RETURN AND PROMISE

I stirred awake to find Princess Agatha, Princess Rissane, and Prince Meron seated around me, their eyes fixed on my face with a mixture of relief and curiosity.

"She's awake," Princess Agatha announced softly, breaking the silence that hung in the air.

*GROANS*

"Lay down and rest for now, you're still too weak to get up," Princess Rissane advised, her warm smile easing my discomfort.

"No, don't worry, I'm alright now—huh? Wait, my wounds, they're gone," I exclaimed in surprise, running my hands over my previously injured shoulders.

"Oh, I healed your wounds," Princess Rissane replied casually.

"Thank you!" I exclaimed gratefully.

"No, no, that's no big deal. We should be the ones thanking you for protecting us. Without you, we might not have made it out alive," Princess Rissane said warmly, prompting Prince Meron and Princess Agatha to nod in agreement.

"Thank you very much," they both chorused simultaneously.

"No problem," I replied shyly, feeling a warm flush of appreciation.

"Besides, I don't really know what happened to me back there," I continued, my mind still struggling to grasp the intensity of the events.

*CLEAR THROAT*

"If I may ask, what Awakened class are you?" Prince Meron inquired, leaning in with intense curiosity.

"Oh, I haven't Awakened yet," I confessed.

"WHAT?!" they all exclaimed in unison, shock evident on their faces.

"Do you really mean it? You haven't Awakened yet and you were able to handle those guys without any problem?" Prince Meron asked incredulously.

"Hey, give her some space," Princess Agatha interjected, shooting her brother a reproachful look.

"Oh, sorry. Pardon my behavior," Prince Meron apologized, settling back into his seat.

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*PAUSES*

Silence settled over the cave as we each processed the revelations and the aftermath of the night's events.

"What about you guys? Have you Awakened yet?" I asked, curious about their abilities.

"Yeah, we Awakened right from birth," Prince Meron confirmed.

"Wow, cool. Do all royals Awaken from birth?" I queried further.

"Yeah, I think so," Princess Agatha replied.

"So, what class are you guys?" I pressed on.

"I'm an Orange Queen class. My innate ability is moon magic," Princess Rissane chimed in cheerfully.

"Orange Queen class, and my innate ability is sun magic," Princess Agatha added with a smile.

Princes Meron Clears his throat and said, "I'm an Orange King class. My innate ability is star magic," He Declared proudly, puffing out his chest.

"Oh, brother," Princess Agatha muttered in mock dismay, prompting laughter from Princess Rissane and me.

THE NIGHT PASSED WITH TALKS ABOUT OUR LIVES AND HOW THEY PLANNED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR MAGIC BEFORE THE AMBUSH.

"It'll be great. I advise that you guys go to the woman's place, as your fathers have agreed to it. They want you to be strong, and I want all of you to be strong enough to protect each kingdom with utmost pride," I suggested earnestly.

They all listened attentively and agreed with my words.

THE NIGHT WORE ON, AND SOON MORNING BROKE IN THE DUNGEON. IT HAD ONLY BEEN TWO HOURS IN THE REAL WORLD, AND WE WERE ALL READY TO LEAVE THE DUNGEON, HAVING SURVIVED THE ORDEAL.

The dungeon portal opened for us to leave, and we emerged without hesitation. We found ourselves standing in front of the palace. Prince Meron, Princess Agatha, and Princess Rissane were visibly relieved to be back.

"Let's go inside," Prince Meron suggested eagerly.

But before they could react, I was already on top of a building, ready to head home.

"Wait, why don't you come with us?" Princess Agatha called out.

"Don't worry, I know my way home. This is where our paths diverge. When I see you guys again, I want to see all of you strong. Do you promise me that?" I asked, saying goodbye.

"WE PROMISE," they replied together, though clearly disappointed I didn't join them. They waved goodbye as I prepared to depart.

"Till next time," I said and jumped away, swiftly making my way to the other side where the bookstore awaited. To my surprise, my mom was there, anxiously searching for me after hearing about the attack on the royal children.

"Mommy!" I called out, rushing into her arms.

"Emma dear!" my mom exclaimed, hugging me tightly. "Where have you been? I've been looking everywhere for you!"

I told her a little white lie to ease her worries. After all, the bookstore didn't open that day due to the incident. So, my mom and I headed home empty-handed.

AT THE ROYAL CASTLE

Meanwhile, after Rissane, Agatha, and Meron returned to the castle, their respective parents were overjoyed to see them safe and sound. They bombarded them with questions about where they had been and how they had escaped, but the siblings and Princess Rissane kept my existence a secret, as I had requested. All the parents were relieved that nothing bad had happened to their children.

As they gathered in the castle, Agatha, Meron, and Rissane discussed the night's events and made a pact.

"We will all get stronger to stand by our friend Emma once more," they vowed together, determined to train and improve their skills.

I learned something important along the way: life isn't about Awakening first; it's about how well you Awaken. Will it be a mediocre Awakening or an explosive one? My goal is to Awaken like an explosion...

END...