car I looked at him with a mom look for a second and said Zeke, Zeke said I just wanted to help  I said understand but when we get to the museum your staying in the car with the doors locked and he yelled auntie Glo…. Gloria looked at him and said listen to your mom because of you we have to now drench Holly water all over our car I laughed and Zeke  rolled his eyes potting. For a moment, everything felt normal.

Until the car jolted to a stop.

Lights flashed across the road, leading us to an ancient-looking museum.

“Breaking into a museum wasn’t on the job description,” Gloria whispered.

I smirked. “We’re demon hunters, Glo. There isn’t a job description.”

Inside, the air was cold and heavy. We moved through shadowy halls, our flashlights sweeping over ancient statues. Gloria’s movements were surprisingly graceful.

“Years of sneaking into Mom’s closet,” she whispered. “I was born for this.”

“Thief,” I teased.

“Borrower,” she corrected.

We reached a glass case housing a black, glowing dagger—the artifact.

“Bingo,” I said.

But as soon as I lifted it, alarms blared. Security guards swarmed in—except their eyes weren’t human anymore. They were dark, bleeding black.

“Demons,” Gloria breathed.

“See what being a thief gets you?” she added as she unsheathed her swords.

“Shut your mouth and slice!” I yelled, firing my sniper. Holy water bullets hissed through the air. Gloria twirled her swords like liquid fire, cutting through the possessed guards.

When we finally burst out the doors and sped away in the car, we were bruised, panting, and laughing uncontrollably.

“First mission: success,” I gasped.

That night, back at the base, the hunters congratulated us. I tucked Zeke into bed.

“Mom?” he whispered. “You’re not gonna get hurt, right?”

I brushed his hair back gently. “No, baby. I promise. You’re my reason for fighting.”

From the next room, Gloria overheard, her jaw tight with determination. She whispered to herself, “all  protect them. No matter what.”

As we all drifted to sleep, Darius and Sojin stood in the shadows of the control room

As we slept, the hunters gathered in the strategy room.

“They’re strong,” said Sojin, “but not ready. I’ve only trained them a week.”

The leader’s tone was grim. “We don’t have more than a month before the apocalypse signs begin. Sam and Dean Winchester contacted us — said the angels have returned to aid humanity. These sisters… they’re meant to lead.”

Sojin’s jaw tightened. “Then we’d better make sure they survive long enough to do it.”

And in our shared dreams, Gloria and I slept soundly, unaware that destiny was already waiting for us — and the clock to the world’s end had just begun to tick.

End of Chapter Two.

Chapter 3 – The First Sign of the Apocalypse

It’s been a month since training with Sojin began.
My muscles ache less now, and I can actually hold my rifle without shaking. Gloria, though… she’s still learning to handle those twin swords. She’s stubborn — but I love that about her.

From across the arena, she groaned.
“Okay, I’ve got the kicking and punching down,” Gloria complained, swinging one sword and missing the dummy by a mile. “But how the hell do you use these properly?”

I laughed, adjusting my aim on a practice target.
“Honestly? I think all those years of Fortnite finally paid off.”

She gave me the flattest look imaginable. “You’re telling me your gaming skills are why you’re good with a gun?”

“Yep. Turns out virtual combat does come in handy.”

Before Gloria could argue, Sojin walked past, his black jacket shifting as he spoke in his calm, steady tone.
“You’ll get the hang of it, Gloria. You’re quick with your hands — lean on your boxing instincts for now.”

Gloria nodded, but I saw the frustration in her eyes. She hated not being good at something right away. She wasn’t just training to fight — she was training to protect. That pressure burned inside her more than she’d ever admit.

Heart to Heart

After training, Sojin and I lingered by the equipment rack, catching our breath. His hair was damp with sweat, and his voice had that low, grounding tone that always made me feel safe.

“Sojin,” I started softly, “I want to be a good mom. I’ve never been a fighter… never been in something like this. I just want Zeke safe. That’s all I care about.”

He looked down for a moment, then nodded. “I understand. I have a younger brother. We lost our parents in a war — demons. They died protecting us. I couldn’t save them.” His eyes softened. “Everyone here has someone they’re willing to protect the world for. You’re not alone, T.”

I laughed quietly. “T?”

He smirked. “Yeah. Short for Tina. Matches your last name too — TT.”

I wrinkled my nose. “That’s terrible.”

“Not cute enough?”

“No, it was cute,” I admitted, laughing. “Just… don’t use it again.”

He smiled — a real, small, genuine smile. Then his voice softened again.
“Stop beating yourself up, Tina. I’ve trained a lot of demon hunters. You’ve survived more in your life than most people who die fighting them.”

My chest tightened. “How do you know about my past?”

“I don’t,” he said. “But I know that look.”

“What look?”

