Vanessa stepped into the shop, wide-eyed and amazed.
"Wow… this place is so cool! There's so much stuff in here!"
She reached out toward a glowing amulet resting on a dusty shelf—
when suddenly, a voice boomed from the shadows:
"NO! Don't touch that!"
Vanessa froze, her finger hovering just an inch away from the amulet.
A small figure stepped out from behind the counter, letting out a deep sigh.
"Young girl, that amulet explodes when touched. You could've blown us all sky-high."
Vanessa stumbled back and looked at him, startled.
He was a gnome—old, barely reaching her waist, with a long white beard, tiny glasses perched on his nose, and robes far too big for him.
"Oh—I'm really sorry!" she said, her voice shaky.
The gnome sighed again. "It's fine... I suppose." He turned toward her mother.
"So... what brings you here, old friend?"
Amanda grinned. "Aren't you happy to see me, Otto?"
Otto squinted at her and muttered, "I would be...if you didn't always come here expecting to take things for free."
Amanda laughed. "Oh, come on. This time, we're just looking for a wand. For my daughter."
Otto blinked. "This—this is your daughter?!"
"Why yes, of course," Amanda said, placing a hand on Vanessa's shoulder.
Otto eyed Vanessa carefully, then shrugged. "Well, none of my business. Follow me."
They trailed him past shelves of floating scrolls, glowing vials, and whispering trinkets. Vanessa's eyes sparkled.
"So... what kind of wand should I choose?" she asked eagerly.
Otto suddenly let out a loud, wheezy laugh.
"Oh Amanda... you really haven't taught her anything, have you?"
He turned to Vanessa, smiling slyly.
"Listen, girl. You don't choose the wand.
The wand chooses you."
Vanessa flushed, rubbing the back of her neck. "Oh—right. Of course. I was just... joking."
"Sure you were," Otto said, barely holding in a chuckle.
They continued walking, weaving deeper into the shop's strange halls, until suddenly Otto came to a stop
"Huh? Why did we stop?" Vanessa asked, puzzled.
"We're here," Otto said with a sly grin.
He stepped forward and whispered a string of unintelligible words. The wall in front of them shimmered—and with a low rumble, massive double doors slowly creaked open.
Carved into the surface were two elegant women, each with a half-moon symbol engraved on their foreheads, eyes closed as if in silent prayer.
Amanda let out a quiet breath.
"Wow…"
The room they entered was vast and dark. Shadows draped the corners like curtains. Otto mumbled again, and rows of hanging lanterns flared to life with a pale silver glow, illuminating walls covered in countless wands. Long ones, thin ones, twisted, spiked, feathered—all resting in silent anticipation.
In the center stood what looked like a small stone pedestal.
Vanessa tilted her head. "What's the table for?"
Otto groaned. "It's not a table, girl. That's an altar."
"Altar?" she echoed, scratching her head.
His voice grew more serious. "In order for a wand to choose you, you must offer a drop of your blood. The Moon Sisters will witness your essence... and your destined wand will reveal itself."
A mix of excitement and nervousness rushed over Vanessa.
"Alright... let's do it."
Otto handed her a small silver needle. "Offer your blood to the Moon Sisters. Let your magic call out."
Vanessa took a breath, then pricked her fingertip. "Ouch…"
A single drop fell onto the altar. The moment it touched the stone, glowing threads of silver light burst outward, racing like veins through the floor. The wands on the walls shivered—then lifted, spiraling through the air like a storm of feathers and flame.
Dozens flew. Then hundreds. Spinning. Flashing. Hovering.
Vanessa watched with wide eyes, heart pounding.
Minutes passed. One by one, the wands stilled, returning to the walls—silent in their rejection.
Only three remained, circling slowly above the altar.
And then—only one.
It descended slowly, as if drawn by invisible threads, landing gently in the center of the altar
It was unlike any wand she had seen.
Made of black willow wood, twisted like braided thread, the wand shimmered faintly under the altar light. Thin red lines—like strands of thread—ran along its length, glowing subtly. The tip curled ever so slightly, like the end of a sewing needle. A single green gem sat at its base, shaped like a tear.
It felt both elegant and ancient—alive with magic... and waiting.
Vanessa reached out, and the moment her fingers brushed it, a soft pulse ran through her arm—warm, familiar. The red threads around the wand flared for a brief moment, wrapping lightly around her hand like a greeting.
Otto's eyes widened behind his glasses.
"Hmph.."
Amanda whispered, "
Vanessa smiled.
She didn't understand it fully yet. But this wand had chosen her.
And she was happy.
Amanda smirked as she turned to Otto.
"Well, now that it's done… thanks for the free wand, Otto!"
Otto let out a long, tired sigh.
"What did I even expect from you?"
Vanessa giggled. "Bye, Mister Otto! Thank you!"
Otto muttered under his breath, "Children these days..."
Outside, Amanda placed a gentle hand on Vanessa's back.
"Well, you've got your wand now. Everything's ready."
"Yay!" Vanessa beamed, practically skipping.
After a moment, she glanced up.
"When do I go to the academy, Mom?"
"In a few days, sweetie. I still have to complete your enrollment," Amanda said with a warm smile.
"Alright then… let's go home. I'm exhausted," Vanessa said, rubbing her eyes.
Amanda chuckled. "Alright, alright. Let's get you some rest, future witch."
They walked side by side through the magical streets, the new wand resting in Vanessa's hand like it had always belonged there.