A Princess's Journey

She stood in the amber glow of his desk lamp, the hush of the study broken only by the ticking of a tarnished clock. “I told you no.” His brow creased over pale eyes, and he folded his hands atop a stack of parchment, knuckles whitening.

“But, Father, I’ve waited so long.” Her voice quivered like a leaf in a stiff breeze. She clutched the edge of his mahogany desk, her fingertips pale against the polished wood.

He glanced at her, then back at the yellowing pages before him. “I know, my dear, but your time will come,” he said, his voice low and steady, every syllable measured. The steel nib of his pen scratched against paper as he leaned back, as if to seal his refusal in ink. “Patience.”

“I don’t want to be patient!” Her cry cracked the silence. She pressed both palms flat against the desk, nails grazing the grain. “He’ll never find me if I don’t look for him!” Her cheeks burned pink under the lamplight; her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

He lifted a hand, half to calm her, half to guard himself. “You’ve searched for him.”

“But not on Earth!” The single word shot into the air like a challenge. His jaw tightened; the veins at his temple throbbed as if he could taste her defiance.

He slammed his fist onto the desk, sending a tremor through the scattered documents. The lamp wobbled, and a hush fell again, punctuated only by the smudge of ink as he dragged his pen to blot. “What have I told you about Earth?” he thundered. His voice filled every corner of the room, heavy with fear and fury. “People there are ruthless—heartless.” He leaned forward so close she could count the fine lines at the corners of his mouth.

She drew in a shaky breath. “But not all earth born’s are alike. Everyone is different.” Her words floated between them, fragile as smoke.

He straightened, shoulders squared, and set the back of his hand to his mouth as if to catch her hope before it could take root. Then, in a voice as cold and final as a slammed shutter, he said, “The answer is no. Not another word.”

She felt the air press against her lungs, thick with old books and unspoken pleas. Her heart pounded in her ears. With a stiff spine and a flicker of defiance in her eyes, she turned away. Her heels clicked sharp on the wooden floor, each step echoing like a verdict. When the door crashed shut behind her, it sounded to her like a gunshot—and the study fell into a heavy, unbroken silence.

“That was almost a year ago,” she thought as her breath exhaled. It carried with it the weight of years of longing and searching, the ache of a heart that has been waiting far too long. She gazed out the window of the bus, her eyes fixed on the setting sun. The bus is a dull shade of blue, covered in graffiti and advertisements. The windows are smeared with dirt and grime, obscuring the view of the passing city streets. The city bus’s interior is a sea of dull, worn-out blues and grays, with cracked and faded seats and scuffed floors. The bus rattled and hummed, smelling of cigarettes and someone’s perfume. Beneath her, the seat was thin and damp, the engine’s vibrations buzzing faintly up through it.

She glanced down at her companion, Avalis, nestled in her lap. Avalis was like a creature from a dream. The fox-like creature had long, flowing fur that shimmered faintly in golden and white hues under the dim bus lights, evoking a celestial glow. As she gently strokes Avalis’s fur, she can feel the softness and warmth of it against her fingertips. The fur is silky smooth and almost velvety to the touch. Avalis lifted her head, her luminous gold almond-shaped eyes meeting Calista’s with silent understanding.

Calista never wanted to run away from home, but she had no choice. Her family would never understand. Her fathers disapproving voice echoed in her mind. Since the beginning, he had been the strongest voice against her going to Earth, and now his words lingered in her mind. But deep down, she knew she couldn’t let him or any of them control her anymore. This time she promised herself no one would hold her back from love again. “This time, I will find my soulmate, no matter what.” She thought as the smooth ride of the bus lulled her to sleep.

Calista’s eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim light of the bus. She could see the dimly lit interior, the rows of seats, and the other passengers sleeping around her. Outside, the light of the moon illuminated the passing trees and buildings. Her body was stiff and sore from sleeping in the uncomfortable seat. She rubbed her eyes and stretched her aching limbs, trying to rid herself of the stiffness. Avalis stood up on her lap and also gave a long stretch.

