Chapter 1
November 19, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Chapter One - Opal
Opal hopped down from the oak tree, landing gracefully on the forest floor.
“Opal!” called her grandma, Grannyshroom.
“Yeah G’ma?” she responded, jogging towards the call.
“We’re running low on Sunshrooms.” the elderly lady rasped. Opal blinked.
“I can get some.” she offered. Grannyshroom shook her head slowly.
“It’s fine, we can collect some later. I need to speak with you about what’s happening today in the city.” she explained.
“Really?!” Opal gasped, her eyes widening.I never get to hear about the city! Me and G’ma live in the woods and I don’t think the cityfolk know we live here.
“Follow me,” said Grannyshroom. Opal grinned and followed excitedly. The two walked to the cottage where they lived.I’ve lived here as long as I can remember. Hasn’t changed one bit.Once they settled down on their stools and had a small bowl of leftover mushroom soup in hand, Grannyshroom began.
“Since the beginning of time on this day, one representative from each tribe is chosen to receive the shrine of life’s blessing. In other words, magic.” she explained. Opal cocked her head slightly.
“‘tribes’?” she asked.
“Yes dear.” G’ma said, sipping some of her soup. “Our tribe is the Moonstone tribe. We represent water. The other two tribes are Flames; they’re personalities are heated and their chosen gets the power of fire. The Nature tribe members are usually calm and spiritual. Their chosen person can control earth and wind.” Grannyshroom said.
“I thought it was just us and the cityfolk in the world. I had no idea about the other two tribes!” Opal exclaimed. Grannyshroom managed a small smile.
“Yes, it's very exciting hearing this story for the first time. Unfortunately it’s not the main reason I need to speak with you.” she said, looking into Opal’s light blue eyes.
“You are eligible for being chosen. I’m afraid they’re going to take you from me.” Grannyshroom admitted.
“But there’s so many cityfolk kids! The odds of me being chosen is unlikely.” Opal said. Grannyshroom blinked uncomfortably.
“Have you ever wondered why you’re albino?” she asked, twitching her hands and not meeting Opal’s gaze.
“No- not really. I just thought I was born this way and it wasn't a big deal.” Opal responded. “Your mother was the last chosen from our tribe.” She said, “If you get chosen you live 100 years and die the second you turn 101. Any normal person dies at 150.” Grannyshroom explained. “I took you here because your father was from the Nature tribe. Most people dislike or hate people who take a partner from another tribe. I was afraid they would hurt you. It’s even worse if they're royal. Your mom was a princess.”
“Oh.” was all Opal could say. “Did anyone know about-” Opal started.
“No.” Grannyshroom said, “Your parents trusted no one with that knowledge. It was too dangerous. Your father brought you here before you were one.”
“What about my mother?” Opal asked.
“Your father wouldn’t say. He delivered you during the night and left without any conversation, just a look in his eyes that told me everything. Him and your mother were around 50 when that happened.” Opal paused for a second.
I never knew.
“Wait- how old are you then?” she asked. Grannyshroom smiled. “I’ll tell you if you promise not to be shocked.” She said, Opal nodded.
“I’m 163.” she murmured.
“What?! G’ma! You’ll die! You’re only supposed to live to 150!” she cried, horror and anxiety of being alone flooded Opal’s brain.
“That’s true. But it’s different from the chosen. We don’t die as soon as we turn 150, you die around that age.” Grannyshroom explained, trying to comfort Opal.
“That’s reassuring, thank you.” Opal muttered, a bit of sarcasm drifted in the comment. “But that means you're going to die soon! What am I going to do G’ma?” she asked helplessly.
“Well,” Grannyshroom started. “There’s a good chance you’ll be chosen. You won’t need me anymore.” she said calmly.
“But I need you!” Opal cried, tears forming in her eyes. “The cityfolk don’t even know I exist!”
Grannyshroom and Opal stare at each other for a while. Tears streamed down from Opal’s eyes.
“Dear,” Grannyshroom said. “There’s only two people eligible for the choosing. Including you.”
“What?” She said, gasping through her tears. “I thought every kid entered.” Opal said, wiping her tears with her knitted sweater.
“No, the range is usually 2-4 kids and the ages are 14 to 19. People are born with the ability to accept the shrine’s blessing, not everyone is the right person to take it.” Grannyshroom explained. “I’m pretty sure the other kid is named Diamond. She’s the mayor’s daughter.”
“The mayor’s daughter? Won’t he rig it so Diamond is chosen?” Opal asked.
