“I am coming for you!” Claira raised her arms to make herself look more like a monster. I stood tall, imagining what the heroes in my books would do.  

    “Not if I can help it!” I squealed. 

    “I’m going to end you once and for all, Galactica!” Claira shouted, and roared loudly and tried to act scary. I shrieked, stifling my giggling so as not to be heard. 

    “Girls!” The Headmistress bursted the bedroom door open, which made me and Claira jump in surprise. “It's bedtime, why on earth are you making all this racket!” 

    “Sorry, Miss, we were just playing.” I apologized swiftly.

    “Why are you even playing? Have you even noticed what time it is? 6:30!”

    “Waiting for the stars! They are barely out yet, and you said we can watch them!” Claira stated. The Headmistress shook her head disapprovingly. 

    “No, I didn’t, get into bed and go to sleep!” she whispered as loud as a whisper should go. She sounded mad. Claira’s smile melted away slowly. “I don’t know where you got that silly idea, but no more. Into bed, and don’t you cry.” 

    I quickly got into bed and in the covers, and Claira did the same. “Goodnight you two.” the Headmistress said softly but her tone was curt. She left the room. “They’ll get adopted soon enough…” I heard her say as the door was closing, and then nothing more as silence filled the room. I eventually heard Claira sobbing, and I wanted to go see if she was okay, but I stayed put. The crying eventually quieted as she fell to sleep. 

    Poor Claira, all she wanted to do was to see the sunset.. I thought.

    An hour or two had passed as I laid in bed, fumbling around with my fingers, counting the seconds go by. I crawled out of bed. I walked over to where Claira slept. I saw her chest heave up and down, hearing her soft snoring, her black hair draped over her shoulders. I shook her shoulder softly. “Claira.” I whispered. “Claira, wake up.” 

    She opened her eyes and looked at me. “Sienna?” 

    A smile broke out on my face as I looked at her. I gestured to her to come and follow me, so she quickly got out of bed. I led her to the window and I pointed to the sky. “Look, there's Galactic over there, do you see it?” 

    Claira and I, when we still used to live with our parents before they put us up for adoption, we made up a name for a star. Galactic. Ever since then, we always would go out and try to find the star in the dark sky. 

    “Sienna, can I ask you a question?” 

    “Yeah, go ahead.” I whispered. 

    “Do you think we’ll ever be adopted? Because it sometimes feels like we won’t.” she said in a hushed voice. 

    “Yeah, of course we will. How will we not? And then, we’ll join the team of guards together. And if the team doesn’t exist, we’ll be the first guards. Wherever we’ll end up, we’ll be in it together.” 

    “Promise?” Claira asked. 

    “Promise.” I vowed and smiled.

    I could hear the birds chirp harmoniously as they flew over the small green glade, through the sunshine that was splashed across the land as far as my eyes could see. 

    I stared down at my book in thought. I read it hungrily, getting all the information I could get my hands on as fast as possible. 

    I pushed the glasses up the ridge of my nose.

    Flip. Once the page landed softly to the other side, I closed the book and jumped to my feet confidently. I took my sheath, and pulled out my steel sword.

     I turned towards a tree, and gave a deep bow. I started to jab the tree continuously in the bark, and

dodged to the side, imagining that I was fighting someone. 

     Just when a voice called in the distance, I did a backflip in the air, landing softly on the ground, stumbling over my feet as I was settling. 

    I strained my ears, looking at my surroundings. Please don't be a huge monster. Please don't be huge. . . my thoughts trailed off as I heard the voice again, interrupting the peaceful forest. That time I recognized the caller. 

    Minutes had passed when the bushes started to rustle from my left side, shortly followed by footsteps. 

    “Liam.” I sang-out calmly. “I know you're there!” No reply answered my words. I waited for just a few seconds when someone replied. 

    “How did you know it was me?” Liam asked, sounding surprised, stepping out of his hiding spot. I gave him a knowing look which he returned with a shrug. “Okay, you have a point. I blame the forest though for being too loud.” a twinkle shone in his eyes.

    “What are you doing out here?” I asked curiously. 

    “Haven’t you noticed what time it is?” 

    Well, let's see, I started reading out here in the morning, I looked at the sun and realized it was about noon. I nodded to Liam knowingly. “Of course I knew what time it was, I always do.” I told him. “But what I meant was–uh–how did you know I was here?”

    Liam flashed a smile. “You always seem to be out here, are you not? Training.”

    The sound of his voice made my shoulders tense. Why does he sound anxious? I decided to not mention the fact as I put a small smile on my face.

    My gaze travelled to the wings that were attached to his back. Like many times before, I wondered how it must feel to be full of magic.

    You see, magical races roamed the earth. Liam was one of them. He was what they called a Sef, a

person with wings.

    “How did your father’s big meeting go?” I asked, trying not to sound too interested. “Find anything out?” Liam was the son of the headguard of the town, so he gets all the information of what's happening everywhere from his father.

