Rising Winds of Fate

Amelia's eighteenth birthday had arrived, but there was no cause for celebration. The King's decree had cast a shadow over their modest home. Guards had begun patrolling the area, enforcing the mandate that all children, whether relatives or not, must be tested for their silver lineage.

Amelia had not been given a decree; unbeknownst to the public, her existence had been kept a secret. But she was not yet eighteen, and her full powers had grown stronger with each passing day of training under her Aunt Eliza's guidance.

Inside their simple home, Amelia marked her eighteenth year with her Aunt Eliza as her only companion. There were no guests, no festivities, just the two of them, unaware of the impending danger that lurked outside.

As the evening unfolded, the guards arrived unannounced. They entered the house without permission, a privilege granted by the King's decree. Amelia's heart pounded as she watched their intrusion from the shadows.

One of the guards, a sinister grin on his face, approached Aunt Eliza and spoke in a mocking tone. "You said there were no children here, that your relatives died in a fire. Yet, here we are, on the day of her eighteenth birthday."

Aunt Eliza's eyes narrowed, her voice filled with defiance. "I will not allow you to harm her."

The guard's gaze turned cold as he ordered his comrade, "Get the girl."

Amelia's heart raced as she watched them draw nearer. Aunt Eliza's words resonated in her mind. She knew what she had to do.

Before the guard could reach her, Aunt Eliza stepped in his path, her voice resolute. "Over my dead body."

The guard's smirk faded, replaced by a chilling resolve. "That can be arranged," he sneered, motioning to the other guard.

Aunt Eliza locked eyes with Amelia, her voice low but determined. "Run, Amelia. Remember everything I've taught you. Take the Book of Secrets your mother gave you. Find a friend of ours named John. He's a half-breed, but you can trust him. He knew about you before you were born. Show him the necklace I gave you when you turned eighteen. It will protect you and remind you of the love your parents and I had for you. Go, my dear. I love you."

Tears welled up in Amelia's silver eyes as she clung to her Aunt. "No, I won't leave you."

Aunt Eliza's gaze softened with love and determination. "Go," she urged once more, her voice trembling with emotion.

Amelia nodded, tears streaming down her face. With one last, agonizing look at her Aunt, she turned and ran, clutching the Book of Secrets and the necklace that held her parents' love. She fled into the night, leaving behind the chaos and danger that had engulfed her home, on a mission to find John and unlock the secrets of her destiny.