When the Rain Falls Silent

Chapter 1

Sunlight poured through the windows, casting a warm glow over the aftermath of last night's terror. Finally, it was over. Jules and I emerged from hiding and stepped outside, only to find devastation all around us. Buildings lay in ruins, and people wandered the streets, some bleeding, some comforting others, all caught in the chaos. Magic pulsed back into my veins—a small comfort amid the horror. "We need to help. Meet back here in thirty," my older sister, Jules, commanded. I nodded, tying my long, dark brown hair into a ponytail as I headed toward a nearby wrecked building.

"The house... that thing tore right through our home. Thank the stars we stayed out of sight," Mrs. Wilds said, eyes wide as she took in the damage. "I can help," I offered, stepping forward. She gave me a grateful smile as I summoned my powers. Green vines sprouted from my palms, weaving together as I directed them up toward the open roof, creating a new one. My vines are stronger than steel; I'd like to see those monsters try tearing this one down.

Once I was finished, Mrs. Wilds wrapped me in a hug. "Thank you, Evangeline! I don't know what we'd do without you," she said, tears welling in her eyes.

"No worries," I smiled, trying to reassure her.

I turned to see Jules helping a young boy with a gash across his stomach. He was bleeding heavily, whimpering in pain.

"Don't worry, sweetheart. I'm here to help," she said softly, cradling him in her arms.

"It hurts," the boy whimpered.

"I know, honey. But I've got you," she replied, easing him onto a bench. She hovered her hands over him, and a warm glow enveloped his wound as it slowly closed. After a few minutes, the gash had completely healed.

"See? Good as new," Jules smiled.

"Thank you, Julianna!" he beamed, throwing his arms around her before hurrying back to his parents.

While Jules continued tending to the wounded, I worked to clear debris from the streets. This was all we could do—help in the aftermath, picking up the pieces that monsters had left behind. When it rains, they awaken, and rain mutes our powers. It doesn't matter how hard we try; there's no way to protect ourselves when the storms come. And those creatures? They tear through homes, through people, sparing no one.

An hour later, I returned home. Jules noticed the look on my face and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "We did all we could, Evie," she said, her voice gentle.

"I know," I sighed. "But I wish we could do more. So many people are still homeless... or worse."

Jules squeezed my shoulder. "I love how much you want to help, Evangeline. But we have to take care of ourselves too, okay?"

"Okay," I replied, pulling her into a hug.

It's always been just me and Jules. Our parents couldn't handle two kids, so they left us, and ever since, she's been my protector—fighting these horrors, putting herself at risk to keep me safe.

"Evie!" A familiar voice called out. My best friend, Juniper, darted toward me, wings fluttering as she flung herself into my arms.

"Hi, Juni! Was the damage bad in Celestria?" I asked as she settled beside me.

"We've seen worse. How is it here?" she asked, turning to Jules.

"It's not as bad as it could've been. Only two casualties," Jules said with a heavy sigh.

I clenched my fists. "I wish no one had to die because of this. None of us asked for any of it," I muttered, crossing my arms.

"Me too," Juniper said softly, offering me a comforting smile. I nodded, though I knew this was just how things were—humans, faeries, creatures of all species all living in fear, dreading the rain, wondering when the monsters would rise again.

Juniper's smile brightened. "Why don't we take your mind off all this? Let's go to the forest for a while and have some fun."

"Go on," Jules encouraged, squeezing my hand. "I'll start on dinner."

I barely had time to answer before Juniper took my hand and launched us into the air. My stomach dropped, and I tried not to yell. She knew I hated when she did that, which was exactly why she did it every chance she got.

We landed softly in the forest a couple minutes later. "Juniper! What did I say about launching into the air without warning me?" I scolded, trying to keep from gagging.

"Not to do it," she grinned, "but your reaction is priceless."

I couldn't help laughing, and soon we were both lying in the prickly grass, chuckling.

"Remember when we first met?" I asked, staring up at the sky.

"How could I forget?" she giggled. "I was running away from a wild dog when I stumbled right into you. You were busy admiring the flowers, and I didn't know where else to go, so I hid behind you!"

I laughed. "Lucky for you, Jules had already trained me to use my powers. I hated hurting the dog, but I couldn't let it hurt my new faerie friend. Funny how things work out, isn't it?"

Juniper grinned, her eyes twinkling. "I wouldn't change a thing."