“The look of someone who’s lived through a war and doesn’t want to just survive anymore — wants to live. Wants to be happy.”

I didn’t even realize I was smiling until my eyes burned a little. For once, I felt… seen.

The Arrival

Later that night, I went to check on Zeke. He was sitting on his bed, making his toy gun glow like a lightsaber. I kissed his forehead and tucked him in.

“Sleep tight, baby. Mom’s just gonna finish training.”

“Okay,” he mumbled. “Don’t get hurt.”

“I won’t,” I promised.

While I was with him, Gloria was still training alone in the arena. The hum of energy echoed around her — then, suddenly, a blinding white light burst across the room.

She dropped her swords, shielding her eyes. Through the light, two figures appeared — one with huge, silver wings that seemed to shimmer in the air, and two men standing beneath them.

One was tall with kind, brown eyes. The other — sharp blue eyes, confident stance, and a dark coat.

“Don’t be shy,” the blue-eyed one said with a grin. “My brother and I don’t bite.”

Gloria peeked out from behind the punching bag. “Who are you?”

He smirked. “I’m Dean. This is my brother, Sam.”

Sam gave a gentle smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Gloria.”

“Uh… you too. I’ve seen you in, like… movies?” she joked, awkwardly laughing.

Dean shot Sam a look. Sam just smiled tighter. “Yeah, we get that sometimes.”

Gloria chuckled nervously. “Okay… well, I should find my sister before this gets any weirder.”

She hurried out of the arena and found me in the hallway. “Tina,” she whispered urgently, “this guy named Dean was sizing me up. It was weird.”

“What do you mean ‘sizing you up’? Like, flirting?”

“Like… ‘I’ve seen demons less intense’ kind of staring.”

I frowned. “Let’s go see who these guys are.”

The Winchesters

When we walked back into the arena, the two men turned.

Dean smirked. “So you must be the big sister.”

“Depends who’s asking,” I said, crossing my arms.

“Dean Winchester,” he said. “And this is Sam. We’re demon hunters. We’re here to help with the apocalypse.”

Gloria blinked. “The what?”

Sam sighed. “The apocalypse. The gates of Hell have opened again. We’re trying to stop more demons from escaping.”

I snorted. “So, like, zombies or something?”

“Worse,” Sam said flatly.

Dean leaned forward, eyes glinting. “And for the record, I wasn’t sizing you up. I was just trying to figure out what kind of hunter you were.”

“Uh-huh,” I said. “Sure. Sounds like something a ‘toxic man’ would say.”

Sam burst out laughing. “She got you there, Dean.”

Dean glared at him, then looked back at me. “For the record, I’m a perfectly healthy man, thank you very much.”

“Right,” I said, smirking. “Keep telling yourself that.”

That’s when Darius entered, clapping his hands once. “Sam, Dean — good to see you again. Meet the sisters, Tina and Gloria Tangi.”

Dean squinted. “Wait… sisters?”

“Yeah,” Darius said with a grin. “Don’t they remind you of someone?”

Dean blinked. “Oh…”

Before he could finish, the air shimmered again — angelic energy pulsing through the room.

The angels appeared beside them, calm and radiant. “It is time,” one said. “For the next month, you will train under Sam, Dean, and Sojin — learning from both angels and demons.”

“Wait,” Gloria said quickly. “Demons? We’re learning from demons now?”

Sam sighed. “Not all demons are bad.”

Dean rolled his eyes. “Speak for yourself.”

Sam elbowed him. “We talked about this, Dean.”

Gloria and I exchanged a nervous glance.

“Great,” I muttered. “We’re stuck in a supernatural summer camp with angel teachers and demon tutors.”

Darius smiled faintly. “You’ll thank us later. Right now, you both need to understand the truth — what the apocalypse is, and how it’s connected to the Airport Demon.”

Gloria groaned. “Seriously, can we please call that thing something else?”

Dean chuckled. “Trust me, kid — the name’s the least of your problems.”

Would you like me to continue the next part of Chapter 3 — where Sam and Dean explain the prophecy and the connection between the Airport Demon and the apocalypse, maybe including the first supernatural omen (like earthquakes, dark skies, or angel feathers burning)?

Chapter 3 – The First Sign of the Apocalypse (Part 2)

(Tina’s POV)

The air in the training arena suddenly felt heavier — like the calm before a thunderstorm.

Dean leaned against a nearby pillar, folding his arms. “Alright, listen up. You girls might think you’ve seen demons before, but the thing you ran into in Iceland?” He paused, looking straight at me. “That wasn’t just any demon. That was one of his.”

I frowned. “His?”

Sam’s voice dropped lower. “The Airport Demon works under a general — a Fallen Prince named Abraxas. He’s one of the Seven who escaped when the gates cracked open last month.”

