Chapter 2: The Emberfell Mystery

"Mona, get up," Thorne said.

Thorne stood tall with long silver-black hair and cold emerald eyes that flickered when he was angry. He wore a dark, rune-stitched cloak that seemed to have a shadowy aura. Cold, ruthless, and power-obsessed, he flicked his magical stick, pulling down Mona's blanket.

"Dad, I want to sleep," Mona groaned.

But Mona slowly sat up. Her jet-black hair cascaded down her back, and her silver eyes glowed faintly under the moonlight. Calm, intelligent, and deeply magical this was Mona Emberfell, daughter of Thorne.

"Princess, your food is ready," Thorne said. "Zolo has cooked. Eat quickly or you'll be late for the training and you know what will happen if you're late."

"I know, dad . I'm getting ready," Mona replied.

Elsewhere...

"Lyla! Nova! Come here, sweethearts. Aren't we going to the market?" Zara called.

Lyla came out wearing a hoodie and jeans.

"Oh my sweetheart, you look so beautiful," Zara said, smiling.

"Thank you, Aunty. But why isn't mom coming?" Lyla asked.

Leo came from behind and said, "Because she has to go somewhere with me. But don't worry, Zara aunty is going with you and Nova. Be happy, sweetheart."

arrived, Nova walking beside her, wearing a black jacket and jeans.

"Papa, don't worry. Lyla is with me—how could I ever be sad with her?" Nova smiled.

Leo smiled back.

From outside, Solen called, "Leo! Come now or we'll be late!"

Zara, Lyla, and Nova hugged Leo goodbye.

"Take care, sweethearts," Leo said.

"You too. And Solen, take care of him," Zara added.

Solen and Leo left.

"Mom, shall we go?" Nova asked.

"Yes, Nova. Let's go," Zara replied.

As they walked into the hall, Zara said, "Hold me tightly, both of you."

Nova and Lyla grabbed her arms.

Zara raised her magical stick and chanted, "Jhalin!"

In an instant, they teleported to the market.

"Wow, Mom! How did you do that? I want to learn too!" Nova said in awe.

"To travel using a magical stick, think of the place in your mind and say the Jhalin.' That's it," Zara explained.

"Aunty, will you teach this to me and Nova too?" Lyla asked.

"Of course, dear. But first, we need to buy your first-year Thornwick books, sticks, sweeping tools, Thornwick dresses, some magical clothes, and finally, some stylish human outfits," Zara said. "Come on, let's go!"

Meanwhile...

Mona arrived downstairs, dressed in a magical outfit. A white frock reached just above her knees, and a black cloak draped her shoulders. She looked like a true magical princess.

"Eat quickly," Thorne said. "We have to go to the market."

"Why, Dad?" Mona asked.

"You've been accepted into Thornwick a great magical school. We need to get your uniform. You already have a magical stick, but we'll polish it too."

"Alright, let's go," Mona said after eating.

She closed her eyes and whispered, "Jhalin."

The two arrived in the magical market.

"I just remembered something," Thorne said. "I need to return home. I've told you what to buy. Take care."

And with another "Jhalin," he vanished.

Mona felt a little upset but composed herself and went to buy clothes. Suddenly, she bumped into someone.

It was Rive Windgrove white-haired, dressed in stylish magical clothes. He was the younger son of the rich but kind Windgrove family. Calm, teasing, sometimes a bully, but also funny.

"Are you blind?" he said rudely.

Mona didn't respond.

"Deaf too?" he added, smirking.

Just then, Aiden Thornvale appeared tall, with brown hair. Rive's best friend. Aiden had an attitude, was a little bossy, but had a hidden kindness. and aiden is the only child of thornvale family.

"Don't mind him," Aiden teased. "Girls are weird sometimes."

"The weirdest one lives in my house," Rive muttered.

Just then, a sweet voice came from behind.

"Don't mind these two. They're crazy," said Livra Windgrove, the youngest "Are you okay?" she asked Mona gently.