    “What do you mean?” Liam asked. 

    “Well, did your dad mention anything about the depraved villain?” I asked, my tone a bit firm. 

    “You're seriously not going to say his name?” Liam asked, I shook my head vigorously in return. “There is nothing the matter with saying Seth Gales–” 

    “Don’t finish that thought!” I cut him off quickly.  

    “Fine.” Liam sighed. “But no, my father hasn’t said anything, so the only thing we can assume so far is that he’s still out there.” 

    Chills ran all over my body. Seth Gales. I tested the name myself. I’ve heard the name for a long time, and still, it made me shiver. 

    Years ago, the Guard team had reported that a man was running around taking the lives of the magical races, and I didn’t know why. I did know his name was Seth Gales, and the idea of him coming here made my heart pound. 

    I shook my head, and started to take stabs at the bark again, which had many cuts already scratched in. 

    “Do you want to visit Iris with me? I’m sure she’ll love to see you.” Liam asked. 

    Sudden panic gripped around me. And stop training? Is he crazy? The test is tomorrow and he knows I’m not ready! I thought anxiously. “I’m good.” I shook my head. 

    “Why not? You got time,” Liam pressed. 

    “Why are you suggesting it?” I shot back, my words sharper and harder than I intended them too. 

    “Nevermind.” 

    “No, really, I would like to know.” I demanded, turning around and looking at him expectantly. “Go on, tell me.” 

    “Well, recently–” Liam started, but cut himself off hesitantly. “I’ve been worried about you lately about how much you’ve been training.” 

    “So? I just want practice. What's the matter with that?” I asked defensively. 

    “Well, it just seems like your out here all the time, and–” 

    “So what if I am?” I challenged. Standing up to my full height, I got annoyed that he was still a little taller than me. Liam looked at me with concern in his eyes.

    “That's not what I’m saying.” Liam put his palms up to face me, looking distressed. 

    “Oh, so what are you saying then?” I snapped, feeling myself getting flustered. “Do I need to stop practicing? You do realize If I don’t train, then I might fail the test and I am not going to be accepted by your father to come join the guards? Is that what you're saying?” 

    “No, Sienna! I’m not! If you’d stop to listen then I might be able to explain to you!” he exclaimed. I grimaced, looking at my friend as I crossed my arms. He sighed. “I was just saying that I was worried for you because you haven’t been taking care of yourself.” 

    Anger pulsed through me, raining down on me like a giant storm. I clenched my hands together. What in blazes does he mean!? I’m not taking care of myself? Is he serious? I questioned myself silently.

    “I don’t care!” I snapped.

    “The reason I didn’t make it in all these years with the guards is because I wasn’t prepared! I need to be prepared, Liam, that's the thing you don’t understand! Do I need to remind you that there is a maniac going out and killing the magical races? How am I supposed to protect people if I’m not good enough?” I cried out, trying to block off the tears that were welling up. 

    “Why would he even come here?” 

    “You're magical! If he ever found out there were you and other people here with magic coursing through their very veins, he’ll come and kill them off. How am I supposed to help then?” tears now sprang to my eyes, streaming down my cheeks. 

    “I don’t know, but all I am asking of you, Sienna, is that if you would take it easy here and there.” 

    “You still don’t get it. Weren’t you even listening? I don’t have time to take a break.” I need to be perfect. How does he not get it? 

    “You know what? I’m done. I am tired of fighting with you.” I caved in. 

    “Sienna–” Liam said, but I was no longer listening to him. I took my sword and book and I stormed off, leaving Liam standing alone in the forest by himself. 

    When I got back to my house, I walked in.  It was small, nothing much, but It was what I called home. I walked past my mirror, but then stopped, and back-tracked until I stood in front and I looked into my reflection. 

    I saw that big tears were rolling down my face rather rapidly, and my face was red. Other than that, my light blue eyes still shone brightly through my black-rimmed glasses, which complimented my brown skin. My black hair, which I had brushed and tied previously to keep it out of my eyes, was now a big bundle of poof and tangles again. 

    I strode towards my bed, and flopped down onto a pile of blankets. My gaze travelled to a drawn picture that was in a frame made up of special oak wood. It was Claira, my sister. 

    Thoughts of my sister started to pour into my mind. More tears sprang to my eyes at the very first thought of her. I eventually fell into a restless sleep. 

    I woke up with a start. I sat right up, feeling a twinge of worry. Shoot, what time is it? Please don’t tell me I slept in! I jumped out of bed, getting my leg wrapped in one of my blankets, causing me to trip. 

    What a klutz…didn’t you notice the blanket? 

    I scrambled up as fast as I could, rushing to the door. I grabbed the handle, jerking the door open. I sighed in relief when I saw that the sun hadn't yet reached its peak. 

    I rubbed my forehead with the back of my hand, wiping the sweat off. I decided to take a stroll through the village. 

     I eventually entered a shop. It was a small quaint market. The smell of baked bread and spices drifted past my nose. “Sienna!”