“It’s possible.” Grannyshroom said. Opal’s shoulders sagged.
“What if I’m not chosen?” she whispered. Grannyshroom put her hand on Opal’s shoulder.
“Look at me.” she said. Opal reluctantly raised her head and met her eyes with her grandmother’s. “They’regoingto choose you. Keep the positivity alive.” she instructed. A sudden rustle of leaves made Opal and Grannyshroom jerk their heads around. Three city folks wearing suits with what looked like many features were scanning the area. When they spotted the cottage they began to walk towards it. “W-what are they doing here?” Opal gasped. Grannyshroom glared then turned to Opal.
“Listen to me.” she muttered. Opal’s heart was pounding. “Go with them, let the cityfolk know you. They need to know who Opal is when they call your name this afternoon.” Grannyshroom said, fumbling something in her pocket.
“What about you?” she asked.
“I’m staying-” Suddenly Grannyshroom began to cough hard and she fell to the cottage floor.
“G’ma!” Opal cried. “Get up!” Grannyshroom groaned and clenched her jaw. She looked into Opal’s eyes.
“Opal…..go with them …” Grannyshroom managed a weak smile, “know no matter what happens today. ……I’ll always be with you.” Opal’s grandma promised, squeezing Opal’s hand with her remaining strength. Grannyshroom’s eyes lost light and she was gone. Opal cried in horror as fresh tears streamed down her face.
I thought my life would never change!Opal shook her head, there was nothing left to do for her grandma except do as she said. Opal wiped her tears from her face and fixed her hair. She took a deep breath and walked out the cottage door.
“Who are you?” one of the cityfolk asked.
“I- I’m Opal.” she started. “I’ve lived in this forest my entire life and my grandma told me to go with you to the choosing today.” Opal said, her voice shaking. One of the cityfolk snorted.
“You?A tribute for the choosing?” he scoffed. Opal clenched her jaw in slight irritation. “Like a forest person like you would even know what that is. And anyways we all know Diamond will be chosen,” he said.
My mother was the last chosen tribute!Opal wanted to yell at him but she kept quiet.
“Shut up Urchin,”said a younger girl who elbowed the boy’s stomach who recoiled and shot a small glare at the girl.
“Diamond?” Opal asked, “The mayor’s daughter?”
“Yes.” the boy named Urchin muttered.
“I say we take her to Mayor Bay.” the lead boy said, glancing back to the girl and Urchin.
“I agree.” said the girl. The two cityfolk looked back at Urchin.
“Fine,” He sighed, “I’m with Crystal.” Urchin said. A surge of relief filled Opal.
Okay, I’m going to the city, one step closer to the choosing ceremony.
“Follow us.” the lead boy said. Opal nodded and followed the cityfolk towards the buildings. Opal heard Urchin mutter to the lead boy.
“Crab, you can’t honestly thinkthisgirl will be chosen!” he hissed. Crab looked back at Urchin.
“It's a possibility she will be. The only one we know eligible in the tribe is Diamond. There has to be at least two possible candidates. Her story makes sense.” Crab responded. They walked for 30 minutes in silence.
“We’re here!” Crystal exclaimed, “I thought that forest never ended!” Urchin threw Crystal a grin. Opal gasped.
The city is so big! These buildings are taller than any of the trees in the woods!
“It’s big…” Opal murmured. Crab blinked.
“Crystal and Urchin, you’re relieved from duty. I will bring her to the mayor.” He said. Urchin frowned.
“What?! We hel-” he was cut off.
“Yes, yes. I’ll make sure to tell the mayor you and Crystal helped too.” Crab said dismissively.
“Good,” Urchin said, “Because I’m not getting my graduation postponed because of a miscommunication.” he said tartly.
“And you won’t.” Crab said curtly, “You’re dismissed." Crystal and Urchin walked away. “The mayor’s house is that one.” Crab said. Opal turned her head to face a building about a half-mile away. “I don’t want any nosy people bombardering you with questions because you seem shy.”
Opal looked at Crab, “Thanks.” she whispered, still not quite trusting anyone in the city.
“So, we’re going to use the rooftops.” he explained.
“The rooftops?” Opal said nervously, “They’re so tall…” she murmured nervously.
“It’s not as scary as you think.” Crab said, grabbing Opal’s wrist and sprinting towards the shortest building right in front of them. Opal shrieked, and sprinted along, not wanting to be dragged by her arm.
