"Awaken glas stav enfala. Awaken glas stav enfala." My voice trembled as I chanted the spell, a tingling sensation coursing through my limbs. The words flowed effortlessly from my lips, each repetition sending a shiver down my spine. By the sixth recitation, a wave of warmth enveloped me, igniting every nerve in my body.I kept my eyes tightly shut, my heart racing as anxiety gripped my chest, and goosebumps erupted along my arms. Panic threatened to creep in, but I shoved it aside, clinging to my resolve. This was my moment. I could feel the energy building around me, pulsating with power."I am stronger," I affirmed silently, drawing on an inner strength I had never fully acknowledged. I would not let fear dictate my fate. With that determination, I recited the spell in my mind, the words ringing louder, echoing in the very fabric of my being.The air thickened, crackling with energy, and I could almost taste the electricity. It was as if the universe held its breath, waiting for me to unleash my potential. I could feel something shifting within me, ready to awaken. This was not just magic; this was my identity surfacing, and I was ready to embrace it.The warmth enveloped me, banishing my fear like a flame snuffed out. I felt a deep calmness, ready to confront whatever lay ahead. But suddenly, a searing pain shot through my head, forcing me to wince and clutch at my temples.I couldn't cry out—guards were nearby, and that would ruin everything. I bit down hard on my inner cheek to stifle my screams, but the agony intensified, and I curled into a fetal position on the bed.Just as I felt my consciousness start to fade, the pain began to ease. But then, I noticed something wet on my nose. I reached up to wipe it away and gasped in horror at what I saw.Blood - so much blood - was pouring out of my nose, and the world around me seemed to crumple into darkness. I realised with a sinking feeling that maybe this was the wrong decision, that trying something as powerful as this had been a mistake. But it was too late now.Blurry images swirled in my mind before clearing, revealing a dreamlike forest. Towering oak trees stood tall, birds chirped melodiously, and sunlight filtered through the leaves like golden sparks. A sense of relaxation washed over me, and a small smile crept onto my face.Memories rushed back like a fierce storm. The first was of my mother's beaming smile as she held me close, enveloping me in warmth and love. My father's loving face appeared next, always by her side. I wondered if these were my own memories or glimpses through their eyes, but the undeniable love they shared filled me with comfort.As the images slowed, I found myself wandering deeper into the serene forest. I felt safe and wanted to learn more about my past, savoring every moment of this vision.I wandered deeper into the enchanted forest, flowers gently falling around me, and deer frolicking in the distance. A giggle escaped my lips as the cool wind brushed against my skin.It felt like a fairyland, but then a chill ran down my spine as I heard someone call my name, "Kristen!" I spun around, scanning my surroundings, but found nothing. Heart racing, I instinctively hid behind a large oak tree, beads of sweat forming on my forehead.The forest fell silent, but whispers grew louder. My breath quickened as fog began to clear, revealing the silhouettes of a man and a woman. I gasped as I recognized my parents standing before me, their figures slowly taking shape in the ethereal light."Mom, Dad!" I whispered, barely able to speak. They looked so young, chasing a little girl through the forest. I stepped out of hiding, mesmerized as the girl giggled and ran toward me, but I felt frozen, unable to move. She passed right through me, hiding behind a bush as my parents lifted her into their arms, their laughter mingling with hers."Kristen, baby, you must not run around like this; you might get hurt!" my mom warned.I gasped—this was a vision of my childhood.The little girl pouted, "Okay, Mom, I'll be careful." Tears streamed down my face, a mix of happiness and confusion. My parents had given me up for adoption and died soon after in the war; this joyful scene felt so contradictory.Suddenly, the fog thickened around me, and a new vision unfolded. I found myself in a beautiful garden, the grass soft beneath my feet and blooming flowers filling the air with sweetness. In the distance, a castle rose majestically, but my focus was on a couple sharing a picnic, wrapped in each other's embrace. He held the girl close, and their laughter filled the air, igniting a twinge of jealousy within me. Despite myself, I smiled at their pure happiness, even as my heart ached.The girl in the vision sighed, "I wish to be in your arms like this forever." Her words struck a chord in me, igniting a deep longing. "You make me complete," she said, looking into Stanley's eyes."I love you," he replied, kissing her forehead.As I stepped closer, I was shocked to recognize Stanley from my dream and the ball. "Stanley!" I stuttered. He turned toward me, and my heart raced. The girl followed his gaze, and I froze in disbelief—sitting beside him was me. How was this possible?Suddenly, the vision shifted, engulfing me in flames. The air thickened with smoke, and chaos surrounded us. My parents held me tightly, fear etched on their faces as they tried to escape. A hand grabbed my father, pulling him back, while he urged my mother to run without looking back.We arrived at the house where I spent most of my life—Anne's home. It hit me then: my mother had given me away to Anne.The scene shifted to a younger Linda, the first time I met her in fourth grade. She had been a play teacher, gifting me a sketchbook and gently touching my cheek before leaving with warmth in her eyes.As I walked through the school garden when I was in my 10th grade, I