Answers

“Wow, I can hardly believe my eyes,” Mrs. Maybe breathes, her gaze fixed on my arm. “You’ve only just turned eighteen today, and you already have six symbols. That’s unheard of.”

She looks up at me, as if realizing she needs to explain more. “These symbols are ancient fairy runes, each representing a different power. When you master an ability, the rune engraves itself into your skin.”

She points to the first symbol. “This one is time. You are a master of time—you can speed it up, slow it down, and even freeze it. The only other fairy known to possess this power is your mother.”

My heart skips a beat at the mention of my mother’s power.

“This next rune,” she continues, “is for water. You can control the element of water.” She pulls up her sleeve, revealing the same symbol on her arm. “I am also a master of water. We can control it, create it, freeze it, heat it, and even breathe underwater.”

I stare at her arm, my mind reeling with everything she’s saying. Water? Time?

She leans closer, her eyes wide in amazement as she studies my arm. “Now, this rune here—healing. No other fairy has ever mastered healing. You truly are remarkable. Many of us can heal minor wounds, but we only ever gain half of the symbol. Yours is the first complete healing rune ever known.”

I swallow, feeling the weight of her words settle over me. Healing, too?

She moves on to the next rune. “This one is teleportation. Only the royal family can possess this rune. It allows you to travel anywhere you can think of in an instant.”

I glance down at my arm, my thoughts swirling.

“And this,” she says, pointing to a different symbol, “is the rune of truth. When you touched my hand earlier, you experienced its power. It allows you to pull the truth you seek from the heart of the person you touch. They’ll feel the truth release as you draw it out.”

I blink in surprise, remembering the jolt of energy I felt when I touched her.

“And finally,” she says, her voice softening, “your birth rune.” She shakes her head. “This one has never been documented in any of the ancient fairy libraries. I can’t help you understand it, but you’ve had it since birth. I wonder if it has something to do with your parents’ union. You are truly the first of your kind.”

Her words hit me like a wave, and I struggle to absorb them. “But most fairies only ever gain one rune in their entire life, right?”

Mrs. Maybe nods solemnly. “Yes. Most of us gain only one rune, though we can temporarily use other runes if we draw them. Royal fairies may unlock up to four, but it takes years to do so. You already have six, and you’ve only been eighteen for a few hours.”

Her words echo in my head, and I feel the weight of them pressing down on me. “Is there something wrong with me?” I ask, my voice shaky. “All my senses have been in overdrive since I left home this morning.”

She smiles gently. “There’s nothing wrong with you, my dear. You are special. As soon as you walked into my office, I felt this powerful aura pulsing from you. It’s the most beautiful and pure aura I’ve ever sensed. Having heightened senses may be something you’ve inherited from your father’s bloodline. You should ask your nana when you see her. But remember—always follow your heart if you’re ever in doubt.”

A soft knock at the door interrupts our conversation.

Mrs. Maybe straightens in her seat. “I have to say goodbye for now, dear. Perhaps this is our final goodbye, but who knows where life will take us.” She smiles sadly, then reaches into her drawer, pulling out a small box. “Oh, one more thing—happy birthday, Lenora.”

I open the box to find a beautiful gold and diamond bracelet nestled inside. My breath catches in my throat.

“This was a gift from your mother,” Mrs. Maybe says softly. “I believe it will bring you good luck on your journey.” She fastens the bracelet around my wrist.

I feel a rush of emotion, and I embrace her tightly. “Thank you, Mrs. Maybe. For everything.”

After one last, heartfelt hug, I close my eyes and think of my next destination. When I open them again, I’m standing outside the familiar entrance of my workplace for the past three years:

Annie’s Diner.