As she yawned and stretched, she tasted remnants of the chocolate bar she had snacked on earlier. Her mouth felt dry, and she reached for her water bottle and took a sip. As the bus came to a stop, she realized she was at her destination. Calista could see her backpack and suitcases waiting for her at the door, and she quickly grabbed them before exiting the bus with Avalis. They looked around at the bustling city streets of New York City, filled with people rushing along and brightly lit buildings. Calista’s eyes scanned the area as they walked, looking for their hotel.

As they stepped into the opulent lobby of the Plaza Hotel, a sudden warm sensation flooded her chest and her heart rate quickened. She knew what it was, a Heart Connection. In that fleeting moment, she felt the pull of magnetism and an intense connection that seemed to transcend time and space. She was left with a sense of longing and a racing heart, knowing that she had just experienced a powerful connection with someone. But as she turned to see who it was, the moment had already passed, leaving her feeling a deep sense of loss and a tingling warmth in her chest.

A high-pitched bark jolted Calista’s attention to Avalis, who was looking up at her with a tilted head, as if asking, “What’s the matter?”

Calista’s lips curved into a small, reassuring smile as she bent down to gently stroked Avalis’ soft fur. “Don’t worry about me,” she whispered softly, her voice barely audible above the purring of the small fox-like creature.

With a sigh, she stood turned and walked towards the reception. The lobby of the Plaza Hotel is adorned with sparkling chandeliers and plush velvet furniture. The walls are a deep cream, giving off a warm and inviting ambiance. The air is filled with the scent of fresh flowers from the bouquet sitting on the elegant front desk. The lobby is bustling with the sound of guests chatting, the clinking of glasses, and the faint melody of a piano being played in the background.

“Hello, do you have a reservation for Brianna Heart?” She asked. The receptionist furrowed her brow, her eyes scanning her as if trying to decipher a mystery.

“Hello young lady, are you with someone, maybe your mother or father?” The receptionist asked.

“No, my father was coming with me, but something came up. So, he let me come ahead of him.” Calista stated smiling sweetly. The receptionist’s face took on an expression of concern and doubt. Her fingers tapped anxiously against her desk, her manicured nails clicking softly against the polished wood.

“Right, and where is your mother?” The receptionist’s voice turned sharp, and her tone became wary, a hint of suspicion lacing her words.

“She is with my father. Now can you please check for my reservation?” Calista’s eyes were bright and earnest as she gazed at the receptionist, her lips curved in a gentle smile. Calista’s hand lightly rested on the counter as she spoke, her fingers tracing the smooth surface of the polished wood as she waited for the receptionist to check her reservation. The sound of typing echoed in the background as she checked Calista’s reservation.

“Yes, we do have a reservation for Brianna Heart. Now I hope you have a credit card.” The sound of the receptionist’s voice held a hint of smugness as she spoke, her words dripping with superiority and judgment. Reaching into her purse, Calista pulled out her black card and handed it to the receptionist. The receptionist’s eyes widened in surprise as she took in the black credit card with Calista’s name on it. Her mouth twitches in curiosity, wondering how this young girl has a black credit card in her name.

The receptionist composes herself and clears her throat, her voice holding a hint of surprise and respect as she continues the check-in process for Calista’s reservation. But before she could swipe the card, a firm, but kind voice interrupted from behind. “Alice, why don’t you take your break?” The receptionist turned sharply, her cheeks flushing as she met the gaze of an older man in a sharp navy suit. His presence was commanding, yet his warm expression softened any tension.

“Yes, Mr. Solren,” she murmured, handing the card back to Calista and retreating quickly.

Mr. Solren stepped forward, his gaze lingering on Calista with an almost imperceptible nod. “Welcome to the Plaza, Miss Heart. We’ll take care of everything from here.”

Calista inclined her head slightly, her eyes betraying a flicker of recognition. “Thank you.”

He snapped his fingers, and gestured towards the front desk. “Front please!”

The bellhop, a young man with a sharp haircut and a crisp uniform, swiftly makes his way over to Calista. “Please assist Miss Heart with her luggage.”

“Yes, of course.” The bellhop stepped forward, bowing his head slightly before taking her bags. His eyes briefly met Calista’s, and for the briefest moment, there was a glimmer of understanding. “Right this way, Miss.” Avalis chirped softly, her glowing amber eyes following the exchange as she padded silently beside Calista.

