Queen of Thieves

Prologue

        Cresta ran as fast as her legs could carry her. Her wings were damaged and she couldn't cast spells with the child in her arms.

       She heard the sounds behind her and knew they were close. She had to make it. The voices and echoing footsteps were getting closer. Then she saw it.

      Yes! The academy showed from its hidden place and opened up to its creator. As soon as she ran through, the doors slammed shut behind her and the academy disappeared from sight, at least from the outside.

      Cresta panted as she stood in the courtyard of the place. Suddenly, the others came out cautiously. Cresta sensed them and announced she had arrived safely and had the child.      

       Everyone stared at her in awe, not believing the scene before them. Cresta took a look at herself and instantly couldn't believe it either.

        She was a mess. Her hair was no longer in its bun and braid. The beautiful cyan wings of hers were gray and splattered with mud.

        Cresta, leader and teacher of thieves, had made it back with the child she was looking for. She looked down at its dirty face and smiled.

         The child looked at her in shock and confusion, then finally said, "Mama?"

         Cresta shook her head and thought of a name for this sweet child. Then she found it. The perfect name. She looked down at the child, smiled, and said, "Hello little Ashton."