“I’m going to count down, when I get to one, jump.” Crab instructed.
“Okay.” Opal responded.
“Alright. Three, two, one, jump!” Crab yelled. Opal’s eyes widened as she jumped. They seemed to be going higher than a normal jump. Opal gasped.
“You’re on fire!” She gasped loudly. Crab looked at his back.
“It’s a jet pack. Fire is used to fly.” He explained. Opal side eyed the jet pack.
Hmm. I would never wear that. It would burn me alive!When they reached the roof of the building they rested for a few minutes. Opal got up and hesitantly looked over the roof at the city.
“Wow..” she breathed, “It’s so much different than the forest.” She murmured to herself.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you,” Crab said, “You said you lived with your grandma in those woods.” he said. Opal met his gaze and backed up from the roof edge.
“She died a minute before I saw you,” Opal said, “She was 150 years old. She knew it was going to happen soon.” Opal said. It hurt, but it was the truth.
I have nothing to hide if I want them to trust me.
“Oh,” Crab said sadly, “I’m sorry you had to go through that.” He said softly. Opal looked away.
“We should keep going.” She suggested. Crab nodded and got up from his sitting position. He grabbed Opal’s wrist again and pressed a button on his suit and the flames from the jet pack burst from the machine. Their feet left the ground as they flew to the mayor's building. When they arrived Crab angled the jet pack flames to a landing position. When they landed Crab let go of Opal and turned the jet pack off. He opened the front door.
“After you,” he said, gesturing his hand for Opal to go first. Opal quickly walked inside, her long white hair trailing behind her. Crab followed, shutting the door behind him.
“The mayor is probably on the third floor.” Crab said. Opal blinked. Crab walked forward and pressed a metal button on the wall. It made a ‘bing’ sound and two metal doors opened to a small room.
“What is that?” Opal asked.
“It’s an elevator.” Crab said like it was obvious.
“What’s an elevator?” she asked.
“It’s an invention that carries people from different floors faster than stairs.” He explained. Opal blinked.
So a transportation for lazy people.She thought. She shook her head and walked into the elevator, Crab behind her. He pressed the button labeled ‘three’ and the doors closed. Opal grasped the bar as the feeling of being launched up unsettled her. The elevator made another ‘bing’ sound and the doors opened. Opal happily got off the elevator. There was a large blue door in front of the elevator exit. Crab knocked on the door and walked in. Right away Opal couldn’t shake the feeling of how odd the room was. Painted walls and clean rugs with a fancy desk and chair in the center of the room. A man was sitting in the chair, facing the big window that showed the city.
“Mayor Bay,” Crab said. The mayor remained still. “Me, Urchin and Crystal found this girl in the forest. She claims to be the second person entered in the choosing.” Crab explained. The mayor whipped around, suspicion filtered his gaze as he looked at Opal.
“Hmm,” the mayor said, “Well, we’ll see in a few minutes when I’m on stage and call out my daughter's name.” Mayor Bay said with a snort.
“What if you readmyname?” Opal asked. The mayor blinked.
“What even is your name?” He asked.
“I’m Opal.” Opal said.
“Opal..” the mayor said, his eyes staring. The man was clearly thinking. “Very well, Opal and Crab, follow me. It’s time for the ceremony.” He said, getting up from his seat and walking towards the door. They walked out the door, down the street and over to the center of the city.
This must be the stage..Opal thought. The mayor mounted the stage and called,
“Moonstone tribe! It is time for the choosing!” His voice boomed over the chatter of the city folk. Almost instantly everyone walked close to the stage, trying to be in the front.
“We have two tributes eligible for the choosing this century,” Mayor Bay said, “Diamond,” he gestured to a tall, pretty girl in the front who smugly made her way on stage. “And Opal.” He gestured for Opal to join him. Opal shyly but quickly made her way on stage. She looked at Diamond. The mayor’s daughter was giving her a look of disgust. Two cityfolk came carrying a glass bowl with two slips of paper in it. They placed it on the podium in front of the mayor.
“Now,” he said, “For this century’s Moonstone representative!” he reached into the glass bowl and pulled out a name. With the sun’s reflection Opal saw her name on the selected paper.
Yes!Opal saw the mayor's face flash with anger for a second and return to normal.
“The representative is,” he called, “Diamond!” Cheers came from the crowd and Opal’s heart sank.
But it said my name….Opal thought angrily. Diamond threw Opal a smug look.
“Hey!” called a boy behind the mayor. Mayor Bay whipped around.