Instead of leading her toward the main elevators, The bellhop guided her through a discreet side hallway. The noise and bustle of the main lobby faded as they walked towards a private elevator with an ornate, door. The scent of polished wood and fresh lilies lingered in the air, replaced by something more profound a whisper of something ancient, something familiar.

Then, as they reached the private elevator, she saw it. The ornate door gleamed beneath the soft glow of the corridor’s lighting, its gilded frame etched with intricate celestial patterns. But at the very center of its design, embedded in the metal like a hidden relic of another world, was a symbol she had never expected to see on Earth. Her breath hitched. The Mark of Goddess... Amara.

This was one of her sanctuaries

Twin crescent moons curved in perfect symmetry, their silver surfaces shimmering as if kissed by stardust. Swirling filigree curled around the heart at the center, a radiant golden emblem pulsing with an almost ethereal warmth. Above it, a luminous sunburst stretched toward the heavens, its carved rays reflecting a quiet, divine authority. Four smaller runic symbols framed the outer edges of the circle, ancient Serenian script woven into the metal—symbols only those who carried Amara’s blessing could recognize.

A slow, powerful wave of warmth spread through her chest. Not just recognition—awakening. The energy was faint but real, stirring her soul in a way she hadn’t felt since leaving her home. It was as if the door itself was calling to her, whispering across time and space, reminding her that she was never truly alone.

He gently touched the symbol, and the door opened with a soft chime. The elevator ascended smoothly, the faint hum of magic beneath its polished surface unmistakable to Calista. She glanced at Theo, who remained silent but alert, his posture respectful. When the doors slid open, they revealed a space far removed from the public areas of the hotel.

The moment Calista stepped into the lobby, she felt it—a shift in the air, subtle yet profound. The atmosphere was cool and crisp, carrying a faint, almost nostalgic fragrance of night-blooming flowers and something else, something ancient and sacred. The architecture was unlike anything she had seen on Earth. The vaulted ceiling stretched high above, painted in deep hues of indigo and violet, mimicking a perfect night sky. Tiny, glowing constellations dotted the surface, shifting ever so slightly as though responding to unseen cosmic movements. In the center of the ceiling, two large celestial orbs cast a gentle silver and blue light, their glow pulsing faintly as though alive.

The walls were adorned with intricate metallic filigree, swirling patterns that shimmered when the light touched them, resembling the gentle flow of wind or the rippling of water beneath moonlight. Soft, glowing sconces lined the pillars, their light diffused, casting a dreamlike radiance across the room. The floor was polished obsidian marble, smooth as glass, embedded with delicate threads of luminescent silver and gold, forming swirling patterns that almost seemed to shift underfoot. Every step Calista and Avalis took left behind a faint, shimmering imprint, which slowly faded like a whisper in the dark.

At the heart of the lobby stood a fountain unlike any other. Instead of water, a liquid cascade of glowing stardust flowed in slow, mesmerizing arcs, its surface constantly shifting between deep blues, purples, and soft silvers. The liquid didn’t splash as it fell—it moved as though weightless, forming intricate patterns before dissolving back into itself. Luxurious crescent-shaped couches in deep blues and silvers were arranged in elegant formations, their cushions made of a fabric that seemed to capture and refract light, shifting in color depending on the angle. Small, floating lanterns drifted lazily above them, giving off a soft, ethereal glow, adding to the sense of quiet mystery.

A soft melody hummed through the space, not from any visible source, but as if woven into the very air itself. The tune was haunting yet beautiful, carrying a sense of longing, like a forgotten lullaby whispered across the stars. Behind the sleek, silver-gilded front desk, a concierge stood in attire that was both understated and impossibly elegant. Their features were almost otherworldly—serene, refined, and carrying quiet wisdom in their gaze. As Calista approached, they inclined their head slightly, offering a knowing smile.

“Welcome, Miss Heart. We’ve been expecting you.” Calista tensed for a fraction of a second. The words felt too purposeful, too precise. Did they know who she was? Avalis, padding gracefully beside her, leapt onto one of the plush velvet lounges, her white-and-gold fur gleaming under the soft light. She let out a soft chirp, flicking her tails as her luminous amber eyes scanned the surroundings with curiosity.

