Willow town was typically cold and peaceful at night, a place of serenity. In a small room, a middle-aged man and his daughter sat facing each other in front of a dimly lit lamp.
"Did you hear that?" the man asked, swiftly extinguishing the lamp.
"Daddy, what did you hear?" the daughter responded, her voice trembling. She quickly stood up and sought shelter behind her father, her heart pounding faster as the wind echoed outside.
Her grip on her father's hand tightened, and her claws became sharp as her venomous fangs revealed themselves.
The sound grew clearer, a footstep accompanied by the whinnying of a horse.
"That's the sound of a horse," the man whispered.
"Let me take a look," he said, gasping at the frigid air as his breath formed clouds in front of him. He cautiously approached the door, opening it halfway to peek outside. Shivering in fear, he stepped out into the open field, swallowing nervously, but saw no one.
Suddenly, a light shone in front of him, revealing two armies in their uniforms, holding lamps. He tried to hurry back inside, but it was too late. The third soldier circled around him on horseback, pointing a spear towards him.
"Who are you, and what are you doing here?" one of the soldiers on foot demanded. The man quickly fell to his knees, hands raised. "I live here all alone, and I have not committed any crimes. Please spare my life."
"Are you certain there is no one else inside?" one of them asked as another soldier entered the house to check. To the man's surprise, the soldier returned and confirmed that no one else was inside. Where could Mia, his daughter, have gone? There was no hiding place in the house, only one entrance, and a small window at the side.
"He doesn't belong to us. He looks different," one of the soldiers remarked.
"No, my lord! I am from here. I have been living here since my father passed away fifteen years ago," the man lied, and it seemed they believed him.
"We are searching for a magician and his daughter. If you come across them, report immediately to the palace. This town does not welcome witches," they declared before swiftly retreating into the dark woods on their horses.
The man rushed back inside and searched for his daughter. She was standing right where he had left her. "Are you okay? Did he harm you?" he asked, bombarding her with questions as he enveloped her in a comforting hug.
"I'm fine, Papa. He came in and left without noticing my presence. I suppose he must be blind," Mia replied. She was still unaware of the full extent of her strength and abilities.
Mia walked over to the lamp and turned it on, hoping to see her father's face more clearly. However, her father knew that she possessed powers even stronger than her mother's, and he was still amazed to see her magical abilities.
"Papa, were Giles and Bruno able to use the magic wand?" Mia inquired.
"Mia, I think we should continue the story another day," her father responded.
"No, Papa. You promised to tell me everything about my mother. In the story, I haven't heard anything about her. Was she Princess Nimoes or Bruno's godmother? How did you meet her?" Mia pressed, eager for answers.
The middle-aged man had no choice but to continue the story, knowing that Mia was determined to learn more about her mother.
"I think you will enjoy this story, but first, I would appreciate it if you could vote to support and add it to your library for better notifications. I will be gradually updating the story since I have other books to write. Thank you for your understanding."