Bound by Magic

The Map

Every day after school, Lia retreated to her quiet haven to immerse herself in books, reminiscent of the peaceful moments she once shared with her grandmother. While the family owned a home library, Lia preferred the solitude of the attic. One day, while exploring the attic, she stumbled upon a peculiar book. Inside, she discovered a compelling account of magical creatures and evidence of their existence. Lia found it amusing, knowing that

such stories were often dismissed as mere myths. As she reached the middle of the book, she uncovered a folded piece of paper.

The handwriting on it was unmistakably her grandmother's.

Overcome with curiosity, Lia couldn't resist solving the puzzles etched on the map.Eager to solve the mystery, Lia recognized the convenience of it being a Saturday tomorrow, allowing her to dive headfirst into solving the puzzles without the distraction of school.

Later that evening, during a family dinner, Lia chose not to share her discovery. The constant busyness of her family members often left her feeling alone in her adventures. After hastily finishing her meal and receiving permission to leave the table, she retreated to her room to continue deciphering the map. With determination, she unlocked its secrets, causing it to emit a brilliant glow that compelled her to extinguish her bedroom lights to read its contents more clearly.

Suddenly, she found herself standing before an open doorway – her grandmother stood on the other side, healthy and radiant. A mix of fear and joy overwhelmed Lia as she rushed into her grandmother's embrace, tears streaming down her face. Lia's question, voiced between sobs, echoed through the room: "You promised to never leave me. Why did you leave me all alone?" Her grandmother held her tightly, offering solace, before guiding Lia deeper into the magical world she had just entered. Amidst their journey, they reached a small cabin where her grandmother began to reveal a long-hidden truth.