~ Hazel’s POVThe thunderstorm was freaking me out. The sky went dark so fast, and the thunder sounded like angry giants stomping around. Then, something even weirder happened. I was peeking out my window to see what the crazy weather was all about, when I swear I saw Boris and Chan sneaking into Rayel's room. But that wasn't the strangest part. Seeing the shaman just hanging out in the palace made me wonder what was going on. Like, what in the world was a shaman doing all the way here?Curiosity was gnawing at me. Why was Chan sneaking into Rayel's room during this crazy storm? Just then, I left my room to confront them and as I was about to ask Boris what was going on, he managed to distract me. He didn't exactly spill the beans about what was happening, but he tried to calm me down with some vague promises like "everything will be alright." Yeah, right. Boris’s words did the opposite of calming me down. It was like trying to soothe a crying baby with a lollipop – sure, it migh

~ Rayel’s POVMy mind was racing. Elara had kept my child and herself a secret, and I couldn't understand why. I was fuming mad and at the same time was excited. Just then, Chan cut through my anger, explaining the whole confusing situation about my child’s birth in a way that was easy to understand. It felt like he was untangling a big knot of questions I had.“This child of yours possessed an enormous power, Your Majesty. The power he possessed was a blessing from heaven but can also be a curse for him,” Chan explained to me.“What did you mean by that?” I asked, looking so serious. I couldn’t believe that I was finally going to be a father and with the good news, Chan was still trying to spoil my mood with the word “curse” again. “Explain to me better what you mean by your last statement,” I ordered him.“The thunderstorm and the change in the color of the sky says it all, Your majesty.Chan' brow furrowed. "Well, Your Majesty," he continued, "powerful people sometimes cause stran

~ Elara’s POVRelief washed over me as Rufus agreed to train me. The dream, once a confusing memory, now felt like a spark, a potential key to protecting my child."Thank you, Rufus," I said sincerely, my voice thick with emotion. "I can't express how much this means to me."He offered a reassuring smile. "Think nothing of it, Elara. We're in this together." With a nod, he rose and headed towards the kitchen, likely to get me some food.Left alone, I cradled Dolph close, his tiny fingers clutching at my shirt. His big, inquisitive eyes seemed to hold an unnerving wisdom, staring deep into mine. A shiver ran down my spine. Was it just my imagination, or did he seem to sense the turmoil within me?A wry smile touched my lips. Maybe he did. But even if the world seemed to be crumbling around me, I wouldn't let it break me. For Dolph, I would find my strength. For Dolph, I would unlock the power within.Dolph continued to nurse, his eyes wide open and locked on mine. I couldn't help but

~ Rayel’s POVThe soft fabric of my clothes brushed against my skin as I pulled them on. Stepping out of my room, I paused for a moment, a newfound awareness blooming within me. My body felt different. A content smile curved my lips. The feeling of well-being, the surge of energy, it had to be thanks to Elara and my little baby.Heading towards the training grounds, my thoughts drifted to what would happen when I meet my child. Soon, there would be a baby’s voice echoing in my palace, another face to light up your days. I felt excitement bubbling over. I needed a name, the perfect name, for this little baby who would change my world forever.Names flitted through my mind, ones I had loved since childhood. But none of them felt quite right yet. The search continued, a delightful puzzle waiting to be solved. I quickened your pace, eager to reach the training grounds and see what Boris was up to, hoping maybe he'd have some brilliant ideas. After all, you were in this together.A flurry

~ Elara’s POV I finally left to hide with Dolph when I heard the approaching footsteps again and they were almost close to where we were. I thanked Rufus before jumping out of his training ground and I went into the house to carry my baby. Ducking behind the massive oak tree, I peeked out, heart hammering a frantic rhythm against my ribs. The approaching footsteps were getting closer. Then, through the trees, I spotted Rufus. But he wasn't running. He stood stock still, facing where I and Dolph were hiding. He wasn't just standing there, though. He was humming. Not a tune, but actual words.Curiosity, sharp and hot, pricked through my fear. I squeezed my eyes shut, straining to hear over the pounding of my own blood. The humming grew louder, resolving into a rhythmic chant. It wasn't gibberish, the way some movies portrayed magic. This sounded…ancient, powerful. Like an old poem or a secret language. A shiver ran down my spine. Then, it hit me.Rufus was creating a shield, a magical