    I looked over and saw my friend, Iris, who was also Liam's sister. She strode over to me with her arms open for a hug. “Hi, Iris.” I greeted as she wrapped her arms around me.

    “How are you?” she asked. “It's so great to see you!” 

    “I’m doing just great, I just thought I would come over and check in. And how about you?” 

    “Good. The bakery is doing great.” she replied. “I heard you and Liam got into a fight. Are you okay?” 

    “How did you hear?” I asked, perking up with curiosity. 

    “Ah, yes…he came home yesterday, not in the best mood not to mention. You know, very distant and gloomy. I tried to ask about it, but he wouldn’t answer. He only told me you two fought.” she said. 

    I thanked him silently that he hadn’t said anything. “It's nothing to worry over.” 

    “Good. . .ah, well, I am so glad you stopped by.” She gave me a big hug again. She beamed at me.

    “Do you need any help with anything?” I asked. Iris looked at me, 

    “Uh–sure. You can help me stack up the spices on the shelves.” She replied. I nodded and grinned. I walked around the back of the counter, and into the storage room. It was a little cramped.

    I snatched all the spices that I could get my hands on, exited the room with an armful. I strode into the main room, and put all the seasonings on the counter top. I grabbed two at a time, and placed them in an orderly fashion on the shelves. 

    As I was doing this, I could hear Iris’s humming as her voice carried through the building, putting up freshly baked loaves of bread on for display. Listening to the melody that she just now started singing,

I got lost in it, then eventually got stuck in my thoughts. 

    “So, are you taking that test that's happening today?” Iris asked, making me come back to the real world. “Uh–to join the Royal Guards, right?” Meanwhile, I grabbed all the spices again and started walking to the other shelves that were across the room. 

    “Yeah, that's right. And yes, I am taking it again.” I nodded. 

    “Are you excited about it?”  

    Just when I opened my mouth to say something, the sound of the front door creaked open, shortly followed by a voice. I looked over to see who it was. 

    “Iris, I got the–” the voice broke off abruptly. Clash! The spice bottles fell out of my hands and shattered on the ground with a loud thump. 

    I gazed at Liam as he did the same to me. Just as Iris stepped out from the kitchen, I finally pried my eyes away. I quickly dropped to my knees and started to pick up the broken pieces, not even daring to look up. I instead distracted myself with thoughts of my own. I’m so clumsy…how did I even manage to drop all these? 

    I shoved the urge to look up back wherever it had come from. Within moments, Liam was on his knees and hands, and started to clean up the mess. While cleaning, he looked up at me. He gave a grin, and I could tell that he was a little nervous. “Hey.” 

    I stayed silent for a few seconds, refusing to answer. I then got to thinking why he was here.  “What are you doing here?” I looked up at him curiously. 

    “Well, I was here to talk to Iris, but I’m glad you're here.” 

    “Why…?” I asked cautiously, already thinking of all the ways why he would be excited. 

    Liam's face darkened a little. “I need to talk to you. Alone.” 

    I got to my feet. “Well, I don’t really feel like talking, Liam.” I turned my gaze away and started to line up the spices on the table as he stood up to his fill height. “And plus, I’m helping Iris. Speaking of

which, where is your–” I got cut off as he grabbed my arm.

    “Please, Sienna? Just for a few moments, I promise that it’ll be worth your time.” he pressed. I thought about it, then eventually, I agreed.

    I followed him out of the bakery, and he led me through town. I noticed that the sidewalks were covered in people. There's more than usual…I noted silently.

    Staying quiet, Liam led me to the forest where we talked the day before. 

    “Liam–” I started, glancing around. 

    “No, listen, this is really important.” Liam said and I fell silent, listening closely, and from there he continued. “I–I lied. . . my father–urm–did find out something from his council meeting…” he looked at me closely in the face, and as he resumed talking, his voice started to break. “My father and the others think that Seth Gales may have your sister held captive.” 

    Waves of shock came over me. I was dumbstruck. My heart pounded wildly against my chest as I felt my hands clench together. Liam's voice brought me back to reality. “Sienna…?” 

    “Huh? What? ” the fumbling words came out of my mouth. 

    “Are you okay. . .?” Liam asked, sounding anxious. 

    “I-I don’t know.” For the first time in forever, I didn’t know how I felt, or what to think of this. I was stumped. 

    “Are you mad?” 

    “Yes, I’m mad!” I snapped. I didn’t mean to though, but before I could stop myself, words started tumbling out of my mouth. “Why did you lie to me, you could have told me sooner he had my sister!”

    “I know!” Liam broke out. He still held my gaze confidently. “I should’ve told you, you're right. I-I’m sorry, Sienna, I really am. I just didn’t want to you to get the wrong ideas to go rescue her, and–” 

    “Oh my stars, you're right!” I squealed out suddenly, cutting him off. “Liam, you're so smart! Why didn’t I think about that?” Liam looked at me, confusion masked his face. “I need to go rescue her!”