noticed a graceful figure holding a wrapped gift walking to me. I didn't recognise her and nearly walked past, but she called out my name."It's been a long time," she said, her smile bright. "You're so pretty.""Thanks. Do I know you?" I asked hesitantly."I'm Linda, a friend of Anne's. She spoke a lot about you." She said smiling."Why are you here at my school?" I questioned her with suspicious eyes."I'm traveling back to London tonight. I wanted to see you." She said while looking at me deeply which made me a bit conscious. "This is for you." She handed me a small gift box.Unsure, I hesitated."The last time I met Anne was 15 years ago," she continued, lost in thought. "You were a baby then, and now you've grown into a lovely woman."I opened the box hesitantly to find a beautiful ring with a ruby stone and intricate details. It was stunning, but I felt overwhelmed."I am sorry, I can't accept this," I said, passing it back to her.Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, yet she continued to smile. "Kristen, this is your mother's ring." It's meant for you. "It will keep you safe and protect you," she said, her voice gentle and reassuring."I don't understand. "My mom is in New York." "Why would you have her ring?" "Who are you?" I asked and took a step back. Linda's smile faltered, and she looked down at her feet for a moment before meeting my gaze again. "There are some things that are better left unsaid, Kristen." Just know that your mother loved you very much and she did what she thought was best for you."When the time is right, I shall meet you again." She said and took a step closer to me, placing her hand on my cheek.Her eyes once again glazed over, like she was looking for something in my eyes. She locked her gaze with me, enchanting me."You bought this ring at a mall, and you love it so much that you never want to remove it." "Do you understand?" She asked. I saw myself responding "yes" with glazed eyes as if I were enchanted."I will always watch over you." " Goodbye. Forget meeting me." She said with a pained expression and vanished in the air. I stood there a few more seconds before blinking and looking around. I saw my friends approaching me....I am brought back to reality as the pain fades to the back of my head. I observe my surroundings and realize my memories are back. Looking at my finger, I see the ring—it has always been there. Until now, whenever I felt like removing it for bathing or washing my hands, it felt glued to my finger. Now I know why. It's my mother's ring, filled with magic. A tear slips down my chin as I stroke the ring a few times and clutch it to my heart.Exhaustion takes over; I feel my body grow weaker by the second. My head spins as my legs give way, causing me to crumple to the floor. Darkness envelops me as I lose consciousness.The next day, I stir from my slumber, slowly opening my eyes to take in my surroundings. I am still lying on the floor, feeling groggy and disoriented. I glance around the room as I struggle to sit up. My body aches all over, and it feels as though all my energy has been drained from me. My throat is dry and scratchy, and my mouth feels parched. I reach for the water bottle on the nightstand and guzzle it down, desperate for relief, but it does little to quench my thirst.I let out a heavy sigh, struggling to gather my thoughts about what had happened. After a refreshing shower, I changed into a loose shirt and jeans, feeling the fabric against my skin. Gazing at my reflection in the mirror, I was taken aback. My skin glowed with a radiance I had never seen before, dark circles under my eyes vanished, and my hair shone with new life. I looked like I had undergone a makeover; anyone would notice the difference.Rejuvenated and powerful, my mind drifted back to my father's warning. This place isn't safe for me. I know they plan to use me for something evil, and I must escape to Forks Land, as he instructed. But I don't even know where it is or how to get there. Frustration welled up inside me, and I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling a strange tingling sensation in my body, as if something was guiding me.I walked to my bed, took out the book, and flipped through the pages. I found an image of a castle but no location. Flipping further, I felt a growing sense of urgency—if anyone could help me, it was him. If anyone could be trusted, it was him."How will I get to that place? I don't even know where it is," I sigh to myself, staring blankly at the pages, trying to devise a plan that might work—something to end this nightmare. I know I have to take action, but I can't shake the feeling that it will hurt.Suddenly, a knock on the door jolts me from my thoughts. My heart races with anticipation; it must be Lyn. She's the one person I can always turn to, and her presence brings comfort. I open the door, and relief floods over me at the sight of her smiling face. Just having her there lifts my spirits, and the delicious aroma of food fills the room, making my stomach growl. Lyn giggles, and I can't help but smile back.I sit cross-legged on the bed and start eating, while Lyn stands at the end of my bed, watching me with a curious look."Why are you looking at me like that?" I ask, my mouth full of food. Her gaze is intense, studying my face.After a moment, her expression shifts to a smile. "Nothing. You just seem a bit different.""What is it?" I ask, a hint of nervousness creeping in.Her forehead creases as she examines me. "Your skin is so bright, and your eyes have a slight glow. Your features seem more enhanced. You're just..." She trails off, her eyes roaming over me.My heart races. Is she noticing something magical about me? Can she see my powers?Is my magic showing on my face?I swallow the lump in my throat, waiting for her to say more. Before I spiral into panic, Lyn chuckles