Chapter One- Shovaré - The Dead Don't Stay Silent Forever

Instructions

Chapter One:It was one of those Fridays, when Robin and I would walk home from school together, and we’d laugh about drama and inside jokes from school. In the distance, the sun was setting, or at least I think it was. In our homeland, Velmaria, the sun sets pretty early, around 5. It was only 4:30. “I can’t believe it’s already Velnyx! Do you want to come over later and pull an all-nighter?” Robin asked. Classic Robin. She loves staying up all night on Velnyx. Velnyx is like a leap year in the human realm, but ours is every two years instead of four. We celebrate the sun’s early slumber, indicating Peace or sometimes Sadness, and the main one, Joy. We also use the longer nights to do dares we were always afraid to do. Velnyx has always shown Peace in my lifetime. But it's bound to change someday, since I’m only fourteen. Thankfully, it was the first day of our 2 week long “holiday” break. We have one for a lot of holidays, mostly Velnyx, Chandralight, and a few more. “Of course! I’ll call you!” We made it to Robin’s house, and she went inside. I walked home, a little sad, this being the first Velnyx since dad remarried. Don’t get me wrong, Elizabeth is nice! But it’s not the same without mom. She passed away giving birth to Mya and Micha, who are now seven, when I was eight, so I don’t remember much. I was always with my grandma during this time. It seems sad, but I’m honestly not that sad. I barely knew Mom. But this year, It’ll be different because Elizabeth doesn’t know us very well. So, my tradition with Robin is new to her. As I continued to walk up the street, my house came into view. I saw Ivanni’s car, signaling she was home from work early today. Of course she got home early though. It’s Velnyx! I sprinted towards the house to greet my family. “I’m home!” I called out. I was greeted only by Ivanni, my older sister. I tossed my backpack against the wall, and stuck my phone in my sweatshirt pocket. “Hey, Vy! Do you want to help make cookies with mom’s recipe?” I happily agreed, and went to the kitchen to start helping out. This was my first year getting to help with making Velmarain food, so I was very excited! “How was your day, sweetie?” Elizabeth asked, handing me some flour for the dough. “Good. It was nice to have an easy day thanks to Velnyx.” “Definitely! Any plans tonight?” “I’m going to Robin’s house, if that’s okay.” I looked at dad, with a pleading stare. “It's a tradition, of course you can!” Dad chimed in. “But, dear, it's the first Velnyx with me. Do you really want her missing out?” Elizabeth said, staring daggers into my eyes. “You’re right… but-” “Thank you! Vyolet, you’re staying here tonight.” Elizabeth said, a little too excitedly, mushing strawberries together into a fine jam. I frowned, and looked at my dad, hoping he’d finish what he was trying to say before Elizabeth told me no. “But, it is a tradition, and you don’t break traditions, do you?” Dad had my back all the time. “Fine. I guess Vyolet doesn’t love her stepmom enough to celebrate with her.” Oh my gosh! Why was she like this? I rolled my eyes, and shaped the dough into stars and moons. “That’s not what I meant! I told you yesterday about our tradition, and you agreed. Too late to change your mind now.” She ignored my comment and continued making the jam. I finished shaping the cookies and then went upstairs to pack for tonight. Elizabeth may not like me going, but I don’t care, because I was still going. I sat against the wall, and texted Robin, telling her I could come. “Vy, have you finished your lantern yet?” Ivanni asked, lightly knocking and coming into my room. “I have the lantern, but no wish. I don’t know what to wish for.” Every year on Velnyx, people make personalized lanterns and put in 3 wishes. We then send them to our Goddess, Chandra. “Maybe a better relationship with Elizabeth, like Mya, Micah, and I do. It's based on what you want most.” “Yeah. You’re right.” I pondered this while Ivanni stared at the wall. “I think I know my wishes.” I said. My brain jumped to different outcomes of the wishes. “Okay! We’ll release our lanterns tonight at midnight. If you want to bring Robin over.” I nodded, and she left the room. I grabbed three pieces of paper, and my favorite duck pen, and got to writing. I wish for decent relationships with those my family and I love. I wish for wealth and happiness. At this point, I wasn’t sure what else to wish for, until I looked at my desk photos. Mom as a kid on Grandma’s farm. That's when I had it. It might be a little weird, but I want it, and mom would want it too. I wish to live on a farm. I carefully folded the tiny papers and set them inside my lantern. “Vy! Robin’s here.” I grabbed my bag and my lantern and sprinted downstairs. “Hey! Are you ready?” “Of course!”We walked down to Robin’s house, ready for an awesome night ever! “So, what am I doing tonight?” I said, referencing the dare. "Oh, you're gonna hate