I woke up on a hard bed with different eyes watching me.
Chase was sitting beside me, holding my hand. An old lady stood nearby, and next to her, a girl my age with a curious gaze. A wolf sat beside her—calm, alert, mysterious.
I slowly sat up and whispered, "Where are we?"
Chase scratched his head. "I don't know either, but this woman gave us shelter after you passed out."
The old woman smiled gently. "You look better now. Go clean up and come eat."
After bathing, I sat at the table. The woman looked familiar. There was something royal about her, something haunting.
She looked at me closely and asked, "You are Leo's daughter, right?"
I froze. How did she know?
"Yes, ma'am."
She chuckled.
"You don't have to say ma'am. Just call me Grandma."
I blinked. "Okay... Grandma."
She smiled but then grew serious.
"The time has come. We can't wait any longer."
Everyone stared at her, confused.
She looked at me and the girl beside the wolf—Ava.
"The full moon will rise in five days. And the crown must be placed on the real Queen's head."
I stood up, startled. "I'm not the real Queen. My father isn't even the rightful king. I left the palace to find my grandmother and her niece. Could it be—"
My eyes widened. I looked at Ava.
It was her. She was the one.
"It's okay, my child," Grandma said softly. "Ava is destined to be Queen, born from royal blood. You, Astrid, are destined to be an adventurer, a protector. That fire in you,it's your path."
I nodded slowly.
She continued, "There are seven kingdoms: Ashara, Cossa, Jayah, Lono, Zanair, Domosor, and Sessenarie. Ashara leads them all. If Ava isn't crowned under the full moon, chaos will erupt across the kingdoms."
She brought out a map.
"We must gain allies in every kingdom. Ava, you have the mark on your neck—the crown. That is the sign of the chosen one. When the time is right, all will recognize it."
Ava asked, "But Grandma, how do we know the kingdoms will agree?"
Grandma smiled. "They will. The sign will speak for you. And I have a feeling destiny is already on your side."
---
Later that Evening
I was outside sitting with Chase, talking, when Ava walked up.
"Hi," she said, "I believe we haven't introduced ourselves properly."
"I'm Chase, and this is Astrid."
Ava smiled. "Want me to show you around?"
"Sure. I hope your wolf doesn't bite," I teased.
"Roman doesn't bite," Ava laughed.
She gave us a little tour of the forest paths, the wooden hut, and the hidden spots filled with herbs and magical plants. Later, we sat down, shared water, and talked more.
We all returned inside and packed. I gave Ava a small knife.
"It's Valariyan steel. Very sharp. Tomorrow will be stressful. Goodnight, Ava."
"Goodnight," she replied softly.
The Next Morning
I woke early and saw everyone was already outside. Ava came out late, smiling awkwardly.
"I'm late."
"Not really," Grandma said, handing her a black cloak.
"Come to the garden."
"You didn't tell me Grandma was this cool," I said to Ava.
"We're going to teleport!"
"Wait—what?!"
We all held hands. Roman clung to Ava's leg. Grandma whispered a chant:
"O great wind, take us to Sessenaire Kingdom!"
And just like that—we vanished.
---
Sessenaire Kingdom – Inside the Palace
We appeared directly in front of the King. Grandma leaned in and whispered,
"You speak, Ava. You are the Queen."
Ava stepped forward. Her voice shook at first.
"I need you to be my ally."
"Why should I?" the King asked, unmoved.
Ava raised her chin and smirked.
"Because I must take back my kingdom from an imposter king."
She revealed the mark on her neck.
The King's eyes widened. He stood up and bowed.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty."
With his full support, our journey began.
In the days that followed, with Grandma's wisdom, Astrid and Chase's strength, Ava's bravery, and Roman's instincts, we secured allies in four kingdoms.
Only three remained—the Big Three. The most powerful.
We headed for Cossa.
But Roman was uneasy.
He sensed something. We didn't know what… not yet.
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🔐 What secrets lie within the secret chamber where the crown is kept?
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