Just as panic threatened to overwhelm her, she glanced toward the window. Through the narrow opening, a faint glimmer caught her eye.
"What... what is that?" she asked aloud, her voice shaky but curious.
Stepping closer to the window, Elara pressed her hands against the cool stone frame. Her eyes widened as she caught sight of the source of the sparkling light.
"No way... It's him again!" she gasped.
It was Tempest, the mythical legendary unicorn of Veridia. And it soared gracefully through the skies just outside her window.
His sparkling locks shimmered like precious gems. His pure white wings beat rhythmically, carrying him effortlessly through the air.
"Hello, Tempest!" A smile of pure joy spread across Elara's face. And it erased the pain she had been feeling from her family's abuse.
It wasn't the first time Tempest had surprised her by appearing. But each time felt just as magical as the last.
Elara pressed her hand against the windowpane. Her eyes fixed on Tempest as he glided gracefully outside.
"I wish it could take me away," she murmured wistfully.
To her surprise, the legendary unicorn seemed to hear her plea.
He leaned in closer. His gentle eyes met hers, as if inviting her to join him on his magical journey.
A small gasp escaped her lips. 'Could this be real? Could I really ride alongside Tempest and escape my troubles?'
She looked back at Ember. And it was nodding its head as if agreeing with Tempest.
Elara's heart raced with excitement. "I'm going to take you with me." She quickly went to Ember's cage and was about to open it.
But Ember seemed to stop her. Elara gazed at it with furrowed brows. "Do you want to stay here?"
Ember nodded its head.
"I see," Elara said. "I don't want to leave Father's memories too. But what they are to me is too much."
Ember nodded its head again, as if prodding her to accept Tempest's invitation.
Elara breathed out a sigh. "All right. I know they will take care of you since you are Father's pet. But I will come back and see you. Once everything is settled, that is."
Tempest let out a soft neigh. And it felt like an affirmative response.
Without a second thought, Elara swung her leg over the windowsill. She hesitated for just a moment before she sat firmly on the ledge.
She glanced back at the room she so desperately wanted to leave behind. And then her eyes met Tempest's again.
"Okay, let's do it," she said. Determination shone in her gaze.
As if understanding her resolve, Tempest lowered himself even closer. He made it easier for her to climb onto his back.
With a deep breath, Elara took the leap of faith. She swung her other leg over, securing herself onto Tempest's strong back.
His wings fluttered gently. And she could feel the power beneath her. Elara's heart raced as she and Tempest soared through the open sky.
The wind whipped against her face, making her cheeks flush with excitement. "Wow! This is incredible!" she exclaimed. "I can't believe we're actually flying!"
Elara's eyes widened in awe as she marveled at the kingdom of Veridia unfolding beneath them.
"Wow, this place is like a dream," she whispered. Her voice was filled with wonder.
The forest seemed to stretch on endlessly. And Elara couldn't help but imagine all the mystical creatures that might dwell within it.
The sight of the cascading waterfalls added to the enchantment of the land. "I can hear the water rushing," she said. "It must be so beautiful up close."
Her gaze then fell upon the sprawling meadows that spread out before her. "The meadows look so inviting," she remarked. And she imagined herself running freely through the open fields.
"And look there," she pointed, "that must be the Veilwood."
A sense of reverence filled her as she regarded the ancient trees. They encircled the kingdom like a protective barrier.
"The Veilwood," she said softly, "I've heard stories about its magic."
"I can't believe I'm actually here," she said, a smile tugging at her lips.
"Wait, where are we going?" Elara curiously asked. Tempest was starting to descend. Elara leaned forward, feeling all excited inside.
To her surprise, Tempest has brought her to the Whispering Groves.
"Aww, Tempest, you truly understand me," Elara said with affection. She gently reached out.
Her fingers brushed against the soft feathers of Tempest's mane.
He responded with a soft rumble of contentment, leaning into her touch.
Elara had heard tales of the Whispering Grove. It is a sanctuary for those seeking rest from the burdens of their lives.
"The trees there whispered comfort and healing," Elara expressed in awe.
They touched down on the soft forest floor. And immediately, Elara felt a sense of peace wash over her.
The air seemed to carry a soothing energy. And it calmed her exhausted heart.
With a gentle pat on Tempest's side, she whispered, "Thank you for bringing me here, my friend."
She could almost feel the unicorn's understanding as he nuzzled her affectionately.
Elara ventured deeper into the grove. After a while, fatigue caught up with her. And a yawn escaped her lips.
"I guess I'll rest for a bit," she said. And she found a cozy spot beneath a canopy of leaves.
She settled down, feeling the cool shade against her skin. "From now on, I will not allow anyone to hurt me again," she resolved to herself.
She closed her eyes and listened to the whispering of the trees. Their comforting words lulled her into a peaceful sleep.
But suddenly, a sharp jolt coursed through Elara's body. And it snapped her eyes open in surprise.
"Ouch!" she winced. A yelp escaped her lips as pain shot up from her toes. It was as if someone stepped on it on purpose.
Recalling her decision to change, she confronted her intruder. "What do you think you're doing, you stupid idiot?" she demanded.
Her hands gesture wildly in the air, emphasizing her fiery intensity.
Her eyes narrowed as she tried to see the man's face. But he was hiding his identity with a cloak.