A girl ran at full speed through the bushes, her ragged breathing echoing in the silence of the forest. Her steps were light, almost imperceptible, yet filled with urgency. Finally, she arrived at a small clearing surrounded by tall trees whose branches intertwined to form a natural canopy. There, she stopped, hiding behind the trunk of an ancient oak. That girl was Hilara. Carefully, she peeked her head out from her hiding place.

  Just days ago, their mother had gathered them to teach one of the fundamental principles of magic: mastery over light. According to Aethelindria, light was the foundation of all magic, the primal core that fueled even the most complex spells. To both sisters' surprise, Hilara managed to master it with astonishing ease. The golden threads of energy responded to her will as if they had always been destined to flow through her fingers. However, Eva, who had always demonstrated a special connection to magic in other aspects, couldn’t seem to make progress. The light would fade between her hands, defying every attempt she made to control it.

  Hilara watched her sister from a distance, noticing how Eva furrowed her brow while struggling to keep a small spark alive between her palms. Her heart tightened a little as she saw the effort and frustration on Eva’s face. She knew how much it meant to her to achieve the same mastery as their mother, but something about this scene made her wonder if there might be something deeper behind the difficulty.

  Why did it come so easily to her and yet prove so challenging for Eva? Was it just a matter of practice, or was something else at play?

  As she thought about this, Hilara placed a hand over her chest, as if searching for an answer within herself. She knew Eva didn’t need pity—she needed support—but she couldn’t help feeling guilty about her own ease compared to her sister’s struggle.

  Finally, she made a decision. With determined steps, she headed toward the library, that vast and mysterious place where every shelf seemed to hold a fragment of eternal knowledge. Perhaps there, she could find something that might help.

  Upon entering, the sound of her footsteps echoed among the dusty books and towering shelves like mountains. A small fairy, in charge of the library, looked up from her desk with evident surprise.

  “Lady Hilara,” said the fairy, slightly frowning. “It’s… unusual to see you here. I’d even say… very unusual.”

  Hilara forced a nervous smile, trying to hide her discomfort.

  “Uh… I’m just looking for a book to motivate me, you know? Something like that…” she added mischievously as she leaned closer to the fairy. “…and maybe something to help increase my magical power.”

  The tiny fairy let out a long, resigned sigh.

  “We have strict instructions not to assist lady Eva, and by extension…” The fairy fixed her gaze on Hilara. “…we can’t help you either, Hilara.”

  Hilara visibly grew upset. Her expression shifted from surprise to indignation in a matter of seconds.

  “Well then, if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”

  Hilara watched as the diminutive figure of the fairy disappeared down a book-filled aisle. Without thinking twice, she stuck out her tongue in the direction of the retreating fairy, though she knew the fairy wouldn’t see it. Then, she exhaled in exasperation and crossed her arms over her chest.

  “It looks like I’ll have to search on my own.”

  Meanwhile, in the forest, Eva continued to struggle against her own challenges. She was exhausted, both physically and emotionally. Her hands trembled as she tried once more to form a burst of light between her palms. However, no matter how hard she tried, the golden glow barely flickered before fading away completely. Her frustration grew with each failed attempt.

  “Why can’t I do it?” she asked aloud, frowning as she slowly lowered her hands. She sighed deeply, feeling defeated for a moment.

  Then, something crossed her mind. A fleeting memory of an old story she had read once, about warriors who channeled their energy through specific gestures. Frowning, doubtful but determined, she decided to give it a try.

  She raised her right hand in front of her, extending her index and middle fingers together as if pointing toward the sky. Taking a deep breath, she tried to feel within herself that spark of power she knew existed. Closing her eyes, she visualized the energy flowing from her chest into her arm, concentrating at the tips of her fingers. For a brief moment, she thought she felt something—a nearly imperceptible vibration that seemed to respond to her effort, like a faint tingling running down her arm. Her heart quickened slightly at the hope that this time it might work. However, when she opened her eyes, there was nothing...

  At that moment, the scene from the past began to slowly blur in her mind, giving way to the present. Eva was no longer alone in her failed attempts; now, standing before her was the shadowy creature, its unsettling smile seeming to mock each of her movements. With renewed determination, Eva adjusted her stance, once again raising her right hand in front of her. This time, however, she wasn’t pointing toward the sky as she had in her earlier practices. She moved her fingers with precision, extending her index and middle finger, and directed them straight at the creature. Her eyes, once filled with doubt, now shone with a mixture of memory and purpose. Those days when she had failed so many times had not been in vain.