Mona didn't speak.

Livra held her hand and gently shook it. "Hey, are you okay?"

Startled, Mona blinked. "Yes... I'm fine."

"This is Rive Windgrove, my brother, and Aiden Thornvale," Livra introduced.

"Nice to meet you," said Rive.

"Should be 'bad to meet you,'" Aiden joked.

Livra extended her hand. "Want to be friends?"

"Sure," Mona smiled.

Now they were all friends.

"What's your name?" Aiden asked.

"Mona Emberfell," she replied.

Rive looked shocked. "Mona Emberfell?!"

"Yes, why?"

"Oh... Are you the younger or older daughter?" Livra asked.

"What do you mean?" Mona asked, confused.

"You don't know?" Rive said. "Your dad never told you? You have a sister. Her name is Lyla Emberfell."

Mona was stunned.

"She's your dad's elder daughter," Aiden added. "I think she lives with your mom."

"I stay with my dad," Mona said quietly.

"Then you're the younger one," Rive said.

Livra whispered, "People say Thorne's younger daughter meaning you was either from his first wife or... someone else. Maybe an affair."

Mona's face dropped.

Livra quickly changed the topic. "Come! Let's check out that accessories shop. My mom always finds the best things there!"

Inside, Mona and Livra looked at necklaces.

One had a black stone set in a white chain. It sparkled brightly. Rive's eyes fell on it he loved it instantly.

Adien said to rive mom's birthday is next week . Let's buy something l'll give to her before I leave for the thornwick.

They walked into the shop.

He walked over to Mona, holding a beautiful necklace in her hand.

"Mona," he said warmly, "this necklace will look great on you. Try it!"

Mona looked at the necklace and gave a soft smile. "Alright," she said, "I'll try it on."

She gently wore the necklace around her neck.

"Wow!" Rive exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. "It looks so good on you!"

"Yes," Mona nodded, looking at herself. "It really does."

Rive turned to the shopkeeper and asked, "How much is this necklace?"

"It's worth 10 black coins," replied the shopkeeper.

"I'll pay for it," Mona said quickly and began taking out her coins. But just as she stretched her hand to give them, Rive stopped her.

"I'll pay for it," Rive said.

"No, Rive," Mona insisted politely. "I have 10 black coins."

Rive gently placed her hand on Mona's shoulder and said teasingly, "You girls talk so much! And what do you think? That I believe you don't have 10 black coins? Of course you do! But still this necklace is quite expensive. You're Mr. Emberfell's daughter, surely you're rich enough. So just accept this necklace as a little gift from me like a token, okay? And please, don't say something more and close your mouth .

Without another word, Rive handed 10 black coins to the shopkeeper.

Meanwhile, Adien had bought a necklace for his mother 

Later that Night At Thorne Emberfell Mansion

"Mom, today was so much fun!" Lyla said, wearing a green shirt and pant style night suit.

"I bought a magical dress!" she continued excitedly. "Thornwick dresses, some sweeping tools, and even human clothes! And books too! And of course, a magical dress for me!"

Solen smiled and said, "Oh, my little girls! You've shopped so much today. Now come on, it's really late. Time to sleep, okay?"

"Okay!" they all replied together and ran off to bed.

Mona sat quietly on her bed, gently holding the necklace and smiling to herself, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink. She wore a black shirt and pants night suit, looking elegant even in the dim light of her room.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Startled, Mona quickly hid the necklace under her pillow.

"Yes?" she called out, trying to sound normal.

The door opened it was her father, Thorne Emberfell.

"Did you buy everything you needed, Mona?" Thorne asked.

"Yes, Dad, I did," Mona replied, still a bit nervous.

Thorne came and sat beside her, placing his hand gently on her head. "Tell me something," he said softly. "I know you felt bad when I walked away earlier. I'm sorry."

Mona looked at him kindly and said, "It's alright, Dad."

