They say that in our world, light is an illusion.
I believe that's true. Because even when it was bright… all I felt was cold.
My room was at the highest point of the palace – not out of honor, but so no one could hear me scream. The walls were made of black stone, smooth and silent. Like my family.
"You are the heir," my father said. "You will learn to obey."
But I am not an heir. I am a person.
Or… I want to be one.
The books my mother secretly brought me smelled like another world. Pages full of colors, foreign words, foreign cities. Stories of children going to school, of parents laughing, of places without magic – and yet full of wonder.
I sat on the floor, knees pulled to my chest, staring at the old, yellowed book in my hands. Today, a story about a family laughing together at the breakfast table. I didn't know what that felt like. I could only imagine it.
Suddenly, a door opened quietly. No guard, no command – just her.
"Makima?" My mother's voice was a whisper, as always. In this house, even love wasn't allowed to be loud.
She stepped in, closed the door behind her, and sat next to me on the floor. Her long, delicate fingers brushed a strand of hair from my face.
"You're reading again?"
I nodded. "I like this world. It sounds… beautiful."
She said nothing for a while. Only the rain spoke.
"Going to the beach? Mama, what does that mean, I don't understand?"
She gave a pained smile. "The beach, my love, is a shore with sand and saltwater from the other world. People like to go there together to swim, play, laugh, and are – quite literally – free from worries and problems." She lowered her voice. "Just like you should be."
Silence.
Then she whispered, "I have something for you."
She pulled a silver necklace from her cloak. In the center: three green drops, almost transparent, like tiny glass beads. Magic – ancient magic.
I stared at her. "That's portal energy… That's forbidden."
"I know." She gently placed it around my neck. "But I don't want you to stay here. Not anymore."
My voice trembled. "You're helping me escape?"
"My love, your father wants to marry you off to someone terrible tomorrow. He… won't let you leave ever again."
My heart pounded faster.
My father. Cold, cruel. Always nearby. Always ready to punish me if I wasn't "worthy."
I have to get out. Now or never.
————————————————————
Later, in the middle of the night.
I stood in the hallway, wrapped tightly in the cloak my mother gave me. The necklace beneath the fabric felt heavier than usual – or was that just the pressure in my chest?
Doesn't matter. There's no turning back now.
I took a deep breath.
Left. Right. Nothing.
Two guards stood further ahead – tired, not alert enough.
My chance🪄
I took a deep breath, clenched my fist, then whispered:
Refraction Pulse✨
A green light gathered in my palm, grew stronger – then shot out across the floor.
✴️BAM✴️
The guards flew backward into the wall. One landed right on top of the other. Unconscious. Maybe a bit much… but effective.
I ran forward. Each step powered by my aura.
Two more guards appeared – this time quicker. One threw a spear.
I raised my arm.
🛡️Barrier Dome🛡️
A shimmering shield appeared in front of me and deflected the spear like a toy.
Metal shattered, the spear hit the floor. The guards charged.
I let them.
👊Pulse Breaker⚡️
My hand lit up, and I struck upward with full force. He flew like a sack of potatoes through the air.
The last one attacked. I ducked, grabbed him, and hurled him hard against the wall. He stayed down.
I grinned slightly. Not from exhaustion – just… self-worth.
"Oh my god, I've never taken out so many people in such a short time."
I had to hurry. Just two more corridors to the portal room.
Then suddenly – alarm.
Damn.
Someone had found the unconscious guards. Red light crystals flared to life. I heard footsteps. Loud, fast, armed.
No more hiding. Time for Plan B.
(Epic music begins playing)
I sprinted.
A hallway full of columns, then the big staircase. I jumped two steps at a time while guards approached from the side.
Spears flew – I called:
🛡️Barrier Dome🛡️
A shield appeared, blocked the attack, sent sparks flying. I rolled to the side, then leapt with a spin to the top step.
There – three guards waiting.
I stood still, gathered my power, and felt the tingling in my fingers.
"Come on then," I murmured. "I'm in a really bad mood today."
The first charged. I dodged, grabbed his cloak, and threw him over the railing.
The second struck with a staff – I ducked, then countered with a sideways strike.
👊👊👊Breaker Rush👊👊👊 – six quick punches in a row, each charged with energy. He toppled like a sack of flour.
The third hesitated.
My eyes began to glow neon green. "You want some too?"
You could hear him swallow in fear. He dropped his sword and ran away.
Good choice.
Then I finally reached the portal room. The ground vibrated slightly – the generator was ready.
In the center, a circular opening – exactly what the necklace was for.
I pulled off one of the drops. The green shimmering thing pulsed lightly in my hand.
I let it fall.
Click.
A hum.
Then, the mechanical noise mixed with magical flickering. The floor beneath me began to glow – ancient runes, gears made of light, floating rings.
Then – the portal.
Green. Vast. Flickering. Unstable. And open.
Behind me, I heard footsteps. Many.
They're here.
I stepped closer to the portal. The light was warm. Inviting.
I thought of the book on my floor.
Of breakfasts with real conversations.
Of friends.
Of a home.
This is my only chance.
I didn't turn around. No final look. No goodbye.
And I jumped.