THE LAST GIFT

Escape

Confirming that Mamu wouldn't let me go, I knew I had to take matters into my own hands. I quickly went to Rivad to ask if his offer still stood. He looked at me with confusion. "Didn't she allow you to go?" he asked.

I hugged him, tears streaming down my face, and he tried to comfort me. "Let's go," he said. "But how can we escape? Since only you'll be allowed through the portal using the celestial ring, and the next full moon is in two days."

I looked at him, thinking of a plan. He reminded me about the royal celestial ring, which my mom always kept with her, except when she slept. I quickly went back home, determined to take the ring and prove to my mom that I could survive in the human world.

I waited patiently for the right time and sneaked into my parents' room to collect the ring. It was on the top shelf. As I tried to take it, it felt hot, and I dropped it back. I looked over at my parents to see if they were awake, but they weren't.

I pricked one of my fingers and dropped a drop of blood on the ring. The ring's power was neutralized, and I picked it up. I quickly ran towards the portal where Rivad was waiting for me.

We jointly added the ring to the moon cave to open the portal, and I could finally see freedom. That's when I heard my name being called. "Avery, don't!" I looked back, seeing my mom from afar. I turned back and entered the portal.

If only I knew that would be the last time I would ever see her alive again.