︵‿︵‿୨♡ ｐｒｏｌｏｇｕｅ ♡୧‿︵‿︵ Like many young children, Adella loved to listen to stories. And on a dark, cold night like this night, it was especially delightful. Tucked in the many layers of blankets, she listened to her mother intently, picturing every detail she could. Tonight was a special night, as it was her country, Aneria’s, independence day. Adella was always fascinated with history, and soaked up any information as quickly as she could. She was extremely bright for her age, and her father and mother always took the time to keep her mind sharp. Her mother was incredible at telling stories, Adella never knew if the stories were real or fake, which made her anticipate the story time right before bed, where it was just her and her mother. Adella was elated when her mother came into the room. “Mother! Mother!” Adella cried in excitement. “Come little rose” Her mother sat down on the edge of her bed. Adella curled up next to her mother, feeling the warmth and comfort her mother gave her. “Long ago, before you were alive, there were 3 kingdoms. They lived in harmony with one another. The 3 kingdoms were magical kingdoms, each possessing a different kind, balancing each other. Peace was found throughout the kingdoms, until a new kingdom arose. The new kingdom was great in size, even though there was no magic. The new kingdom overtook one of the kingdoms, overthrowing their leaders and wiping the magic out. This was the first of many incidents that caused the once peaceful kingdoms to break out into war. Some took advantage of that. They were able to undermine the precious magic of the other kingdoms. To prevent this, the two remaining kingdoms united and defeated them. They also separated themselves from the new kingdom. For a while, there was peace, albeit, in disagreement. One day, a new ruler arose from the new kingdom. He and his wife were the best rulers the country had ever seen. They brought change for magic users, because the queen was one herself. One day, someone killed the queen. To this day, it is a mystery, but that didn’t matter to the king. He became power hungry. He wanted all the magic to himself. He didn’t trust the magic users anymore, after all, they killed his queen. Blinded by his own fear and pride. he sought to take all the enchantment, starting with his own kingdom. Every magic user must give up their magic, or face serious consequences. Many went into hiding, keeping their magic. However, there were a few brave souls who fought for their rights. One such girl, only born in a few generations, has the power to save the world. She saved her kingdom, but the evil king survived. He was able to collect enough magic to make himself immortal. The other two kingdoms fell into times of war.” Adella’s mother looked sadly into Adella’s eyes. “What happens next? Did the war stop?” “You’ll have to make up your own ending, my little rose.” She stroked her daughter’s hair, leaving Adella to ponder the outcome. “I think they all lived happily ever after!” Adella decided. Her mother chuckled. “I sure hope so.” Adella wondered what that meant. Wasn’t this a story? All stories have happily ever afters, right? “Isn’t past your bedtime?” Adella’s father asked from outside the room. He leaned on the door frame, smiling at his wife and daughter. Suddenly a little boy ran into the room. He looked almost exactly like Adella and her mother, but he had the personality of his father. “I suppose it is.” Adella’s mother smiled. “Aren’t you supposed to be in bed, Chase.” Chase was Adella’s other brother, only by one year. He and Adella were very close, almost like best friends. “Yeah Chase!” Adella sassily replied. Adella always found a way to condemn her older brother. “I don’t care about bedtimes! I’m almost 8 years old!” “8 year olds need their sleep too.” His father walked over to the bed where everyone was. Now the whole family was crowded on Adella’s bed, which, thankfully, was big enough for all of them. “Just like me.” He joked. Everyone was tired, as that night, the family had had a party. It was one of the biggest parties in Aneria, and almost every important person had attended. Both Adella and Chase had enjoyed themselves, interacting with other young children their age. “Agreed.” Adella’s mother yawned. “I think it’s time for everyone to head to bed.” “Aww.” The children complained, but reluctantly agreed. Chase and their father headed out of the room, leaving just the two females. “Goodnight little rose.” Her mother whispered, blowing out the candle next to her bed. “Goodnight mother.” Adella sleepily said. She pulled the blankets closer to her face and fell asleep.
Adella woke to the sound of footsteps. It was a faint sound, but it was unfamiliar. She brushed off the strange feeling and tried to fall back asleep, but she couldn’t. Sitting up, she looked around her. Same room, same bed, the same, safe place she had been in all night. She didn’t know what time it was, and she assumed it was the morning. “Mother.” Adella called. Her mother will be here soon. She always was. Adella didn’t hear anything, but it didn’t cross her mind that something may have been wrong. Suddenly, she heard more footsteps. “Mother!” But it wasn’t her mother. It was Chase. “Adella!” He was obviously scared, which was very unusual. It made Adella worried. “What’s going on?” “I don’t know, but someone’s here!” He closed the door and they huddled together on Adella’s bed. “Will we be alright?” Adella worriedly asked. She hugged the sheets to her face. Chase didn’t respond, which made the situation worse. No-one talked for a bit, listening for more footsteps. The footsteps were coming closer. Adella was going to be sick. She and Chase tried to be silent. The footsteps multiplied and were faster. Like running. They passed the room, and Adella realized they weren’t coming for them. “No!” Adella screamed. “Shush.” Chase put his hand over her mouth, while Adella kept screaming. Why? Why did this happen? Seconds felt like hours. Time seemed to slow down while all Adella could hear was those horrible footsteps. It haunted her. Silence echoed throughout the house.The only thing Adella could hear was her heart pounding. Chase held on to her, and she was glad for him. A scream pierced the silence, so loud it made Adella jump. Who was that? Adella felt like screaming, but she knew she couldn’t. Instead, she squeezed Chase’s hand. It could’ve been cutting off his circulation, but she didn’t care. There were more important matters. Slowly, Chase, still holding on to her hand, walked up to the door. He put his ear up to the door and listened. Nothing. They didn’t know if it was safe to open the door, but Chase took his chances. He opened the door timidly, and braced for people, but no-one was there. “Stay here.” He told Adella and walked out. “Father!” He ran to their father and hugged him. Adella ran and jumped into her father’s arms. She felt safe and protected in his arms. “Are you guys alright?” Her father asked. Adella was about to answer when they heard the footsteps again. This time, they were running right at them! Adella could only hear the footsteps, but they were coming closer. Her father took Adella and Chase’s hand and led them outside. The cold night air hit Adella, and she shivered. Her simple light pink nightgown didn’t provide much warmth for the little girl. On top of that, she was afraid. “Where’s mother?” Chase asked and Adella looked around. Her mother wasn’t there. They looked at their father, who had a solemn expression on his face. Chase seemed to understand much quicker than Adella, who only looked confused. His eyes teared up and he looked shocked. Adella didn’t understand. Why wasn’t her mother here? “What’s wrong?” She asked. Chase looked at her, his eyes watering. Suddenly, Adella understood and it hit her like a rock. Emotions came all at once, and she didn’t know how to react. Tears started to form and she couldn’t stop them. Sobs escaped from her mouth and she hung onto her father. She couldn’t lose anyone else. But they couldn’t stay for long, because the intruders were still there. She wiped her tear stained face and calmed herself down. She couldn’t break down now, there were more important things right now. “Father.” Chase broke the silence, and her father seemed to snap out of his daze. “Right. Come on children, we have to go.” His voice was quivering, but he put on a brave face and took his children’s hands. They left the place they called home and took refuge with a friend. Soon, they were able to move into a bigger, and better home, but they never were able to let go of the horrible memories of that night. As Chase and Adella grew older, the memories of their mother grew fainter. Influenced by the world, Adella soon forgot the stories her mother told her, becoming only a whisper in her mind. Her once imaginative mind became realistic and the idea of a happily ever after became foreign to her. But happily ever after wasn't impossible, right?
