Montunoi was bubbling with excitement.
The entire village seemed alive with anticipation as both the young and the old prepared for the Night of Nights—the most awaited celebration of the year. The air carried the smell of roasted meat, fresh herbs, and burning wood. Children ran through the dusty paths with laughter echoing behind them, while elders sat beneath wide baobab trees discussing the festivities.
Everywhere, preparations were underway.
Women decorated huts with colorful woven fabrics. Young men dragged large bundles of wood toward the village square where the great bonfire would be lit later that night.
And not far from the clearing, a group of girls were gathered near the forest edge.
"We need more firewood. These won't be enough if we're going to make a proper bonfire tonight," Maya said, placing her hands on her hips as she looked at the small pile before them.
The girls around her groaned dramatically.
"We're tired!" one complained, wiping sweat from her forehead.
"Do we really have to do this?" another whined.
"The boys should be the ones doing all the heavy work," a third girl muttered, tossing a stick onto the pile. "We still need to rehearse our dance for tonight!" Soon, the complaints blended together into a chorus of protests.
Maya couldn't help laughing.
"Alright, alright!" she said, raising her hands in surrender. "Let's get straight to dancing then."
"Woo-hoo!" the girls shouted excitedly.
"Someone should go get the drummers while we warm up," Maya added.
"I'll go!" one of the girls offered eagerly before darting off toward the center of the village.
A few minutes later, the drummers arrived.
They sat beneath a tall palm tree, adjusting their drums while the girls took their positions in the clearing. The late afternoon sun painted the ground in golden light, and a soft breeze stirred the leaves above them.
Maya stood in front as their leader.
The first drumbeat sounded—deep and powerful.
Boom.
It echoed through the clearing like a heartbeat.
Maya stepped forward and began an intricate display of footwork, her feet gliding swiftly across the earth. Dust rose lightly around her ankles as she moved with practiced grace.
The other girls began to twirl around her, their colorful skirts spinning like petals caught in the wind until they formed a wide circle.
Then the main dance began.
Their hips swayed from side to side in perfect rhythm with the drums. Anklets jingled softly as their feet struck the ground. Laughter mixed with the rhythm as the girls moved in harmony, their movements fluid and vibrant.
It was mesmerizing.
Not far from the clearing, two boys happened to be passing by.
Mateo and Loki.
Loki stopped first.
"Well, would you look at that," he said, nudging Mateo with his elbow.
Mateo followed his gaze.
The dancers.
"Check out those moves!" Loki said with an impressed whistle. "Maya is really killing it!" But Mateo barely heard him.
His attention had already drifted elsewhere.
To Maya.
His eyes followed the graceful movement of her body as she danced. The way her feet moved with such precision, the effortless rhythm in her hips, the confidence in her posture—it was captivating.
And suddenly, a strange feeling stirred inside him.
He realized just how much he had missed her.
Ever since that day he took her to the woods, Maya had been avoiding him. Whenever he tried to speak to her, she would walk away. When she visited Grandma Millicent, she pretended not to see him at all.
Had he hurt her somehow?
He couldn't remember saying anything cruel.
Yet her silence hurt more than any harsh words could.
Mateo sighed quietly.
Maybe he would ask her after the practice.
Funnily enough, he had recently realized something he had never admitted to anyone—not even his closest friends, Loki and Kili.
He had a soft spot for Maya.
A very soft spot.
But somehow, he couldn't bring himself to say it.
The drums finally slowed.
Then stopped.
The dance had come to an end.
The girls burst into cheers and laughter, celebrating their flawless performance.
"We did it!"
"That was perfect!"
"No mistakes!"
Maya hugged a few of them proudly, congratulating each girl as excitement buzzed through the group. Then suddenly— Boom.
Her eyes locked with Mateo's.
Her heart somersaulted.
Had he been standing there the entire time?
Watching her?
A strange warmth rushed through her chest, sending a ticklish sensation through her body.
For a moment, the world around them faded.
They simply stared at each other.
Seconds stretched into what felt like eternity.
Until—
"Great dancing, Maya!" Loki shouted, waving enthusiastically.
Maya blinked.
"Oh… uh… thanks, Loki!" she replied quickly.
And before anything else could happen— She turned and began walking away.
"Loki, go ahead," Mateo said quickly. "I'll meet you at Kili's." Loki frowned.
"Wait, Tomato—where are you going?" he asked in confusion.
"Just go!" Mateo called over his shoulder.
Loki shrugged.
"Alright then… weird," he muttered before walking off.
"Maya! Maya!"
