Emma's sharp intake of breath echoed through the carriage, her wide silver eyes fixed on her mother. “What? You’re a hybrid? An elf-human hybrid?”
Vivian’s soft laugh broke the tension. “Yes, my dear. Surprised?”
Emma could only stare, her thoughts spinning. Her mother—a hybrid? It explained so much, yet raised even more questions. She opened her mouth to speak, but before the words formed, Vivian gently touched her daughter’s slightly pointed ears, her fingertips brushing against their delicate curve.
“I assume you’re wondering about the ears,” Vivian teased with a chuckle. “You see, my father’s human genes were dominant, which is why I appear fully human. But you...” Her voice softened as she cupped Emma’s chin, a smile tugging at her lips. “Your ears are getting pointier, aren’t they?”
Emma blinked, startled. “You noticed too? I only realized it today. But how? Dad isn’t an elf. So why—?”
Vivian’s laughter was like the gentle chime of a bell. “Ah, genetics can be so perplexing. I think you inherited more from your elven grandmother. Bloodlines can resurface in the most unexpected ways.”
Emma’s thoughts churned as she tried to piece it all together. “So… Ellie and Ethan—do they have elf traits too?”
Vivian shook her head, her silver hair catching the golden light streaming through the window. “No, your father’s human bloodline is more dominant in your siblings. You, however…” She tilted her head, studying Emma’s features. “You’ve drawn more deeply from your elven heritage.”
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Emma nodded slowly, her mind racing. So traits depend on the balance of bloodlines? That must be why I’m noticing changes in my body, while Ellie and Ethan seem fully human. It’s like the elven side of me has just been lying dormant... waiting.
Her fingers brushed against her ears, the faintly pointed tips now unmistakable. “Mom, what do they call elf-human hybrids?” she asked, her voice quieter now, almost hesitant.
“Hulves,” Vivian answered simply.
“Hulves,” Emma repeated, the word rolling off her tongue. A smile broke across her face. “That’s a nice name.” She laughed softly, the tension in the carriage dissipating.
The brief silence that followed was peaceful, broken only by the rhythmic creak of the wheels. Emma’s thoughts drifted, wondering how much of her identity had yet to reveal itself. But her musings were interrupted as the carriage slowed, the driver’s voice cutting through the stillness.
“Look ahead,” he called.
Emma leaned forward, her silver eyes widening in awe. Just ahead of them, shimmering against the horizon, was a swirling blue vortex. Its edges rippled like liquid crystal, glowing faintly with a magical light that pulsed in time with some unseen rhythm.
“Mom, is that… a portal?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Vivian’s eyes twinkled as she nodded. “Yes, dear. It’s the magical gate connecting the Lands Between to the regions beyond. Once we pass through, you’ll see something truly spectacular.”
Emma’s heart quickened. The sight of the portal was mesmerizing, the intricate magical patterns swirling within it drawing her gaze like a moth to flame. “Magical, huh?” she murmured, her excitement barely contained.
Her mind raced with anticipation. What lies on the other side? What kind of magic creates something so beautiful?
The carriage inched closer, the glow of the portal illuminating their path. As the vortex loomed larger, Emma’s thoughts stilled, replaced by the thrill of the unknown. The boundary between worlds awaited them, and she couldn’t help but wonder what wonders—or dangers—might lie beyond.