Prologue: Glimmer of Hope
Storm clouds brew overhead, the downpour of rain drenching the city below. Traffic died down hours ago, leaving the streets empty-save for a lone figure standing under the minimal shade of a lamp post. Selena shifts her arms, trying to keep dry. It was just her luck that the gods would choose tonight to release this downpour. It has to be tonight or wait another month. Selena was done waiting. She had to know if her sons were safe.
It had taken years to find a source of magic. Then months to convince the girl who had it to help. But, at last, Selena had her. So many things could go wrong, and Selena prepared her the best she could, but in the end, the girl would be alone in a world vastly different then her own.
The screeching of tires signaled the arrival of a car. Selena looks up as the mechanical machine, one of the many strange contraptions she's gotten used to, but didn't fully trust. The back door pops open and Selena watches as the girl dismisses her driver. A large backpack is strapped to the girl's back and a long trench coat covers the rest of her. The girl slams the car door shut and it pulls away, leaving the two women alone on the street corner.
"Figures it would rain," the girl says, her voice strained. Voicing Selena's previous thoughts. Selene knows the girl is scared, though if that would help her later, Selena wouldn't know.
"Do you have everything?" Selena asks, hand already extended. The girl sighs and unclasps a necklace from around her neck. The small black orb glowed to life in Selena's presence. Biting her lip, Selena resists the urge to cry. This will work-that she knew.
"Woah, it still spooks me." the girl breathes, her eyes glued to the necklace. Her trance is broken when Selena takes the necklace.
"Remember everything I told you?" Selena asks as she mentally prepares. The girl sighs and nods.
"Memorized and categorized."
"Perfect." Selena smiles at the girl and begins the spell.