The War.

Chapter 1: First Disruption.

The jarring noise rouses me from sleep, causing my heart to race. What was that sound?! Panicking, I leap out of bed and rush down the stairs, only to stumble and crash painfully against the steps. A sharp pain shoots through my leg, and I wince, fearing I might have fractured something. My mind races with dread—please don't let that noise be one of the Eoldrans. Their mere presence is deadly, and in my current state, I'm an easy target. Just as I'm trying to steady myself and prepare for whatever threat might come, Mia bursts into the room, her face etched with concern.

"Sweetheart?! Are you okay? What happened?" Mia's voice was filled with worry as she rushed over to help me up, her hands gentle but firm.

I looked up at her, still shaken. "I'm sorry, I was startled by that noise. What was it?"

Mia sighed, her expression softening. "I broke something while training. I'm sorry for waking you, sweetheart. Are you alright?"

Relief washed over me as I realized it was only her. "Oh, it was you! I'm fine. I'll just go lie down for a bit."

As I make my way into the kitchen, I spot Autumn seated at the table, sipping her coffee with a blank expression on her face. I'm about to settle onto the couch when she breaks the silence, her gaze fixed elsewhere.

"Do you want some coffee, Charlotte?" she asks, her tone neutral.

I shake my head, trying to keep my voice steady. "No, I'm fine, thanks, Autumn."

Just then, Ella walks in and dashes over to me, wrapping her tiny arms around me in a warm hug. "Mummy, I'm hungry. Can you make something to eat?" she asks with hopeful eyes.

"Sure, darling, just a moment," I reply, giving her a reassuring smile. She beams back at me before plopping down on the couch. Her gaze quickly shifts to Autumn, who she watches intently.

"Ella, don't do that," I say softly.

"Sorry," she murmurs, turning her attention elsewhere.

We suddenly hear a sharp sound, like glass shattering, which sends Ella into a panic. She screams in fright, and my heart races as I struggle to calm myself, trying to convince myself that it's just Mia making noise. As if on cue, Mia walks in, but before she can say anything, Ella bolts over to her and clings to her tightly.

Mia raises an eyebrow in confusion as Ella sobs, "I'm scared! Protect me, please! I heard a noise!"

Mia's expression softens into a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, darling. That was just me. I'd never let anything happen to you."

Ella gazes up at Mia with admiration and relief. "Hey, sweetheart," Mia says, looking over at me.

"Hey!" I reply, feeling a bit more at ease now.

I glance over at Autumn, observing her response to the commotion. She remains as composed and unperturbed as she was a few minutes ago, her expression unchanged. It's intriguing how, despite being the strongest among us, she remains unfazed by what could potentially be a serious threat. Perhaps she sensed it wasn't one of the Eoldrans or recognized it as a false alarm. I ponder this as I try to understand her calm demeanor in the face of potential danger.

"Sweetheart, we don't have any tasks for today! We can relax together," Mia says with a warm smile.

"Relax?" I ask, my voice tinged with disbelief. How can we possibly relax knowing there are magical creatures out there that could kill us in an instant?

"We could never relax with these fairy-dusted zombies everywhere," Reece jokes as he walks in, a grin on his face. Ella giggles at his remark.

"Are they really fairy-dusted zombies?" she asks, her curiosity piqued.