Chapter 1
726 Words
CLASH!
The sound of shattering ceramic echoed through the kitchen, and Juno's heart sank. She hadn't eaten for days, and her weakened state had caused the dish to slip from her grip.
"What is that sound, did you clumsy imbecile break another dish again?" Amelia, Juno's mother, shrieked, her voice dripping with venom.
"No, ma, I swear it was a mistake," Juno replied shakily, but her plea fell on deaf ears.
Amelia's face twisted in rage as she picked up a broken piece of the plate and slashed it across Juno's skin. "Do you know how much that plate is worth?" she spat, repeatedly striking Juno with the jagged ceramic.
The room filled with Juno's cries as she begged Amelia to stop. "I've not started with you at all; by the time I'm done, you'll finally die," Amelia hissed, her eyes blazing with malice.
"You'll sleep outside tonight, and no food for three more days," Amelia decreed, her voice cold and detached.
Juno desperately fell at Amelia's feet, pleading, "Ma, please, the rain is pouring heavily outside."
Amelia's response was a vicious kick to Juno's stomach, followed by a cruel drag outside. The door slammed shut behind Juno, leaving her to face the torrential rain alone.
The rain pounded against Juno's frail body, soaking her to the bone. She wrapped her arms around herself, shivering. The darkness seemed to swallow her whole.
But something remarkable happened. Outside, the wounds inflicted on Juno by Amelia began to close up, healing at an alarming rate. It was as if her body had an innate ability to repair itself, a secret known only to Juno.
As she watched her wounds heal, Juno felt a spark within her ignite. She realized she couldn't endure this life anymore.
That night, Juno vowed to never return to that house, to escape the toxic cycle of abuse and uncover the source of her mysterious power.
With newfound determination, Juno stood up, brushing off the rain-soaked dirt. She retrieved a crumpled paper from her pocket, creased and worn, bearing the name 'Valatoria'.
This would be her starting point.
Juno's eyes locked onto the distant horizon, her heart pounding with anticipation. She took her first step toward freedom, leaving behind the only life she'd known.
As she walked, the rain slowed to a gentle patter. The darkness began to recede, replaced by an otherworldly glow.
Juno's senses heightened, and she felt the world around her transform. The trees seemed taller, their branches like nature's own cathedral.
She walked for hours, the silence broken only by the sound of her footsteps.
Finally, Juno reached the outskirts of a dense forest. A faded sign creaked in the wind: "Kingdom of Valatoria - 5 miles."
With a deep breath, Juno stepped into the unknown.
As she ventured deeper into the forest, the trees grew taller, their leaves rustling in an ancient language. Juno felt the weight of her journey lifting, replaced by a sense of purpose.
The moon broke through the canopy above, casting an ethereal glow. Juno's footsteps quickened, her heart pounding with excitement.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows wearing a black cloak, "is it you, the guy from beforr?" She questioned with a frail voice,
"Welcome, Juno," The black cloak guy said, his voice low and husky. "I've been waiting for you."
FLASHBACK: Few weeks ago....
I've had enough of this life when are things going to change, Juno thought in her heart as she was walking aimlessly on the streets she has that tingling feeling as if someone is watching her but she looks back and find no one, strange she thought but continued her journey then a guy in a black cloak appeared before her and she was startled
" fear not, I mean no harm the black cloak guy said"
" who are you?" she replied
the black cloak guy then gave her a paper and said "if you want to find out about yourself come to this place, I'll be waiting"
she took the paper from his hand and studied it wearily and said "I asked who you are?" but she was met with silence and when she looked up the black cloak guy was gone.
End of flashback.
Juno's heart skipped a beat. She had found her destination, but little did she know, her true journey was only beginning.
- Writer
