MIDNIGHT

VICTORIA'S POV:

Anger surged within me, a fiery tempest threatening to consume everything in its path. I longed for release, for something to quell the storm raging inside me. If only I could.

How could they deceive us for our entire lives? Our mother was murdered in cold blood, left without even a sanctum to honour her memory. Denied access to the very room where she had lived. I am sure the room would still carry her scent. Or perhaps they had replaced it now with sorrows and dust.

Isa, fortunate enough, had visited once. The bitter irony of it all twisted my lips into a sardonic smile as I packed my bags. The uncertainty of our journey loomed, yet nothing could deter us from seeking vengeance for our mother's unjust fate.

We were resolved: once we found the elusive Amber Stone and Yi Hwang, the questions would be asked, and justice would be served, even if it meant confronting King Tartelon himself.

"Are you alright?" Isadora's voice cut through my thoughts.

No, I wasn't. How could I be, knowing that my entire existence was built on lies? Yet, I managed a feeble response, "Y-yes, I'm fine. Let's go."

I cast a final glance at the room where our shared memories resided, taking solace in the authenticity of those moments. Isadora's reassuring smile propelled us forward, away from our past and toward Maximus, the heart of our quest.

Dristan, our steadfast leader, guided us once more. His freedom to roam, unrestricted by the burdensome responsibilities we bore, filled me with envy. The King and Queen's favour was bestowed upon him, while we were left to seek permission for every step we took.

"How much farther?" Cathrine groaned. "I think my back is nearly numb. It must be dawn soon."

Maximus lay at the very center of the world. Typically, a three-day journey by horse, but time was a luxury we didn't possess. Empress Soraya and her companion would return within a day and a half, leaving Maximus vulnerable.

"We have a long ride ahead," Dristan replied, mounting his horse.

My steed, Adina, galloped alongside the wind, the dusty terrain and hot breeze whipping against my face. Dristan had provided us with flying pegasi, a swift advantage, yet my thoughts remained fixed on one thing: the Amber Stone. Could we truly find it? What questions would I ask Yi Hwang if he stood before me? Was he our father?

As we journeyed, Amiera, my steadfast companion, rose alongside me. "Do you believe we can avenge our mother?" I asked, my voice almost a whisper, but she heard it.

"Yes, Victoria. We can and we will," Amiera replied with unwavering confidence. Her certainty was infectious.

"But how will we recognize Yi Hwang?" I questioned, teetering on the edge of doubt. We had never seen his face; how were we to identify him?

She smiled, her response resolute, "The book says he will wear a pendant of Assyr. We'll know it's him when we see it."

Subjective, yes, but I couldn't argue anymore. Our mission had begun, propelling us toward an unknown destiny, yet one we faced with determination and purpose.

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After an arduous journey lasting one and a half days, we finally arrived at the border of Maximus. The golden palace gleamed in the early morning light, casting a radiant aura.

"We've reached," Dristan announced, his voice filled with a mix of relief and anticipation.

We approached the palace entrance, only to halt as vigilant guards stood watch. The significance of Maximus, with its countless historical treasures, demanded tight security. We needed a plan to bypass these guards and gain entry.

"What's our next move?" I whispered, peering from behind a pillar at the guards.

"We need to distract them," Dristan suggested, his eyes scanning the area.

"But how?" Isadora asked, her brows furrowed in contemplation. "Wait, I could use my powers to create a diversion," Sofia chimed in, her eyes glowing white as she summoned a storm. A heavy wind and thick fog enveloped the surroundings, causing the guards to close their eyes in disorientation. Seizing the opportunity, we slipped past them, sneaking into the palace unnoticed.

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Standing before the imposing golden gate, Dristan informed us, "Behind this door lies the Arlite."

We had never heard of the Arlite, a portal bridge connecting worlds until Dristan shared this knowledge. The massive door stood before us, curiously unguarded inside. It seemed few dared to enter Maximus, possibly deterred by the formidable guards outside.

