Page 30 of A Storm of Fire and Ice

“I doubt it,” Headmaster Moira said thoughtfully. “I’m familiar with the type of dark magic used by the Iron Circle, and it sounds very different from how you describe Obsidia’s magic. Also, Princess Aria defeated the Iron Circle in our realm shortly after she resurfaced here.”

Aria had defeated the Iron Circle and avenged our family. My chest bloomed with pride for the sister I’d never met.

“Is Aria . . . Is she okay now?” I asked, not really sure why.

“From what I’ve heard, she’s doing quite well.” Headmaster Moira smiled softly. “The Princess currently attends Athenaeum Academy in Ravensbend—in her third year, by my calculations. She will ascend the throne of the Fire Kingdom upon graduation.”

I stared at the portrait of the royal family again, my eyes tracing over the features of the baby princess that mirrored my own.

“Could I really be Princess Helia?” I whispered, almost to myself.

“I can’t say for certain, but given Aria’s history, it would be plausible for the Fire Kingdom to have hidden Princess Helia in the Unenchanted Realm as well.”

“But, Headmaster, is there any way to confirm she’s Princess Helia?” Fannar asked, his grip on my hand tightening.

Headmaster Moira pondered the question, her eyes narrowing in thought and then widening again as an idea came to her mind. “Perhaps there is something more we can do, Helena. With your willingness and a unique stone, I can create a portal that will allow us see into the past.”

“Like my memories?”

“These may not be your own memories, but we will witness events that are connected to you, even those that you were too young to recall. The process can be emotionally overwhelming, but given what’s at stake, it could potentially confirm your identity. I leave the decision up to you.”

My stomach churned with anticipation, and I hesitated for a moment, locking eyes with Fannar. “What do you think, babe?”

“I think you know the answer, stubborn Fire Enchanted.” Fannar chuckled softly. “You really think you can walk away without trying?”

The idea of uncovering secrets from the past was both exhilarating and petrifying. Once I walked through that door, there would be no going back. But all the strength I needed stood right next to me. My prince.

“Alright.” I turned to the headmaster. “Let’s do it.”

“Very well.” Headmaster Moira opened her desk drawer and retrieved a small stone. She paused for a moment to focus until the stone began to emit a soft green glow. Rising from her chair, she walked over and stood beside me. “Hold the stone in your hands and concentrate on your earliest memories. My powers will do the rest.”

With a nod, I took the stone from her, its warmth pulsing against my skin.

She placed the tips of her fingers against one of my temples while her other hand pointed to a blank spot on the wall.

I closed my eyes and focused on my past, imagining myself as a baby and allowing the energy from the stone to flow through my arms and up into my mind.

A bright violet hue seeped through my eyelids, and I opened my eyes with a start. One of the headmaster’s portals swirled open before me on the wall, but a kaleidoscope of light and color replaced the usual black center. I held my breath, transfixed, as the mesmerizing whirlpool of iridescent lights within began to coalesce, my memories playing out vividly before us like a movie.

There I was, a baby cradled in the arms of an older woman nestled together in the cozy cottage. Sunlight streamed in through the lace curtains.

“Hello, little one, it’s Grandma. Did you have a nice nap?” my grandmother cooed, nuzzling my button nose as I left out a yawn. Her silver hair glowed in the warm light, falling around kind eyes and a face etched with laugh lines. “It’s such a lovely day today. Maybe we should go take a walk with Grandpa later. What do you say, Grandpa?”

My grandfather, a tall man with gentle eyes and silver hair that framed a wise, weathered face, gazed down at me with pure adoration.

“There’s my princess,” he greeted. Grandpa’s weathered hands engulfed mine, calloused thumbs gently stroking my tiny fingers. His beard tickled my cheek as he leaned down to plant a whiskery kiss.

I giggled and squirmed happily.

Grandpa chuckled. “How can you be so adorable, Helia?”

“She is precious, isn’t she?” Grandma beamed, tenderly brushing her fingers across my chubby cheek. “We’ll need to ask your mommy to let us babysit you more often.”

The warmth and security I felt in their presence enveloped me like a comforting blanket, their love for me filling the room with joy. A sweet melody drifted through the air, wafting from an intricately carved wooden music box that rested on a nearby table. I’d recognize the melody anywhere. It was my music box.

Suddenly, a series of loud bangs came from the front door. My grandparents’ heads jerked up in surprise, shattering the tranquility of our moment together. Grandpa swung the door open, revealing a disheveled man gasping for breath. His once pristine uniform was tattered and smeared with soot and blood, the royal crest of the Fire Kingdom barely visible on his chest.

“Pire!” My grandfather instantly recognized him, his eyes widening with alarm. “What happened?”

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