🌸 Chapter 2: A Mission Ordered by Zalira, the Guardian of Mirrors 🌸
Previously on Fleur's Adventures
Fleur discovered that her mother wasn't just telling fairy tales about a magical world.
She met Rose, her inner twin, and the mysterious stranger who wanted her dead.
The Story Begins
Fleur hurried back home after her short talk with Rose in her bedroom.
Still shaken by what had just happened, she quickly shut the door behind her.
Though frightened, she was secretly proud she had managed to use her magic for the first time, wounding the mysterious stranger's shoulder before he vanished.
Rose was proud of her too.
See? You've become a powerful magician," she said. "But before your training begins, I have to tell you something
Suddenly, someone knocked on the door.
Rose disappeared instantly before Fleur's parents could see her.
Outside, her parents were whispering.
"We have to tell her the news," said her mother.
"Are you sure?" replied her father.
"I'm certain. We have no other choice."
Her father opened the door.
"Good evening, my little Althéa."
Since Fleur was a child, her father had always called her that.
Althéa a flowering plant native to East Asia, symbolizing grace and protection.
He had grown up in Taiwan, but was born on the island of Moloka'i, in Hawaii, where he met Fleur's mother.
Fleur's mother, on the other hand, was born in Santa Marta, a coastal city in Colombia, by the Caribbean Sea.
Although born in the human world, she had grown up in the magical one.
Her parents loved to travel between realms and that made Fleur half-human, half-magical.
"We need to talk to you, sweetie," said her father. "It's very important."
"Yes?" answered Fleur nervously.
"We're moving tomorrow morning. Pack your things. We're returning to our old home in the magical world."
"No! That's too soon!" Fleur cried. "I have so many memories here! My friends… my school — Stornoway High School in Philadelphia — and our shop, our house!"
Her mother spoke softly:
"We know, my dear. But we'll enroll you at Abrith High Academy. You'll be happy there, it's for your own good. One day you'll understand."
"And who will take care of the shop and the house while we're gone?" Fleur asked.
"Ema will," replied her mother. "She's known you since you were a child, and she agreed to help. You can trust her completely."
"My little Althéa," her father added, "I hope you understand. We love you very much."
"Yes, Father… thank you."
They hugged her tenderly before wishing her good night.
When the door closed, Rose appeared again in the room — she had heard everything.
"Wow," said Rose. "Your dad has such a charming aura! And your mom — she's the legendary sorceress who destroyed one hundred and forty-four thousand monsters in the magical world! No wonder you're so powerful… and your dad? What a hottie!"
Fleur laughed.
But Rose suddenly grew serious.
"Fleur, be careful. At Abrith High Academy, you'll meet both good and evil people. Some will try to hurt you."
"You really know how to reassure people," Fleur replied with a grin.
Rose didn't laugh. She wanted to tell Fleur her secret but changed her mind.
"I'm just afraid of losing you too," she whispered.
"Me too," Fleur answered softly.
You should sleep now," Rose said. "Tomorrow is the beginning of a great adventure. Good night, Fleur."
Then she disappeared.
Fleur lay awake, troubled.
Why was Rose hiding the truth? What did she mean by losing you too?
Questions swirled in her mind… before sleep finally took her.
The Dream
That night, Fleur dreamed of Zalira, the Goddess of Mirrors, an ancient legend.
The Legend of Zalira
Long ago, before the birth of human kingdoms, the world was still young, and gods ruled the elements.
Fire burned, water flowed, earth sang, and wind danced.
But none knew the truth of their own hearts… until Zalira, Goddess of the Black Mirror, appeared.
Zalira was born from the first moonbeam that touched a water without reflection.
The other gods feared her, for her gift was not creation — but revelation.
Her mirror, forged from the tears of stars, did not show faces, but the hidden truths of souls.
Kings and mages came to her, seeking their fate.
Some saw light… others, the darkness within.
For Zalira never lied — and that was why she was feared.
One day, a mortal man named Evervan Crowe reached her sanctuary.
He claimed to seek the truth about his future, but his heart, blackened by the lust for power, desired only glory.
Yet, despite herself, Zalira felt compassion and love.
She showed him his destiny: a broken throne, and blood on his hands.
Horrified by what he saw, Evervan shattered the sacred mirror and cursed her name.
The shards of the mirror rained down from the heavens like silver tears.
Since that day, Zalira vanished into the Lake of Silence, where she wept until her tears turned into black pearls.
It is said that when a pure heart gazes into a mirror on a moonless night,
Zalira's shadow appears and whispers:
See yourself — not with your eyes… but with your soul.
Those who can bear what they see find light within.
The others… are devoured by their own reflection.
---
The Encounter
In her dream, Fleur heard a voice.
Who… who's speaking to me?" she asked, trembling.
"I am Zalira, Goddess of the Mirror, guardian of hidden truths. I've watched over your soul since the day you were born," said the voice.
"I sent Rose to protect you. Your cousin Serephina will meet you in the magical world. She'll help you strengthen your powers."
No, that's impossible!" Fleur exclaimed. We've hated each other since childhood!"
I know," Zalira replied calmly. "But that's the past. You must learn to move forward together.
Yes… Zalira, Fleur murmured.
That's better, said the goddess with a faint smile.
Then her tone grew grave.
You must prepare yourself, Fleur. Your mission is dangerous."
Why now? I'm not ready!
You are more ready than you believe. Listen to your heart.
She continued:
The stranger you fought — his name is Jax. He is the son of the legendary pirate Jack Rackham, whose name made the seven seas tremble, and of Emerald, the sea witch who once cursed the magical world.
He carries the mark of the cursed oceans and the blood of the fallen pirates of Bill Turner's Island.
"Jax…" whispered Fleur. "That look in his eyes — it wasn't just hate… it was sadness. Maybe he isn't completely evil."
Zalira's mysterious smile froze her heart.
If you ever need help," said the goddess, you can call upon Rose, Serephina… or me. I will send you a gift when you arrive in the magical world. Take your mission seriously, Fleur.
"Wait! I still have so many questions!" cried Fleur.
But Zalira was gone.
Fleur woke up suddenly, gasping. It was three in the morning, and her heart was racing.
To be continued…