Mateo jogged after her.
But the more he called, the faster she walked.
Was he seriously chasing her now?
Maya's heart pounded in her chest.
Her mind raced.
Why now? Why did he suddenly want to talk?
Just keep walking, she told herself firmly.
But before she could escape—
Mateo caught up to her.
He gently grabbed her arm and turned her around.
"Maya, didn't you hear me? I was calling you," he said, slightly breathless.
"I heard you," she replied coolly. "But I'm not in the mood to talk." She tried to leave again.
But Mateo stopped her.
"Come on, Maya," he said softly. "What's going on? You've been avoiding me since that day in the woods."
His brows furrowed.
"Did I hurt you?"
Her eyes flashed.
"Since when did you care?" she shot back. "After all, I'm nothing to you. So why bother?" The accusation hit him harder than he expected.
And suddenly— He remembered.
That moment in the woods.
The tear that had slipped down her cheek.
Now her eyes glistened again, threatening to spill over.
But she quickly turned away so he wouldn't see.
"Just leave me alone, Mateo," she said quietly. "You'd be better off without me." She pushed his hand away.
And ran down the grassy path.
Leaving him standing there.
Alone.
Mateo watched her disappear into the distance, a heavy emptiness settling in his chest.
For the first time, he truly understood the meaning of the old saying:
You never know the worth of what you have… Until you've lost it.
And for some reason—
He had the terrible feeling that something far more important than a friendship was slipping through his fingers.
*******************************************
"The mirror is ready. I wish you all good luck," Martha said quietly.
The old witch stood beside the ancient mirror, its tall silver frame covered in strange runic carvings that shimmered faintly in the candlelight. The room inside her cottage had grown unusually still, as if even the air itself was waiting for what would happen next.
Hunter stared at the mirror with visible suspicion.
"You're sure about this thing, aren't you?" he asked, folding his arms as he eyed the strange object.
The mirror's surface looked ordinary—just a smooth sheet of glass—but something about it made the hairs on the back of his neck rise.
Martha smiled calmly.
"I assure you," she replied firmly, "you have nothing to fear." As if responding to her words, the mirror suddenly began to glow.
At first it was faint… like moonlight on water.
Then the light grew stronger.
The surface of the mirror rippled like liquid silver.
"Go now!" Martha commanded.
Without hesitation, Nolee stepped forward first. The moment she touched the mirror's surface— She vanished.
Kai followed quickly after.
Then Roxanne.
Then Wulf.
Hunter hesitated for only a second before stepping through as well.
And just like that— They were gone.
Martha watched the now quiet mirror for a moment, her expression suddenly serious.
"Be careful…" she whispered softly. High above the sky of another land— A swirling portal opened.
A burst of light flashed.
Then—
Five figures came tumbling out.
They landed roughly on a grassy hill.
"Oof!"
Groans filled the air as they slowly stood up, brushing dust and grass from their clothes.
"Well… that was fast," Wulf muttered, stretching his sore back.
Roxanne looked around slowly.
Her eyes widened.
"Guys… I think we made it," she said in awe. "This is Montunoi." Everyone turned to look.
The sky above them was painted in a deep indigo shade as sunset approached, while the warm evening breeze rustled gently through the tall grass around them.
Towering trees surrounded the hills—birch, pine, gum, and oak—stretching endlessly across the landscape. In the distance, a few deer grazed peacefully near the edge of the forest.
The entire place felt untouched.
Wild.
Alive.
"This place is beautiful," Roxanne breathed.
Hunter glanced at her.
Just like you, he thought silently.
Kai slowly shook his head in amazement.
"I can't believe America was once like this," he murmured.
Nature surrounded them in every direction.
No buildings.
No roads.
Just pure wilderness.
"This place is awesome! Woo-hoo!!"
Wulf suddenly shouted before sprinting down the hill in excitement.
"Wulf!" Nolee called after him.
Hunter frowned. "Where is he going now?" Kai sighed.
"Come on."
The others quickly ran after him.
Down the hill, a group of monkeys had been happily feasting on a large bunch of bananas they had stolen from somewhere.
The moment Wulf came charging toward them—
They scattered in every direction with loud screeches.
Their bananas were left behind.
And unfortunately—
Wulf stepped right onto one of the peels.
Slip!
"Whoa—!" Thud!
He crashed flat onto the ground.
By the time the others reached him, he was lying in a pile of crushed bananas.
Hunter crossed his arms.
"That should teach you a lesson."
Kai tried not to laugh as he helped Wulf up.
