I'm not sure of the exact time, but I was roused from sleep by a noise that I assumed was in the middle of the night. Approaching my window, I noticed a bright light. Moving cautiously, I opened my door and descended the steps of my tower. Upon reaching the bottom, I encountered Marie. She had a glazed expression in her eyes and a lantern in her hands. Her voice was altered, as if she were someone else.

"Malaya, follow the light and never show fear. Go now."

I received the lantern and stepped outside to where the boat awaited. As soon as I seated myself, it commenced its journey. Upon reaching the opposite shore, I disembarked. Once off, I searched for the light, and upon finding it, I followed. It was then that I heard the eerie voice calling out to me.

"Malaya, come to us, come now, dear Malaya. Don't be afraid; we won't hurt you," followed by a creepy laugh.

"Who are you  why do you want me  to come to you  how is it you know my name"

"We know everything  your name your age  and things you don't  know or things you won't ever share with  anyone "

"HOW  ANSWER ME"

"follow the light Malaya  and you will know the answer"

Reluctantly, I followed the voices and the light. Showing no fear, I walked through the long grass, muddy puddles, avoiding snakes and crocodiles lurking in the grass. I had no idea how long I had been walking or how far I had gone when I began to feel nervous and decided to turn back. That's when I heard the voices again.

"A bit more Malaya  walk a bit more  your almost there  don't be afraid  your safe"

I continued walking until I slipped, and my necklace started to glow. Suddenly, everything became a blur and burst into light. I screamed over and over until I found myself landing on something soft. Looking down, I saw a magnificent horse with three heads and wings. I started laughing hysterically, convinced I had lost my mind, and that's when I heard the most melodic voices speak.

"Hello, Lady Malaya Mikowski. Our names are Snow, Sparkle, and Icicle. We are known as the three-headed horse angels, visible only to our owners or those kind to us. We are your horses, and you are our master. Lady Rebecca and Lord Felix brought us to you at your birth, and we became connected to you. You named us based on our appearances: Snow for my fluffy head, Sparkle for her glittering fur, and Icicle for her eyes and translucent head. We have gladly accepted these names."

I was bewildered when my pendant started glowing again, revealing a memory of my younger self as a toddler. I saw horses and touched them with a knowing look in my eyes, while my real mother laughed and asked me...

"Do you  like the horsies  mally baby"

"Yech momma  cootie howses   thy have thwee headies"

I then saw my dad laugh while holding me in his tanned hands  and saying

"Yes mi princesa these horses only for  you  they three headed like Cerberus he is dark but they are pure  like heaven like you hija"

"Me wuv them  wook papa they iffrent  howsie 1 fuffy howsie2 parkly  and howsie  thwee  wook wike icy I know me cwall them  snow parkl and iwwicle"

"Snow,sparkle and icicle  perfect name baby girl now ask your new horsies if they  like the names "

That's when I witnessed my horses neigh softly, signaling their acceptance of the names. As the memory faded, I sobbed and buried my face in their soft fur, which they didn't seem to mind. When I inquired how I had seen that, they informed me that my pendant was special. After calming down, I asked why it was special, but they simply told me that I would understand in due time.

I ceased my inquiries and allowed them to guide me to my destined location. As we soared, I questioned whether they were the ones beckoning me. They confirmed it was indeed them, and that it was imperative I find them. We journeyed through the air until I noticed a descent. Clinging on firmly, yet gently to avoid causing harm, we descended. Upon landing, I beheld a castle reminiscent of one from the bayou, yet this fortress bore the design of the pendant and matched the illustration on the papers I received. When I consulted my horses, they informed me it represented the family crest.

I pulled a surprised face, and then my horses nudged me towards the entrance. As soon as I stepped inside, I was amazed by the beauty within. I called out to see if anyone was home, and immediately, I heard footsteps descending the stairs. Several people rushed towards me; among them were Uncle Dan and my parents.