Page 35 of A Storm of Fire and Ice

The headmaster’s gaze sharpened as she peered at it behind her spectacles, scanning the text. “You’re quite right, Gwyneira.” She nodded thoughtfully. “It does appear to be related to Chaos Magic.”

“But it’s written like a damn riddle!” Brontes exclaimed out of frustration. “Every second this takes is another second that Gwyneira is in danger. We must hunt her down and end this!”

I laid a calming hand on his arm. Brontes was always so protective of me, but we couldn’t rush into a battle with Obsidia blindly.

“Can you help us decipher its meaning?” Fannar asked.

“Let us examine it together,” Headmaster Moira suggested, motioning for us to come closer.

Fannar, Brontes, and I leaned in, eyes dancing over the faded script as we studied the cryptic prophecy.

“So this first part: ‘When Chaos unveils its shadow vast, / The realm shall tremble, futures recast,’” I read aloud, feeling the weight of the words settle upon us. “I think refers to Chaos Magic threatening the Enchanted Realm.”

Headmaster Moira nodded in agreement.

“‘From unity’s heart, a storm of fire and ice shall rise,’” Brontes continued.

“Storm, fire, and ice,” the headmaster mused, tapping her chin with one slender finger. “That could be the three of you and Helena. The four of you represent Storm, Fire, and Ice Enchanted.”

My heart raced at the implications. Fannar, Brontes, and I glanced at each other in astonishment.Could this prophecy really be about us?

“‘Two become one, the key to the realm’s reprise.’” Fannar read the next line. “But who are the two?”

I pondered the question, biting my lip. A realization dawned on me. “Not who, but what. The next line starts with ‘Powers merge.’ Two powers become one.” I jumped down to the last line. “Then, it says ‘For in combined might . . .’”

“Like Combined Enchanted?” Brontes asked.

“Exactly!” I exclaimed.

“Yes,” Headmaster Moira’s eyes widened with excitement as well. “‘The key to the realm’s reprise’ could mean that your Combined powers are the key to save the Enchanted Realm from Chaos Magic.”

“‘A hidden truth from the past . . .’” Fannar recited. “Do you think that’s Helena?”

“Yes, finding out she’s a princess.” Brontes nodded.

“‘For in combined might, the scales find balance at last,’” I read again.

“You must work together to unlock your full potential.” Headmaster Moira pressed her hands together and touched them to her lips. “Your Combined Enchanted powers and unified strength are the keys to defeating Chaos Magic and restoring balance in the realm.”

My heart pounded with exhilaration and fear, my mind racing, as she continued to speak, “The Chaos Magic that Obsidia wields draws its strength from disorder and imbalance. However, the four of you possess an incredibly rare trait—the ability to wield two types of elemental power in harmony as Combined Enchanted. Though you come from different kingdoms and backgrounds, by working together, you can create balance through your unity.”

Brontes’s handsome face hardened, and his dark navy eyes took on a steely glint. “We have the potential to stop her,” he declared in a low, decisive rumble.

“Indeed, it is possible,” Headmaster Moira agreed.

As Combined Enchanted,wewere the keys to defeating Obsidia and protecting the Enchanted Realm. This was our purpose. Our destiny.

Fannar’s face flickered with concern as he glanced at me. “But Gwyneira is the only one of us who knows how to control both of her powers.”

“Then, each of you must learn.” Headmaster Moira waved nonchalantly, as if accomplishing the task would be no trouble at all, her calm voice slicing through the charged atmosphere.

“Headmaster, how do we begin?” Brontes asked.

“You must train closely with each other and learn to work together in unison while mastering your dual powers. You must not only strengthen your skills but your bond with one another. Only then will you be ready to face Obsidia and the darkness that threatens our realm.”

“Understood,” Fannar nodded.

“Remember,” Headmaster Moira cautioned. “In the face of chaos, unity and balance are your greatest weapons. Hold on to that, and you will prevail.”

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