Gloria crossed her arms. “You’re telling me some winged jerk misplaced my sister’s luggage just to lure us into a prophecy?”

Dean smirked. “Pretty much. Welcome to the club.”

Sojin glanced between them. “We’ve heard the name Abraxas before. My parents died in the last war against his followers. I thought he was dead.”

“He was,” Sam said grimly. “Until someone — or something — reopened the Gate of Helios.”

“Helios?” I echoed.

“It’s the first gate,” Dean explained. “Older than Hell itself. When it opens, the balance between angels and demons collapses — and all the creatures tied to light and shadow start bleeding into this world again.”

Gloria groaned. “So, basically, the universe is falling apart and we’re in the middle of it?”

“Exactly,” Dean said with a grin that was way too casual for the situation.

I rubbed my temples. “Great. Apocalypse 101, and we didn’t even get a syllabus.”

The First Sign

That night, the sky outside the compound turned an eerie violet — lightning flashing without thunder. When the ground beneath us began to shake.

“Earthquake?” Gloria shouted from the other room.

The alarms blared through the halls. Everyone scrambled — hunters, trainees, even Dean swore as weapons clattered to the floor.

Sojin grabbed my arm. “Stay close to me!”

I looked around wildly. “Where’s Zeke?!”

Before anyone could answer, the power cut out. The lights flickered, casting the whole base in shadows. From somewhere deeper underground, we heard it — a low, guttural roar, like metal scraping against bone.

Gloria held her swords tightly, whispering, “That’s not an earthquake, is it?”

Sam appeared with a flashlight. “No. That’s the first sign.”

Dean loaded his gun. “They’re breaking through faster than we thought.”

The lights snapped back on, and I gasped. Every reflection — every mirror, every piece of polished glass — now shimmered with black smoke. Figures moved inside the reflections, whispering in languages that made my skin crawl.

One voice echoed louder than the rest:
“The Gate is open. The sisters will lead the dawn.”

Gloria’s voice trembled. “Tina… it said our names.”

“Yeah,” I whispered. “I heard.”

Sojin stepped forward, his eyes flickering with the faintest blue glow — angelic power. “Everyone get back! They’re not here physically — they’re testing the barrier!”

He lifted his hand, murmuring something in an ancient tongue, and light spread from his palm like a wave, pushing the shadows back into the mirrors.

When it was over, silence filled the room again — heavy and uneasy.

Dean holstered his gun. “Well. That confirms it. The apocalypse isn’t coming.”

“It’s already started,” Sam finished grimly.

A New Mission

Later, after things calmed down, we gathered in the strategy room. The screens flickered with news reports — freak storms, animal migrations, lightning in clear skies.

Sam pointed to a map. “Each of these events lines up with a seal. When seven seals break, the world begins to tear. So far, we’ve counted three.”

Gloria rubbed her temples. “So what do we do?”

Dean tossed her a duffel bag full of weapons. “You train harder, hunt smarter, and stop complaining.”

She shot him a glare. “You’re lucky I don’t test my sword on you.”

He smirked. “You’d miss.”

“Try me, pretty boy.”

“Alright, children,” I said sharply. “Focus.”

Sam hid a smile while Sojin spoke up. “Tina’s right. You both have potential — but potential won’t save lives. We need discipline. Tomorrow we start mission training.”

Dean stretched his arms. “And you’ll be coming with us, sweetheart.”

I raised a brow. “Excuse me?”

“Relax,” he said. “You, me, and Sam — we’ll check out a site near the coast where another seal might be breaking. Think of it as your first field test.”

Gloria crossed her arms. “And me?”

“You stay,” Sojin said gently. “Your swords are tied to celestial runes — you need more control. You’ll train here with me and the other angels.”

Gloria frowned but nodded reluctantly.

As everyone left the room, Dean lingered for a moment. His voice dropped low, unusually serious.
“You know, you remind me of someone I used to know — stubborn, strong, kind of reckless. Don’t lose that. You’re gonna need it where we’re going.”

“Where are we going?” I asked.

Dean smiled faintly. “To find the second Fallen Prince — before he finds you.”

Meanwhile…

Deep in the lower chambers of the base, Darius and Sojin stood before the shimmering seal that had cracked during the quake. The air was cold enough to frost the walls.

“Sojin,” Darius said quietly, “they’re not ready.”

“I know,” Sojin replied. “But the prophecy won’t wait. The angels have already spoken — the sisters are key to restoring balance.”

Darius’s voice darkened. “And if they fail?”

Sojin looked toward the faint blue glow still lingering from the angelic barrier.
“Then Heaven and Hell both fall — and Earth becomes their battlefield.”

Above them, somewhere in the dim light of the sleeping quarters, Gloria stirred in her sleep — whispering Tina’s name. Zeke turned over, clutching his glowing toy gun, unaware that the world outside had already begun to burn.