Max, Illyanna, and Agnes listened attentively as Matterinna shared her story.
"I used to be a troublemaker," Matterinna began, "always getting myself into sticky situations. One day, I was captured by dark wizards who wanted to use my magical essence for their own evil purposes. They tortured me for days until I was rescued by your parents."
Max, Illyanna, and Agnes looked at each other in shock. "Our parents rescued you?" Max asked.
Matterinna nodded. "Yes, they were passing by and heard my screams. They fought off the dark wizards and saved me. From that day on, I knew I wanted to repay their kindness by serving them."
Illyanna's eyes widened. "Wow, I didn't know that about you, Matterinna!"
Agnes spoke up for the first time. "You must have been very scared," she said softly.
Matterinna smiled at Agnes. "Yes, I was scared. But I knew I had to be brave and fight to survive. And I'm grateful to your parents for giving me that chance."
Max felt a sense of pride and admiration for his parents. "I never knew they were such heroes," he said.
"They are," Matterinna agreed. "And they raised such wonderful children too."
The four of them sat in comfortable silence, feeling grateful for each other and for the family they had.