Chapter 14: The Begins breath puffed out white clouds as she and Liam trudged through the dense forest. The path they followed barely more a suggestion, a trail of beaten-down grass and broken twigs. The afternoon to penetrate thick canopy overhead, casting long, eerie shadows across their path. close,” Liam murmured, his eyes scanning the trees. “The should be just beyond ridge. Ava nodded, clutching the worn map they had acquired from the old man town. Her fingers the faded lines, feeling the weight her past pressing down her. Every step brought her to answers, but the questions only seemed to multiply. As the ridge, the village came into view—a of small, nestled in a clearing. Smoke curled from a few chimneys, and the activity be heard. approached cautiously, the villagers’ on with thinly veiled suspicion. spread like wildfire, and were inside. Liam stepped forward, trying to non-threatening. “We’re looking for someone. An older woman, possibly in her sixties. She have come here long time ago. A group of men, clearly village’s self-appointed guardians, stepped forward. One, than the with a grizzled beard, crossed his arms. don’t take kindly to strangers asking questions. What do want with her?” Ava felt a surge of but herself to calm. “She’s connected to my past. need find her to understand where I come from. The man’s narrowed. “People come here to forget, not to be found. a look, silently urging her to back down. But couldn’t—she come too far to be turned away now. “Please,” her voice softening. “I just need to talk to her. Then we’ll leave, I promise. There was long, tense silence before the jerked head house on edge of the village. “She lives there. But if bring trouble, you’ll answer to us. Ava nodded gratefully, made their way the house. As they the door opened slowly, revealing an woman with kind eyes and silver hair pulled back into neat bun. She looked at Ava with a of recognition sadness. “You’ve come,” the woman said softly, stepping aside to them in. The interior house was simple, well-kept. Liam at the kitchen table, the woman sitting across from them. “I you are,” the woman her voice trembling slightly. I’ve been expecting you. Ava’s heart pounded. “You my parents?” The woman nodded. was your nanny. I for you when you were a baby. My is Eliza. eyes widened. “Why did leave? Why they send me away?” Eliza sighed, wringing her hands. “It wasn’t choice, Ava. are things about your birth… secrets that to be kept to protect you. “What kind of secrets?” Ava pressed, leaning forward. Eliza at Liam, then at Ava. “You were into a but there forces—dark forces—who wanted use you their ends. Your parents sent you away to keep safe. Ava felt chill run down her spine. do you mean? kind of forces?” hesitated. “Magic, Ava. come a long line magic users. But there are those who seek control that power, it to their will. Your birth was… special. It signaled convergence that frightened many. back, her mind reeling. Magic? impossible, but deep down, she felt a resonance with Eliza’s words. Liam broke the silence. “Why now? Why is it safe for her know this now?” gaze hardened. “It’s not safe. never been safe. deserve to know the truth, Ava. there are things happening—dark things stirring again. need be prepared. Ava’s determination solidified. “What do need to do?” Eliza reached out, taking Ava’s hand in hers. “There’s place—a sanctuary where you learn to harness your power, to protect yourself. But getting won’t be easy. Ava nodded. “I’m ready. I’ll do whatever it takes. Liam her shoulder. “We’re in this together. Eliza stood, moving to cabinet. She a book and handed it Ava. “This was your mother’s. will guide you. Ava took the feeling its and the significance it held. She looked up at and determination in her eyes. “Thank you. Eliza tears glistening in her eyes. “Be careful, Ava. are those would do to prevent you uncovering the truth. they left the house, the weight of what had settled on shoulders. She felt a mix of fear excitement. The path but the time, she felt a of purpose. They back through village, the watching them with mix of curiosity and wariness. Ava held the book knowing was the key to her past and her future. Just as they reached the edge of village, a voice called out. “Ava!” She turned to see Eliza standing at her door. one thing you should know. Ava and Liam walked back, their hearts pounding. Eliza’s was eyes haunted. prophecy about you, Ava. That you would either world or destroy it. breath caught in her throat. “What that mean?” shook her head. don’t know. whatever happens, you must stay true to who you are. decide your fate.