Wholesome

I look around the room, meeting the solemn yet unwavering gazes of my guardians. Their faces are etched with determination and loyalty, a reflection of the bond we share.

Daisy is the first to speak, her voice resolute. “You are my queen, Lenora. No matter what happens, I will give my life to protect you.” Her words carry a fierce conviction, and I can see the fire in her eyes.

Marco steps forward next, standing tall with his hand over his heart. “I have sworn my oath to you, and I do not wish to break it—ever.” His loyalty, solid as stone, radiates through the room.

Maya nods, her voice soft but firm. “I will stand by you until I take my final breath.” She steps closer, her gaze unwavering.

Arya’s voice carries the confidence of a warrior. “You’ve protected everything special to me, my brother, my people. I will defend you no matter what.”

Finally, Claude speaks, his anger barely contained as he recalls the werewolves who perished. “I want to help you avenge the wolves. I couldn’t save them before, but I’m stronger now. I will not let them go unavenged.”

I look at each of them, my heart swelling with pride and gratitude. These are my friends, my companions, my protectors. They stand with me, not because they have to, but because they choose to. “I appreciate you all more than words can express,” I say, my voice soft yet filled with emotion. “Your loyalty warms my heart.”

Without a second thought, we embrace in a group hug. Their strength, their presence—it grounds me, pulling me back from the edge of despair. Without them, I would have spiraled into darkness long ago, consumed by the weight of everything I’ve lost and everything I must still fight for.

When the hug ends, I take a steadying breath, feeling stronger than before. It’s time to see how the village is faring. “Let’s go outside and check on the villagers,” I say with a smile.

The scene that greets us is nothing short of spectacular. Magic is everywhere, swirling through the air like a living force. It feels like the village has transformed into the heart of a magical city, nestled deep within the forest. Fairies fill the training grounds—now four times the size it was yesterday. They are practicing their newfound abilities, helping each other grow stronger.

I feel a sense of pride and confidence watching them. They’re learning quickly. They’ll be able to protect one another.

As I walk through the village, there are bows, waves, and words of gratitude at every turn. The fairies’ smiles are brighter, their movements more assured. I nod in return, my heart swelling with hope.

But then, a pull in my mind distracts me—a calling. I reach for my magic mirror, sensing that someone needs to speak with me. “Queen Lenora,” a voice says as the mirror activates. A fairy from the garden village appears, her face lined with worry. “Please, we need your help. There has been an attack. Ravens. They were transporting a large number of fairies, but we managed to scare them off.”

Her words hit me like a bolt of lightning. More captured fairies? I grip the mirror tightly. “Are you all okay?”

“We’re fine for now,” she replies, “but the fairies they brought are in terrible shape. Their bodies are weak, and their minds are lost. Please, we need you to help them.”

“I’ll be there as soon as I can,” I promise, slipping the mirror back into my pouch. I turn to my guardians, explaining the situation. “We need to go to the garden village. There are more fairies who need our help.”

Before we leave, I address the rest of the villagers, raising my voice so it carries across the square. “We’re going to the garden village to help. If anyone here wishes to join us, now is the time.”

A large group of men step forward without hesitation. Some mention their families, others their homes, but all of them share the same determination. They want to fight. They want to protect.

“Hold hands,” I instruct, forming the circle as we prepare to teleport. With a pulse of magic, we’re transported to the garden village.

The moment we arrive, gasps, cheers, and sobs of joy erupt all around us. Fairies rush forward, reuniting with their families, embracing one another in pure relief. My heart feels light as I watch them. This… this is why we fight.

A fairy steps forward, her presence calm and strong. “Queen Lenora, my name is Aemma. Thank you for coming so quickly.” She gestures toward the group of fairies that had been rescued, their fragile forms huddled together. “We managed to scare the ravens away, but these fairies… they’re not well. Their bodies are weak, and their minds… they’re still lost.”

I look over at them, my chest tightening. There are so many—at least 500, and all of them look drained, their life force barely flickering. I step toward them and introduce myself. “I’m here to help you,” I say gently, raising my hands as I call forth the golden light within me. It radiates outward, wrapping around the group of fairies like a warm embrace, my energy seeking out the dark magic still clinging to them.

One by one, they begin to blossom, their curses lifting. Tears of relief fall as they bow before me, their voices shaking with gratitude.

I smile softly, placing a hand over my heart. “You’re safe now. Thank you for your strength. You are all free.”

Aemma bows her head to me, her voice soft with emotion. “Thank you, Queen Lenora. You’ve saved us once again.”

I place a gentle hand on her shoulder. “You did the right thing by calling me. You are always welcome to reach out again if you need help.”

With the fairies now free and safe, I know this village will flourish. And as we prepare to leave, I look back at the group of reunited families, my heart swelling with hope once more. The darkness may be rising, but so is the strength of our people. We will endure. We will fight back.