The first light of dawn slipped through the windows of the manor, bathing the halls in pale gold.
Jasmina had barely slept.
The revelation from the night before still echoed in her mind.
All her life she had known she was a mermaid.
She had known the sea’s call, the magic in her blood, and the secret her family carried.
But she had never known her mother was a princess.
Nor had she known that her father had been the Ice Prince of the Northern Peaks.
The truth had changed everything.
A soft knock came at her door.
“Come in,” Jasmina called.
The door opened, and Lady Ella entered.
Though she wore her usual noble grace, exhaustion lingered in her eyes.
“Walk with me,” she said gently.
Jasmina followed her through the quiet manor.
They passed silent corridors until they reached a small chamber hidden behind the library.
At the center of the room stood an ancient silver chest.
Lady Ella opened it carefully.
Inside rested a beautiful pendant hanging from a silver chain.
At its center was a deep blue crystal that shimmered like moonlight dancing across the ocean.
Jasmina stared at it.
“It is beautiful.”
“It belonged to my mother,” Lady Ella replied softly.
Jasmina’s eyes widened.
Lady Ella lifted the pendant and placed it around her daughter’s neck.
The crystal immediately warmed against Jasmina’s skin.
For a brief moment, she thought she heard distant waves crashing against a shore.
“What does it do?” she asked.
Lady Ella’s expression grew serious.
“This pendant protects the bearer. It carries ancient ocean magic.”
Jasmina touched the crystal carefully.
“If danger comes near, it will react. If anyone attempts to harm your powers or your Haruwa, it will shield them.”
A shadow crossed Lady Ella’s face.
“My father created many enemies during his reign. There are those who also seek the power carried within our bloodline.”
“The prophecy,” Jasmina whispered.
Lady Ella nodded.
“The prophecy.”
Neither of them knew which twin the prophecy spoke of.
Neither knew who would inherit the great power hidden within their royal blood.
Yet the uncertainty frightened Lady Ella all the same.
She placed both hands on Jasmina’s shoulders.
“Whatever happens, never remove this pendant.”
“I won’t.”
A knock sounded at the door.
His gaze immediately fell upon the pendant.
“So that’s where Mother disappeared to.”
Lady Ella smiled faintly.
“I was giving your sister something important.”
Onxy crossed his arms.
“Of course. The favorite child.”
Jasmina rolled her eyes.
“You say that every time.”
“Because it’s true.”
For the first time that morning, Lady Ella laughed softly.
The sound eased some of the fear hanging in the room.
Soon a servant appeared at the doorway and bowed.
“My Lady, the carriage is prepared.”
The smile vanished from Ella’s face.
The time had come.
She embraced both twins tightly.
“Be careful,” she whispered.
‘l will,” Jasmina promised.
Though she tried to appear brave, anxiety twisted inside her chest.
Lady Ella stepped back.
“Go now. The King awaits.”
The twins left the chamber together.
Outside, the morning air was cool and fresh.