Urchin!
“It said Opal…” he said. The mayor glared.
“No, it said Diamond.” he responded curtly with clenched jaws. Urchin grabbed the other piece of paper in the glass bowl and stepped up, standing next to the mayor.
“Mayor Bay pulled Opal’s name!” He yelled to the crowd. Gasps of shock and disbelief came from the audience.
“Prove it!” an elderly woman hollered. Urchin glared and opened the folded piece of paper that he had picked up, the one the mayor didn’t pick. He held it up for the crowd to see.
“The name remaining in the bowl was Diamond’s!” he yelled. The crowd was going crazy.
Why is Urchin backing me up?
Four soldiers ran on stage. Two grabbed the mayor and two grabbed Urchin. The two were escorted off stage. Diamond grabbed the microphone.
“You don’t really believethisgirl was chosen instead of me can you?” she hissed angrily. Only a few people heard her but the ones who did ignored it. Opal felt her arm being grabbed as someone dragged her off stage. Opal screamed, she couldn’t see who had grabbed her.
“Relax,” a calm voice whispered in her ear. “We’re taking you to the center island to meet the other representatives.” A tall girl said. Opal began to relax a little but she still kept her guard up. Once they were far enough from the crowd Opal could see that there were six escorts walking in a protective square around her. Opal felt that they had been walking for hours when they arrived at a big metal thing. One of the escorts opened a door on it.
“In.” They said, Opal looked at the metal thing in distrust.
“It’s a plane. It flies in the sky. It’s faster than the train and plus,” the guy who had grabbed her said, “It’s a private jet.” He said it like it was the best thing in the world. Opal, still suspicious, scowled at the aircraft.
“What if it falls when we’re in the sky?” She asked. A couple of the escorts stared at the plane, as if they were actually considering the question.
“It won’t.” He said confidently. “It has never crashed or stopped working in the middle of the flight.” Opal sighed. She couldn’t find a way to stall any longer. She cautiously stepped into the plane and seated herself near the front.
So if itdoescrash, I can be the closest to the exit.
“It’ll be about thirty minutes.” The pilot called on the intercom.
I wonder what the other chosen people are like. Poor Grannyshroom. I can’t believe she’s gone. I thought we were going to be happy forever together. I’ll never see her or hear her voice ever again. “Opal, fetch me some leafshroom.”
“So,” one of the escorts said, “What was your life like before you were chosen?” She asked, curiosity chimed in her high pitched voice. Opal stared at the floor sadly.
“I lived in the forest with my G’ma.” She said quietly. The girl stared at her in shock.
“Thewoods?!” She exclaimed as if that was the craziest thing she’d ever heard. Opal couldn’t help but smile, just a little.
“Pebble.” A guy said impatiently, “You aren’t supposed to talk with thechosen.” He hissed.
But I have so many questions!Opal thought. The girl named Pebble scowled at him.
“I’m not even a real soldier.” She said in her defense. “I’m just working community hours for stealing a cute cat from a shelter.” She said, “It doesn’t matter what you do. The only thing youcoulddo is give me more hours and I know no soldier wants me around.” The boy clenched his jaw.
“We’ll I could take you to court and you’d either win and get off easyorI’ll convince them and you’ll go to jail.” He said dangerously. Pebble only scoffed.
“Sandy, you’d seriously risk the only way of imprisonment in our tribejustto prove something to me?”
Pebble’s pretty good at convincing. I would have stolen that kitten too. She doesn’t look that old. Maybe fifteen or fourteen. Sandy looks seventeen or eighteen.Opal thought. Sandy looked very irritated and stood up.
“Commander Star, respectfully I don’t thinkPebblewas the right person to be on this mission.” He said, trying to hold in an outburst. Commander Star made a face. Then he mouthed something to him.
I can’t make out what he’s trying to say…Opal thought. Sandy looked somewhat pleased and gave Pebble a smug look. Pebble rolled her eyes and tapped and fidgeted with her watch attached to her suit making Sandy curl his lip irritably.
She’stryingto annoy him.Opal thought, glancing at Pebble.
“Does everyone become a soldier when they reach a certain age?” Opal blurted. Commander Star blinked.
“Usually yes. Once people in our tribe turn 17 they join the Shells. If they have a talent like being able to cook or make clothing very well then they get an exception and do that instead.” He explained. His voice was deep but smooth. Opal thought for a minute.
“What are the Shells?” She asked.
