Mathea rolled her eyes at the mention of King Jay's name. Stinky Mouth sneered at her, his expression one of malice. But before she could retort, hundreds of Andrie's warlock warriors materialized in the clearing, their magic blazing like a wildfire. Dozens of witches soared into the skies, their dark silhouettes cutting through the air. Chaos erupted as people scrambled for cover. Even Stinky Mouth, cowardly and panicked, spurred his horse into motion, fleeing the scene.
In the midst of the mayhem, Mathea seized the opportunity. With no time to spare, she dashed toward the cliff's edge, her heart pounding in her chest. Without hesitation, she leaped into the unknown.
The wind rushed past her as the earth fell away beneath her. Her renewed energy surged, but the impact was too much, and she stumbled, fighting to keep her footing. She staggered eastward, drawn by the sound of rushing water. Soon, she found herself plunging into the river, the cool currents dragging her further into the depths. Hours passed, and when she finally emerged, soaked and drained of her magic, her strength had been sapped. The fall had taken its toll, and she felt herself weakening with each step.
Her legs trembled, her feet heavy, but still, she walked on-barely able to focus on the path ahead. Eventually, exhaustion overwhelmed her, and she collapsed into a bed of soft flowers in a quiet clearing. The world seemed to blur around her as she drifted into an uneasy slumber.
The gentle sounds of nature surrounded her, and for a moment, she felt peaceful, as though she had found a haven. But then, a melody began to play-a song so soft at first that she barely noticed it. Gradually, the tune grew louder, louder, until it was deafening. The enchantment of the song, woven by a water fairy, stirred something deep within her, but the overwhelming sound made her dizzy, her mind clouded.
As she lay there, lost in a haze, a tiny magical creature appeared from the shadows. Barely the size of a thumb, it hovered above her, its wings shimmering like silver dust. Without effort, it lifted her unconscious form and began to carry her toward its home.
She was gently transported into a cavern beneath the earth, where the air hummed with an ancient magic. The walls of the cavern were adorned with gold and rubies, their vibrant colors casting an otherworldly glow. The ceiling sparkled with countless gems, as though the stars themselves had taken residence in this hidden place. Mathea, oblivious to all of this, remained in the creature's care as she was carried into the heart of the magical dwelling, her fate now intertwined with the mysteries of this subterranean realm.
Few hours later
Mathea stirred, groaning as her senses returned. Her head throbbed, and her body felt heavy, as though she had been dragged through every corner of exhaustion. The soft glow of the chamber slowly came into focus. She blinked, her vision clearing enough to take in her surroundings.
The room was breathtaking, unlike anything she'd ever seen. The walls sparkled with embedded rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, their colors refracting in the warm light that filled the space. The ceiling, a mosaic of gold and diamonds, shimmered so brightly it resembled a starry night sky. A plush bed with intricate carvings sat at the center, and the faint scent of flowers filled the air.
She pushed herself up on her elbows, wincing at the soreness in her muscles. "What on earth?" she murmured.
Before she could piece together her scattered memories, the door creaked open. A tiny girl, no older than three, walked in, balancing a silver tray in her small hands. Her hair sparkled like flowing water, and her eyes gleamed with an otherworldly blue.
Mathea stared, unsure whether to speak or stay silent. The girl placed the tray on a small table beside the bed, the smell of freshly cooked food wafting through the air. Potatoes, peas, corn, fresh fruits, and sausages were neatly arranged on porcelain plates.
"Uh... thanks," Mathea said hesitantly, though the little girl gave no response. Instead, she smiled faintly, her expression serene, and quietly walked out, taking the tray's cover with her.
The growl of her stomach reminded Mathea of just how hungry she was. She didn't hesitate to dig into the meal, eating with fervor. Every bite seemed to revive her a little more, though the ache in her limbs and the absence of her magic still weighed heavily on her.
When the food was gone, she leaned back with a satisfied sigh, wiping her mouth on the back of her hand. She glanced around the room again, curiosity now replacing her earlier confusion. Her gaze landed on a small wooden closet in the corner, its door slightly ajar.
She got to her feet, wobbling slightly as she adjusted to standing. "Okay, let's see what else this magical cavern has to offer."
Inside the closet, she found a simple yet elegant green dress, its fabric soft to the touch and stitched with delicate silver threads. It seemed to fit her perfectly, and though she didn't understand how her size had been guessed, she was too tired to question it.
Slipping out of her damp clothes and into the dry dress, Mathea felt a small sense of relief. The dress was light and comfortable, and its fresh scent was calming. She ran her fingers through her messy hair, trying to tame it, before stepping out of the chamber.
The hallway outside was unlike anything she had seen. Smooth stone floors gleamed with a faint, magical light, while the walls shimmered faintly, decorated with vines of glowing gold. The air was warm and carried the faint hum of magic, soothing yet unfamiliar.
As she wandered down the corridor, her footsteps echoed softly. She turned a corner and was greeted by a small figure standing at the end of the hallway. The person was only about three feet tall, with a sharp, pointed nose and hair that shimmered with every color of the rainbow. Their clothes sparkled like stardust, and their eyes twinkled with curiosity.
"Uh... hi," Mathea said awkwardly, raising a hand. "Where am I? And who are you people?"
The small person tilted their head but said nothing. Instead, they gestured for her to follow. Mathea frowned, muttering under her breath, "Great. Another one who doesn't talk. Just my luck."
Despite her grumbling, she followed. The hallway twisted and turned, leading her deeper into the cavern. The glowing vines grew thicker, and the walls began to sparkle even brighter as they approached a set of grand double doors. Carved with intricate depictions of vines, waterfalls, and mythical creatures, the doors radiated magic.
Her guide pushed the doors open, revealing a vast chamber filled with more of the small people. At the center of the room sat a circle of elders, their appearances even more striking. One had hair like flowing silver, another had skin that gleamed like polished crystal, and their eyes seemed to hold the weight of centuries.