Desires in Haven: Jaded Flames

CHAPTER 4: Departure & Arrival

The next morning, as I packed my belongings, the weight of my impending departure settled in. My mother, with a soft call. " hey baby how are you feeling?" she asked as she came into my room. "Mom I'm honestly excited to leave and start a new, high school wasn't the best for me and I want a change" I say looking at my packed bag with tears in my eyes.

"I know sweetheart, I could only imagine what you've been through, you're so strong to feel like you had to deal with it all on your own, but I'm here as I've always been so let me carry it with you" she says rubbing circles in my back while holding me in a close hug. "I'm sorry for never telling you, I was being bullied nonstop and I felt you had enough to deal with, work, raising me alone, I just wanted to be strong like you" I said crying onto her shoulder.

" And you're the strongest person I know Jade, it takes strength to not let bullies break you. You still should have told me baby that's my job to take care of you" she said lifting me up and wiping my tears away. "I promise I won't hide anything else from you" I say standing up moving towards the door. "Thanks babygirl I love you" she said with tears in her eyes. We both head down the stairs.

The sun painted the sky in hues of amber as I stood on the doorstep, facing the inevitable goodbye. My mother, Emily, gazed at me with a mixture of pride and sadness. The weight of the impending departure lingered in the air, and I took a deep breath, attempting to absorb the strength I needed for the journey ahead.

"Jade, my love," she began, her voice a gentle melody, "this is not goodbye forever. It's a 'see you later.' Remember, you are destined for greatness, and this camp will help you embrace your true self."

I nodded, my throat constricted by the emotions that threatened to surface. She pulled me into a tight embrace, the warmth of her love a comforting embrace that momentarily eased the weight of the unknown.

"Take this," she said, pressing a small pendant into my hand. It was a delicate dragon-shaped charm, its significance lingering in the air like a whispered promise. "It belonged to your father, and now, it's a part of your journey. Let it guide you, Jade."

Tears welled in my eyes as I clutched the pendant, a tangible link to the parents whose legacy shaped my destiny. She held my face in her hands, her eyes searching mine for unspoken assurances.

"I love you more than words can express, Jade. Always remember, no matter where you are, a mother's love transcends all realms."

With a final, lingering look, I stepped away from the haven of home, each footfall echoing the ache of separation. The car that would transport me to the mysterious camp waited nearby, and as I entered, I glanced back at her, standing in the doorway, a silhouette etched against the morning light.

As the car pulled away, the reality of the journey ahead settled in. I was not alone; three strangers accompanied me, their presence a mix of mystery and purpose. The car ride unfolded in relative silence until one of them finally spoke.

"Jade, I'm Alex, and these are my colleagues, Ava and Kai," the Huge blue-eyed man introduced, breaking the silence that enveloped us.

Ava, with a warm smile, nodded in acknowledgment, while Kai, a quiet presence, offered a reassuring glance

Their names held a certain weight, each syllable resonating with the gravity of the world I was stepping into. "Nice to meet you," I responded, my voice a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

Alex turned around in the front seat, his eyes locking onto mine. "We understand this is overwhelming, but we're here to guide you through the process. The camp is not in your world; it exists in a realm where individuals like you can harness their powers without drawing attention."

I processed his words, the realization settling in. The camp, the training ground for those with extraordinary abilities, was not a conventional destination. It existed beyond the veil of the ordinary, a realm where the fantastical became tangible.

"We'll be entering a portal to reach the camp," Ava explained, her voice carrying a hint of reassurance. "Don't worry; it's a safe and controlled passage. Just relax, and we'll guide you through."

As the car approached a secluded area, Alex parked, and the three of them stepped out. The air shimmered with an otherworldly energy as they gestured for me to join them. Nerves clenched at my stomach as I exited the car, facing the portal with a mixture of trepidation and curiosity.

Alex placed a hand on my shoulder, his touch grounding me. "Jade, take a deep breath. Trust us, and the transition will be seamless."

As the words settled in, I closed my eyes and followed their lead. The world around me seemed to ripple, and a sensation akin to weightlessness enveloped me. The portal, a gateway between realms, transported us into a reality where the ordinary ceased to exist.

When I opened my eyes, the surroundings had transformed. The camp sprawled before me, a tapestry of mystical landscapes and structures that defied the conventional. Trees whispered secrets, and the air hummed with a subtle energy that hinted at the extraordinary abilities harbored within its boundaries.

"Welcome to the camp, Jade Sloan," Alex announced, his eyes reflecting a mixture of pride and purpose.