The rain had begun to fall softly by the time Amelia and Sophie reached home.
The forest behind them was hidden now under a curtain of mist, as though it had never existed.
Inside, the house was quiet — almost too quiet. The faint ticking of the old clock echoed through the hallway.
Sophie followed Amelia upstairs, still dazed, her hair damp from the rain.
She said slowly "so.... you are telling me everything that happened is real .
Your father used to be the heir of Enchanted Forest.
Your Grandparents were the rulers and a fairy told you your mother might be alive.
And your grandmother is coming in your dreams these days and it all started when you found a secret room in your house."
Amelia said with a weak laugh."Yeah even I feel like it sounds unbelievable "
Sophie shook her head in disbelief."It .... It sounds like a dream plot from a novel"
"Maybe But now I know dad was hiding all this from me"
Sophie said softly while placing a hand on her shoulder"..He must have his reasons ....he must be trying to protect you from the.. darkness "
Amelia nodded.
"I know and...You know it all started when I found the secret room and opened a mysterious box after that a fairy started appearing and now my entire life seemed to have changed"
"Don't worry everything will be fine and I will be there for you "
Amelia said quietly"I don't want to include you in this Sophie we have no idea what will happen in the future "
"So you really think I will leave you in this all alone. Not happening I am your bestfriend and I will be there with you no matter what!!
And don't you dare argue with me !"
"You are really stubborn "Amelia whispered
"I heard that "Sophie gave her side eye.
And continued"let's make something to eat first i feel like I am starving by now and then we will try to get some clues after that"
...
The house was calm again, though the storm outside had turned fierce. Rain lashed against the windows, and thunder rolled through the valley.
Amelia and Sophie had finished eating, both quiet — lost in thoughts neither dared to say out loud.
Amelia glanced out the window. And whispered to herself
"Why does it feel like Someone is trying to watch us"
Outside....
There were some shadow mist like dark creatures moving in the night.
Some moved closer to the front gate some to the old garden gate trying to enter.
The moment they touched the edge of the property — a flash of light exploded silently, like lightning trapped in glass.
The dark mists hissed, backed instantly, and vanished into the night.
Inside, the lights flickered and then went off .
Amelia's chest tightened, her mark glowing faintly again.
Sophie looked up from the couch and found some candles."Power cut again?"
Amelia didn't answer. She just stared out the window, her reflection pale .
Sophie said" What are you thinking you are lost in thoughts"
"Nothing... maybe I am thinking too much"
" Amelia ..we won't be able to find anything without lights ,let's rest for today it's already too late and then find the clues Tommorow"
"...I think you are right let's find the clues Tomorrow "
....,.....
Far away, across the misty hills, a man in a dark coat stopped walking.
His eyes narrowed sharply — he had felt it. A faint tremor in the magic surrounding his home.
He turned toward the old ruins ahead, where a flicker of light shone. An elderly man sat on a carved stone, his staff resting across his knees.
He said "What's wrong you look tensed"
"I felt it , Someone tried to cross the warding line near my house. The barrier held… but barely."
The old man's eyes were weary but knowing. "The old magic your mother left you is fading. You've kept it strong for years, but protection spells tied to blood don't last forever. Especially when the next heir's power begins to awaken."
"She must be starting to feel her powers but ...I need to return she might be in danger"
"Indeed." The sorcerer's voice lowered. "And when her eighteenth birthday nears, that power will draw attention — light and dark alike. You must be ready, Alaric. The clues your mother left might be the only way to shield her."
Alaric's hand brushed against the pendant around his neck — an ancient charm shaped like a leaf.
"I'll find them," he said quietly. "Before they find her."
Thunder started to eco outside.