Chapter Four: The Bond
"What was the meaning of that dream? Could it be the future? How we're supposed to defeat the Shrouded One and save our world?"
Ariella sat up in bed, the images still fresh in her mind. "I have to reach Elara and tell her what I saw. I can't make sense of it on my own." She glanced at the mirror, quickly checking her face to make sure nothing looked out of the ordinary before stepping out of her room.
"After all, we agreed to keep it between us… until the mystery is unraveled," she whispered to herself.
She stepped outside and was immediately greeted by her mother.
"You're up early today," said Mrs. Johnson.
"Yes, Mom. The earlier I start my chores, the sooner I can finish and have time to study."
Mrs. Johnson smiled warmly, silently marveling at how lucky she was to have such a thoughtful daughter.
Later that day, Ariella left home to find Elara—the new girl she had introduced to her mother simply as a schoolmate and friend, though their bond now ran far deeper than that.
When the two met, they didn't waste time. Elara spoke first, her eyes intense.
"I had this strange dream last night," she began. "There was darkness… and then light, bursting out when we touched. A voice—no, a presence—warned us. I think it was the Shrouded One."
As Elara described the dream, Ariella's expression grew more stunned with every word.
"I had the same dream. Exactly like that. But… how is that possible? What does it mean?" she asked softly.
Elara hesitated, then said, "I think it's something that already happened. The Shrouded One vowed to return. And according to the prophecy, the stones will awaken when the chosen ones are old enough."
Ariella looked down at her hand, a strange sensation prickling in her palm. Her eyes widened. "Elara… look."
There, faint but unmistakable, was a mark—like a glowing symbol—etched into her skin. Elara turned her hand over and gasped. She had the same mark.
They stared at each other, silent for a moment, the air around them suddenly still.
"It's beginning," Elara whispered.