“The Shells are our tribe’s protection system. We work for the mayor and do many different jobs. We are police, security and we do almost anything to keep peace and make sure everything in the tribe runs smoothly.” Commander Star explained. Opal stared at the plane ceiling, her mind buzzing.
“Do you know how the other tribes work?” She asked. Commander Star thought for a moment.
“No. The tribes rarely interact. Only the chosen people get to see the other tribes. Consider yourself lucky. Some people die trying to know what secrets lie in the other tribes.” He said with a sigh.
I wonder if that was him. That he joined the Shells to try to see the other tribes. Would that be me?Opal thought, Ijust learned that there were other tribes this morning so I’ll never know.
“We’re almost there. Only a couple more minutes.” An older woman said, looking back into the passengers area from the pilots section of the plane.
I’m going to meet the other chosen people.Opal thought nervously. Iwonder why they’ll think of me….She thought.
“Once we land are you going to escort me to the shrine or…” Opal asked.
“Our orders were to make sure you got on the island. Some people will be there to take you the rest of the way.” Commander Star said. Opal heard Pebble mutter something.
“They’re so extra and bossy. Not very nice.” She muttered.
Great. I’ll be escorted by a bunch of mean people. I hope they aren’t tall and big. I’m small for my age. A 5’0 seventeen year old girl. Although I don’t know what the ‘normal’ height is for my age. G’ma just said I was small.A surge of exhilaration made Opal squeak and tighten her grip to her seat. Pebble noticed.
“It’s okay.” She whispered. “We’re landing.” Opal looked into Pebble’s violet eyes. She hadn’t realized how pretty Pebble actually was. Her wavy dirty blonde hair tied back out of her face and her light freckles on her nose. As they landed Opal felt sad about what Sandy was going to try to do to get her in trouble.
“Opal.” Commander Star said, “Follow me outside. I’m going to bring you to your escorts.” He said. Opal nodded and stood up, giving Pebble one last look before following the Commander. Three tall, hooded men were waiting.
“Good luck Opal.” Commander Star said and stepped back onto the plane that took off immediately. Two of the hooded guys grabbed her shoulders roughly. One strayed in the back.
“Did you hear about the boy in Moonstone?” Murmured one of the guys. Opal's ear pricked but kept quiet, pretending to ignore it.
What boy?
“Yeah,” muttered the other one. “I heard they killed him for opposing the mayor. A private, secretive murder.” He said.
Opposed the mayor?
“This morning. During the choosing. A boy confronted the mayor about choosing his daughter instead of this one.” He muttered in a whisper.
“His name was Octopus or something…” one of the guys said.
“No, his name was Urchin.” The other one said confidently.
Urchin?! They killed Urchin?!That’s barbaric…Opal thought.I didn’t like him but he supported me. Got himself killed doing so. Poor Urchin. He said he was going to graduate soon.
“You,” snapped one of the guys, gripping Opal's shoulder very tightly.
Ow….
“We forgot the cuffs and tracker.” Sighed one of three guys. He grabbed a pair of handcuffs from his bag and attached them to Opal’s wrists and put a small black bracelet machine on her ankle. The four walked in silence the rest of the way there. When they arrived Opal gasped.
The shrine is beautiful….
“Alright girl,” one of the guys said, “Go sit by the entrance. I’ve just received word that we’re early and the other chosens will be here in five minutes.” He said gruffly. Opal nodded and walked over to the shrine and sat down. Minutes passed before Opal saw a little above average height boy with leaves littering his hair grunt as his escorts held him to attach the handcuffs. He had tanned skin and shaggy dark brown hair. His eyes were bright green and he had freckles on his nose. One of the escorts, clearly annoyed past his limit, slapped him across the face. Opal flinched.
Poor guy.
The boy recoiled and let them put the handcuffs on his wrists. Another escort shoved him towards the shrine and he fell onto the grass beside Opal.
“Are you okay?” Opal asked him quietly.
“Been better.” He sighed, “What’s your name?” He asked.
“I’m Opal.” she said timidly. The boy blinked.
“I’m Oaklyn,” he said.
“Can I call you Oakley?” Opal asked. Oaklyn thought for a moment.
“Fine.” He decided. “Is there a new tribe? An Ice tribe?” He asked jokingly. Opal smiled a little.
“No…I was just born albino.” She said shyly. About a minute passed before the third chosen came. He was tall.
Wow…Opal thought as she stared at the approaching boy.
“Who are you?” Oaklyn asked. He stared at Oaklyn, annoyance in his gaze.
