Circle Of Twelve

Chapter 4: "The Awakening of the Zodiacs" (4/4)

No One's POV

Kiran had always been drawn to the ocean. From a young age, the rhythm of the waves felt like a song only she could hear, calling her to the water every chance she got. The ocean was her sanctuary, her place to escape the noise of the world and find peace in the endless blue. Mornings were always her favorite time to surf—before the crowds arrived, when it was just her and the sea, dancing with the waves.

This morning was no different. Kiran zipped up her wetsuit, grabbed her surfboard, and jogged toward the shoreline. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a soft orange glow over the horizon. The air was cool, salty, and alive with the promise of a perfect day on the water.

Paddling out beyond the break, she paused for a moment, floating on her board and watching the swells roll in, timing the perfect one. The ocean seemed especially calm today, but Kiran knew the waves would come if she waited.

Finally, a perfect wave approached, and she paddled furiously to catch it, standing up with practiced grace as her board sliced through the water. She rode the wave with ease, her body moving instinctively, effortlessly in sync with the ocean. Surfing had always felt more like flying than anything else—like she was part of something greater, something ancient and powerful.

As the wave carried her back toward the shore, something caught her eye—an unusual glow, shimmering beneath the water. Kiran frowned, glancing back at the empty beach. There were no boats or swimmers nearby, and yet, the glow was unmistakable. A deep, blue-green light pulsed just below the surface, beckoning her.

She hesitated for a moment, wondering if it was a reflection of the sun or just a trick of the light. But something deep within her stirred, an unexplainable urge to investigate. Without a second thought, Kiran dove off her board and into the cool water.

The second she submerged, the world above melted away. The light below grew brighter, illuminating the ocean floor with a soft, ethereal glow. Kiran kicked her legs, swimming deeper and deeper, her curiosity overpowering any hesitation. As she got closer, she could make out the source of the glow—a small, silver amulet, resting on a bed of sand, seemingly untouched by the currents.

The amulet was shaped like a wave, intricate designs swirling around its edges. In the center, a glowing blue gemstone pulsed like a heartbeat, lighting up the water around it. Kiran’s breath caught in her throat as she reached for it, her fingers trembling with anticipation. As soon as her hand brushed the surface of the amulet, a powerful surge of energy coursed through her body, and the water around her seemed to ripple with life.

Before she could react, a voice filled her mind—a voice as ancient and deep as the ocean itself.

“You are one of the Twelve, Kiran. The Amulet of Tides is yours. With it, you will unlock the power of the sea and fulfill your destiny.”

Kiran gasped, bubbles escaping her mouth as she stared at the amulet in her hand. The voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable weight of truth. One of the Twelve? What did that even mean?

“The Circle of Twelve,” the voice continued, as if sensing her confusion. “An ancient group, each member chosen to wield a magical item tied to the elements. The Amulet of Tides is your gift, your connection to the sea. With it, your power will awaken, and you will help restore the balance.”

Kiran’s mind raced. The Circle of Twelve? Magical items? Balance? She had no idea what any of it meant, but somehow, the words resonated deep within her, like a memory long forgotten. She had always felt a special connection to the ocean, like it was more than just a place to surf. And now, holding the amulet in her hand, it all started to make sense. She was part of something much bigger.