CHAPTER ONE

Golden rays of the evening sunset shore lazily on the backyard of the mansion. I put on my headphones, and as the music hit my ears, the refreshing wind gently caressed my skin. It was almost the start of winter, and the trees around had already shed their leaves.

My gaze shifted from the falling leaves to the fountain in the middle of the garden. It had never been there before; I approached it cautiously, confirming it wasn't a figment of my imagination.

A fairy statue sat on the edge of the fountain holding a harp. Her golden-brown fair skin glowed from the beautiful sunset, almost as if she were alive. Black wavy hair flowed in full, thick strands down her back, catching the last light of the sun. A crown of tiny red roses circled her head. Her wings shimmered like spun glass—delicate and translucent. Her eyes were the most captivating—large, almond-shaped. Every inch of her was mesmerizing yet delicate.

The light maple harp in her hands looked too real, as though carved separately and placed there later. The strings were of different colours, thin and evenly spaced. It was a symbol of music, not just an instrument.

I removed my headphones and moved closer to the fountain. My hands gently brushed the strings of the harp. And as if by clockwork, the fountain came to life.

The fairy played the harp as I stood in awe. The music could put one under a spell—powerless.

"Who are you?" I tried to converse, since she had just come to life before my eyes.

She kept on playing as though she had not heard me.

"Where are you from?" My heart was pounding. Was I going to die? The song had reached its climax and became unbearable. 'Am I losing my mind?' I thought to myself.

"I am Aira," her voice was like a musical note.

The music stopped. A flash of light blinded us and the fountain turned.

This is a portal, it finally dawned on me. I scanned my surroundings. A thick forest was before me. Aira had disappeared. I was alone. A cold breeze swept through. The air felt heavy. There was a thick fog that made it almost impossible for me to see. There was no light nor torch. I reached for my phone in my pockets, but it wasn't there.

"Hello? Is anyone there?" I screamed, trying to get the attention of anyone. I was afraid of the dangers that could befall me in such a place. "Please, can anyone hear me?" I heard nothing but the echoes of my own voice. I walked on, stumbling into bushes and getting scratched by the thorns. After some minutes of this, I spotted a light from afar—it looked like a torch, a bright one. I was tired by now after trying to navigate such a place.

A path lay before me, going directly toward the light. I followed it steadily till I heard some people talking.

"She should know her kind," a soft woman's voice whispered."No! I don't want her to end up like you," a more authoritative, manly voice thundered.

"I understand your concern, but she will inevitably uncover the truth. It's her destiny, and she will embrace it," the woman was calm."She has to be ready when the time comes," she looked up at the man.

"Didn't you hear me? I don't want her he—" the conversation halted abruptly as if they were sensing my presence.

"Protect her at all costs," he whispered.

A bright red glow appeared and soon another person joined them.

"Mmmmh! I presume you are referring to the Princess," he said, sending chills down my spine. He clearly had no hint of good in his tone. I hid behind a bush as I observed them.

"Wherever you hide her, I will still find her," I shivered.

"What are you doing here, Luclyle? This is our territory. You are not supposed to be here,"

He smirked and looked at them.

"This is my territory now. My army has already taken over."

The woman dropped to her knees.

"What have you done to my people? Aklv!"

Aklv threw a punch at Luclyle.

"Your fighting needs some help," he smiled.

Luclyle drew out his claws and attacked Aklv. I watched in horror as he cut through his skin. The woman tried to fight him off to protect Aklv, but he hit her. He raised his claws, about to kill the woman in cold blood, but Aklv, with the remaining strength he had, pushed her out of the way.

"Nooo!" I screamed, unable to help myself as he was being torn to pieces.

"She is here, isn't she?" Luclyle spoke up after he let him go.

Gaining back my senses, I turned back and started running in the other direction. What was I thinking screaming like that?

"Don't you dare touch her!" the woman screamed behind me.

"No, why is she here?" Aklv managed to say.

I tripped over a bush but managed to still get up and run. I was running but didn't know where to go. Tears filled my eyes. My heart was heavy. His voice and smile kept playing in my head. He caught up to me and pinned me to the ground.

"What do you want with me? I am not who you're looking for," I tried to plead with him.

"Finally, I get to kill you."

My breathing rate increased, and I tried my best to get out of his grip.

"Let me be! Someone, please help!" I screamed my lungs out.

His claw scratched my neck. He raised his hand to tear me apart, but the woman hit him off me. He lost consciousness.

"Here, take this necklace—it will protect you at all times," she said. "It's your fairy; she will help you. Now go, and don't turn back."

When I was far enough, I sat down to catch my breath. I rubbed the necklace, trying to figure out how it works. I had had enough and wished I was home. I closed my eyes.