The clock struck 12, it was time for the four friends to go have lunch in the dining hall. As they entered the hall two girls came running towards them. The two twins, Olivia and Amelia Summers, two half-pixies, half-witches. They were so much alike that oftentimes one could be mistaken for the other. Same eyes, same smile, same height. Their eyes were yellow, like that of a new born petal, the colour that loves the sun so much it radiates its warmth even in the dawn. Scorching and fiery red their hair was, orange sunset locks, capturing the light in vibrant ruby hues. Amelia's hair flowed gently, warm curls of lava that reached her mid-back. Olivia's hair was much shorter, they reached just past her shoulders. They both had numerous freckles all over their skin, which made them even more unique. They were undeniably pretty, like all pixies are but they hid very well their dark and mischievous side within. Gwen had always found trouble when it came to those two, that's why she tried to stay as far away from them as possible. She knew they meant trouble from the first day she saw them, mischief lurking on their lips and eyes. It was there to see as plainly as the fall leaves in the park. But others seemed to not notice their wicked and spiteful ways. Especially guys, they all seemed totally blind and completely overtaken by their charms.. The two girls would do anything to get a boy to like them, only to be later seen crushing their unsuspecting hearts in front of everyone. That's what they had been trying to do for years with Seb and Alex. Olivia was cunning and manipulative she would use powerful love potions or spells to get guys close to her. She was always seen with some new victim carrying around her books or following her as a puppy.
Amelia wasn't as mean as her sister, she wasn't very bright either, but she knew how to use her beauty as a weapon, attracting boys to her. Gwen had seen her faint in front of boys for attention or say that she needed help with homework countless of times.
"Hello guys, where were you, we had some seats saved for you next to us." said Amelia looking at Alex. She didn't even dignify a look at the girls next to them. Gwendolyn sighed internally but still managed to put a fake smile on. Izzy then grabbed her hand and pulled her to the side, she hated the twins for many reasons but still tried to keep her composure around them.
"Hi girls, we were helping Gwen with something, thank you for the gesture but I think we can manage." answered Alex shortly not even looking at them. He almost turned to leave but a hand gripped his.
"Are you sure, we would love for you to sit with us." said Olivia quickly.
"Yes, we also need some help with history and mythology, we know you guys excel in those subjects." said Amelia gripping Sebs arm and pouting. Gwen looked at her best friend and rolled her eyes at Amelias comment, knowing that Seb would definitely agree to go with them. Izzy just frowned and squeezed her hand.
"Sure, we can help you don't worry about it. Izzy, Gwen we will catch up later with you guys." said Seb smiling.
"Okay, see you later." said Gwen slowly. She was almost turning away, her eyes slightly stinging when she caught Alex's gaze on her. In his eyes clear as the morning sky was sadness and what she could only describe as longing. She quickly turned her head, as soon as the first tear appeared on her cheeks.
"Come don't think about it, you know those two are just manipulative and Seb has too much of a good heart to see their true intentions." Izzy said guiding her to a table far over.
"I just wish they would finally open their eyes." Gwen said frowning and looking at her best friend. Izzy grabbed her hand and spoke angrily.
"I know baby, even Alex, I didn't think he would actually go with them. He doesn't seem to be interested in those two but he still went. Especially after what we just found out! I am sorry for bringing that up.. I hope you don't mind me asking, but how do you feel about everything?"
"Well to tell you the truth I feel lost, I feel like so much responsibility has been placed upon my shoulders from one day to the next. I know it's my destiny though and I have accepted it. I just wish I knew more, I hope to find some answers during our journey, because my head is full of unanswered questions." Gwen said and sighed. Then came the servants and brought out their food. They had rice with mushrooms and other vegetables, grilled fish and salad at the end. The cooks were amazing and the food was delicious. We ate in a comfortable silence.
"Isn't it weird that you were chosen by Amaryllis for this mission even before you were born? How could she have known about you? I find all this to be very intriguing." said Izzy, picking at her food but not really eating anything.