Calista forced herself to exhale, offering a polite nod. “Thank you.”

A shimmer of blue light rippled across the polished counter surface, coalescing into dancing symbols that hung in the air. The concierge’s fingers danced above it, each gesture leaving trails of luminescence that transformed into glyphs and symbols before fading like stardust. Their eyes reflected the glow, pupils contracting slightly as data scrolled past in an elegant dance of light and shadow. “Your suite is ready, and your stay has been arranged. If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to let us know.”

The bellhop, standing just behind her, placed her luggage down discreetly, offering a small nod. “I’ll escort you to your room when you’re ready.”

Calista inclined her head, acknowledging both the clerk and bellhop. “I appreciate it.” As she followed him through another corridor leading to her suite, Calista couldn’t help but feel a small sense of comfort. Though Earth had always been foreign and often unwelcoming, pockets of familiarity like this reminded her she wasn’t entirely alone. The bellhop unlocked the door to her suite and stepped aside to let her enter.

Following the bellhop, Calista and Avalis stepped from the hidden lobby into the eastern corridor. The air wavered with an ethereal luminescence that made her skin tingle with recognition. Each step on the marble sent ripples through the ancient runes carved into the floor, their soft glow responding as if greeting an old friend. Calista’s pulse quickened as she breathed in notes of crisp pine and crystalline snow—scents conjured by magic to mirror the mountains she’d left behind.

“Here we are, Miss Heart,” the bellhop said softly, his voice carrying the slightest trace of a Cytharan accent. He extended an intricately carved key card etched with a sigil of two soaring wings over jagged peaks. “Your Cytharan Suite has been prepared to ensure your comfort during your stay.”

Calista accepted the key card, her fingers brushing against the cool metal, and nodded. “Thank you,” she replied, keeping her tone calm despite the rush of emotions threatening to surface.

The bellhop pressed the card against the panel of the door, which glowed briefly before sliding open with a soft hum. As the door revealed the interior, Calista inhaled sharply. It was breathtaking.

The first thing to draw her eye was the floor-to-ceiling window consuming the entire eastern wall. Beyond the glass, Manhattan’s skyline pierced the horizon—but as her eyes followed the buildings upward, they dissolved into the snow-capped peaks of Cythara, cascading waterfalls spilling from the cliffs below. Her fingers found the hairline seam where reality met illusion. Her throat tightened. Along the walls, winged figures carved in relief caught blue light pulsing from crystals embedded in their wings, their shadows moving across the floor like something breathing.

Against the far wall stood the bed, its headboard carved with the same jagged peaks and wingspread forms that appeared throughout the suite. The linens were deep and cool. The room smelled of cedar. She moved further inside, trailing her fingers along the console beside the door.

She brushed her fingers along a console by the door, eyes drawn to statues and carvings of winged guardians and towering cliffs—each whispering a story she half-remembered. Beneath her feet, a rug’s shimmering patterns caught the light.

Through arched windows, dusk-lit waterfalls glowed otherworldly. A swell of homesickness and gratitude warmed her, and she smiled. In a corner, Avalis’s celestial bed gleamed with gold and white accents. Her companion padded over, circled it, then flipped onto her back, paws skyward—Calista laughed, feeling her tension melt away.

The lounge blended elegance and technology: on a table, a bowl of pulsing blue aether stones surrounded an orb swirling with misty ribbons. It rose to hover at eye level, projecting the Cytharan ridgeline at dusk in living color, gold light dancing along its edges, inviting her closer.

Furniture echoed her homeland’s mountain architecture: a plush gray couch resembled celestial feathers, crystal stools and floating poufs shimmered with constellation motifs, and a vaulted ceiling displayed drifting auroras and stars. Two crystalline sculptures in the corners shifted between landscapes, abstract art, and fleeting memories. Ambient lighting warmed in response to her presence.

In the kitchen, polished stone counters reflected sunlight over rolling meadows. Cabinets bore carved wings and golden inlays; etched glass panels glowed softly. A grand stove hood loomed with mountain reliefs and wings, its stone rimmed with starlike flecks. Brushed gold faucets and engraved handles completed a space at once functional and timeless, seamlessly extending the wild beauty outside.

