Hazel Armstrong had always known she was different, but until now, she had never felt the full force of her hidden power.
It started that afternoon when she, Flora, Arick, and Elena were walking near the old forest. The wind began to swirl strangely, carrying whispers that no one else could hear. Hazel felt it in her chest — a warmth, a pull, something awakening inside her.
"Hazel… are you okay?" Flora asked, noticing her sister's pale face.
Hazel stopped and placed her hand on a nearby tree. The bark glowed softly under her touch, as if responding to her presence.
"What… what is happening?" Hazel whispered to herself, her eyes wide.
Arick stepped closer, his gaze calm and steady. "I think… you're discovering something about yourself," he said softly. "Something powerful."
Hazel turned to look at him, shocked. How could he know? Her power was her secret… until now.
Elena, noticing the strange energy, reached out to Flora. "Do you feel that too?" she asked. Flora shook her head, confused.
Hazel took a deep breath. "It's me. Something… inside me… is changing."
The wind danced around her fingers, and a soft glow appeared in the space between her hands. She could feel the forest responding — the leaves shimmered, the branches bent slightly, and the air seemed alive.
Arick's eyes softened with understanding. "Your power… it's connected to more than just you, Hazel. There's a reason we met. A reason our families are connected."
Hazel swallowed nervously. "What do you mean?"
Before Arick could answer, Flora and Elena ran up, laughing. But even in their joy, Hazel noticed something magical — the two sisters' connection mirrored her own awakening. It was like their hearts and powers were aligned, bound together by fate.
Hazel looked at Arick. She realized that this strange connection between her, him, and the girls was only the beginning. Her power was awakening, and soon, nothing would be the same