  Between her extended fingers, a faint golden glow began to form, so weak it was barely visible. But Eva could feel it growing, responding to her will. It was different this time; she wasn’t just channeling energy—she was also invoking all her experience, her emotions, and her connection to the past.

  Suddenly, Pip, the tiny fairy who until then had remained hidden under Eva’s hat, timidly peeked her head out.

  “That light!” murmured the fairy, her voice trembling but full of awe.

  Eva also observed the flicker intently but shook her head. Though the golden glow was a significant breakthrough, she knew it wouldn’t be enough to face what lay ahead.

  Suddenly, the shadow began to move slowly, challenging the silence that enveloped them. Each step it took resonated like a deep echo, making every nerve in Eva's body vibrate with anticipation. The air seemed to have grown thick, almost tangible, while the leaves on the trees stopped moving, as if nature itself had become paralyzed in the face of what was about to happen.

  Quickly, Eva noticed how the shadow began to extend its arm again, its grotesque twisted hand pointing directly at her. Without losing a second, Eva stepped back, trying to put distance between herself and the creature. But it was useless. The invisible force that had been pulling her returned with even more intensity than before, dragging her inexorably forward. Her feet scraped against the ground as she desperately struggled to find some point of resistance.

  "Pip, quick! Fly to the sky!" shouted Eva, quickly searching for a solution as the shadow drew dangerously closer.

  The tiny fairy emerged from her hiding place inside Eva’s hat, fluttering nervously above her shoulder.

  "To the sky?" asked Pip, looking upward in confusion.

  Eva took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm despite the desperation overwhelming her.

  "Your element is water, Pip!" said Eva urgently, her tone firm but filled with determination. "I need you to create water ropes, as strong as you can make them, to trap that thing."

  Pip looked at the shadow and trembled as she stared at it. Her large eyes widened even more, reflecting the fear she felt toward the grotesque creature that seemed to absorb all light around it. The shadow's twisted smile and erratic movements made the little fairy instinctively retreat, hiding a bit more behind Eva's shoulder.

  Then, once again, she looked up at the sky—so vast and beautiful, yet indifferent to their struggle. Pip knew that fairies didn’t possess great power over light; their magic was subtler, more specific. Each fairy was connected to a particular element, a natural force that flowed through their essence and could be summoned when most needed. For Pip, that element was water—a gift that, though not spectacular or overwhelming like Eva’s or Aethelindria’s powers, had its own beauty and utility. Water could be soft as a whisper or relentless as a storm, depending on how it was manipulated.

  With renewed determination, Pip flew toward the sky and observed the fluffy clouds floating peacefully. Without wasting time, she began to absorb their moisture, drawing it in as if drinking it with her mouth. Her cheeks puffed out as she gathered droplets of water, and then, after a moment, swallowed them.

  But just at that instant, the creature suddenly lowered its arm, surprising Eva with an unexpected movement. It lunged toward her with astonishing speed. Eva tried to dodge it, but she wasn’t fast enough. The shadow’s sharp claw grazed her face, leaving a deep cut on her cheek that began to bleed instantly.

  Without losing a second, Pip swooped down swiftly and with a sharp cry, extended both hands toward the creature and uttered the magical words:

  "Eternal Deluge Bind ."

  The water ropes unfurled like liquid whips from her palms, wrapping around the creature in an unyielding grip. They intertwined around its limbs, tightening more and more until the creature began to thrash violently.

  Pip flew closer to Eva, who had managed to put some distance between herself and the creature thanks to Pip’s quick intervention. Both watched in astonishment and growing concern as the trapped creature started writhing in fury. Its outlines became less defined, as if it were dissolving and reconfiguring at the same time. The grotesque shadow they had faced before now seemed to transform into something much larger, much hungrier.

  “Eva! ” shouted Pip, her voice trembling as she retreated a few steps, instinctively seeking refuge behind her.

  The creature let out a guttural roar that echoed through the clearing, making even the leaves of nearby trees vibrate. Its form began to expand, taking on dimensions that defied all logic. What was once a humanoid silhouette now twisted and stretched, becoming something impossible to describe: a dark, fluid mass with long, sharp claws slicing through the air and glowing red eyes burning like embers.