“Yes, it’s perfect. It feels just like home, thank you.” She knew that she could truly relax and feel at ease in this luxurious and inviting space.

“You’re quite welcome. I will leave you to get settled.” As he turns to leave Calista stops him.

“Oh wait!” She reaches into her purse and pulls out a hundred bill and hands it to him. “Here you go.” The bellhop smiled and thanked her as he left. Once he was gone, she walked towards the bathroom. The bathroom stopped her in the doorway. At its center sat a circular bathtub hewn from a single dark marble stone, its polished surface threaded with golden inlays and the same motifs she had seen carved into every surface of the suite. The water inside held a faint luminescence, pale and cool as moonlight caught in a basin.

The windows opened onto peaks and valleys pale in the morning light, utterly still. The ceiling was deep blue, its constellations catching the light in a way that made the stars seem to drift. Candles lined the counters and the rim of the tub, their unsteady light crossing the same carved wings and ridgelines that ran throughout the suite. The marble underfoot was cold and polished, the constellations overhead held faintly in its surface.

The air is filled with the scent of lavender and vanilla from the bath salts and candles. As she turned on the faucet the sound of the water running was calming and serene. As she steps out of her skirt, top, and shoes, Calista’s body is revealed in all its beauty. Her body was slender with elegant curves. Her skin is smooth and dark caramel, shimmering under the soft light. Her long, brown hair cascades down her back in loose, wavy curls.

Between her shoulder blades, white feathers pressed tightly against her skin, compressed into something almost architectural. She faced the mirror. “Liberatus Celestialis,” she said quietly. The bundle shuddered, then gave feathers fanned outward in a slow unfurl, each one locking into place with a sound like a deck of cards being shuffled. In the mirror she watched the starred patterns along the inner vanes catch the candlelight. She raised her arms once, brought them down. The wing tips grazed the ceiling. She let them fold, and the trailing primaries settled against the cold marble with a dry whisper as she walked toward the tub while running her fingers through her hair she whispered another spell and private. In the mirror, the brown began to leave her hair the way heat leaves a coal—from the roots outward, strand by strand, until the candlelight caught nothing but blood-red as her eyes shifted from brown to their natural colors: violet in the right, pink in the left.

As she stepped into the tub, her feet sank into the warm water, enveloping them in soothing warmth. The bubbles tickle her toes as she sinks in and submerges herself in the warm, fragrant water. The tension in her muscles melts away especially in her wings, and she can feel the stress of the day being washed away.

Calista placed a small piece of chocolate on her tongue, letting it melt and savoring the rich and sweet taste, a delicious treat after her long trip. For hours, she had been journeying through the ever-changing landscape. Each day brought a new destination, a new town or city to explore. And yet, it all felt meaningless. She wandered, searching for some sort of connection, something to fill the emptiness inside her. But no matter where she went, she always came up empty-handed.

It was a cycle of disappointment and determination, pushing her forward to the next stop on her journey. Despite the setbacks, she refused to give up hope. Deep down, she knew that her soulmate was out there somewhere, waiting for her. And so, with every step she took, she held onto that belief, determined to find them no matter what trials lay ahead. Then it finally happened, she felt it, a Heart Connection, and she knew her soulmate was nearby.

As she stood in the bubble-filled tub, Calista’s eyes lit up with excitement and hope, sparkling with unshed tears of joy. She could almost see her soulmate standing before her, their eyes locking in a powerful connection that she had been waiting for all her life. At that moment, the air seemed to fill with the sweet scent of love and destiny, as if the universe was aligning just for Calista and her soulmate.

As Calista reached out, her vision blurred, and she saw the blurry figure fading away, disappearing like a mirage in the desert. She blinked the water from her eyes, only to find that she was awake in her bathtub, the bubbles and steam from her bath creating a hazy atmosphere. With a heavy heart and a splash of disappointment, she realized it was all just a dream, a cruel illusion of what could have been.

