It was a quiet night in the Kingdom of Brightvale. The stars twinkled above the tall castle towers, and the moon lit the sky like a glowing lantern. In his room, Prince Arin sat alone, deep in thought. His magical book lay open on his desk, pages filled with ancient spells and strange symbols.
Arin had been studying magic for many weeks in secret. He had become very skilled. He could already make lights float, move things without touching them, and even change the color of objects with a single word. But tonight, he wanted to try something new—something he had never done before.
He whispered to himself, "What if I could make something that doesn't live... speak?"
His eyes scanned the page. There it was: a spell to bring voice to a non-living thing. It looked complicated, but Arin felt ready.
He picked up a simple pen from his desk—a smooth, silver pen that he liked to write with—and held it gently in both hands. Then he whispered the ancient words from the book. His voice was calm, but his heart beat fast.
At first, nothing happened.
Then, suddenly, the pen shook in his hands.
"Whoa!" Arin said, holding it up.
To his surprise, the pen opened its small cap slightly and said in a tiny, clear voice, "Hello!"
Prince Arin jumped back in shock. He stared at the pen, wide-eyed.
"Did… did you just talk?" he asked.
"Yes, I did!" the pen replied. "And it's about time someone let me!"
Arin laughed, full of joy. "This is amazing!" he said. "It worked! It really worked!"
He danced around the room, holding the talking pen. He had never felt so proud or excited in his life.
But at that very moment, something strange and unexpected happened.
The magical book on his desk began to glow. Softly at first, then brighter and brighter. Arin didn't notice. He was too busy laughing with the pen.
The glow grew stronger. Then, with a quiet whoosh, a light burst from the book—and two shadows appeared at the door.
It was the King and Queen.
They had quietly come to check on their son, as they sometimes did at night. They had seen the light under his door and wanted to make sure he was safe. But before they could say a word, the glowing book sent out a beam of light—and they vanished.
Just like that.
Gone.
The door creaked slightly. Arin looked up, but he saw nothing. The book had closed itself, and the glow had faded.
A moment later, Minister Tom stepped into the room.
"Arin," he said gently. "Where are the King and Queen?"
Arin looked confused. "They were here?" he asked. "I didn't see anyone."
Minister Tom walked closer. "They just wanted to sleep near you tonight," he said. "They came to knock on your door. I saw them walking this way."
Arin's eyes widened. He felt a chill down his back.
"Oh…" he whispered. "I did hear a sound… but I didn't look. I was busy with the magic..."
He turned slowly to face the magical book. A sinking feeling grew in his chest. His hands trembled.
"It was my magic…" he whispered again. "I made them disappear…"
His voice cracked. His heart ached. He felt like the air had left the room.
Minister Tom placed a kind hand on his shoulder.
"Prince Arin," he said softly, "I will handle everything. But please… stop using magic. This is too dangerous now."
Arin looked into the Minister's eyes. He saw no anger, only sadness and care. But his own heart was heavy with guilt.
"I cannot stay here," Arin said slowly. "I've caused too much pain. I don't want to hurt anyone else. I will leave this kingdom forever."
Tom's eyes widened. "No, Arin. Please don't talk like that—"
But Arin had made up his mind. "I need to go," he said. "This magic… I thought it could help. But now… I don't know."
He looked around the room. Every book, every candle, every page of magic now felt like a mistake.
"I will leave the castle. I will leave the kingdom. It's the only way to keep everyone safe."
The talking pen, still resting on his table, had gone quiet. Even it seemed to sense the sadness in the air.
Tom sighed deeply. "If that is what you choose, I won't stop you. But you are not alone, Arin. And you will always have someone who believes in you."
Arin nodded quietly.
"I know."