Chapter 3

    I listened intently as we walked, not noticing the village growing closer with each step. When we finally arrived, my nostrils flared with the rich scents of spices and herbs that filled the air. I was mind-blown by the sight of the village. Despite its otherworldly appearance, it had elements of the human world, including electricity.

     I gaped as we walked through the village, taking in the beautiful houses built into the trees. Each structure seemed to grow organically from the forest, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. People moved about with purpose, their clothes reflecting the colors and textures of the environment. Some wore flowing robes, while others were dressed in practical attire, but all carried an air of grace and confidence.

    " This place is amazing," I said, struggling to find words to describe what I was feeling.

    " It is," Merilla agreed. " And it is your home, Meara. You are one of us, and you have a place here."

    I looked around, trying to take in everything at once. Despite the overwhelming beauty and magic, a part of me still felt like an outsider. I had so many questions, so many uncertainties about my past and my future.

    " Merilla, why did my parents leave me in the human world?" I asked, the question that had been burning in my mind finally finding its way out.

    Merilla paused, her expression turning serious. " There is much you and I both need to learn about our past, Meara. Your parents had their reasons, reasons that I believe they will explain to you themselves. For now, trust that everything they did was to protect you."

    We continued along the path, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. I was about to discover the truth about my origins, about who I really was. The journey ahead was uncertain, but with Merilla by my side, I felt ready to face whatever came my way.

Merilla led me through the village, and my senses were overwhelmed by the rich scents of spices and herbs that filled the air. The village was bustling with activity, yet it retained an air of tranquility and harmony with nature. We walked past houses built into trees, their architecture seamlessly blending with the natural environment. My exhaustion was momentarily forgotten as I marveled at the beauty and ingenuity around me.

    As we continued, a grand white marble castle came into view. It was embellished with gold accents everywhere, making it shimmer in the soft light. I felt a surge of confusion.

     Why would Merilla be taking me towards the castle?

 " Why are we heading towards a castle? Were my parents servants or something to the king?" I asked, my voice tinged with worry.

    " Not that I know of," Merilla replied, a hint of amusement in her voice. " This is where my mate lives, and it's also where I live. My mate is the spirit animal to the king of Valtor. It's also where the great library is, which holds records of elementals who have given birth over the centuries. We might find information about your parents there."

    We approached a metal fence with a big golden gate. Two more guards stood watch in front of it, and just like before, they opened the gate for us without asking any questions about who I was or where I came from.

    I followed Merilla all the way up the stone path to the front courtyard of the castle. The grandeur of the place was overwhelming, and my exhaustion began to catch up with me again. The castle stood tall and majestic, its golden accents reflecting the light in a dazzling display.

    " Wait here," Merilla suddenly said. " I'm going to announce your arrival." She sprinted up the stairs, leaving me behind.

     Now, standing still, the exhaustion from walking through the night and the entire day consumed me, making my entire body feel numb. I scouted my surroundings and noticed a bench next to a waterfall in the garden. The soothing sound of water cascading from the fountain was inviting.

    I walked over to the bench and took a seat. The gentle, rhythmic sound of the water was so relaxing and soothing that I didn't notice myself drifting off to sleep. The weariness of the journey, combined with the peaceful ambiance of the garden, was too much for my tired body to resist.

    As I slept, my mind wandered through fragments of dreams. I saw glimpses of my past, my foster mother Monica's warm smile, and the mysterious forest that had brought me here. My thoughts danced between memories and the possibilities of discovering my true heritage. I felt a mixture of anticipation and apprehension, wondering what awaited me inside the marble castle.

  

( Kaden )

Standing on the balcony of my castle, I watched over my kingdom with a sense of pride and a deep, painful fear. From this vantage point, I could see all four elemental realms coming together, uniting to form Valtor. The Earth Kingdom stretched out to the west, its lush forests and rolling hills a testament to the strength and resilience of its people. To the south, the Fire Kingdom blazed with the vibrant hues of red and orange, its volcanoes and hot springs providing both danger and beauty. The Water Kingdom lay to the east, its sparkling rivers, and serene lakes a source of life and tranquility. Finally, to the north, the Air Kingdom's lofty peaks and endless skies symbolized freedom and aspiration.

At the heart of it all stood my castle, the unifying center that brought these diverse realms together. It was a sight that should have filled me with pride, but instead, a heavy weight pressed down on me. This darkness, an insidious force that had been growing within me, threatened to consume everything I held dear. Over the past few months, it had become more frequent and stronger, taking over completely and leaving me with no recollection of what had happened or what I had done. All I knew was that when the darkness took over, people got hurt—innocent people.