  Eva frowned, feeling her heart race wildly inside her chest. She knew this wasn’t the end; the creature was far from surrendering. Every movement it made seemed to emanate a corrupt energy that distorted everything it touched.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  Pip’s ropes began to give way, unraveling like fragile threads under the overwhelming pressure of the creature, which grew bigger and more fearsome with each passing second. Its grotesque form seemed to expand infinitely, absorbing the surrounding darkness while its twisted smile widened in an unsettling manner. Eva, knowing there was no time to waste, closed her eyes for a brief moment, focusing on the core of her power.

  With her eyelids still closed, she raised her right hand in front of her, adopting a precise and controlled stance. She extended her index and middle fingers together, pointing directly at the creature that now loomed imposingly before her. Her other hand firmly gripped her arm, channeling all the energy she could muster into that single point. The golden light began to emanate from her fingertips, intensifying rapidly until it shone with an almost palpable force. Though her eyes remained shut, her face reflected a mix of absolute concentration and unyielding determination.

  Suddenly, Pip noticed something strange: Eva’s back had also begun to glow faintly. It was a dim but steady radiance, as if something within her was awakening without her even realizing or controlling it. The tiny fairy fluttered nervously around Eva, observing this unexpected phenomenon. Her large eyes mirrored concern as she tried to comprehend what this sudden change might mean.

  For her part, Eva could barely focus on the glow emanating from her body. Her mind was preoccupied with battling thoughts that threatened to overwhelm her:

  "My magical power isn’t enough to defeat this monstrous creature. Much of this comes from my own life energy; I won’t be able to move once I use it—but… what if this isn’t enough? What if I can’t defeat it?"

  Doubt seeped into her thoughts, but she quickly stifled it with resolve. She knew she couldn’t afford to falter now—too much was at stake. Clenching her teeth, she forced herself to remain calm, even as the weight of the situation threatened to crush her.

  Then she opened her eyes and saw it clearly: the monstrous creature was on the verge of breaking free from the bindings Pip had worked so hard to create. The water ropes were beginning to stretch and unravel under the overwhelming force of the grotesque shadow. Eva knew there was no time to waste.

  It was then that something extraordinary happened. A golden glow began to expand from her back, and majestic wings slowly emerged, shining with a celestial light that illuminated the entire clearing. They were ethereal wings, made of pure energy, like fragments of stars woven by divine hands.

  Eva, aware of what she was about to do and the danger it posed to those around her, looked urgently at Pip.

  "Get away!" she said.

  The tiny fairy blinked in confusion, her large eyes fixed on Eva as she hovered near her shoulder.

  "Huh?" responded Pip, tilting her head slightly, not fully understanding the seriousness in Eva's tone.

  However, Eva had no time for explanations. She knew every second counted, that the energy within her was reaching a critical point.

  "Get as far away as you can! Now!!!" Eva shouted, her voice resonating with intensity.

  Pip obeyed immediately, flying away as fast as her small wings would allow. However, before completely retreating, she couldn’t help but turn back to look at Eva one last time. What she saw took her breath away.

  Eva was enveloped in a celestial light that seemed to emanate not only from her body but from her very soul. The golden wings extended behind her back glowed with such intensity that it was almost impossible to look directly at her. It was as if all the ancient magic residing within her had decided to manifest itself at that precise moment, revealing a power Eva herself didn’t know she possessed.

  But what struck Pip the most wasn’t just the magnificence of the scene—it was the expression on Eva’s face. It was a mixture of pain, resolve, and acceptance, as if she knew this act might cost her everything. Still, she did not hesitate.

  With a heart-wrenching scream that echoed deeply through the air, the creature broke free entirely from the bindings Pip had woven. Liberated from its confines, it lunged toward Eva with overwhelming speed.

  However, Eva was already prepared. Without taking her eyes off the creature for even a second, she unleashed a wave of golden energy directly at it. The explosion that followed illuminated the entire forest, momentarily banishing the darkness that had invaded the area. The trees, previously shrouded in dense shadows, were bathed in a celestial glow that seemed to come from another world. The leaves shimmered as if made of liquid gold, and for a brief moment, every trace of darkness was expelled from the clearing.

