“The cacophony of battle shattered Wallona’s reality. Her mother valiantly fought off four assailants, while the remaining two besieged her father. Despite his lack of combat experience, her father stood his ground, his eyes devoid of fear. His hands, once skilled at slicing vegetables, now wielded the same knife in a desperate attempt to protect his wife.

But their efforts proved futile. The attackers overpowered them, leaving her father wounded and her mother broken. A swift, brutal attack sent her father’s knife clattering to the ground, followed by a merciless stab to his stomach. The pain wracked his body, his face contorted in agony.

Wallona’s heart pounded in her chest as she witnessed her parents’ torment. Blood seeped from her father’s wound, draining the color from his face. Her mother’s attempt to check on him proved fatal, as a ruthless blow from the thieves’ leader shattered her face, leaving her gasping for air. Another assailant stabbed her thigh, silencing her cries of pain.

The leader of the thieves, driven by greed, demanded the mythical treasure of the Pirate King. Her mother, battered and bruised, denied possessing such wealth. The leader scoffed, dismissing their lives as inconsequential compared to the allure of the treasure.

Consumed by hatred for the thieves and her own powerlessness, Wallona closed her eyes, delving deep within herself. She envisioned her body as a vessel, her blood boiling with newfound energy, connecting her to the vast universe. In a trance, she relinquished all thoughts and self-awareness, becoming one with the cosmos. With sheer determination, she harnessed a fraction of the universe’s power, attempting to obliterate her enemies.

Yet, her control wavered, the immense power slipping through her fingers. Desperation fueled her, and she reached out to a colossal force, pulling it towards her enemies. A distant boom resonated, and in an instant, the thieves were buried beneath the debris of her own home.

Hope flickered in Wallona’s eyes as she surveyed the fallen thieves, but horror engulfed her when she turned her gaze to her parents. Crawling through the rubble, she found them buried under stones and debris. Determination overcame her, and with bare hands, she clawed at the earth, tears streaming down her face.

A feeble whisper reached her ears, drawing her to her mother’s fading voice. Trembling, she crawled towards her, the weight of her actions crushing her soul. Apologies spilled from her lips, but her mother’s gaze held understanding, even in her final moments.

“Wallona, come here,” her mother’s voice, weak but filled with love, called her close.

Crawling at a snail’s pace, Wallona approached her mother, heartache etched in her eyes. She whispered apologies, unable to meet her mother’s gaze, yet found solace in the comforting smile on her lips.

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And in that moment, amidst the devastation, Wallona clung to her mother, her sanctuary in this world shattered, leaving her adrift in a sea of grief and remorse.”

““Look into my eyes,” her mother whispered, her voice barely audible over the crumbling remnants of their home. Wallona hesitated, fear etched across her face. With a gentle yet somber smile, her mother spoke, “You did your best. Your father and I are proud of you.”

“I-I didn’t mean for this to happen,” Wallona stammered, her voice breaking. “I’m so sorry. If I had known, I would never have attempted to use magic. I can’t bear the weight of this guilt.”

Her mother reached out, cupping Wallona’s face tenderly. “You were only trying to protect us. This is not your burden to carry. Don’t blame yourself.”

Tears welled in Wallona’s eyes. How could she not blame herself? She forced the words out, “I’ll try not to, for your sake.” With trembling hands, she attempted to clear the debris, desperate to save her mother.

But her mother stopped her, her touch gentle but firm. “There’s no saving me now. I can feel my time slipping away. Listen, my brave girl. You must escape this place, start anew, and live the life you dreamed of. Take our blessings with you.”

“No!” Wallona cried out, her voice breaking. “You can’t leave us. The guards will come. They can help you. They can save you!”

Her mother let out a sad sigh, her eyes filled with love and resignation. “My only regret is not seeing you grow, marry and have children. You must share our stories with them. Promise me, Wallona. Promise you’ll fulfill my last wish.”

“I won’t hear such words!” Wallona scolded, her voice trembling. Despite her resistance, she turned her face towards her father’s lifeless form. She dreaded the sight, fearing the truth. No signs of life, no breath, only peaceful repose.

Reality crashed over her like a tidal wave. “Dad, please!” she pleaded, her voice desperate. “Answer me. Dad, wake up. Please, don’t leave me.”

A cruel voice in her mind whispered accusations, “You’ve killed them both.” She couldn’t deny it, the truth resonated in her bones.

Weakness consumed her, drained by the use of magic and the shock of her parents’ deaths. Exhausted, she sank to the ground, closing her eyes, entering a nightmarish world.

could wake up and undo the tragedy she had caused. But deep down, she knew there was no escaping the truth. The weight of her actions bore down on her, a burden too heavy to bear.”

***

In the familiar embrace of her dining room, Wallona savored her meal while her parents shared laughter and conversation. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, yet Wallona couldn’t help but feel disconnected, a silent observer in her own world. Her parents discussed plans for her upcoming sixteenth birthday, proposing a tour to celebrate the occasion.

“Where would you like to go, Wallona?” her mother inquired, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Anywhere you choose,” Wallona replied, her voice lacking enthusiasm. Deep down, she knew her opinion wouldn’t hold much weight, given her parents’ penchant for surprises, often at her expense.

“Don’t be a spoil sport,” her dad interjected, his tone playful. “It’s your special day. You should be thrilled.”

Forcing a thin smile, Wallona retorted, “I am excited, just not visibly so. How many times have my preferences truly mattered?”

Her frustration boiled over as she confronted her parents, accusing them of disregarding her wishes. Their denial only fueled her anger, but it was swiftly replaced by confusion and horror when her mother accused her of their demise. Goosebumps prickled her skin as she confronted the fragmented memories of that fateful day – thieves, magic, and unintended destruction.

In the chilling silence that followed, Wallona’s attempts to defend herself were met with a paralyzing force, rendering her speechless. As warm tears streaked down her cheeks, she pleaded for forgiveness, desperate to convey her innocence. But the lifeless gazes of her parents held no mercy, leaving her drained and defeated.

Closing her eyes, she longed for escape, hoping that she would awaken from this nightmare. Yet, deep down, she knew there was no waking from the reality she had wrought upon herself and her beloved parents.