"Where exactly were you running to?" he asked.
Wulf rubbed the back of his head awkwardly.
"Sorry guys… I guess I'm just… overexcited." Hunter wasn't amused.
"We haven't even planned our movements yet," he said sharply, "and you're already getting distracted."
Wulf frowned immediately.
"I don't remember anyone making you the boss around here," he snapped.
Hunter's eyes narrowed.
"So don't yell at me. Just because I'm the youngest doesn't mean you get to boss me around."
Hunter stepped toward him.
"What did you say?"
The tension between them thickened instantly.
But before things could escalate— Roxanne quickly stepped between them.
"That's enough!"
Both boys pointed at each other.
"He started it!" they shouted together.
Roxanne sighed heavily.
"We just got here," she said firmly. "And arguing isn't going to help anyone." She looked at each of them.
"If we're going to save Montunoi—and our own home—we need to stick together." Kai and Nolee nodded immediately.
Wulf looked down.
"Sorry," he muttered.
Hunter however still looked annoyed, his jaw tight with frustration.
"Whatever," he said, rolling his eyes.
Roxanne let out a quiet breath.
Then she turned toward the forest path ahead.
"Let's go."
The others followed.
But none of them noticed something strange.
**************************************
Maya stood by the quiet stream, practicing her dance steps.
The gentle sound of water flowing over smooth stones blended with the soft rustling of leaves above her. Golden rays from the setting sun filtered through the tall trees, casting shimmering reflections across the water.
She moved gracefully across the grass, her feet gliding lightly as she practiced.
There was a special move she had planned to perform during the festival later that night— one she had intentionally kept hidden during rehearsal with the other girls. She wanted the crowd to see it for the first time during the celebration.
It would be her surprise.
Lost in the rhythm of her movements and the peaceful beauty around her, Maya barely noticed the forest growing quieter.
Until— Snap.
The sharp sound of a twig breaking echoed behind the trees.
Maya froze instantly.
Her heart began to pound.
Slowly, she turned.
"Who… who's there?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Her eyes scanned the trees anxiously.
Then she saw them.
Two glowing yellow eyes staring at her from the shadows.
A leopard.
The animal stepped forward slowly, its powerful muscles shifting beneath its spotted coat as it watched her carefully.
Fear seized Maya's entire body.
Without thinking, she turned and ran.
Branches scratched against her arms as she sprinted through the forest.
Behind her—
The leopard gave chase.
It moved swiftly and silently through the trees, closing the distance between them with terrifying speed.
Maya ran as fast as her legs could carry her.
But she knew she couldn't outrun it.
"Help!" she screamed desperately.
"Help!"
The leopard lunged forward.
It was almost on her now.
With a powerful leap, it launched itself into the air, claws extended— Ready to strike. But suddenly—
Maya felt herself lifted off the ground.
Before she could even react, she was soaring through the air.
For a split second, she thought she had died… that her soul had left her body.
But when she opened her eyes— She saw Mateo.
He held her tightly in his arms as they swung through the trees using long hanging lianas, moving swiftly from branch to branch like forest spirits.
Below them, the leopard skidded to a halt, watching them escape with frustrated eyes before disappearing back into the jungle.
Mateo finally landed on the branch of a massive tree and carefully slid down to the ground with Maya still in his arms.
They both stood there catching their breath.
Maya slowly loosened the tight grip she had around his shoulders and stepped back onto her feet.
"Are you alright?" Mateo asked, concern filling his voice.
"Yes," she replied softly.
"Did it hurt you?"
"No."
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
An awkward silence settled between them.
Then Maya cleared her throat.
"Thank you… for saving me," she said quietly. "That was really brave of you." Mateo felt his face grow warm, but he tried to remain calm.
"That was nothing," he said with a small shrug. "You're welcome all the same." Silence returned again.
The forest seemed strangely still around them.
"Well…" Maya finally said. "I guess I should be going now. I'll see you around."
She turned to leave.
But Mateo gently caught her hand.
"You're still angry with me… aren't you?" he asked, looking straight into her eyes.
Maya didn't answer.
She could only stare back at him.
"What can I do to make it up to you?" he asked earnestly. "Tell me. I'll do anything." Her heart skipped.
"Mateo…" she whispered.
Then she asked softly,
"You'll do anything?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
Mateo blinked.
Why?
He hadn't expected that question.
Was it too soon to tell her the truth?
For a moment he wished the ground would swallow him whole.
"Because… because I…"
Maya watched him patiently.
"Because what?" she asked gently.
Mateo closed his eyes.
