Destiny glanced up from one of Selina's books about familiars. She was sitting on the bed, with her legs outstretched, resting her head against her pillow. Opal was comfortably sitting crossed legged on her carpet, surrounded by a pile of her magical tomes. Each tome had an elemental design featuring air, including one with a griffin on the cover.
"There cool, wish, I could get a collection like that," Destiny remarked.
Opal smirked sadly. "One of the few gifts Amanda organised for my sixteenth birthday,
"So, no big party?" Destiny asked.
"No, in the witch's culture, they are more focused on their studies, then having a life outside of magic,"
"Amanda isn't my actual mother. She adopted me as a baby. I have no clue who my proper parents are."
Destiny shared a symmetrised smile. "I've never met my mother. Selina was my stepmother. I cared about her, but she tampered with my memories for years. I don't know how to feel about her anymore." She plucked a loose thread from a blanket while Taylor slept soundly behind her.

"What you're feeling is completely normal, Destiny!" Opal reassured; her voice tinged with a hint of excitement. "I've discovered the way to banish the familiar. But I need your help. Are you brave enough to enter the basement?"

Nervously biting her lip, Destiny replied, "I think so." They both stood, leaving Taylor to recover from his latest episode. Opal's expression grew grim as she remarked, "Taylor's episodes are getting worse..

With Opal's help, Destiny turned the valve, slowly opening the heavy iron door. As the door creaked open, a wave of darkness washed over them, daring them to step inside. Hissing and growling noises echoed from the depths below. The air, thick with the scent of belladonna, seeped into their nostrils, causing a dull headache. The dampness and mustiness of the basement surrounded them.

Suddenly, they heard it—the familiar. Inhaling and exhaling, it snored, its hot, sticky breath permeating the air with the foul stench of raw meat. Bones littered the carpeted floor, a macabre scene. Whispered, Destiny asked, "Do you think it drinks blood?

Opal couldn't help but giggle, her excitement undeterred. "Maybe," she replied.

"Try to avoid waking the creature while I get the teleportation spell ready," Opal instructed, her voice filled with determination.

Opal searched the messy desk, papers with spells written on them, candles that were misshapen. Or melted, the belladonna candles burned, the wax dripping to the floor, the pungent scent making the young witch sick. She extinguished them using a glass jar, starving the candles of oxygen. Sharp tools landed neatly beside some white spell candles used for purification. Opal started lying them out around the pentagram, glancing at the roof to make sure the bat still slept.

She sighed in relief.
While Destiny slowly stepped over the animal's ribcages, she tried to ignore them. Skin still hanging off the bones, she noticed a bowl of crystals; she wasn't sure what Selina used them for; she tripped over. A glass case leg. She hadn't seen with what little light the basement window provided. She lost her balance, stumbling into the bookcase. Detailed tomes of magical creatures adorned the covers and fell to the wooden dusty ground with a loud, echoing thud. Destiny and Opal both waited with bated breath. The batt shifted, but otherwise remained asleep.
Destiny stood before the dark chocolate shelves. with careful balance, she reached for a book adorned in a royal blue cover. Its detailed Celtic knot, traced with intricate golden leaves, caught her eye.. A burning phoenix, with wings outstretched, danced across the cover, leaving a trail of flames in its wake. The title, "The History of the Morgan Family," captivated her. Determined to unlock its secrets, she searched the dusty tones of spell books, running her fingers over their aged spines. Disappointingly, she found no key to the locked tome.

She heard a small click, and the bookcase opened. Into a well-lit room hidden behind Selina's library. She crept into the hidden room, seeing an altar with dried blood on a gleaming sliver of dagger.

She brought the dangerous weapon to Opal. "This is excellent, Destiny. Good work. Now we can banish the creature," Opal handed her the lighter. "Light the candles. I'll begin the spell. I hope you're not squeamish about blood."
Destiny lit the circle of candles. The smell of smoke and melted wax filled their nostrils. Destiny glanced up in horror. The massive bat had disappeared. "Oh Shit." She heard loud thuds, the dark mass with the crimson eyes. Morphed into the creature's favourite form into the hissing lizard, it attacked, destroying the bookcases with its powerful tail. It threw papers and books around the room.
Opal drew a griffin in chalk. She began chatting in a language Destiny didn't understand. She ducked, avoiding the corrosive saliva of the lizard, spat at her. The acid burned through Selina's desk. Leaving the spells and tools in a melted mass,
"I suggest your hurry, Opal," Destiny urged.

Opal hissed using the cleaned dagger with Selina's stock of moon water. She cut her arm using her droplets of blood, finishing the spell. Her eyes glowed violet with dark power. A whirlwind entered from the now opening portal. Shafts of golden light pulled the obsidian lizard into the opening with the swifts' currants of air. The creature screeched in fear.
Opal sat on the floor drained of her magic, Destiny hugged her shanking and, frightened, she laughed. The sound is hollow.
"Amazing Opal, we got fid of the hideous thing". The air grew lighter as a weight lifted. Off the basement.
Opal declared, "I have purified the area." Opal stood, they emerged from the basement, they collapsed into the puffy cushions of the couch, "I'll keep the dagger. For personal reasons." Opal replied. She had a bag packed with the others. The teenagers joined them.

