Chapter 2

Pearline ran through the forest, panting. Trees blurred as they moved past her, and the world in front of her eyes seemed to fade. Elysia clung to her back, groaning in pain, while Pearline's cheeks were soaked with tears.

If anyone had been there to witness the scene, they still wouldn't have believed their eyes. How could a child run so fast? But it wasn't just fear that drove her—it was the blood of a magician elf that flowed through her veins. The sheer terror of losing the only family she had left made her desperate enough to keep running, ignoring the pain that felt like her body was slowly being eaten away .

Without Pearline realizing, strands of her dark pink hair began turning pale—fading to pinkish-white one by one, like a candle burning itself out.

Her head pounded. she felt a sudden, sharp headache and, her body felt as if someone were pulling the veins from her limbs. but she was trying her best to push through it, her feet flying over roots and stones.

Then—she stumbled.

Her knees hit the ground hard, and she gasped. Elysia slipped off her back with a soft thud. Clutching at the grass, she tried to get up. 

"No—no, no, no..." Pearline crawled to her. "Elysia!"

She gently turned her over, with hands trembling and eyes wide with panic. The wound on Elysia's side was deep. Even the thin layer of energy Pearline had placed over the wound had vanished, and the blood started flowing again. Pearline pressed her small hands over the injury, desperate to stop the bleeding.

"It's okay," she whispered, "You're gonna be fine. Just hang on, okay? Hang in there."

With tears in her eyes, Pearline began to whisper the healing spell she knew. 

Soft, pinkish-white light shimmered beneath her palms, but her body trembled. The spell demanded more energy than her small frame could give.

Her vision Blurred, and her chest lifted as she huffed for breath.

"Please... don't go," she kept whispering. "Please, please..."

Her magic wasn't working properly. Her fingers had lost feeling. She was so tired that her head drooped forward.

No. Not now.

"I... need to stay awake... I nee—"

Pearline collapsed beside her sister, unconscious. the light in her hair still fading.

.

.

"Guess you girls are lucky..."

The woman's voice was low and amused as it interrupted the haze of unconsciousness. She stood over the two girls, studying them carefully. Her sharp gaze focused on Pearline, whose hair was gradually turning from dark pink to pale white. She crouched down and gently placed her hand on Pearline's forehead. Watching the slow change in Pearline's hair, she whispered, "You were scared, huh?"

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As Pearline slowly opened her eyes, confusion clouded her thoughts. She was no longer in the forest, no longer running to keep herself and Elysia alive. The room she found herself in was simple yet comforting, a quiet space with soft lighting and the gentle rustling of wind outside the window.

She tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness hit her. The soreness in her limbs was overwhelming, but it was nothing compared to the worry in her chest for Elysia.

A voice interrupted her thoughts. "You're awake."

Pearline turned toward the sound. A woman stood near the door, wearing a simple dress. Her expression was kind but she looked professional.

With curiosity in her eyes "Who—" Pearline's voice still weak. "Who are you?"

The woman bowed her head slightly. "My name is Lira. I'm a servant here in Lady Amira's household."

Pearline tried to sit up again, her hands shaking. "Where's Elysia? Is she... is she okay? Please, I need to know."

Lira stepped forward, a look of sympathy in her eyes. "if you are talking about the elf girl that came in with you then you don't have to worry about her she's being looked after in the other room which is right next to this one. She's resting right now, just like you were. We've made sure she's comfortable."

Pearline's chest tightened at the mention of Elysia. "I need to see her... now."

Lira's expression softened, and she shook her head gently. "I'm afraid miss but i cannot allow that because any sound in her room will disturb her also you need to rest as well. Lady Amira will speak with you soon, since you've now regained your consciousness . You've both been through a lot, and it's important you take time to heal."

"Who is Lady Amira?" Pearline asked, her voice trembling slightly. 

Lira took a deep breath, then sat down at the edge of the bed. 

"Lady Amira," Lira began slowly, "is the heir to one of the most respected and powerful families in this region—the Laventhren family. They are known far and wide for their mastery of wind magic, and their influence in both politics and battle is unrivaled. Their legacy stretches back centuries." The Laventhren family has a unique bond with the wind, which allows them to manipulate air currents, create powerful storms, and even move at incredible speeds and who know maybe more..... Their techniques are passed down through generations, honed and perfected with each new heir. But more than that, they've chosen a path of protecting the realm and the innocent, not just wielding their power for their own gain."

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Evening had settled over the Laventhren estate, casting long shadows across the quiet hallways. 

Pearline sat near the window in her room, knees drawn to her chest, arms wrapped loosely around them. She stared out at the fading light, but her thoughts were next door with Elysia.

She had gone to see her, just once earlier, but not inside the room. She didn't wanted to disturb her. Instead, she had stood silently outside and looked at her sister through the glass window on the door. Elysia looked so fragile, covered with a blanket, her brown hair spread over the pillow. Pearline had only stayed a moment… then quietly walked away.

Now, she just sat still, heart heavy with thoughts until a gentle knock interrupted the silence.

She turned, startled, just as the door creaked open.

The figure that stepped inside seemed to glide rather than walk. She was tall, graceful, and seemed to have dreamlike beauty. Lavender hair fell like silk down her back. 

Pearline didn't need to ask who she was—but the question still escaped her lips which was barely above a whisper.

"Who… are you?"

The woman tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable.

"Amira," she said simply.

Pearline gasped and thought so this was her. 

"I—I don't know how to thank you," Pearline said, standing slowly, her voice shaking. "You saved my life."

Amira's eyes moved over to Pearline's body carefully looking at her from top to bottom.

"It's not much," she replied, her tone simple but firm. "That was the least I could have done. There were very few survivors in that fire. You and the elf girl… were among the lucky ones."

Pearline's eyes dropped to the floor, her thoughts drifting again to the home she'd lost.

"Some survivors had family in nearby towns… so they left," Amira continued, studying her. "What about you? Do you have anyone else?"

Pearline lowered her gaze, voice barely above a whisper.

"I… I don't know. There's no one left. My family… they were all in the village."

A long silence followed. Amira didn't interrupt—

Then she spoke, voice gentle.

"For now, rest. We'll talk about it later—once you and your sister have recovered."

Pearline nodded

Amira gave a final glance, then she turned and walked out of the room, her presence lingering like a breeze even after the door clicked shut.