Powers?
Riley snorted. This got to be a joke.
Sparks?
Riley rolled her eyes. Who the hell develops that as powers?
This was one heck of a birthday gift. As if things could get any worse. Psych-- it did. Much worse. Riley Daley never thought she wo...
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Deep in an enchanted realm, there is a place called Ranus. A world made up of several magical kingdoms of creatures, all born of nature. You might think a place so magnificent would dwell in peace, love, and harmony, but that’s where you’re wrong. Despite the Gods wishes, one particular kingdom ravished by war, greed, betrayal, and bloodshed caused Ranus to become unhinged: shoved into a ravine of sorrow and darkness.
Remember that saying: Behind every terrible decision there was once a good thought. Brace yourselves, this is a story about a divided kingdom.
*****
High in the walls of a castle nestled deep in the lush forest sat a young queen singing with tears streaming from her eyes. As she rocked her baby, a sob would escape, sending her voice tittering into a mournful croak. The words of the song poured from her heart out of her mouth with every broken whisper. Even though her throat ached, she sang with the power of angels.
Love grows. Love shows. Deeper in my heart.
Love shines. Love binds.
You're my little sunshine.
Sparkle. Sparkle.
I Love you with every twinkle.
“Queen Enna, we have to do it now. Let her go. She’ll find her way back to you.”
The young Queen snapped. “Don’t you think I know that, Daffodilly?”
“I’m sorry, my queen. But they are coming. She’s our only hope.” Daffodilly clenched the ends of her wrinkled dress into a death grip. “I’m so afraid, milady.”
The queen looked over at the hunched-back hag. Daffodilly had been her companion since she was a child. When did Daffodilly get so old? She thought to herself. A few strands of silver hair hung from the edges of her head. Heavens! Daffodilly was bald in the middle. And almost all her teeth were missing. Even through her blurred vision, she saw the fear on the hag’s face.
Gong!
Enna jerked. Her arms curling tighter around the baby.
Gong!
“They’re here,” Daffodilly whispered. Her eyes darting to the windows.
Enna‘s heart clutched. A keening sound left her mouth. Her tears were like rivers, overflowing on the sleeping baby. I have to let her go. That thought was a lance through her chest.
“M-milady?”
Fighting to clear her throat, she whispered, “Go get Ashlee.”
Daffodilly’s lips thinned. “Are you sure you’re making the right decision of sending precious Sparkle with that bubbling fool?”
