I walked through the dark halls of the old castle, Adrian following close behind me. “Where do you think this thing is?” He asked, looking around at the overgrown walls of the old palace. This place used to be a grand place, many parties and balls were held here. Then, one day, it fell into ruin, the family who lived here vanished. It is said that a witch came and cursed the family. Of course, the witch would be gone now, considering that was over 100 years ago, but the place was still creepy none the less.

The further we walked through the damp castle, the more uneasy I began to feel. Then, suddenly, I felt a strong surge of energy. It felt like a burning sensation pulsing through my veins. I must’ve stopped because Adrian suddenly bumped into me, knocking both of us down on the ground.

The fall was softer than it would normally be because moss coated the cold stone floors and Adrian had wrapped his arms around me, cushioning my fall. “Sorry Adelle…” He said, not making eye contact. He was about to get up when I kissed his cheek. He froze, a surprised expression on his face.

I laughed and grabbed his shirt, flipping us so that I was in top, and stood up, offering him my hand to help him up. When he didn’t take my hand, I grabbed his arm and dragged him up. As I was ‘helping’ him up, I said, “C’mon y’a big elephant! Use your legs, we gotta get going if we’re ever going to find this relic.

He snapped out of his trance and stood up, “Uh- Sorry…” he said hurriedly. Just after he said that, I heard what sounded like a door creaking open somewhere further down the hall. “Did you hear that?” I asked Adrian. “Yeah, it sounded like a door.” He said, looking around for the source of the sound. I walked down the hall but didn’t see any doors. “See anything on your side?” I called to Adrian, who was looking in the other direction. “No, nothing down here!” He called back.

I turned the corner and saw the source of the sound. There was a door open at the end of the hall with light streaming through. “Adrian!” I called, “Over here!” I heard his footsteps running toward me and he turned the corner to find me. “Wonder what’s in there…?” He said, walking closer to the door. “I don’t know, maybe the relic is there?” I said following close behind him. “We should be careful just in case it’s something else.” He said, reaching for the hilt of his sword. I stepped ahead of him and reached for the door handle, opening it just enough to slip inside.

Once inside, I looked around the room to see three of four walls covered floor to ceiling with windows, and in the center was a marble pedestal with a beautiful, glowing, golden orb on a somehow pristine silk cushion. “Woah…” I heard Adrian breathe from next to me.

I walked forward and reached out to pick up the orb. As soon as I touched it a bright light burst out and I felt a rush of energy flowing through me. It took my breath away for only a moment then it was all over. Adrian rushed over to me. “Are you ok?!” He asked, looking me up and down. “Yeah. I’m fine.” I said, looking curiously at the orb. I had only heard about it through the stories my mother and grandmother told me. It was even more beautiful than I had imagined. It is said that the very orb that’s in my hands contains an immense amount of magic, and I think I’ve just awoken the dormant power inside…