softly. "It looks like you got a makeover or something," she teases.I let out a relieved breath, chuckling and tossing a pillow at her. It feels good to let loose and have a little fun, even amidst my worries."Shut up, Lyn," I say, laughing as I throw another pillow.My mood lifts."Are you okay?" she asks, breaking the brief silence."Yes, much better," I say, smiling."I'm glad," Lyn replies, her smile warm."Shall we step out for a while? I need some fresh air," I suggest."Sure," she answers, and we walk toward the garden.As we step outside, I breathe in the fresh air, the scent of blooming flowers enveloping me. The sun's warmth feels soothing, and I close my eyes, letting a wave of peace wash over me.In comfortable silence, we stroll through the garden, the cheerful chirping of birds in the background. I feel grateful for Lyn's presence and the simple joys of life.A few minutes later, Linda joins us. "Hi Kristen, how are you feeling?" she asks, concern etched on her face.I smile back, realizing she's been my guardian angel all along. I walk over and hug her, surprising her. She chuckles and hugs me back while Lyn watches, her eyes wide with confusion."Let's catch up later, Kristen," Linda says, walking past us with a tight smile."So, I presume you remember me now," she asks knowingly."Yes. But the vision gave me a nasty headache," I admit."Thank you for protecting me," I say, tears welling in my eyes. "I wish I could meet my parents. I never got to know them." My voice breaks, and tears spill down my cheeks.She sighs and takes my hand in hers. "You have to be strong. This is just the beginning, and we have a long way to go. I'll help you, but we must gain the king's trust. When the time is right, I'll take you to Forks Land."I remember the name from the book. "You mean the witch land?" I ask, disbelief creeping in."Yes, but you must be cautious. Trust no one, especially around vampires. They can read minds," she warns.I gulp, anxiety creeping in. "How can I not think about anything in their presence? William reads me like an open book. He'll find out once he's back.""There's a spell to block thoughts, but you're too weak for it now.""I can do it. Teach me," I plead earnestly.She sighs, her gaze fixed on the book. "Everything you need is in here. Whatever you wish to learn, just think about it, and the answers will come. But don't push yourself too hard; we have time.""I know the King is impatient, but we mustn't rush," she adds, her brow furrowing slightly."What's going on with the King?" I ask, fear gripping me."He's keeping you here to learn about your powers. His late wife, Queen Amanda, was the most powerful of us all, but when she became a half-vampire, her magic overwhelmed her. She turned to dark magic during the war, which cost her life. The King is desperate to find out if you can access that kind of magic. He wants to use it to wipe out the remaining witch clan."As she squeezes my hand, I feel the weight of her words—fear and uncertainty hang heavy in the air. "He gave me one week to help you unlock your powers," she says, looking into my eyes. I gulp, fear rising."What if I can't?" My voice breaks."Then he will kill you," she replies, clenching her teeth."Believe in yourself. Don't worry; just practice the magic from the book. We'll discover your soul powers soon," she assures me confidently."Will you help me? I'm scared to do this alone," I say, squeezing her hands."I wish I could stay by your side, but you must do this alone to avoid the King's gaze. I need to uncover his plans," she says sadly."If you have doubts, summon Peter in your mind. He'll help you, and I'll always be watching. If I sense danger, I'll come to you. Be cautious and never disclose your magic to anyone," she instructs in a motherly tone.I smile and nod."Let's go." She walks with me to my room. As I open the door, she steps inside, looking around."Nice room," she comments, running her fingers through my untouched clothes and jewelry. Then her expression shifts as she spots an empty jewelry box."What was here?" she asks, furrowing her brows.I remember it's the box for the pendant William gave me. "Oh, it's a pendant," I say, pulling it from beneath my shirt. Her face goes pale, and she steps back, fear flashing in her eyes."Where did you get this?" she demands, anger seeping into her voice."William gave it to me. He said it belonged to his mother," I reply, confusion creeping in.She steps toward me and takes the pendant in her hand, her body freezing as if she feels its energy. Her eyes glaze over, and then she jerks back, clutching her fingers as if it burned her."Why didn't you tell me about this? Do you know how dangerous it is?" she raises her voice, startled."Linda, you're scaring me. What is it?" I ask, fear creeping in."It belongs to Queen Amanda. She wore this her entire life; to others, it looks plain, but it's filled with her powers. There's a chance her powers got locked inside it before her death," she explains, her worry palpable. "Did you feel any magic?""No. I thought it was just a pendant," I reply, glancing at it."You shouldn't wear it when practicing magic. It's very dangerous. If you unlock your powers, it could unleash dark magic," she warns in one breath."This pendant is precious to William. If I remove it, he'll get suspicious," I say, studying it."Remove it while practicing, but be careful; we don't know what kind of power it holds. It could be dark magic," she insists, looking deeply into my eyes. I gulp, feeling the weight of her words."Okay. I'll be careful," I assure her, and she sighs."I have to go now. If you need anything, call Peter. He'll assist you," she says, smiling as she places a hand on my cheek."Okay, Aunt Linda," I reply, smiling brightly. Her eyes light up at the title, and she looks pleased."Take care," she says before leaving the room.