“Flare.” He muttered. Flare turned his head to Opal and something sparked in his eyes but vanished almost as quickly. Flare had dirty blonde hair with orange and yellow highlights that mimicked fire. It looked like he hadn’t cared to brush it like Oaklyn did. His face was attractive and his eyes looked like amber.
“What about you?” He asked Opal.
“I’m Opal.” She breathed. Flare sniffed.
“Pretty name.” He muttered. Opal blushed slightly but hid it.
“I’m Oakley- Oaklyn.” Oaklyn said, giving Opal a humorous grin.
He was going to introduce himself as the nickname I gave him.Opal thought with a smile. Flare sat down further away from Oaklyn and Opal. Suddenly a cloaked woman appeared. Opal gasped, shocked and slightly startled. The cloaked figure held a stick that didn’t look like any that littered the forest when Opal had lived. It had marks and runes carved on its sides.
“Chosen tributes,” the cloaked figure murmured in a raspy voice, “It is now time for you to receive the shine of nature’s blessing.” She said,
Her voice is unsettling…Opal thought uncomfortably. Opal, Oaklyn and Flare stood up and followed the woman into the cave. Opal saw Oaklyn start to stare at the coaked woman’s uncovered ankles. Oaklyn frowned.
“Uhh,” Oaklyn said, “If you don’t mind me asking ma’am, how old are you?” He asked. The woman didn’t flinch.
“I’m 36.” she said, Opal saw Oaklyn frown.
“But you-” Oaklyn started, bringing a finger up in protest.
“Listen plant-boy, I’m over 300 years old. The nature tributes always ask because of the ankle wrinkles.” She sighed, annoyed. Opal saw Flare smirk a little. In the center of the cave there was a small pond dappled with lily pads and glowing rocks. The woman rested her hand on Opal’s handcuffs. To her surprise they unbuckled and fell to the floor. Opal gasped.
“How did you do that?” she asked.
“Magic.” She muttered in response. She then went over to Flare and Oaklyn and removed their cuffs as well. The cloaked woman handed a small glass cup to each of them and instructed them to scoop up a half cup of the water and drink it.
“You will go one at a time. It was never done to me so don’t ask.” She said, “You,” the cloaked woman jabbed her finger at Oaklyn. Oaklyn recoiled a little then shrugged.
“Okay.” He said and scooped some pond water into his cup and drank it in one gulp. His eyes glowed green as his body was lifted into the air. It looked like holograms of plants and vines touched his skin and vanished.
This is weird. I wonder how Oakley feels right now…After a minute Oaklyn was brought back to the ground and his eyes returned to normal. He stood up and shook his head and sat down in the corner, thinking. “Who’s next?” The cloaked woman asked. Flare frowned.
“Why did you makehimgo first?” He asked. She blinked.
“Because I wanted to scare him. Callin’ me old.” She rasped. “I don’t got all day and neither do you. Pick one.” She snapped.
“Fine. I’ll go.” Flare said. Opal stared at him and tried to make eye contact as Flare scooped the water up and drank it. The same thing that happened to Oaklyn happened to Flare except with flames and amber eyes. Oaklyn looked at Flare’s levitating body in curiosity. When it was Opal’s turn she could feel anxiety rising up inside her. Both Oaklyn and Flare had been extremely quiet after receiving their power. Opal shook her head and scooped the water up. She took a deep breath and drank it in several gulps. Everything went black. A little blue light bounced over to her.
“Opal..” a tiny, but firm voice coming from the light said. Opal stared at it. She had never seen anything like this before. She reached out to touch it but it seemed out of reach. “You have been chosen. Chosen to represent your tribe this century.” It said, Opal held the tiny blue light in her hands. It wasn’t touching her skin but if she wanted to she could probably scoop it up easily. “It will be harder than any before,” it said ominously. Suddenly an image of a purple and blue fox and a human on a beach shore appeared. The fox lunged and dragged the person underneath waves and they were gone. “The tribes are in danger, Opal…” it said. Images of the same fox-like creature appeared around her, taking people into the waves. The light bounced in Opal’s hands.
“What are those?” Opal breathed, but the light said nothing.
“You must protect the tribes alongside Oaklyn and Flare. There is no room for anything else. You must save the tribes Opal.” Then the light glowed bright and the images disappeared from around her, starting slow but getting faster, faster and faster.
“You’lll find out.” It promised and it disappeared. Opal gasped as she awoke back into the world.
