A Fairytale...

Chapter Five:Unseen Shadows

The morning had been typical enough for Sharxea—quiet, unassuming, just like any other day. But that uneasy feeling she couldn’t shake, the one that had settled in the pit of her stomach since yesterday, was still there. The sense that something was looming just out of sight kept her on edge.

She walked to school, her thoughts wandering as she tried to piece together what was making her feel this way. The idea of magic flickered in her mind, but she quickly dismissed it. It had been years since she’d thought about the fairy realm or anything related to her past there.

At school, things seemed normal. Hina, Gwen, and Mark Lester were already at their usual spot, waiting for her by the lockers. As always, they greeted her with smiles and easy chatter, but Hina seemed a bit more distant today, her gaze lingering on Sharxea a little too long.

“You okay, Sharxea?” Mark Lester asked, handing her a book she had left in their last class. “You look a bit out of it.”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Sharxea replied, trying to sound more confident than she felt. “Just didn’t sleep well.”

Hina’s eyes flickered with something—concern? Curiosity? Sharxea couldn’t tell. “You sure? You know we’re here if you need to talk.”

Sharxea gave a small nod, grateful for the concern but unwilling to dive into her confusing thoughts. “Thanks, Hina. I’m okay, really.”

The day moved forward with its usual rhythm—classes, lunch, more classes—but Sharxea couldn’t help but feel that everything was slightly off. Maybe it was just her mind playing tricks on her, but every time she caught sight of Hina, she noticed something strange. It was almost like Hina was keeping a secret, but then again, Hina always had a bit of a mysterious vibe.

When the final bell rang, they all headed to their usual spot at the park, a place where they often hung out to unwind. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the grass, and the warm breeze rustled the leaves of the old oak tree they liked to sit under.

Hina, as always, seemed perfectly at ease, leaning back against the tree with a thoughtful expression. But there was something different in her demeanor, something Sharxea couldn’t quite place. It was as if Hina was listening to something only she could hear.

“You seem quieter than usual today, Hina,” Gwen remarked, tossing a pebble into the nearby pond. “Something on your mind?”

Hina smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Just thinking. Nothing to worry about.”

But Sharxea wasn’t so sure. She had a feeling that Hina was holding something back, something important. Maybe it had to do with the weird energy Sharxea had been feeling lately, but she didn’t want to push. Hina was her friend, and if there was something she needed to share, Sharxea trusted that she would do so when she was ready.

For now, they all settled into their usual routine—talking about school, laughing about the latest drama, and making plans for the weekend. But that feeling of something unseen lurking just out of reach never quite left Sharxea.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting the park in a warm golden glow, Sharxea felt a strange sense of calm wash over her. Maybe it was just being with her friends that eased her anxiety, or maybe it was something else entirely. Either way, she was grateful for the moment of peace.

But even as they laughed and joked, Hina’s gaze occasionally drifted to the sky, her expression thoughtful and distant. And though Sharxea didn’t notice it, far away, hidden in the shadows of the forest that bordered their town, two figures watched closely, waiting for the right moment to reveal themselves.

The Royal Guard had found what they were looking for.

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Hello guys! I'm sorry for not making an introduction chapter first... And no I'm not planning on making any POVS I'm bad at it sorry!!