Chapter 21: The Battle of Conviction
Joy adjusted her collar, fingers instinctively reaching for her bird necklace-only to close around empty air. The absence of her necklace left her feeling exposed, as if a vital piece of herself had gone missing along with it. Still, she steeled herself, pushing past the hollow feeling in her chest. Today, she needed to be strong enough without it.
The Council's towering chamber echoed with whispers of past decisions, powerful ones that had shaped the realms. Today, she was determined to be part of that decision-making, hoping to carve her own path through the rigid structure of tradition.
She took a deep breath and entered, meeting the familiar faces of the Council. Councilman Ravi, always a rare voice of support, sat among them, giving her an encouraging nod.
"Joy Eesome," Council Head Pyros intoned, his voice commanding. "You've requested an audience to discuss matters concerning... the mortal world."
Joy straightened, wishing she had her necklace to bolster her courage. "Yes, Council Head Pyros," she replied, willing her voice to be steady. "I need to address a family matter that involves the human world."
Councilwoman Azra leaned forward, her gaze piercing. "The human world is no place for our kind. Why should we allow you to go?"
Taking a steadying breath, Joy raised her chin. "My family has arranged a marriage for me in the human world. I can't understand why without speaking directly to them there. It's not only my future but my duty to protect our ways."
A murmur rippled through the chamber. Councilman Ravi cleared his throat, stepping forward. "Council members, I urge you to consider her request. Joy is one of the few witches who can balance both worlds. She deserves the chance to manage her own destiny, especially if it involves a responsibility as critical as this."
Councilwoman Serafina's voice dripped with skepticism. "And risk exposing our ways to mortals?"
"Joy has shown dedication to preserving our secrets," Ravi replied calmly. "If you're concerned, allow her an escort."
Azra's eyes narrowed. "Who would you trust with such a task?"
Ravi's gaze shifted to Dani. "Her mentor and trusted friend, Dani."
Dani stepped forward and nodded. "I'm prepared to ensure her safety and our realm's discretion."
The Council murmured again, deliberating. Finally, Pyros raised a hand. "Very well. Joy Eesome, you are granted permission to visit the human world under strict conditions. Dani will accompany you as your protector, and you are to be discreet in all matters of magic."
Joy kept her head bowed, fighting to steady her breath. "Thank you, Council Head."
Leaving the chamber with Dani by her side, she felt a wave of relief-and a pang of vulnerability without her necklace. Yet, with Ravi's encouragement and Dani's protection, she knew she'd taken the first step toward understanding a future she hadn't chosen.
As Joy left the Council chambers with Dani, the weight of the decision pressed on her. The notion of returning to the human world, even briefly, filled her with a gnawing dread. She hadn't truly considered how it would feel to step back into that life-and the necklace's absence left her feeling even more exposed.
When she finally reunited with Ash and Zephyr, the news spread quickly.
"You're what?" Zephyr's eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and excitement. "You're going to the human world? Joy, take me with you!"
Joy forced a half-hearted smile. "Zephyr, it's not exactly a vacation. Just a couple of days to settle this... arrangement. Honestly, I'd rather stay here."
