Chapter One: Before the Gates of Magic
Elina had always believed that silence was her safest place.
At twelve years old, she preferred quiet paths, hidden corners, and moments where the world felt far away. While others laughed loudly and chased attention, she found comfort in watching the sky, especially the stars. They made her feel seen, even when no one else did.
That evening, she wandered deeper than usual into the old forest near the stone city. The air felt different—heavier, charged with something unseen. The trees stood tall and ancient, their branches twisted like they were guarding secrets older than time.
Suddenly, the ground beneath her feet trembled slightly.
Elina stopped.
A strange warmth spread through her chest, then down her arms. When she raised her hand, she froze.
Tiny sparks of light—like fragments of stars—floated above her palm.
Her breath caught.
"This isn't possible…" she whispered.
The lights reacted to her voice, spinning faster, brighter, as if responding to her emotions. Fear mixed with wonder. Before she could understand what was happening, a sharp voice cut through the silence.
"Well… what do we have here?"
She turned to see three figures standing at the edge of the path.
The first was a boy with dark hair and watchful eyes. He looked calm, but alert, like he trusted nothing easily.
Next to him stood a girl clutching an old book to her chest, her eyes wide with curiosity rather than fear.
The third was taller, broad-shouldered, standing slightly in front of the others as if ready to protect them.
"We saw the light," the girl said softly. "It came from here."
Elina hesitated. Every instinct told her to run, but something deeper told her these three were different.
"I didn't mean to," Elina said. "I don't even know how I did this."
The dark-haired boy stepped closer.
"Magic doesn't answer to people who mean harm," he said. "If it chose you, then you're not dangerous."
Before Elina could reply, mocking laughter echoed through the trees.
A group of bullies emerged from the shadows—the same ones who made school unbearable. Their leader's eyes narrowed when he saw the glowing lights.
"So it's true," he sneered. "You're a freak."
Anger surged inside Elina. The lights around her flared wildly, and the shadows on the ground twisted unnaturally. The forest responded to her emotion.
"Enough," the tall boy shouted, stepping beside her.
Without thinking, Elina raised her hand.
A sudden burst of energy pushed the bullies back, sending them stumbling into the dirt. The forest went silent again. Terrified, they ran away, swearing under their breath.
Elina's knees weakened.
The girl with the book rushed to her side.
"You did that without training," she whispered. "That means something."
The dark-haired boy knelt near an ancient stone half-buried in the ground. Carved into it was a symbol shaped like a star split by a shadow.
"I've seen this before," he said quietly. "It's a mark tied to the old magic."
At that moment, footsteps echoed behind them.
A woman emerged from the trees—tall, cloaked, her eyes glowing faintly.
"You have awakened what was sleeping," she said.
"And now… the path to the School of Magic has opened."
Elina felt her heart race.
She didn't know it yet, but this night—
this meeting—
was the beginning of a journey that would change her
"To enter the world of magic, you must first survive
Elina didn't notice the thin line of shadow stretching behind her feet.
It moved when she moved.
Stopped when she stopped.
High above, one star dimmed—then vanished completely, as if erased.
Somewhere beyond the forest, a figure opened its eyes for the first time in centuries.
"The child has awakened," the voice murmured.
"Prepare the gate."
Elina shivered, a sudden fear gripping her chest for no reason she could explain.
She hugged herself and whispered,
"Why do I feel like… something is coming?"
The forest did not answer.
But the shadows
The power and definition of the four friends to understand the story
🌟 The Four Friends – Introduction
🔮 1. Luna – The Brave Dreamer
Luna is the heart of the group.
She is brave, curious, and never afraid to step into the unknown.
Her eyes shine with determination, even when fear tries to take over.
Luna believes that every mystery has a purpose, and she is always ready to protect her friends, no matter the cost.
✨ Strength: Courage and leadership
✨ Weakness: Acts before thinking
🌿 2. Elias – The Silent Thinker
Elias is quiet, but his mind never rests.
He observes everything, notices details others ignore, and thinks before he speaks.
When danger appears, Elias is the one who finds a solution in the shadows.
Some say he knows more about magic than he lets on…
✨ Strength: Intelligence and strategy
✨ Weakness: Keeps secrets
🔥 3. Kael – The Fire of the Group
Kael is bold, loud, and full of energy.
He laughs in the face of fear and turns every challenge into a game.
Behind his jokes hides a loyal heart and a burning desire to prove himself.
When his friends are in danger, his courage becomes unstoppable.
✨ Strength: Strength and loyalty
✨ Weakness: Impulsive and stubborn
🌙 4. Mira – The Keeper of Secrets
Mira is calm, mysterious, and deeply connected to magic.
She feels things before they happen and listens to the whispers of the shadows.
Her silence is powerful, and her words are rare but meaningful.
No one knows where she learned her magic… and she never answers when asked.
✨ Strength: Magic and intuition
✨ Weakness: Trusts no one easily
Four souls. Four destinies.
They did not know it yet… but the school was already watching
— End of Chapter One —
Next: The Trial Begins.
I hope you like the story
Tasnim Alimi