"Thank you, Dristan. We owe you a debt we may never repay," Amiera expressed, her voice filled with gratitude and sorrow. "If only everyone were like you. But fate has dealt us a different hand."

"Sisters, it's time for you to move forward. I'll stay here and prevent anyone from hindering your progress," Dristan said, his smile warm and reassuring.

We bid him farewell as he pushed the door open and ventured inside. 

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The room was surrounded by towering shelves filled with books and scrolls, likely official records of some kind. In front of us stood a colossal, smoky portal-like gate, emitting bright, radiant lights – the Arlite.

Luckily, Dristan had chosen a day when Empress Soraya was absent. Time was of the essence; we had to cross over to Earth before her return.

"How are we supposed to enter?" I asked, my confusion mirrored by the others. We had never been to this part of Meridith before. Throughout our stay, we had been told that only one of us would visit Maximus once we proved ourselves worthy.

"I don't know. We'll have to walk through it, I suppose," Amiera said, her voice filled with uncertainty.

"But what if we get lost? We don't even know how this works!" Sofia exclaimed, voicing our collective concern.

"Are you travelling today?" a voice suddenly echoed from behind the portal. We stood frozen, shocked to hear another presence. We hadn't expected anyone to be here.

Was this the end? Had we been caught? Fear gripped us as we clasped hands, praying for a miracle.

In a matter of moments, a lady emerged from behind the portal, her presence ethereal. Her skin shimmered with a golden hue, and a unique aura surrounded her, rendering us speechless. Despite her age, her skin glowed with youthfulness, leaving us wondering about her true nature.

"Are you all travelling through Arlite?" The woman asked, her smile warm and reassuring.

"Y-yes," I stammered, my voice shaky with a mix of fear and anticipation.

"Well then, come forth, all of you," she said, gesturing towards the glowing portal.

"Who are you?" Amiera demanded, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. But the beautiful woman only smiled at us. Something in her eyes shone so brightly. Something so beautiful. Something so unusual.

"I am Thena, the guardian of Arlite," she replied, her smile never faltering.

We exchanged surprised glances, unsure of what to make of this unexpected encounter. Relief washed over us at the thought of having guidance, yet distrust lingered in the back of our minds. Catherine, ever vigilant, suggested, "If she tries to stop us, we'll have to incapacitate her."

Thena, seemingly reading our thoughts, reassured us, "Fear not. I am bound by my duty; I cannot harm anyone. My role is to guide travellers on their journeys."

We sighed collectively, easing our concerns but maintaining a cautious demeanour.

"So, where are you headed?" Thena inquired.

"Earth," Marina confirmed, her voice steady.

"In that case, step in," Thena instructed, pointing toward the portal. "However, you cannot bring anything in or out," she added, eyeing our bags. "You must leave them here."

Realizing the urgency of the situation, we agreed without argument, dropping our bags in a corner.

"Now, line up, all of you," she said, her smile gentle as she touched the portal. It began to glow intensely, emitting a bright white smoke.

One by one, my sisters walked into the portal, their forms disappearing into the swirling light. I was the last one left. With a gulp, I approached the portal, feeling a mixture of trepidation and determination. It was finally my turn. I hoped fervently that we would find safety on the other side.

"Wait," Thena called out, grabbing my attention. "Here, you might need this there." She handed me an ancient-looking sword, leaving me bewildered. Before I could ask any questions, she hurried me into the portal, and a blinding light engulfed me.

THIRD-PERSON POV:

As the princesses vanished into the portal, Dristan remained outside. A triumphant smirk played on his lips. Unbeknownst to him, he was not alone. Queen Lily and Regnant Queen Mika stood nearby, their eyes glinting with malicious intent.

"Have they departed?" Mika asked, her voice laced with a devilish amusement.

"Yes, Grandma, they're gone," Dristan confirmed, his own smile carrying a sinister edge.

"At last, I am the sole heir to the throne," Dristan declared proudly, his voice dripping with arrogance and ambition. The palace halls echoed with his dark proclamation, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their twisted game of power.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Okay, now we are coming to Earth. Hold on. Vote share and smile.