"Bella I don't know, I find it quite strange too, I have been thinking about it since this morning and the only conclusion I have gotten to is that she knows or probably knew my parents. I obviously can't exactly ask her and I also think the principal knows more than what he is letting on.." Gwen said seriously. Her eyes fell on the table where the boys and the twins sat. They were talking all together, Amelia's hand was on Seb's arm and she laughed loudly, probably at one of his jokes. Gwen felt a rush of jealousy pass through her body, she envied the girl, she wanted to be sat close to Seb, she wanted her own hand to rest on top of his skin, she wanted to be the one making him laugh.. But she also knew that it could never be. She never felt special enough for him, she was a girl with a mysterious past and an uncertain future. She wished several times to have just enough confidence to confess her feelings to him, to see his reaction and hope in a happy ending. She stood up quickly needing some fresh air, feeling again the prick of tears on her eyes. She felt someone watching her and turned her head towards that direction. Alex's eyes were glued on her, worry clear across his face.
"Izzy I need some fresh air, I will see you in a bit." she tried smiling but to everyone else watching, it probably looked like a weird frown. She started walking quickly not even hearing Bella's next words. As she turned the corner, a hand gripped hers. Black confused eyes staring at her.
"Gwen where are you going?" Alex asked her quickly. She freed her hand and muttered simply..
"Outside, I need to clear my thoughts.." Alex scanned her face trying to understand what was going on in that head of hers, he shook his head probably giving up, took her hand again and smiled.
"I will come with you, you shouldn't be left alone, especially right now." Alex said seriously.
"Is that why you left to go with the twins, Alex? Don't worry you can go back to them, I don't need you, I am fine by my own.." Gwen knew she was being unreasonable and deep down she knew she wanted his company but she still freed her hand from his and ran away as swift as the wind. After a while she found herself in the gardens behind the Institute, her favourite place to go when she was feeling down. The sun shone brightly upon her face and skin. It's warmth dried her fallen tears. There was nothing she loved more than letting the sun beat on her skin. She could feel the tropic, sticky air with each inhalation, the air was so thick she could almost cut through it. She liked the way that as small gusts of wind blew past her, her skin would softly shiver before returning to its still, warmed state. It almost made her sleepy, like a silent lullaby was discreetly blowing her mind out of consciousness. She stood there still, with her eyes closed, enjoying those moments of bliss, before deciding to take a stroll. The smell of roses was overpowering, she held up a rose carefully, trying not to prick one of her fingers. A rose so beautiful it was like joy fashioned into delicate cherry red petals, as if love had been transformed into their fine aromatic perfume. There were colours to weave dreams from, as soft and gay as any silk. How they come from the earth, sunshine and rain feels akin to magic, she thought to herself smiling. She wandered around without paying much attention and soon found herself in front of a statue. It was made of white marble with tiny specks of gold here and there. The statue was the representation of the beautiful and fair Queen Amaryllis. Her eyes were big and kind, her hair was long and braided at her back, with small flowers in between. She looked at the statue intently and felt some weird connection to that cold slab of rock. Before when she would look at the statue she would only look at it respectfully but not giving it much importance. Today was different, she wanted to analyse its angles, know everything about the queen that knew so much about her. The figure had small pointed ears that resembled her own and in some weird way, she felt happy someone else had to go through life with such a weird attribute. She couldn't understand what were the emotions she felt in that moment, whether she was angry at the queen for putting so much responsibility on her or if she was happy she was chosen for such an important mission. The queens arms were stretched in front of her, cupping the air above when out of nowhere the velvety box appeared on top of her hands, the box Gwen had seen in her dream.. Suddenly, warm light appeared and engulfed the statue and Gwendolyn. She closed her eyes instinctively and when she opened them again she found herself transported in another place and time. She knew something was different because she couldn't smell the aroma of roses or feel the sunrays on her skin. She felt a small breeze pass all over her body, she looked down and found herself wearing a baby blue dress and on her neck was the Necklace. She was on a terrace, from which she could see a beautiful white city, the walls and houses were so clear it almost seemed made of glass. Tall trees full of small flowers and little cute animals that came up to the terrace. She was so confused. How did she get to that beautiful but foreign place?
"Where am I?" she questioned out loud to no one in particular.
"Hello Gwendolyn" a voice as sweet as honey spoke behind her. She turned slowly and found none other than the Queen herself looking at her.