CHAPTER 8- THE JOURNEY BEGINS
262 Words
The Sanctuary was no longer safe.
Cael packed quickly, gathering ancient scrolls, glowing crystals, and a silver blade that hummed with magic.
Alora watched him nervously.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“To the City of Lumira,” Cael replied.
“What’s there?”
“Allies.”
He handed her a cloak woven with shimmering threads.
“Wear this. It will hide your magical signature.”
Alora wrapped it around herself. The fabric felt warm and surprisingly light.
Together they climbed the spiral staircase back through the ancient oak tree.
The forest greeted them with quiet whispers and glowing fireflies.
But something felt different.
The forest seemed… uneasy.
Branches creaked without wind. Shadows stretched too long across the ground.
“They are searching,” Cael said quietly.
“Nyxara’s army?”
“Yes.”
They moved quickly through the forest. Alora tried to remember the path, but the deeper they went, the more unfamiliar everything became.
After hours of walking, they reached a clearing where a small lake shimmered under the moonlight.
Cael stopped.
“This is where our real journey begins.”
He touched the surface of the water.
The lake began to glow.
The calm water twisted into a spinning portal of silver and blue light.
Alora stared in amazement.
“Where does that lead?”
“Beyond the human world,” Cael said.
“To Lumira.”
Alora took a deep breath.
Everything she had ever known was behind her now.
With one last look at the forest of Ember Hollow, she stepped into the portal.
- Writer
