The Five Realms

Chapter 1: Joey I

Fifteen years had passed since the birth of Josef Jackson and his twin sister, Chyna, and their sixteenth birthday was a day that should have been filled with joy and celebration. For Josef—Joey, as everyone called him—life in Stanford, Orlando, Florida, was close to perfect. With a circle of loyal friends, a promising future on the basketball team, and a natural talent for archery, Joey had it all. He was charming, with caramel-toned skin, light brown eyes that exuded quiet confidence, and slightly pointed ears that hinted at something otherworldly in his lineage. His family's mansion, a sprawling, historic structure that had stood for over three centuries, was a treasure trove of secrets and history.

The mansion's three stories held fifteen expansive rooms, each adorned with the Jackson family crest—a fierce dragon with a rider on its back, surrounded by symbols of an elf, a dwarf, a man, and a horned creature, each paired with their own dragon. This legacy was something Joey only partially understood, but it fascinated him nonetheless. Beneath the house, a vast basement held a secret tunnel known only to Joey's parents, leading to an underground library half a mile away. The mansion itself, a hundred square feet of history, was one of the first built by the Spaniards who settled in Florida.

Joey's parents were prominent figures in their fields. His father, Inderson J. Jackson, was a world-renowned historian and author, while his mother, Maria Jackson, was an acclaimed astrologist whose insights were sought after by many. Joey, the second of four children, had always been the center of attention during family gatherings, particularly on special occasions like today. But beneath the surface of his seemingly perfect life, something was brewing—something that would shatter the world he knew.

The morning of Joey and Chyna's sixteenth birthday dawned with a crispness in the air that hinted at the significance of the day. It was Christmas Day as well, a fact that only added to the excitement. Joey woke with a sense of urgency, brushing his teeth and hurrying downstairs, eager to join his family. His parents and sisters were already gathered, the warmth of the fireplace casting a soft glow over their faces.

"Morning," Joey greeted them, his voice steady but carrying a note of happiness.

His parents exchanged a glance, their smiles reflecting the importance of the day. "Happy birthday, Josef," Maria said, her voice warm and full of affection.

Joey nodded, taking a seat on the couch near the fire. Katherine, his older sister, now twenty and full of a quiet grace, smiled at him. "Sixteen, huh? Big day."

He returned her smile, the bond between them unspoken but understood. "Yeah, feels a bit surreal."

Katherine's eyes sparkled with a teasing glint. "So, where's your other half?"

Before Joey could respond, a familiar voice, tinged with the remnants of sleep, floated down the stairs. "Merry Christmas," Chyna said as she joined them, her expression softening as she caught Joey's eye.

He watched as Chyna sat beside him, their silent communication a testament to their twin bond. "You know, you're supposed to say it first this year," she murmured, her tone playful yet carrying an undercurrent of tradition.

Joey shook his head slightly, a small smile playing on his lips. "I did last year. It's your turn."

Chyna's eyes held his for a moment longer before she relented with a slight nod. Their exchange was brief, but it carried the weight of years, a ritual they had shared since childhood.

Twelve-year-old Carly, sensing the shift in the room, broke the moment. "Stare contest?" she suggested, her voice light with the innocence of youth.

Joey and Chyna exchanged a glance, a silent agreement passing between them. "Sure," Joey replied, his tone carrying a hint of challenge.