The room was spacious yet cozy, with large windows that overlooked the gardens. Soft silken drapes fluttered from the balcony doors, and warm golden light glowed from the embedded energy stones along the walls.
Phoenix dropped an old backpack she had retrieved from the closet onto her bed. Excitement buzzed in her veins, but underneath it… a ripple of unease. The last time she had opened a portal to the Seven Kingdoms, she’d had help. This time, it was all her.
She swallowed hard, shoving her doubts aside. Pulling open her backpack, she began stuffing in essentials to take: a change of clothes, a few toiletries, and some snacks. They only planned to be gone for a day or two at the most. It would be too dangerous to stay too long. Their dads would start to get suspicious if things were too quiet.
Across from her, Spring packed neatly and methodically, a sharp contrast to the rest of their bedroom, which was littered with discarded clothes, more shoes, games, and a few cups and plates they had forgotten to take back to the kitchen. Phoenix noticed her sister’s movements were slower than usual.
Frowning, she sat on the edge of the bed. “You okay?”
Spring gave a small smile. “Yeah. Just thinking.”
Phoenix knew better.
She tugged Spring down beside her. “Spill.”
Spring hesitated before finally muttering under her breath, “It’s stupid.”
Phoenix arched an eyebrow. “You never say things are stupid unless it’s about Roam doing something he shouldn’t—which is all the time.”
Spring laughed softly, but it faded as she looked away.
After a long pause, she whispered, “I don’t think I’m as pretty or as smart as Adaline.”
Phoenix blinked, caught off guard. “What?”
Spring sighed. “She can do all these amazing things—she can harness energy like it’s second nature. I—I can’t do that. I can’t do what you do either.” Her voice dropped lower. “I can’t even shift into something as incredible as you. I’m just a plain dragon who loves to dig in the dirt.”
Phoenix’s chest ached when her sister lifted her hands and stared at her nails. They were clean, thanks to their dish-washing, but her nails were short and uneven.
Phoenix tightened her grip around Spring’s shoulders. “Spring, you are amazing.”
Spring let out a skeptical laugh.
Phoenix pulled back to meet her golden gaze. “You talk to plants like no one else can. They listen to you. You make the gardens thrive. And don’t even get me talking about the amazing tunnels and hideouts you make under the ground. That is magic!”
Spring bit her lip, doubt still lingering.
Phoenix cupped her face gently. “And you’re beautiful, inside and out. Roam’s an idiot, and Adaline’s just figuring out where she fits. Don’t let their teasing make you forget who you are.”
Spring gave a weak smile. “You sound like Mom.”
Phoenix grinned. “Well, she is pretty smart.”
They sat together in companionable silence.
Then, in a hushed voice, Phoenix admitted, “There’s something else I haven’t told the others about the Isle of the Monsters.”
Spring pulled back slightly. “What is it?”
Phoenix hesitated. Then, whispering, “I saw something. Someone. If we go there, I’m hoping I can find out more about who and what I am.”
Phoenix felt a wave of calm settle over her, and she looked up, feeling as if they weren’t alone. A smile played at the corner of her lips when Spring cupped her hand and said, “Then we have to go.”
Nodding in agreement, she couldn’t help but think that as long as they had a Goddess or two watching over them, they would be alright.
Above them, unseen and silent, Aminta hovered. A soft, thoughtful smile played on her lips before she vanished into the night. It looked like tomorrow would be a very interesting day for the young dragons and their friends.
Chapter Three