With a contented sigh, she slowly rose from the warm embrace of the bathtub and wrapped herself in a soft, silk nightgown. She took a few moments to appreciate the feeling of being clean and pampered before making her way to bed. As she settled into the cool, crisp sheets, she couldn’t help but smile at the thought of how peaceful and luxurious this moment felt. The scent of lavender lingered in the air, calming her mind and easing her body into a state of relaxation. With a final stretch and yawn, she closed her eyes and drifted off into a peaceful slumber.

As Calista drifted off to sleep, she saw her soulmate with crystal clear clarity. He was a tall, platinum-haired young man with kind eyes. His face was radiant, with a kind smile and blood-red but gentle eyes that seemed to glow with love. Calista could feel the gentle touch of her soulmate’s hands on her skin, tracing patterns and sending shivers down her spine. She could feel the warmth of their body pressed against hers, creating a comforting and secure sensation. As they shared a kiss in the dream, Calista could taste the sweetness of their lips, an indescribable flavor that lingered on her tongue even after she woke.

She was in disbelief at what she had just witnessed. It was her and her soulmate, together in a Parallel Reality. Calista’s mind flashed back to her teacher’s lesson from a few years ago. She remembered learning that when you are close to finding your soulmate, you may have dreams that reveal parallel realities or alternate timelines where you and your soulmate are happily united. These visions serve as a glimpse into what could be possible if you find a way to connect with your soulmate.

This was just one of many ways to connect with your soulmate through dreams. A rush of joy and excitement flooded Calista’s senses. After years of wondering and hoping, she finally had a glimpse of what her soulmate looked like. The thought sent shivers down her spine and filled her heart with warmth. She couldn’t help but wonder if he too was experiencing the same moment, seeing her in his mind’s eye as well. The possibility made her heart skip a beat and her mind race with anticipation.

She was out of bed before she had fully decided to move. Avalis lifted her head from the pillow at the far end of the mattress, tracking her with sleepy, cautious eyes. Calista crossed the room in three steps and dropped to her knees in front of the suitcase, yanking the zipper around. She scooped Avalis up with one arm without breaking her momentum, pressing her cheek briefly against the top of the animal’s warm head. “A parallel reality dream,” she whispered into the fur. “I saw him.” Avalis’ ears swiveled forward. Her small body went rigid in her arms, nose working. Calista set her down beside the open suitcase and began pulling clothes out onto the floor.

She carefully extracted each item of clothing and laid them out on the bed, surveying her options. She wanted to make a lasting impression, so she sifted through her wardrobe in search of the perfect outfit. Each garment held memories and stories, but she needed something that would showcase her best self. After much consideration and deliberation, she finally settled on an ensemble that made her feel confident and stylish. Only then did she zip up her suitcase again, ready to conquer the day ahead with her impeccable appearance. She had settled on a black pinafore dress over a white long-sleeved top, a white beret, black boots, and a white handbag. Parisian, she thought, and sharp enough to make an impression.

She stepped outside the hotel, brown-haired and wingless once more and brown eyes, Calista’s mind was consumed with thoughts of her soulmate. She was certain that he was nearby, but she had no clue where to begin looking for him. Then, a memory surfaced - she had seen him in her dream. He appeared to be only a couple of years older than her, around seventeen or so, which meant he could still be in high school. Calista took out her phone and searched for high schools in New York, but there were so many options. She decided to start with the closest one and made her way to Stuyvesant High School.

Calista had been searching for five hours and was exhausted. She had been on high alert before even entering the school grounds, knowing that it belonged to the Bloodclaw Pack a massive pack of werewolves who had owned a significant portion of the city for generations. Rumors said they were not fond of outsiders in their territory, but there were exceptions for humans who lived within their boundaries and attended their schools or worked in the area. She was lucky that the Plaza Hotel wasn’t part of their territory.

As she entered Stuyvesant, she received curious stares from students and faculty members. But most assumed she was just a new student. The same thing happened when she searched Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School. However, at Millennium High School, one guy stopped her and remarked that he hadn’t seen her before and that she had a unique scent. She pressed two fingers to his temple, and his eyes went glassy before he crumpled against the lockers and slid to the floor. She let out a sigh of frustration; three schools visited and still no leads.

This would be the last school on her list for the day. As she entered, the usual curious stares from students and faculty followed her. However, as she made her way down the hallway, she felt a strange pull towards something or someone. And she saw him.