"It all began in 1998," Tierney recounted, casting a reminiscent gaze at her daughter. "I was just 11, and Thomas was 13."
Thomas, heading toward the stairs, interjected, "We named it The Dark War. Let's continue this discussion in the living room." As the group ascended the stairs, Thomas turned to Selena and asked, "Should we share the whole story?"
Tierney nodded in agreement. "Yes, everything."
Once seated, Katherine directed her attention to her mother. "So, what triggered The Dark War?" she inquired, still fixated on Tierney.
"I hope it's not too frightening," Courtney added, clutching a pillow. Kristen, playfully throwing a pillow at her, retorted, "Stop acting like a baby!"
Niall intervened with a smile, "Both of you, cut it out."
Thomas then began the tale, giving Courtney and Kristen a stern look. "The Dark War was initiated by Victoria Riverside," he explained. Niall leaned back on the couch, curious, "Who is she, and why did she start the war?"
"Victoria was one of the most powerful enchantresses," Selena clarified. Kristen, puzzled, asked, "What's an enchantress?"
"They are women with powers, like me," Selena responded. "And men with similar abilities are called enchanters."
"So, we're called enchantresses and enchanters?" Courtney quipped with a laugh.
"No, you guys are called chosen ones," Tierney clarified, smiling. "Once you fulfill your destinies, you become enchanters or enchantresses."
"Okay, so did Victoria turn evil?" Katherine asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
"No, the man she married turned evil and killed her," Thomas explained, his gaze fixed on his sister. "People who revered her as their hero rose against him, sparking the war."
Thomas, now with a tinge of anger in his voice, continued, "It was a bloody conflict where loved ones were lost forever. The man who killed Victoria erased the memories of those without powers to cover it up."
"Why wasn't this in history books?" Kristen asked, fear evident on her face.
"Because the man who killed Victoria erased the memories of those without powers," Tierney replied.
"So, nobody knows a war is coming?" Courtney asked.
"Exactly," Thomas affirmed, "and you guys are the chosen ones who will prevent it."
"How?" Katherine inquired.
"With your powers," Tierney answered, smiling.
Kristen questioned, "How did the last war end?"
"The last chosen ones put an end to it," Thomas said, a faint smile on his face. "And the man who married Victoria is named Victor."
"Are any of the last chosen ones alive to help us?" Niall asked optimistically.
"The Riverside siblings are the only ones alive," Selena replied. "But their current whereabouts are unknown."
"So, what's our next step?" Kristen queried.
"You need to find the other four chosen ones," Tierney said sadly. "KaSandra Khaos, who's still alive, might have information."
Ka Sandra emerged from the shadows, stating, "They changed their names, but I can help you find them."
As the group absorbed this information, Thomas produced a mysterious book. "This book has been in our family since the beginning," Selena explained. "It holds knowledge of everything that goes on in our world."
Thomas added, "We'll consult the book to learn about the new eight chosen ones and their powers."