The Dreams---
For the next two weeks, the same dream haunted me every time I closed my eyes, fire, screams, and shadows tearing across Ember Island. Each night I woke with my heart pounding, each morning more restless than the last.
One evening, I went to Selena's place. "I'm having a rough week," I confessed. "Let's go for ice cream."
She smiled warmly. "That's the best cure I know."
But before long, three men cornered us in the street. Knives glinted in their hands as they demanded our phones and purses. One of them lunged at Selena.
Something in me snapped. My eyes glowed gold. A surge of power rushed through me, uncontrollable and wild. In moments, the men lay scattered on the ground, moaning. My body shook, and then darkness claimed me.
The Revelation---
When I opened my eyes again, I was in my living room. My father, Selena, and Professor Anthony were there.
My dad rushed to my side. "Dad… what happened to me?" I asked, trying to sit up.
He closed the door, leaving Selena and Anthony outside. His face was grave. "It is happening, baby."
Confused, I frowned. "Do you… also have weird dreams? Do you see someone?"
He sat down heavily, his voice low. "Yes. And now you must know the truth."
My chest tightened. "What truth?"
He drew a long breath. "Your mother was the queen of Ember Island. She had supernatural powers. She chose to marry me, a full human to protect her family from danger. But she grew sick after using all her strength to defeat Scarlet, who tried to take Ember Island for herself. Your mother locked Scarlet inside the triangle diamond you wear now. Protect it, Hope."
I touched the necklace at my throat, trembling.
"You've inherited your mother's powers," he continued softly. "But you cannot control them yet. Listen to your guardian — she will mentor you."
Neither of us realized that behind the door, Professor Anthony had been listening. His eyes narrowed before he quietly slipped away.
Secrets in the Library
The next day after class, I approached Professor Anthony. "Thank you for checking up on me," I said politely.
As I turned to leave, curiosity tugged at me. "How did you know I was unconscious? I tried to reach you but couldn't… then called Selena, who told me what happened."
He tilted his head. "Why did you try to reach me?"
Surprised by his calm question, I hesitated. "I… I wanted to show you something."
"Follow me."
He led me to the library. From an old shelf, he drew out a brittle, ancient map. My breath caught when I saw it Ember Island.
"How do you know about this place?" I demanded.
His gaze was unreadable. "I overheard you and your father talking," he admitted. "Forgive me. I only wanted to research, to see if the island was in danger."
By the River---
Later that day, I sat alone by the riverbank, the map spread across my lap. My reflection wavered in the water, heavy with fear. An island's fate is in my hands.
Footsteps crunched on the grass. I looked up Professor Anthony again.
"Are you following me?" I asked sharply.
He raised his hands lightly. "I come here often to swim. I should be asking what you're doing here."
"I came to think," I answered softly.
He sat beside me. "Don't be worried, Hope. If you want, I can join you on this journey." His voice was calm, steady. Then, without waiting for a reply, he dove into the water.
I followed, and for a moment the weight on me lifted as we splashed in the river. But when I climbed out, I saw him staring at my necklace, which lay open beside my phone. His eyes lingered too long.
"Is something wrong?" I asked.
"No," he said quickly, handing me my phone. "But it's ringing."
Selena's name lit up the screen dozens of missed calls and messages. My chest tightened. I grabbed my things and hurried away.
Confession to a Friend---
"Where have you been?" Selena demanded when I found her.
"I was with Professor Anthony… by the river," I admitted.
Her brows rose. "You two are getting close."
"It was an accident, Sel. We didn't plan it."
She smirked. "Mmm-hmm. Bestie," she teased, but her eyes softened. Then her tone shifted. "What happened that night? You took down three men on your own… and don't forget what you did to Nilo."
We sat together by the roadside, the evening breeze around us. I swallowed hard. "Selena, I need to tell you the truth."
I told her everything about my mother, the necklace, and the danger that loomed.
She listened in silence, then said firmly, "That's a big responsibility, bestie. But count me in."
"No. I can't let you. It'll be too dangerous. I have to do this alone."
The Guardian---
Light shimmered at the corner of my vision. A voice spoke: "There is nothing wrong with her accompanying you."
I turned. Elizabeth the woman in silver armor and cape stood before us.
Selena gasped. "Hope, is this her? The woman you told me about?"
"Yes," I whispered.
Elizabeth's gaze was steady. "You need all the help you can get, Hope. Do not push her away."
"Really?" I challenged. "Then start by telling me who you are."
She stepped closer. "My name is Elizabeth. I am a protector of Ember Island. I fought side by side with your mother. I was the youngest of her comrades. I will teach you what she taught me, so that together we can stop what is coming. But you must travel to Ember Island. Only there will you be trained."
From across the street, unseen, Professor Anthony watched from his car, his eyes dark with thought.
Training Begins---
That night, Selena stayed with me. She crossed her arms stubbornly. "Why don't you want me to be part of this, Hope? Who will watch your back? You don't know anyone on that island."
I sighed. "I know… but it was my mother's home. What could go wrong?"
The next morning, I tried to summon my powers in the backyard, but my strength slipped in and out of control. Frustration burned inside me.
Elizabeth appeared, calm and poised. "Relax, Hope. Feel the peace around you. Listen to the birds, the river, the wind. Calm your mind."
I breathed deeply. Light filled my vision. My eyes glowed silver. Suddenly I was moving faster, teleporting, even flying. Then, just as quickly, it vanished when Selena called my name.
"That was amazing!" she cried, hugging me.
Elizabeth's gaze lingered on Selena. "You, too, could have abilities."
"No!" I said sharply. "She doesn't need them."
Selena's face fell. Without a word, she walked inside.
Annoyed, I ran after her. "Selena," I said gently, "I just don't want you hurt. This is my battle."
She turned, eyes soft. "And what are best friends for, Hope?"
I smiled faintly. "Alright. But follow my lead, okay?"
When we stepped back outside, Elizabeth was waiting, smiling.
"How does my friend get her powers?" I asked.
Elizabeth's expression grew solemn. "We must go to Ember Island. There, at the Everlasting Fire, she will be tested by the gods of Ember. Only then will you both be ready."