If he was going to say it, he had to say it now.
Taking a deep breath, he finally blurted—
"Because I like you!"
The words hung in the air between them.
Maya stared at him in stunned silence.
Her heart had waited forever to hear those words.
Mateo slowly opened his eyes again.
Their gazes met.
"You do?" she whispered.
Her voice was so soft it was almost lost in the breeze.
"Yes."
And in that moment, Mateo understood something he had never realized before.
Somewhere along the way, Maya had become far more important to him than he had ever imagined.
Before either of them could think twice— It happened.
Mateo leaned forward.
His lips met hers.
For Maya, it felt like a waterfall of joy rushing through her entire being.
For a brief moment, she wondered if she was dreaming… if this magical moment would vanish when she woke up.
But it didn't.
Mateo was real.
Warm.
Alive.
Her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck while his hands gently held her waist.
The world seemed to disappear around them.
In that quiet forest clearing, beneath the whispering trees, the two of them shared a moment neither of them would ever forget.
A moment that would stay with them for the rest of their lives.
*********************************************
Inside her cottage, Martha was deeply absorbed in her work. Ancient spell books lay open across the wooden table before her, their yellowed pages filled with strange symbols and forgotten languages. The room glowed faintly with candlelight, shadows dancing along the stone walls. At the center of the room, a large iron cauldron bubbled over a small fire. Green steam curled into the air as Martha moved her hands slowly above it, chanting softly under her breath.
"Aria lumis… ventara…"
With a graceful flick of her fingers, dried herbs lifted from the table and floated through the air as if guided by invisible strings.
Lavender.
Nightshade.
Crushed moon leaf.
One by one, they dropped into the boiling potion exactly when she commanded.
The mixture hissed and glowed brighter.
Martha nodded in satisfaction.
But suddenly— Knock.
The sound came from the door.
Martha paused.
The floating herbs froze midair.
She waited.
Silence.
Then—
Knock. Knock.
The sound came again.
Slowly, Martha closed the spellbook before her.
The floating ingredients gently lowered themselves back onto the table. The cauldron continued to bubble quietly. Another knock echoed through the cottage. Frowning slightly, Martha walked toward the door. Her steps were careful and measured. When she reached it, she slowly opened it. No one was there. Only the quiet forest outside. The wind rustled the leaves. Martha narrowed her eyes. Something didn't feel right. Then suddenly— Invisible fingers wrapped around her throat. Her feet lifted slightly off the ground as an unseen force tightened around her neck. Martha gasped for air. She clawed desperately at the empty space around her throat, trying to break free. But there was nothing there.
Nothing she could see. Her vision began to blur. And then— Laughter filled the cottage.
Cold.
Cruel.
Mocking.
Oropher.
The invisible grip loosened slightly as the sound of his laughter echoed through the room. Martha struggled to breathe.
"Show… yourself…" she rasped.
The air shimmered. Slowly, a figure began to appear. Oropher stepped out of invisibility, his dark robes swirling around him as if moved by a wind that only obeyed him. His eyes glowed with cruel amusement. With a flick of his hand— Martha was thrown violently across the room. She slammed into the stone wall with a painful crash before collapsing onto the floor.
"That," Oropher said coldly, dusting his sleeves, "is what you get for helping my enemies… little sister."
His words dripped with venom.
A harsh screech suddenly echoed as Claws swooped down from above and landed on Oropher's left shoulder, its sharp yellow eyes gleaming with wicked delight.
The creature tilted its head before fluttering toward the glowing mirror standing across the room.
Oropher followed its gaze.
The mirror was still glowing.
The portal remained open.
A slow, dangerous smile spread across his face.
From the floor, Martha forced herself to look up at him, her breathing weak and strained.
"You… won't get away with this," she rasped.
Oropher chuckled darkly.
"Oh, sister," he said mockingly, walking closer to her.
"I already have."
He crouched slightly, meeting her gaze.
"I could end you right here… right now," he continued calm
His eyes gleamed.
"But where would the fun be in that?" He straightened again, smoothing his robes.
"I want you to witness my victory," he said.
"Watch everything crumble… knowing you were powerless to stop it." His voice turned icy.
"So stay alive… while you can."
With that, he turned toward the mirror.
Without hesitation, he stepped into the glowing surface. His body vanished instantly. Claws screeched and flew after him, disappearing into the portal as well. The mirror flickered. The cottage fell silent again. Martha lay weakly on the floor, staring at the glowing mirror with dread. Because if Oropher had followed the children into Montunoi… Then the real danger had only just begun.