Chapter 2

My legs ached, and my eyes grew heavy, but the whispers urged me on.

    By the time dawn was breaking, I was on the verge of collapse from exhaustion. Just when I thought I couldn't take another step, we arrived at a waterfall. The sight of it took my breath away. The cascading water sparkled in the early light, creating rainbows in the mist. It was like something out of a dream, a hidden paradise within the forest.

    Merilla led me behind the curtain of water, where we discovered a cave filled with ancient symbols that I couldn't decipher. The air inside was cool and filled with the scent of damp earth.

    “ Where are we?” I asked eager.

    “ This is the gateway to the magical realm, to Valtor.”

 Merilla went to sit in front of the wall, and to my amazement, all the symbols started to glow like her eyes. The earth began to shake, and the stone wall started to part, revealing a bright light.

    Merilla stepped into the light. " Meara, are you coming?" Her voice echoed in my mind.

    I wanted to move, but I was frozen in place. The brightness was overwhelming, making me hesitate.

    " Meara, hurry, before the portal closes," Merilla shouted in the mind-link we shared.

    Summoning every ounce of courage, I lifted my foot and stepped into the light, then the other. The light was so bright that I had to cover my eyes. As I stepped through, a warm sensation enveloped me, and I felt a strange sense of peace and anticipation.

    When the light finally dimmed, I found myself standing in a beautiful, vibrant land unlike anything I had ever seen. The sky was an otherworldly blue, and the air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers.

    I looked around in awe, my exhaustion forgotten. This was Valtor.

Merilla led me through another thick forest, this one unlike any I had ever seen. The trees here had leaves with a purple hue, their colors vibrant and mesmerizing. The moss that covered the forest floor was a soft, vivid blue, creating a lush, inviting carpet. Toadstools dotted the ground, glowing with a bioluminescent pink light that cast an otherworldly glow over everything.

    Despite my exhaustion, the beauty of this place captivated me. My eyes drank in every detail, like sponges soaking up water

    As we walked through the magical forest, I couldn't help but notice the birds flitting about in the canopy above. These birds were unlike any I had ever seen. Their feathers shimmered with iridescent hues, reflecting shades of blue, purple, and green with every movement. Some had long, elegant tails that trailed behind them like delicate ribbons

    One bird, in particular, caught my eye. It had a slender body covered in midnight-blue feathers that glowed softly in the dim light. Its wings were tipped with silver, and its eyes were large and expressive, like twin sapphires.

    Another bird had feathers that looked like they were dipped in gold, with intricate patterns that sparkled as it moved. Its beak was long and curved, perfect for plucking the glowing pink toadstools that dotted the forest floor. Its eyes were a striking shade of violet, giving it an almost mystical appearance.

    Each bird was magnificent, their odd features adding to the enchantment of the forest. It was as if they were living jewels. As I watched them, I felt a sense of wonder and awe, realizing just how extraordinary Valtor truly was.

    " This place is magical," I whispered, more to myself than to Merilla.

    " Valtor is a land of wonders," Merilla said, her voice filled with pride. " It is a place where the elements come alive, and the beauty you see is just a glimpse of what this world holds."

    We continued along the stone path; my senses overwhelmed by the sights and sounds around me. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and a gentle breeze carried the distant sound of laughter. Everything here felt alive, connected in a way that was both foreign and comforting.

    After walking for what felt like another two hours, we reached a colossal stone wall. The wall towered above us, its surface covered in the same ancient symbols I had seen in the cave. Massive wooden doors stood in the center, guarded by two figures in full leather armor. Swords were strapped to their sides, and their eyes were sharp and vigilant.

    My throat tightened as we approached the doors. What if they didn't let me through? What if this journey ended here, at the threshold of this magical world?

    Merilla sensed my hesitation and gave me a reassuring look. " Don't worry, Meara. You belong here."

   As we drew closer, Merilla bowed her head in respect to the guards. The guards responded by bowing deeply and stepping aside. Without a word, they pushed open the massive doors, the ancient symbols glowing softly as they moved.

    I followed Merilla through the doors, my heart pounding in my chest. The moment we stepped inside, I felt a rush of energy, a sense of belonging that I couldn't explain. The air was warmer, the light softer, and the colors more vibrant.

    We walked through another forest, this one even more enchanting than the last. I could hardly keep my eyes open, but the beauty around me kept me going.

    " How much further is it?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

    " Not that far anymore," Merilla replied. “ We are almost at the earth elementals' village."

    " Earth elementals?" I repeated, eager to learn more.

Merilla nodded. " There are four main types of elemental powers: Earth, Fire, Water, and Air. Then there are very rare elementals, like Ice and Lightning. The king of Valtor possesses one of these rare powers. Each elemental is born with a spirit animal that represents them in animal form."