  But it didn’t last long. Slowly, the darkness began to return, spreading like a silent tide devouring the light. The sky darkened further, deeper and more menacing than before, as if the night itself were responding to Eva’s attack with renewed ferocity.

  “Eva!” whispered Pip worriedly from her distant position, unable to clearly see what was happening. Her voice trembled between fear and uncertainty as she watched the golden light that had once illuminated everything fade away slowly.

  The air began to change in subtle but noticeable ways. A thick, cold mist started to spread through the forest, creeping along the ground like invisible fingers and gradually covering every corner of the woods. The mist was not natural; it emanated a sense of danger, as though it were alive and conscious, seeking to consume everything it touched. Her heart pounded fiercely—not just out of fear for what might have happened to Eva, but also because of the oppressive feeling beginning to engulf the atmosphere.

  Pip tried to flutter forward, determined to approach Eva despite everything, but her tiny wings moved with difficulty, as if the air had grown thicker. Her strength began to wane rapidly, and her diminutive body started to succumb to exhaustion. The little fairy fought with all her might to stay airborne, but it was useless. The mist seemed to be draining her life force, leaving her weak and vulnerable.

  “No…” murmured Pip in a faint voice, trying to resist, but her movements became clumsier by the second. Finally, her wings stopped flapping, and her small body fell. Her light flickered briefly, like a candle on the verge of extinguishing, before going out completely, leaving only silence and shadows in its place.

  Meanwhile, Eva lay sprawled on the ground, exhausted and vulnerable. Her breathing was shallow, and her body barely responded. Despite everything she had done, she didn’t know if she had managed to defeat the creature. She stared up at the sky, where the last spark of golden light slowly faded before her eyes.

  Around her, fragments of the shadow she had fought against began to gather. They were divided into small pieces, floating erratically in the air, but gradually they drew closer to Eva, clinging to her cold, sweaty skin. Each fragment was like an echo of that grotesque entity, filled with corrosive energy that seeped beneath her skin, stealing any trace of warmth or life.

  Eva tried to move, but her body wouldn’t respond. Her muscles were stiff, and her breathing was shallow and labored. With each fragment that touched her body, she felt something inside her weaken even further. Despite her immobility, her mind remained awake, fighting internally. But no matter how hard she struggled, her body would not obey. The shadow now covered her completely, absorbing the last remnants of her vital energy. The weight of defeat began to settle in her chest as she clung to happy memories, seeking solace in the moments shared with her loved ones.

  However, as the shadow closed in around her, Eva felt the connection to those she loved begin to fade, as if the darkness was not only draining her energy but also severing the invisible threads that bound her to them. A pang of sadness struck her as she realized she might never see any of them again. Everything she had learned, everything she had lived through, seemed destined to end in that instant.

  A solitary tear rolled down her cheek, faintly gleaming under the last vestiges of light still struggling to escape the shadow. Yet, the darkness showed no mercy. Slowly, the shadow enveloped her completely, pulling her into an absolute void...

  ***

  Eva found herself sitting in the forest as the sun slowly disappeared behind the mountains. The leaves continued to fall from the trees, carried by the cool breeze that caressed the clearing. The silence was profound, interrupted only by the distant creaking of branches and the occasional rustle of foliage. Eva remained motionless, her eyes fixed on her hands extended before her, trying once again to channel magic between her fingers.

  She had spent hours practicing, failing over and over, but this time something seemed different. A small improvement, almost imperceptible, began to manifest. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes to concentrate—

  But just as she was about to try again, a small luminous figure appeared flying rapidly toward her. It was a fairy, the one in charge of the library, visibly agitated. Her light flickered with urgency as she approached.

  "Lady Eva!" exclaimed the fairy, stopping in front of her, struggling to catch her breath.

  "What’s wrong?" asked Eva, standing up immediately upon noticing the concern in the tiny creature's voice.

  "It’s... Hilara, Lady Eva," replied the fairy between gasps, raising her large eyes to meet Eva's. "She’s in the library... but it’s not like she’s reading... well, you must see it for yourself. Please, come with me."

  Eva followed the fairy to the library. Upon arriving, the sight was truly something to behold. Hilara was deeply asleep, her snores resonating like distant thunder in the silent space of the library. Around her, ancient scrolls, heavy tomes, and small volumes floated lightly, moved by the residual magic emanating from her even in sleep.