Destiny's eyes, once bright and vibrant, became clouded over, as if a fog had settled upon them. The room grew still, the air heavy with anticipation. Her voice, now tinged with authority, cut through the silence. "Have you quite forgotten your manners, young man?" Taylor felt a chill run down his spine, recognizing the voice instantly.

"Lady Lucia," he whispered, his voice barely audible. The room seemed to shrink, the walls closing in, as the weight of her words sank in. "You are still a child," she continued, her tone filled with a mix of condescension and concern. "There are things you do not understand and decisions that are not yours to make."

Taylor sighed heavily, the sound echoing through the room like a gust of wind. Destiny, undeterred, pressed on. "Use the lay lines to return," she instructed, her voice carrying a hint of urgency. "Find the energy within."

Outside, the rain cascaded down, its rhythmic patter against the windows providing a backdrop to the tense conversation. Taylor closed his eyes, allowing himself to be enveloped by the sound, seeking solace in its familiar melody.
He folded his arms. "Since two powerful oracles told me the same thing, I'll do as they say. Are we all ready?" Taylor asked.

*****

They returned to the forest clearing. Christos crouched down, drawing wave symbols into the forest floor on ice. The mists rolled in, becoming thicker. Opal summoned currants of air. Making it difficult to see, Destiny strained her eyes through the hazy mist. In the background, she heard Christos muttering in a language that sounded strangely familiar, yet she couldn't quite place the words. The wind suddenly picked up, carrying with it the earthy scent of rain. Droplets fell from the sky, their gentle pitter-patter harmonizing with the soft rustling of leaves. Air and water danced together, intermingling in a graceful choreography. Cristos, sensing Destiny's confusion, gently took her hand and led her towards the portal. As they approached, the portal revealed its strangely beautiful nature. Its surface shimmered like a mirror, reflecting Destiny's own image back at her. Curiosity compelled her to reach out and touch it, feeling the coldness against her fingertips. Surprised by the sensation, she remarked, "It's cold," realizing she had no expectations for what it would feel like. Cristos then instructed, "Stand as close together as possible. "They all huddled together. Cristos gripped Destiny's waist with his left hand and reach out with his right, shattering the portal. She felt the air leave her lungs.
She couldn't focus on what was happening. Her clothes were completely soaked and every part of her body was numb. As she recovered, she saw Ash help Esmeralda to her feet. Cristos was by her side, still with his hand around her waist, and Taylor's eyes burned with rage. Hope was nowhere to be seen. Figures in dark clothing surrounded them. Figures with weapons pointing at them.
In a commanding manner, a man with a solid build stepped forward and declared, "You are all under arrest." individuals dressed in dark attire and fastened swords to their belts. "What's happening here?" The enforcers never act this aggressively, " Ash hissed, pulling Destiny in between him and Taylor.
Green sparks shocked her. The winds turned her bones to ice. She shivered, her body turning numb, her legs collapsed. Taylor kept a tight grip on her arm. Keeping her upright, Ash helped Esmeralda to her feet. The commander frowned. "Hey advisor, what is wrong with the girl?"

'It was her first time traveling by portal, sir,' Cristos replied. The commander humph, again your people are strange, just because the mist fairies can create portals, but you ovulated the law."
"What law have we broken?" His eyes darkened with fury, he hissed, showing his sharp teeth and if you bothered learning, your history gods and goddesses can create them, which should give you an idea who we know."

The commander rounded on him. 'You really want to do this, do you, pixie?' he growled. Christos took in the massive build of the commander. "No, sir." He said, swallowing his pride,
The commander's mouth turned into a superior sneer. "There is always a place in the dungeon's advisor."

His focus shifted to Destiny; "You brought a human here?" his voice was shaky and disbelieving.
"Taylor glared, "At lady Lucia request,"
He continued, 'Sir, you cannot detain us. I am heir to the throne of Andriel, and I demand to speak with my father.'

'A state of emergency has been declared. I cannot comply with your request,' the commander replied coldly. 'Sergeant, arrest them.'
A short man stepped forward, his face concealed by a mask. He reached down to grab Destiny.

Taylor growled, 'Don't touch her.' The sergeant paid no attention to him and reached forward to grab Destiny by the arm. Taylor grabbed the man, throwing him onto the ground. He got straight back to his feet, brushing the dirt from his uniform. Taylor smashed his fist into the man's face with enough force to split the mask in two. The pieces fell to the ground, and everyone saw that the vampire's face had severe burns on the left side.
Taylor stared. The vampire's crimson eyes burned with fury and he bared his fangs. He lunged at Taylor with deadly accuracy, plunging his sharp claws into Taylor's torso. Taylor fell to his knees, holding the stinging wound. The sergeant reached his hands out towards Taylor, and shadows quickly bound his feet and wrists.

