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✦ The Fortune Teller's Revelation ✦
He closed his eyes and whispered a spell under his breath — ancient, low, and melodic. A faint shimmer glowed between his palms before fading into thin air. When he opened his eyes again, he smiled warmly at Elizabeth.
"You have a kind heart," he said softly, his voice carrying a mysterious weight. "And that kindness will lift you higher than you can ever imagine… a higher place."
He paused, eyes glinting like molten gold. "Congratulations, Miss Elizabeth. Your journey isn't far from here."
Elizabeth's eyes widened, her heart leaping with joy. "Thank you, sir!" she said gratefully, almost trembling with excitement.
Then his gaze shifted to the girl standing beside her.
"Your turn, miss," he said, a faint smile playing at his lips. "What is your name, beauty?"
"I'm Ariel Hermanus," she replied gently, her soft voice flowing like a song.
"Ariel Hermanus…" he repeated, tasting the name on his tongue. "Hmm… sounds like a name fit for a goddess."
He chuckled, then added with a teasing glint in his eyes, "You're a beautiful girl, Ariel — with a name just as lovely. I'm sure many suitors will chase after you for that face alone."
Ariel blushed lightly. He took her hand, muttered another spell, and closed his eyes again.
But when he opened them — his smile faltered. His brows knit together, and for a moment, something like confusion flashed across his face.
"I… I can't see your future," he said quietly.
Ariel's heart skipped. "You… you can't?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
He stared into her eyes, clearly unsettled. "It's blank. I can't read a single thing."
Elizabeth gasped. "How is that even possible?" she asked quickly.
"I don't know," he admitted, frowning deeply. "In all my years, I've never seen anything like this. I'm… sorry."
Elizabeth's face paled. "Does that mean she doesn't have a future?"
The man hesitated, then shook his head. "It's… complicated. It doesn't mean she has no future — only that something powerful conceals it. But take my advice, Ariel…"
His tone dropped low. "Stay out of trouble. The shadows around you are not ordinary."
Ariel nodded, unsettled. "Thank you, sir."
The girls left in silence.
---
✦ The Weight of the Unknown ✦
On their way home, Ariel walked quietly, her thoughts tangled.
Why couldn't he see my future?
The idea gnawed at her like a cold hand gripping her heart.
"That was strange," Beth finally muttered.
"Strange?" Ariel echoed, forcing a smile. "It was terrifying."
"Maybe he was tired," Beth said, trying to lighten the mood. "Or maybe…" she leaned closer, lowering her voice, "he's a fake."
Ariel gasped, then burst into laughter. "I don't think so, Beth."
"Well, either way," Beth shrugged, smiling, "we don't need a fortune teller to write our destiny. We make our own."
Ariel's eyes softened. "You know what, Beth? You're right."
They shared a smile — bright, pure, and comforting.
"And don't forget," Beth said, "you're special, Ariel. Unique."
Those words hit deep. Ariel's heart melted as she pulled her cousin into a tight hug.
"And so are you, Beth. Thank you."
"Always," Beth said softly.
The girls laughed, grabbed their groceries, and hurried home.
---
✦ The Dinner That Broke the Calm ✦
By the time they returned, Uncle Thomas still wasn't home. Ariel went straight to the kitchen with Beth, and together they began preparing dinner.
"Done cutting the carrots?" Beth asked, glancing over.
"Yeah," Ariel replied, forcing a small smile.
"I've set the dining," Beth said proudly.
"Perfect." Ariel lifted the pot of steaming chicken rice, the rich aroma filling the air.
Hours passed. The clock struck eight. Still, no sign of Uncle Thomas.
"You can all eat," Felicia said coldly. "Your father won't be back soon."
Ariel carried her plate to the table and sat quietly. But before she could take a bite—
Felicia's voice sliced through the air. "What do you think you're doing here?"
Ariel froze, her spoon clattering to the table. "I— I just—"
"Shut up and get out, evil brat!" Felicia snapped.
"Mom!" Elizabeth shouted, slamming her hands on the table. "Why are you always like this? Ariel worked so hard to cook this meal! Why can't you just let her eat with us?"
Felicia's eyes blazed. "Are you talking back to me now? Because of her?"
She slammed her palm on the table. "She's possessed you! Can't you see she's trying to turn you against your own mother?"
Elizabeth stood, shaking her head in disbelief. "I'm so disappointed in you," she said bitterly and stormed off to her room.
Ariel tried to follow, but Felicia blocked her path.
"You," she hissed, eyes burning. "I will make your life a living hell, witch's daughter."
Tears welled in Ariel's eyes as she fled to her room. She shut the door and slid down against it, the weight of the day crushing her chest.
Outside, thunder cracked — and rain poured down, weeping for her.
---
✦ The Knock in the Night ✦
A soft knock echoed hours later. Ariel wiped her tears and opened the door.
Beth stood there, smiling faintly. "Finally! I've been knocking forever. Did I wake you?"
"I'm sorry," Ariel said, yawning. "I didn't hear you."
"It's okay," Beth grinned. "I just came to tell you — Dad's back!"
Ariel's eyes lit up. "Really?"
"Yes! And he's been asking about you!"
"Thank you, Beth," Ariel said, smiling through her tears.
"You're welcome, dear cousin." Beth gave her a gentle hug before leaving. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Ariel whispered, watching her go.
---
✦ Whispers Behind the Door ✦
She changed quickly and went downstairs, heart pounding. She wanted to see her uncle — the only man who truly cared.
But as she reached his door, voices drifted through.
"I'm telling you, Thomas — that girl is a witch," Felicia spat venomously.
"Felicia, enough!" he barked. "Ariel has done nothing wrong!"
"Oh really?" she sneered. "Then tell me — what killed your sister? Did you ever find out? She killed her, Thomas! And now she's here to finish us too!"
"That's nonsense!" he roared. "She's my niece. And I won't let you speak about her like that."
"You're blind!" Felicia hissed. "I see it every night — in my dreams. She's evil! I even consulted a priestess — and she confirmed it! That girl is cursed. She'll destroy this family!"
Silence filled the room. Thomas said nothing.
Outside the door, Ariel's heart shattered. She turned and ran quietly to her room, tears streaming down her face.
"Why does she hate me so much?" she whispered to the empty night.
She glanced out the window. The rain had stopped. The moon shone bright — full, cold, and haunting.
"I miss you, Mom," she whispered.
The night didn't answer — only the faint cry of the wind.