"They will return..."
"The chosen one... the next holder..."
The voices whispered through the darkness.
"Fiona?"
Her mother's voice jolted her awake. Fiona's eyes fluttered open, her heart still racing. The room was quiet except for her own sharp breathing. Beads of sweat glistened on her forehead.
"You okay?" Her mom sat at the edge of her bed, worry softening her tone.
"Yeah, just—bad dream." Fiona sat up, brushing her messy hair back.
Her mom smiled gently. "You're still going to the Glowing Cave, right? Your sisters are already dressed."
"I was just taking a nap before we left," Fiona said, rubbing her eyes. Then she hesitated. "Mom... I had the dream again."
Her mom's smile faltered for a moment. "It's probably just stress, honey. You're starting your second year at Esteem High. It's normal to feel nervous."
And just like that, she was gone—leaving the air heavy with unspoken things.
Fiona sighed. It's never "just stress." The dream always felt too real, like something ancient was calling her name.
She freshened up, splashed cold water on her face, and was about to change when a familiar, high-pitched voice echoed from the hall.
"FIONA!"
Fiona groaned. What does this little snake want now?
She stormed to the door, opened it, and stomped down the stairs—her face already twisted in irritation. There, standing at the bottom of the staircase, was Bluebell—her younger sister, dressed in pigtails tied with red ribbons and flashing an innocent grin.
"Fiona! You're finally here. Help me with my basket—"
"Bluebell, if this is one of your silly pranks, I swear—"
"It's not! I promise!" Bluebell clasped her hands dramatically. "Please?"
"Ugh. I knew it." Fiona rolled her eyes. "Find someone else."
"Wow. So mean for someone who still sleeps with a nightlight."
"I don't—!"
"Girls," a calm voice interrupted.
Their eldest sister, Daisy, stood by the doorway, looking like she'd stepped out of a fashion magazine. Her black curls framed a composed face, and a book was tucked under her arm.
"Enough bickering," Daisy said, exasperated. "Go change. We're leaving soon."
Bluebell stuck out her tongue. "Loser."
"Come back here if you dare!" Fiona snapped, but the little troublemaker had already vanished into the elevator.
Fiona trudged back up the long staircase lined with blue floral carpet. Her room awaited her—a luxurious expanse of soft colors and glittering light. She flopped onto her enormous bed, sighing. A knock followed almost instantly.
"If that's you, Bluebell—"
"It's me, honey." Her mother's warm voice floated in.
"Oh! Sorry, Mom. Come in."
Her mom entered, radiant as always in a white flare dress. "So, you won't spare even your mother, huh?" she teased, sitting beside Fiona.
"I thought you were Bluebell."
"You two fight too much."
"We don't fight, we just—debate," Fiona said with a smirk.
Her mom chuckled, then her tone softened. "I came to see you before your trip to the Glowing Cave."
Fiona shrugged. "I'm not really excited about it this year."
"You love that place."
"I used to," Fiona said quietly. "But lately, I feel... incomplete. Like something's missing."
Her mother froze for just a moment. "You're probably just tired, dear. Go enjoy yourself."
And just like earlier, she changed the subject. Again.
Fiona frowned as the door closed. She always does that.
Fiona dressed quickly—black jeans, a white shirt patterned with red roses, her hair tied in a ponytail with a side braid. A butterfly-shaped necklace hung around her neck, catching the light as she moved. She grabbed her camera and headed downstairs.
The living room sparkled under a grand chandelier, its marble floor gleaming like glass. Fiona placed her camera on the glass table and shouted, "Where are you guys? We're running late! Daisy? Bluebell? Britney?"
Daisy appeared first, composed as ever. "Sorry to keep you waiting."
"No problem," Fiona said. "But where are those two miscreants?"
"No name-calling," Daisy warned lightly. "Bluebell's fetching something, and Britney said she'll catch up later. She's busy with research."
"Of course she is," Fiona muttered. "You look nice, though."
"Thanks." Daisy smiled, smoothing her pleated blue dress.
Bluebell came bouncing in next—lollipop in mouth, skirt full of butterfly prints, radiating chaos. "I'm here! Can we go now?"
"Where's Britney?" Daisy asked.
"Doing her spooky research thing," Bluebell said with a shrug.
Daisy sighed. "Fine. Let's go."
Outside, the estate shimmered under the morning sun. The fountain in the center of the yard sparkled like crystal. Helpers loaded the car while Daisy gave instructions.
"Um, Daisy?" Fiona asked, approaching her.
"Yes?"
"You're driving?"
"Yes," Daisy said proudly. "Got a license."
Fiona snorted. "Wow. So royal of you."
"Unlike somebody, I can drive instead of riding horses."
"I fence too, for your information."
"Who even fences anymore?" Daisy laughed. "Get in the car, Miss Medieval."
Fiona grumbled but obeyed, slipping into the white Range Rover. Daisy honked for Bluebell, who stumbled out, clutching her skirt like she was hiding treasure.
"Stand straight," Daisy ordered.
"I-I can't," Bluebell squeaked.
"Now."
Bluebell hesitated—then sweets tumbled out of her skirt: lollipops, gummies, chocolates, and a giant pack of gummy bears.
"Oh my god, Bluebell," Daisy said, half-laughing, half-exasperated.
"Those are for later!"
From the car, Fiona yelled, "Cut her hands off!"
"Not my hands!" Bluebell squealed, frantically picking up her candy.
Daisy sighed. "Just get in the car."
Once everyone was seated, the Range Rover rolled out of the golden gates, followed by three black cars of guards. They passed through a peaceful estate, then into the bustling streets of London—modern buildings, trees, and the hum of life surrounding them.
Fiona broke the silence first. "So, how are the sweets treating you, sugar snake?"
Bluebell grinned. "Sweet as ever, Fifi."
"Brat."
"Girls," Daisy warned. "One more word and I'm turning this car around."
Fiona crossed her arms, but a tiny smile curved her lips as the city slipped by.
Soon, they reached a secluded area beyond the city—a red gate marked T.G.C.
The Glowing Cave.
As Daisy parked, Fiona stepped out and inhaled deeply. The cool breeze brushed her skin, and something deep inside her stirred again.
The dream's words echoed faintly in her mind.
"The chosen one... the next holder..."