"But you seem… very happy. I thought you'd be sitting here feeling upset. Tell me what's made you so cheerful?" he asked with a little smirk. "And… who gave you that necklace?"

Mona blushed again, lowering her eyes.

"Ah, okay, fine," Thorne laughed gently. "Don't tell me. One day, that person will come in front of me anyway. I'll ask their name then. But now, it's time to sleep. Goodnight."

"Papa… can I ask you something?" Mona said curiously.

"Of course," Thorne replied.

"Today, at the market," she said carefully, "I heard something… that I have a sister. Lyla Emberfell. Is that true?"

Thorne's expression instantly changed. A flicker of anger and pain flashed in his eyes.

Seeing this, Mona quickly said, "Please don't be angry! I was just asking. If you don't want to tell me, it's okay."

"Go to sleep," Thorne said sternly. "Don't focus on such things, understand?"

He stood up and left the room, still clearly upset.

But Mona's happiness from earlier remained untouched. She smiled softly and drifted off to sleep.

At the Balcony 

Thorne stood by the balcony, looking out into the night sky. His mind wandered to Solen and Lyla.

"Forgive me, Mona," he whispered to the wind. "I just… can't tell you. Not yet."

At Windgrove Mansion

The Windgrove household was alive with chatter. Rive, Livra, Adrien, and Kael Windgrove Rive and Livra's older brother were all gathered.

Kael Windgrove, the eldest son, was in his second year at Thornwick. He had white-blue hair, a charming yet calm smile, and a cool but funny personality. Always responsible, he was considered the pillar of the Windgrove family.

"Do you know what happened today?" Livra asked excitedly.

"What?" Kael asked, curious.

"Rive is f-f-falling in love!" Livra teased.

"Shut up, Livra!" Rive rolled her eyes. "She's just a friend! I only gave her a necklace, that's it."

"Oh really? That's it?" Adrien joined in with a laugh. "You've never given your own sister a necklace. Why her then, huh? Tell us!"

Before Rive could answer, their mother entered.

"Children, all of you go to your rooms and get to bed," said Aravella Windgrove, walking in gracefully. She had blue hair and icy eyes, her nature both sweet and cheerful. Honest and fair, she never took sides, and her love for her children was deep and warm.

"Adrien, treat this home like it's yours," Aravella added. "If you ever have a problem, just come and tell me, alright?"

"Livra," Rive snapped, "do you have to say everything to Mom?"

"But Rive!" Livra giggled, "You are in love! You gave that girl a necklace 10 black coins worth!"

Aravella raised her eyebrows, playfully serious. "Oh, and who is this lucky girl, Rive?"

"No one, Mom!" Rive said quickly.

"Come on, there is someone. What's her name?" Aravella asked.

"...Mona," Rive admitted quietly.

"Mona… such a beautiful name," Aravella smiled. "Alright, Livra, off to bed now. 

"Okay, Mom!" Livra said cheerfully.

And with that, Aravella and Livra left the room.

1 PM – Emberfell Mansion

"I don't know why she's not here yet," Lyla said, frowning.

"Ynx, get up! Let's go to Nova's room. I'm sure she isn't asleep either. Let's talk to her," Lyla whispered, pulling her friend along.

Lyla and Ynx tiptoed down the hallway toward Nova's room. But just as they reached the door, they paused. Voices drifted from inside it was Solen, Zara, and Leo. Silently, they pressed themselves to the wall, listening closely.

"If Mona were with us today," Zara said softly, "she would have also left for Thornwick and lived with her real parents us. Poor girl doesn't even know that we are her actual mom and dad, not Thorne."

Solen's voice was laced with regret. "If someone had to be ta

ken away for Mona to know the truth, why did it have to be Lyla at birth? Why was Mona taken instead?"

Zara sighed. "Mona and Nova are just like Lyla our daughters. You both raised them with such love. Don't worry, Thorne has been a wonderful father to her. He's raised Mona with all the love he has."