  Eva observed the scene from the entrance, sighing deeply as she crossed her arms, letting her gaze sweep over the chaos her sister had created. She approached slowly, her steps barely echoing on the wooden floor. When she reached Hilara, she leaned slightly to observe her serene face, faintly illuminated by the flickering candlelight still shimmering in the corners of the room. There was a calmness in her expression rarely seen when she was awake.

  "Always the same," Eva murmured softly, almost to herself, as she reached out to brush a strand of hair from her sister’s face. "Always so careless."

  However, as she did so, something caught her attention. Tiny flowers adorned her golden curls softly, almost as if they were a natural part of her hairstyle. Intrigued, Eva gently picked one of them with her fingers. Upon closer inspection, she noticed these were no ordinary flowers. They were Solar Stars, delicate and ethereal, their golden petals seemingly made of condensed sunlight. Each flower emitted a soft glow, subtle yet present.

  The little fairy cautiously floated toward Eva, her light flickering nervously as she emitted a soft hum that barely broke the silence of the place.

  "Lady Eva," the fairy murmured, tilting her figure slightly toward her, "the Night Nymphs will arrive soon. You know better than anyone how sensitive they are to any kind of disturbance or noise. Could you try to wake her?"

  "The Night Nymphs," Eva replied, her voice soft but filled with reverence.

  The Night Nymphs are delicate yet powerful beings. They act as silent guardians, watching over those who sleep and protecting the borders between our world and the unknown. Though rarely seen, their presence is felt in every whisper of the night wind and every moonbeam filtering through the leaves. They are extremely sensitive to any kind of disturbance or noise, so it is crucial to maintain calm when they are near. Among fairies, they command great respect, as their magic not only protects but also connects the dreams of mortals to the very fabric of the universe.

  Eva, in particular, feels deep respect for them. She has always admired their dedication to balance and their ability to weave harmony wherever they tread. She knows their role as guardians is vital, not only to preserve the rest of mortals but also to maintain the fragile equilibrium between realms. For her, disturbing their peace would be not only a transgression but a rupture in the delicate order her mother has worked so hard to preserve.

  So Eva approached Hilara and, with gentleness, whispered in her ear: "Wake up..." Her voice was soft, almost a breath, as if she wanted to avoid breaking the stillness of the place. However, Hilara showed no signs of waking. She remained deeply asleep, oblivious to the world around her.

  But then Eva noticed something strange: among the hands Hilara was using as a pillow, there was something white scattered. Upon closer inspection, Eva realized they were remnants of flour stuck to her fingers and palms, as if she had been baking before falling asleep.

  "Flour?" Eva murmured to herself.

  The fairy approached Eva again, fluttering near her shoulder.

  "Oh yes... it seems she was trying to make something for you, Miss Eva," explained the little fairy, adjusting her long round glasses. "Cookies or muffins, I don’t know... but she went all over the magical realm looking for ingredients. She even stole some honey from the celestial bees’ hive!"

  Eva let out a small laugh at the story. She observed her sister more closely. The flickering candlelight in the corners of the library bathed her relaxed face. Her sister looked so peaceful, so immersed in a deep sleep that even her breathing was almost imperceptible, surrounded by floating scrolls and ancient books dancing to the rhythm of her residual magic.

  Eva sighed. She didn’t have the heart to wake her. After all, she knew perfectly well how much effort Hilara put into each of her antics, even though they often ended in disasters. Instead, she decided the best course of action was to take her back home so she could rest in a more comfortable place.

  With care, Eva slid one arm under Hilara’s body, making sure to hold her firmly but without disturbing her sleep. Then, gently, she passed the other arm behind her legs, lifting her as if she were a small child. Though Hilara wasn’t exactly light, Eva managed to settle her onto her back, crossing her sister’s arms around her neck and holding her legs securely.

  For a moment, Eva paused to adjust her grip, ensuring Hilara was well supported. She felt her sister’s warmth against her back. Despite the exhaustion she carried, Eva couldn’t help but smile a little. There was something comforting about that weight, as if carrying Hilara on her back was a tangible way of protecting what she loved most.

  "Goodnight, Hilara," Eva whispered softly, beginning to walk toward the exit of the library. "Tomorrow you’ll tell me what kind of cookies you were trying to make this time."