'Your intentions were admirable, but foolish,' the sergeant hissed. He pulled Destiny to her feet and jogged his hands over her body. Taylor's face was like thunder.
She shoved him so he staggered into the commander. "Do not touch me. You don't know how to be gentle and your touch hurts." Destiny snapped, 'No weapons, sir,' the sergeant addressed his commander with a sly wink at Taylor. The commander nodded. 'Take them away.'

Taylor glanced at Destiny, shrugging, "Are your legs hurting?"
"Yeah, seems they don't like portal travel." Destiny admitted. Taylor placed her arm around his shoulder, taking her weight. The enforces escorted them towards a horse-drawn wagon.
Destiny stared, mouth agape. The six black stallions pulling the wagon were majestic, with green glowing eyes.
They piled inside. Destiny leaned her head on Taylor's shoulder nearby the window. The enforcers mounted the horses, the four remaining soldiers walked alongside the wagon as the horses made their way back to the city.
The stonecutter horses outperform others in terms of strength and speed, and they possess the ability to enhance their saddles and lightweight armor with earth powers. When faced with danger, the horses can instinctively tap into this magic. Taylor explained, while they traveled the lush landscape, Esmeralda heard a distant howl, becoming anxious as the morning mists disappeared with the oncoming heat.

Silhouettes appeared at the edge of the pathway, but the mist fairies didn't dare to approach the enforcers.
'Where are we?' 'We are in the Wolfvain forest. We should reach Celestial City by nightfall, Esmeralda explained.
Orbs of gold, purple and blue floated and bounce on invisible air currents lit up the pink and yellow sky. Orbs of colored light danced amongst the trees. 'What are they?' Destiny asked in disbelief.
'They are will-o'-the-wisps - orbs of magical fire. They guide travelers at night when the mists set in. Seeing them in the morning is rare,' Cristos said.

The wagon hit a rock, making the wagon shake. Ash fell to the floor; Destiny stroked his face. She pulled away. "His skin is ice cold," Ash; s eyes fluttered open, his aqua iris held a crimson tinge,
"I haven't had blood today. Keep your distance, Destiny."
"Taylor sat on the floor, offering his arm, Ash shoved hos arm away. "No, your highness,"
"Hey Ash, imagine seeking your fangs into Destiny's neck." Christos taunted.
Destiny's temper flared; she stuck her rude finger up at Christos. She leaned closer, moving her hair away from her neck.
"Destiny, you don't know what you're offering, Ash warned.
"Then tell me." Destiny, glancing into his eyes, "It will hurt, and create a link between us." Ash warned.
"Who else has a link with you?"

"Taylor, I fed off him once or twice. When a vampire takes the blood of another being, we are essentially taking their life force, the link which remains to our consequence. A vampire must choose who they feed off wisely. "Ash explained. Destiny nodded. 'I understand,' she breathed.
Ash reached out to her exposed neck, his long, slender fingers gliding down her delicate skin. With a gentle stop, he positioned his touch where the vein pulsed just beneath the surface. Leaning forward, he pressed his lips against the bare flesh, his tongue grazing the area. The unfamiliar sensation sent shivers down her spine, strangely soothing yet foreboding.

Her instincts screamed for her to flee, but she fought against them, focusing on the rhythmic rise and fall of her breath. As he sank his needle-sharp fangs into her vulnerable neck, a mixture of anticipation and fear filled the air. The sound of her blood flowing, like a soft, distant whisper, mingled with the intensity of her racing heartbeat.

She could feel the voracious pull as he gulped, mouthfuls of crimson sustenance draining her strength. The world around her blurred, her consciousness slipping away, but just as darkness threatened to claim her, he withdrew. The wounds on her neck oozed purple blood, a stark reminder of his intrusion.

Tenderly, Ash caressed the injured area, his touch cool and comforting, like the touch of a healing shadow. Gently cradling her head in his lap, he offered a sense of solace, and she closed her eyes, finding momentary relief in his presence. "How do you have purple blood?" Ash asked, confused. Destiny frowned. "As far as I know, I'm human,
"Research your family history, Destiny. That wasn't red blood." Ash advised.

Ash shook his head sadly. "For the king to have declared a state of emergency is extreme." He glanced at Taylor, who closed his eyes, fighting an inner struggle with his emotions.

"The enforcers will be on high alert until the danger passes. We are being escorted to our own safety," Taylor said, although Destiny was unsure whether he was trying to reassure himself or the rest of the group. Esmeralda dug her fingers into the wooden bench, longing to feel the forest beneath her feet. Destiny peeked through the window. In the distance, a gigantic sandstone wall caught the rays of the morning sun.
'Wow, amazing!' Destiny exclaimed
'The magic imbued in the wall repels all attacks,' Taylor explained. As they approached the eastern wall of the city, the commander exchanged hushed words with the enforcers guarding the huge wooden gates. They peered inside, staring suspiciously at the group. After a few tense moments, the heavy gates opened with a deafening creak, allowing the wagon through.

"Welcome to Celestial City, Destiny" Taylor said.